From the rise of new wave music, to iconic entertainment, to fashion trends, the 80s was a decade that forever changed pop culture. It was a time when MTV and VHS were just starting to become popular, giving us access to all kinds of new music and entertainment from around the world. And it’s no wonder why this era has become so beloved by people of all ages – there was something for everyone during this period! In this article, we will explore how the 80s shaped pop culture in ways that are still felt today, so let’s take a look back at how one decade changed everything.
Iconic TV
The 80s was a defining decade for pop culture, especially when it came to television. This was the first decade to introduce an array of favorite cartoons from the 80s such as The Smurfs, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, He-Man, and Danger Mouse, amongst others. Kids in this decade would wake up on a Saturday morning (sometimes even earlier than their parents) with the anticipation of diving headfirst into the world of cartoons for a few hours.
The 1980s was not only an important decade for kids, but also for adults when it came to TV shows. This decade saw the emergence of classic sitcoms such Cheers, The Cosby Show and Family Ties, which all had compelling characters and hilarious storylines. It was during this era that television became increasingly popular and people began to spend more time watching their favorite shows. Infact, the average household was estimated to be spending around seven hours a week watching television in the 80s, with the rate even higher for those under 18.
The influence of the 80s can still be felt today, with a number of TV shows being heavily inspired by the era. The Netflix show Stranger Things takes its inspiration from the 80s in numerous ways, from its synth soundtrack to costumes and stylings of the time. Drawing heavily from classic monster and sci-fi films of the decade, Stranger Things is a modern homage to the genre with its own unique twist that has captivated fans around the world.
Musical Icons
When talking about pop culture in the 1980s, music played such an important part of many people’s lives. Iconic musical acts like Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince dominated the airwaves with anthems like “Thriller”, “Like a Virgin” and “Purple Rain” that are still beloved decades later. The 80s were an incredibly influential period for heavy metal music as well. Artists such as Metallica, Slayer and Megadeth pushed the boundaries of the genre with groundbreaking albums like “Ride the Lightning”, “Reign in Blood” and “Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying?”.
The 1980s revolutionized how music was consumed and experienced. With the invention of MTV, music fans were suddenly able to watch their favorite artists’ music videos and connect with them in new and exciting ways. The era of MTV marked the beginning of a new era of music. It gave music fans access to the latest music videos, as well as concerts and interviews with their favorite artists. It also served as a platform for new and upcoming artists to showcase their work, offering them exposure that was previously unattainable.
The 1980s are widely considered to be one of the golden ages of music. This period saw the rise of some of the world’s most iconic musicians, many of whom have continued making music and influencing popular culture in the decades since. Even today, Madonna is still making albums, and bands like Metallica continue to headline festivals around the world.
Style
The 1980s was also an important decade for fashion, and the trends of the era still remain popular today. One of the most iconic looks of the 80s was dressing in bright colors and neon hues with oversized clothes, which included oversized sweaters, shirts, jackets, and accessories like big earrings or layered jewelry. The bold geometric patterns of the 80s were also a defining fashion trend of the decade. People wore clothing with abstract shapes and designs, such as polka dots, stripes, and other eye-catching patterns that helped them stand out from the crowd.
Hair was also an important part of the 80s fashion style. The iconic big hair look, made popular by celebrities like Madonna, became all the rage with women sporting huge teased hairstyles adorned with colorful accessories such as scrunchies and barrettes. Men also styled their hair, but it was usually slicked back or in a side part. Makeup for women in the 1980s was heavily inspired by stars like Madonna and Cyndi Lauper. Bright neon eyeshadows, bold brows, and bright lips were all part of the iconic 80s look.
Many 80s trends are still popular today, with certain styles being heavily influenced by the iconic looks of the decade. Oversized clothing and accessories remain popular, such as mom jeans, baseball caps, and layered jewelry. The geometric patterns from the ’80s have also made a comeback, as many brands now produce clothing with retro-inspired designs.
Final Thoughts
The 1980s was an incredibly impactful decade for pop culture, and many of its influences can still be seen today. From the music that defined a generation to the classic TV shows we all know and love, it’s clear that this era left behind an indelible mark on our collective consciousness. While not every trend has stood up over time (we don’t miss shoulder pads), there are plenty of things from the 80s which have become timeless classics in their own right. The next time you put on your favorite song or watch one of your go-to cartoons, take some time to appreciate how much these cultural touchstones owe to the defining decade that is the 1980s.
