After School Classics
Before he was a Fresh Prince in Bel-Air, he was starring in music videos on MTV with DJ Jazzy Jeff and winning the first-ever Grammy for Rap.
Who is Will Smith?
“Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” was a hit for this British duo in 1984.
Who is Wham!?
This 1985 adventure film sent kids hunting for treasure with Mikey, Data, and a loveably misunderstood guy named Sloth.
What is The Goonies?
This video channel launched in 1981 with “Video Killed the Radio Star.”
What is MTV?
This popular 1980s music format was small, portable, and often used to listen to your favorite mixtapes on the go.
What is the Sony Walkman?
Originally airing in the early ’80s and thriving in reruns, this family sitcom taught lessons through stern lectures from a Chicago-based dad named Carl.
What is Family Matters?
In 1987, this band told us to "Push It" real good.
Who are Salt-N-Pepa?
This 1987 fantasy adventure featured sword fights, Rodents of Unusual Size, and the line, “As you wish.”
What is The Princess Bride?
In 1985, this soda giant briefly lost its fizz with the disastrous release of “New” branding.
What is Coca-Cola?
This ‘90s tech gadget was a small device used to keep track of daily schedules and notes, predecessor to the smartphone.
What is a Palm Pilot?
Set against the backdrop of late 1960s suburbia, this nostalgic series used adult narration to reflect on adolescent milestones—from first crushes to family dinners—through the eyes of Kevin Arnold.
What is the Wonder Years?
This soulful singer’s 1993 debut album featured the hit singles “Another Sad Love Song” and “Breathe Again,” earning her widespread acclaim and Grammy Awards.
Who is Toni Braxton?
In this 1989 film, whispers from the corn compel a farmer to construct something improbable.
What is Field of Dreams?
In 1994, this popular sitcom killed off a main character in one of TV’s most talked-about episodes: “The Invitations.”
What is Seinfeld?
Published in 1987, this memoir by Betty Mahmoody gripped teens with its harrowing tale of a mother and daughter’s escape from Iran.
What is Not Without My Daughter?
This late '80s/early '90s series followed a teenage prodigy balancing hospital rounds with high school drama, all while journaling his thoughts on a computer screen.
What is Doogie Howser, M.D.?
In 1989, the soundtrack to this film, created by the legendary Purple One, dominated the Billboard 200 for six consecutive weeks.
What is Batman?
In this 1989 romantic comedy, a diner scene becomes iconic when a woman’s loud expression of delight prompts a nearby customer to deliver a now-famous line of approval.
What is When Harry Met Sally?
("I'll have what she's having")
In 1984, a modest local talk show called AM Chicago got a ratings boost—and a rebrand—after this rising host took the reins, eventually redefining daytime television.
Who is Oprah Winfrey?
Mandated nationwide, this measure of adolescent athleticism asked you to touch your toes, endure the mile, and scale a rope—presumably for democracy.
What is the Presidential Fitness Test?
Airing before the reality TV boom, this '80s talent contest featured hopefuls in categories from singing to comedy, judged by a panel including Ed McMahon, and paved the way for many future stars.
What is Star Search?
Released in 1993, this breakout single by a San Francisco-based female rock band features the memorable chorus asking, “What’s going on?” despite its actual title.
What is "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes?
In 1982, this futuristic movie directed by Ridley Scott flopped in theaters but later became a cult sci-fi classic.
What is Blade Runner?
This year signaled the end of the Cold War with the fall of the Berlin Wall.
What is 1989?
Long before Instagram filters, this mall-based rite of passage involved feather boas, fake roses, and posing dramatically under soft pink lighting.
What are Glamour Shots?