On This Day During the 80s
Travel back through the 1980s and discover what happened on this day in music, movies, television, pop culture and more.
262 On This Day Articles
On This Day February 15 1987 – Amerika Miniseries Premiered on ABC
On this day, February 15, 1987, ABC aired Amerika , a controversial science fiction miniseries that depicted life in the United States ten years after being defeated and occupied by the Soviet Union. Spanning 14½ hours over seven nights, the miniseries presented a dystopian vision
Read More
On This Day February 13, 1987 – Mannequin Premiered in Theaters in the U.S.
On this day, February 13, 1987, Mannequin premiered in theaters in the U.S. This romantic comedy starred Andrew McCarthy as a struggling artist who falls in love with a mannequin, played by Kim Cattrall, who magically comes to life. The film blended fantasy, romance, and
Read More
On This Day February 12 1987 – Over the Top Premiered in Los Angeles and New York
On this day, February 12, 1987, Over the Top , the Sylvester Stallone arm-wrestling drama, premiered in Los Angeles and New York, with a worldwide release the next day. The film followed Lincoln Hawk (Stallone), a struggling trucker who enters the world of professional arm
Read More
On This Day February 10 1987 – Yo! Bum Rush the Show by Public Enemy Was Released
On this day, February 10, 1987, Public Enemy released their debut album, Yo! Bum Rush the Show , introducing the world to a new era of politically charged hip-hop. With its hard-hitting beats, dense production, and militant lyricism, the album laid the foundation for Public
Read More
On This Day February 9 1987 – Final Episode of Gung Ho Aired
On this day, February 9, 1987, the final episode of Gung Ho aired on ABC, marking the end of the short lived sitcom based on the 1986 film starring Michael Keaton. Despite being inspired by a successful movie, the television adaptation struggled to find its
Read More
On This Day February 7 1987 – Open Your Heart by Madonna Became the Number One Song in America
On this day February 7 1987, Open Your Heart by Madonna became the number one song in America, reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100 and continuing her dominant run through the 1980s pop landscape. Driven by pulsing synths, a confident vocal performance, and
Read More
On This Day February 7 1987 – The Final Episode of Too Close For Comfort Aired
On this day February 7 1987, the final episode of Too Close For Comfort aired, bringing an end to the long running sitcom that had been part of 1980s television for several years. The series focused on family life, workplace dynamics, and everyday situations, using
Read More
On This Day February 6 1987 – Light of Day Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 6 1987, Light of Day premiered in theaters, offering a grounded and emotional drama centered on music, family, and personal struggle. Set against a working class backdrop, the film focused on the challenges of balancing artistic ambition with real life responsibility
Read More
On This Day February 6 1987 – Black Widow Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 6 1987, Black Widow premiered in theaters, delivering a tense psychological thriller that stood out during the late 1980s wave of adult driven suspense films. The movie focused on manipulation, obsession, and identity, building tension through character interaction rather than constant
Read More
On This Day February 6 1987 – From the Hip Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 6 1987, From the Hip premiered in theaters, bringing a sharp legal comedy drama to late 1980s audiences. The film centered on courtroom ambition and moral crossroads, blending humor with social commentary in a way that reflected the decade’s interest in
Read More
On This Day February 4 1987 – Liberace Passed Away at Age 67
On this day February 4 1987, singer and entertainer Liberace passed away at the age of 67 from AIDS related pneumonia. Known for his flamboyant stage presence, elaborate costumes, and virtuosic piano performances, Liberace was one of the most recognizable and commercially successful entertainers of
Read More
On This Day February 2 1987 – Televangelist Jimmy Swaggart Admitted to Paying Prostitutes
On this day February 2 1987, televangelist Jimmy Swaggart publicly admitted to paying prostitutes, triggering one of the most widely publicized scandals in religious broadcasting history. The admission shocked followers and dominated national headlines, raising questions about hypocrisy accountability and the influence of television ministries.
Read More
On This Day February 26 1987 – The First Four Beatles Albums Were Released on CD
On this day February 26 1987 the first four albums by The Beatles were officially transferred to CD (compact disc) marking a major step in bringing their music into the digital era. This release allowed fans to experience the band’s early catalog in a new
Read More
On This Day February 28 1986 – The Pretty in Pink Soundtrack Was Released
On this day February 28 1986 the Pretty in Pink soundtrack was released, featuring a collection of new wave and alternative rock tracks that became just as iconic as the film itself. The album perfectly captured the era’s youthful energy and emotional depth, making it
Read More
On This Day February 28 1986 – Greed by Swans Was Released
On this day February 28 1986 Swans released their third studio album Greed , marking a shift in their sound while maintaining the band’s signature intensity. Known for their early brutal, industrial, and noise driven style, Swans began incorporating more structured compositions and atmospheric elements
Read More
On This Day February 28 1986 – Pretty in Pink Premiered in Theaters
On this day February 28 1986 Pretty in Pink premiered in theaters, becoming one of the most iconic teen films of the 1980s. Written by John Hughes and directed by Howard Deutch, the film starred Molly Ringwald, Jon Cryer, Andrew McCarthy, and James Spader, bringing
Read More
On This Day February 21 1986 – 9 1/2 Weeks Premiered in Theaters
On February 21, 1986, the steamy erotic drama 9 1/2 Weeks premiered in theaters, starring Mickey Rourke and Kim Basinger in one of the most controversial and talked-about films of the decade. Directed by Adrian Lyne, the film explored themes of desire, obsession, and emotional
Read More
On This Day February 21 1986 – Nintendo Released The Legend of Zelda in Japan
On February 21 1986 Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda in Japan for the Famicom Disk System introducing players to the legendary adventures of Link, Princess Zelda, and the villainous Ganon. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka the game was groundbreaking for its open
Read More
On This Day February 21 1986 – Elvis Costello Released His 10th Album King of America
On February 21, 1986, Elvis Costello released his 10th studio album, King of America , marking a significant departure from his signature new wave and punk infused sound. The album showcased a more stripped down, roots-based approach, incorporating elements of folk, country, and Americana, a
Read More
On This Day February 21 1986 – The Hitcher Premiered in Theaters
On February 21, 1986, the psychological thriller The Hitcher hit theaters, introducing audiences to one of the most chilling villains of the 80s. Directed by Robert Harmon, the film starred Rutger Hauer as the enigmatic and terrifying hitchhiker John Ryder, who torments a young traveler,
Read More
On This Day February 19 1986 – Parting Glances Premiered in Theaters
On this day, February 19, 1986, Parting Glances premiered in theaters, marking a groundbreaking moment in independent cinema and LGBTQ+ representation. Directed by Bill Sherwood, the film starred Richard Ganoung, John Bolger, and Steve Buscemi in one of his earliest and most memorable roles. The
Read More
On This Day February 18 1986 – Lives in the Balance by Jackson Browne Released
On this day, February 18, 1986, Jackson Browne released his eighth studio album, Lives in the Balance. Known for his introspective songwriting, this album took a more politically charged direction, addressing issues like U.S. foreign policy, war, and social justice. The album peaked at #23
Read More
On This Day February 17 1986 – Rod Roddy Became the New Announcer of The Price Is Right
On this day, February 17, 1986, Rod Roddy officially became the new announcer for The Price Is Right, taking over the role that would make his voice one of the most recognizable in game show history. Roddy, known for his energetic delivery and signature call
Read More
On This Day February 15 1986 – How Will I Know by Whitney Houston Became the #1 Song in America
On this day, February 15, 1986, How Will I Know by Whitney Houston became the #1 song in America, holding the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 from February 15 to February 28. The song also reached #1 in Canada and Iceland, further solidifying
Read More