With a majority of my formative years falling in what’s affectionately known just as “the 80s”, it should be no surprise that I love that era. I mean, what’s not to love about the decade that brought us the music of both Bon Jovi and Paula Abdul (“Forever Your Girl” and “Livin’ On a Prayer?” Aces.)
The Goldbergs
Last year when The Goldbergs came out on TV, I was a little beside myself with joy. I watch that show alternating between shouting “yes!” and laughing out loud, because I remember. That striped shirt that Barry often wears? I know people that wore that shirt (big props to the wardrobe folks, by the way).
Documenting his hilariously combative yet loving family with a video camera nearly as big as he is, 11-year-old geek Adam (Sean Giambrone) is witness to all kinds of insanity from his family. That includes his over-protective “smother” Beverly (Wendi McLendon-Covey); his dad Murray (Jeff Garlin) who seems to have an aversion to wearing pants past the door; rebellious “I’m too cool for you” sister Erica (Hayley Orrantia); his nunchucks-wielding brother Barry (Troy Gentile); and “Pops” (George Segal), Beveryl’s father that still fancies himself a ladies man.
Recently I received a copy of The Goldbergs Season One on DVD and as we sat down to watch it – in high anticipation of Season Two which has so far proved awesome – I couldn’t help but think of all the reasons why I love the 80s. To share my trip down memory lane here are some of my favorites, in no particular order.
Super Mario Bros.
The Facts of Life
Back to the Future
Teddy Ruxpin
80s Hairstyles
Pac Man
Magnum, P.I.
Ghostbusters
Popples
Acid Wash Jeans
Care Bears
“I Don’t Wanna Grow Up”
Cabbage Patch Kids
Family Ties
Skittles
Alf
Leg Warmers
Don’t forget to pick up your copy of The Goldbergs on DVD, plus watch Season 2 on ABC!
What was your favorite thing about the 80s?
About Liza
Liza is a mom (5-year-old daughter, 20-year-old stepson, and 24-year-old stepdaughter) and wife living in Louisville. She loves spending time with her family, visiting the local zoo and parks, as well as planning travel adventures. Cooking and baking, DIY projects and crafts, and coffee - lots and lots of coffee - round out some of her other hobbies.
I have mixed feelings on the 80s. A lot of things I /don’t/ miss, like the big hair and Valley Girl affectation, like…yaknow? Gag me with a spoon!
The advent of alternative rock is probably my favorite but the power ballad will always have a fond spot in my heart since the 80s was really the era for that. Plus MTV, back when…they played music videos. (Not that I had cable to watch it but I always did when I visited friends who did!)
And of course, you have to mention Miami Vice, a show that started entire mens fashion trends from making pastels acceptable masculine options, loafers without socks, and T-shirts under blazers. Not to mention Philip Michael Thomas’ very classy metrosexualism.
Movies during the 80s were pretty dang memorable, too. They gave us Rambo, the Terminator, Indiana Jones, 2/3 of the original Star Wars trilogy, ET, Die Hard, and a plethora of slasher movie villains they’re still resurrecting for new (if awful) sequels.
The Cold War was still going which made the world seem a much simpler place. Maybe not safer, but definitely less chaotic.
Like, for sure Kim! Definitely gag me with a spoon. And I did forget about MTV actually playing videos. Kids today might not believe it!
I love the GOLDBERGS!! That family is hilarious!! Now two of my favorite comedies are on back-to-back on Wednesday nights: The Middle & The Goldbergs on ABC!! My kind of families!!!!!!
Yes Sue! Wednesday nights are awesome because of those two shows.
Much to my daughter’s shame, I LOVE the 80’s. I still think that was when the best music was…. Def Leppard, Poison, Cheap Trick. I will have to check this series out…… although I will have to watch it alone