Awesome 80s Archives : Page 11 of 17 : The Retro Network

When Ernest Went to Splash Mountain

Before the rise of influencers and viral ride-throughs, there was Ernest Goes to Splash Mountain, a gloriously goofy, half-hour TV special that aired on July 7, 1989, just days before the grand opening of Splash

The Fall Guy: A Look Back at TV’s Original Stuntman Hero

Mickey Yarber

The Fall Guy delivered big stunts, Hollywood charm, and Lee Majors at his effortless best. This look back revisits the action, the cast, and the blue‑collar heroics that made the 80s series a fan‑favorite classic.

CHiPs: A Look Back at TV’s Coolest Ride

Mickey Yarber

With sun‑drenched freeways, gleaming motorcycles, and the effortless charm of Jon and Ponch, CHiPs delivered a warm, good‑natured brand of action that defined an era of television.

Time Capsule: 1981 TSR Gateway To Adventure Catalog

The Retro Network

Go back to the golden age of role-playing and table-top gaming and browse through this TSR catalog from the early ’80s!

Cartoon Cruisers: A Comparison of Iconic Animated Vehicles

Brian Cave

We’ve all been on a commute, stuck in traffic due to some accident up ahead or cut off by a lousy driver. Sometimes you get mad and honk, sometimes you just suck it up and

Mr. T Cartoon: Gymnastics, Grit, and Gold Chains on Saturday Mornings

Mickey Yarber

Looking back at the Saturday morning cartoon of the ’80s based on the iconic Mr. T.

New Coke: Marketing Failure or Marketing Genius?

Pitfall Gary

Origins and addictive ingredients Coca-Cola has been a staple of American life for over 130 years. Created in 1886 by John Pemberton with a mixture of coca leaves and kola nuts. And yes, cocaine was

The Legacy of Pole Position and Its Impact on Arcade History

Mickey Yarber

Pole Position brought real speed to the arcade, turning simple controls and a single qualifying lap into a rush of Formula 1 excitement. It set the standard for racing games and became an unforgettable golden‑age favorite.

The Mysterious Cities of Gold: A Journey Across History, Mystery, and Sunlight

Mickey Yarber

“Children of the Sun, see your time has just begun,Searching for your way, through adventures every day.Every day and night, with the condor in flight,With all your friends in tow, you search for the Cities

Sit‑N‑Spin: The Classic Toy That Made Us All Dizzy With Joy

Mickey Yarber

Carnival rides were one of the coolest things about being a kid. Getting strapped into a Tilt-A-Whirl or Tea Cups and then being spun around was the next best thing to an out-of-body experience. Of

Lazer Tag: High‑Tech Hits and Pure 80s Power

Mickey Yarber

If you were a kid in 1986, you probably remember the hype. For months before Worlds of Wonder finally released Lazer Tag, the company built up suspense to unbelievable levels with a series of teasing

Etch A Sketch: The Mechanical Marvel Behind a Generational Favorite

Mickey Yarber

It’s a nice feeling to finish an Etch-A-Sketch picture you’re semi-proud of. “It actually looks like a tree this time!” you tell yourself. But then that brainy cousin of yours shows you the portrait he’s Etch-A-Sketched and

Just Add Water: The Magical Story of Sea Monkeys

Mickey Yarber

There have been plenty of toys that allowed children to put their natural creative energies to work. Legos, Erector sets, and countless other similar items let kids build elaborate kingdoms and complex machines to satisfy the need

Whatever Happened to the Actual Love Boat?

Mickey Yarber

Even if you have never watched The Love Boat you know the show takes place on a ship. The iconic vessel is displayed prominently in the opening credits, serving as a backdrop to the frenzy of

Electric Football: The Buzzing Gridiron of Our Childhoods

The Retro Network

Ever since enterprising toymakers hit on the gimmick of combining electricity and sports, many a fan has whiled his rainy-day hours away over miniaturized electric versions of his favorite outdoor games. Few U.S. sports are

The A-Team Was ’80s Action At It’s Best

Mickey Yarber

The A‑Team delivered explosive action, unforgettable characters, and pure 80s fun. This look back at the classic series revisits the missions, the mayhem, and the chemistry that made Hannibal, Face, Murdock, and B.A. television legends.

The McDonald’s McD.L.T.

Mickey Yarber

McDonald’s McDLT gets mentioned on its fair share of fondly remembered food lists and for good reason. Of all the great, and horrible, things to ever grace the menu of McDonald’s, the McDLT was one of the best items they created.