It could not have come out at a better time...When the Happy Meal was first launched at the end of the 1970s, it entered the 1980s as the perfect merchandising vehicle.

Not only did the Happy Meal give us some of the most beloved toys and promotions of the decade, but it also ushered in a whole new era for McDonald's.

This is a look back at one of the most famous fast food items in history, an item with humble origins that quickly became a fast food juggernaut.

We'll look back at the creation, launch, and the success of the childhood favorite, some of those favorite Happy Meal toys and promotions, then a deep dive into the psychology that made the Happy Meal irresistible to kids.

It's the story that includes breakfast cereals, Boss Hogg, French chefs, and, most importantly: Ronald Reagan...

• Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

It was a Sunday night like any other. But for those living in Chicago, it would be a night they would not soon forget. For those tuning in to WGN-TV, their broadcast was interrupted by the most unlikely of people, one of the most popular characters of the 1980s: Max Headroom.

Why did Max Headroom, or what appeared to be Max Headroom, now appear on their screens? Just as soon as this TV hijacking had begun, the screen went blank and normal programming resumed.

But just two hours later--it happened again. This time it was WTTW. But during this broadcast interruption, things got much more disturbing...

Today, we look back at one of the most bizarre unsolved mysteries of the 1980s: The Max Headroom Incident.

• Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we delve into the fascinating--and somewhat controversial--creation of the movie rating that changed Hollywood forever: PG-13.

Born out of the wave of 1980s blockbuster movies that pushed the boundaries of family entertainment, PG-13 was the solution to a rapidly growing problem: there was no middle ground between PG and R-rated movies.

We'll look back at some of the 1980s movies that led to a call for change, and the two specific movies that pushed it over the edge--two movies connected to Steven Spielberg.

And it would be Spielberg himself who led the charge for a brand new rating, a rating that would change movies as we know them, and usher in a whole new era for how Hollywood made and marketed movies.

• Weird Science movie review: Patreon.com/80s

The 1980s were a time of tremendous innovation and creation. It's the decade that gave us the Walkman, the PC, the Space Shuttle, the Compact Disc, and a wave of groundbreaking inventions that helped shape the world we live in today.

But not everything from the 1980s could be a hit. In this episode, we'll take a look at several inventions from the 1980s that were ambitious, revolutionary--but complete flops... If you like retro tech or 1980s pop culture, this episode is a blend of both.

From forgotten gadgets, computers, video games, and even some food items, these failures help tell the story of one of the most innovative and transformative decades in history.

• Get early access to new episodes, ad-free: Patreon.com/80s

Today, we look back at the unforgettable life and legacy of the great John Candy, one of the most beloved comedians of all time. And it was during the 1980s when he really rose to global fame.

From his early days on SCTV to iconic movie roles like Little Shop of Horrors, Spaceballs, Planes, Trains, & Automobiles, Home Alone, and Uncle Buck, John Candy delivered humor and heart in a way few other performers could do.

In this episode, we'll explore:

• His groundbreaking work on SCTV and his influence on sketch comedy
• His first big breakout movie role
• The many standout appearances in many legendary 80s movies
• His collaborations with some other generational performers, including Eugene Levy, Catherine O'Hara, Rick Moranis, Steve Martin, and Dan Aykroyd
• His lasting impact on film, pop culture, and Canada

The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

By the summer of 1985, we had reached the halfway point of the decade. And when it came to all things pop culture, the summer of '85 may have been the decade's peak.

Today, we look back on the movies, music, and innovations that made this summer one to remember. It's the summer that also included one of the biggest events of our time and a gigantic blunder that was 100 years in the making.

Whether you were hanging out at home or hitting up the mall--a place that had become more crowded than ever--the summer of 1985 would be one for the ages.

• The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

On July 3rd, 1985, came the movie that would not only be the standout film of the year, but also one of the standouts for the entire decade: Back to the Future. It's the 1980s movie that blew many people's minds, quickly becoming an iconic film during an era of many legendary movies.

Today, we look back on 40 years of Back to the Future. We'll cover the creation, release, the impact, and the legacy of the film that many call the perfect movie.

• Special Guest: Brad Gilmore, author of Back From the Future: A Celebration of the Greatest Time Travel Story Ever Told
• The Everything 80s Movie Review Podcast: Patreon.com/80s

From the underground clubs to sold-out arenas worldwide, the 1980s marked the explosive growth of Heavy Metal. But it was much more than loud music, as the Heavy Metal of the 80s caused a cultural shift--especially with the youth.

It's the decade that also brought us a wide range of metal styles; from Thrash to Glam, the genre was now bursting into the mainstream.

Today, we look at not just the rise of Heavy Metal during the 80s, but also its impact on youth culture and society, how it was blamed for the Satanic Panic, and some of the bands that were instrumental in its rapid growth.

• Special guest: Travis Kennedy: whytepython.com

The Whyte Python World Tour is available on Amazon or at bookshop.org