I Love the '80s Strikes Back

Watch I Love the '80s Strikes Back

  • 2003
  • 1 Season
  • 8.4  (804)

I Love the '80s Strikes Back was a hugely popular television show that aired on VH1 in 2003. Featuring a star-studded lineup of celebrities, the series took a hilarious and nostalgic look back at the pop culture, music, and fads of the 1980s. One of the biggest draws of the show was its impressive cast. Hosted by Dave Navarro, the guitarist for Jane's Addiction and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the series also included the comedic talents of Mo Rocca, Rich Eisen, Bronson Pinchot, Gilbert Gottfried, Hal Sparks, Rachael Harris, Bil Dwyer, Vincent Pastore, David Lee Roth, and Donal Logue. In addition, the show featured musical performances and appearances by Lita Ford, Gedde Watanabe, Doug E. Fresh, Joel Stein, Queen Latifah, Sebastian Bach, Stephen Lynch, and Susanna Hoffs.

The series was structured as a countdown, with each episode focusing on a different year of the decade. The cast members would offer funny commentary and personal stories about the music, movies, TV shows, fashion, and technology of the time. Viewers were treated to clips from classic movies like Ghostbusters, The Breakfast Club, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off, as well as iconic TV shows such as Alf, Miami Vice, and The Golden Girls.

One of the highlights of I Love the '80s Strikes Back was the way the show mocked the fashion of the decade, which was characterized by big hair, neon colors, and parachute pants. The cast had a field day making fun of their own fashion choices, as well as the styles of the era. They also poked fun at the workout videos, like Jane Fonda's, that were ubiquitous in the 80s.

In addition to fashion, the show also focused on the music of the decade, which was a diverse mix of genres ranging from new wave to metal to hip-hop. Viewers were treated to performances and interviews with legendary artists like Run-D.M.C., Bon Jovi, and Madonna. The cast also discussed the impact of MTV on the music industry, and how it launched the careers of artists like Michael Jackson and Prince.

I Love the '80s Strikes Back was also notable for its irreverent humor and edgy content. The show didn't shy away from topics like sex, drugs, and politics, and the cast members were willing to push boundaries with their jokes and skits. In one memorable segment, Gilbert Gottfried offered his take on the Iran-Contra affair, while in another segment, Hal Sparks impersonated a young Ronald Reagan.

Overall, I Love the '80s Strikes Back was a fantastic time capsule of the decade, and a hilarious trip down memory lane for anyone who grew up in that era. The show offered a fresh perspective on the pop culture of the time, and helped to cement many of the iconic figures and moments from the 80s in the public consciousness. Despite airing over 15 years ago, the show remains a beloved and influential piece of television history.

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Seasons
1989
10. 1989
October 24, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1989, including "Field of Dreams," "Thirtysomething," the Clapper, Zsa Zsa Gabor slapping a cop and Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire."
1988
9. 1988
October 24, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1988, including "Big," "The Far Side" comics, the Ickey Shuffle, "A Fish Called Wanda" and Chia Pets.
1987
8. 1987
October 23, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1987, including "Lethal Weapon," Michael Jackson's "Bad," lycra running shorts and "Princess Bride."
1986
7. 1986
October 23, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1986, including "L.A. Law," "Pee Wee's Playhouse," Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" and Jolt Cola.
1985
6. 1985
October 22, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1985, including New Coke, "Desperately Seeking Susan," Falco's "Rock Me Amadeus," Jenga, crack cocaine and Bobby Knight's chair-throwing incident.
1984
5. 1984
October 22, 2003
Summary is not available.
1983
4. 1983
October 21, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1983, including "Risky Business," Richard Simmons, Culture Club, and the Donkey Kong arcade video game.
1982
3. 1982
October 21, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1982, including Men At Work, "Tootsie," G.I. Joe and "Annie."
1981
2. 1981
October 20, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1981, including Smurfs, :Mommie Dearest," Rick James' "Super Freak" and Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park.
1980
1. 1980
October 20, 2003
A look at pop culture in 1980, including satin jackets, "Eight Is Enough," "Friday the 13th" and Devo's "Whip It."
Description
  • Premiere Date
    October 20, 2003
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (804)