Watch The Eighties

The Eighties is a documentary series produced by CNN that explores the various aspects of the 1980s, including political upheavals, social changes, pop culture, music, and technology. The series aired in 2016 and ran for 8 episodes. Each episode is hosted by a different expert in the field, including historian H.W. Brands, journalist Chris Connelly, and historian Gil Troy. The show also features commentary from various celebrities, politicians, and experts from the time period, adding a personal touch to the events being explored.

The first episode, "Raised on Television," explores the impact of television on the culture of the 80s, including the rise of cable TV, the influence of MTV on music and fashion, and the impact of classic shows such as The Cosby Show and Cheers. This episode also takes a nostalgic look back at some of the most beloved TV shows of the decade, including Miami Vice, Magnum P.I., and The A-Team.

The second episode, "The Reagan Revolution," examines the political and economic changes that occurred during the Reagan presidency, including the war on drugs, the Iran-Contra affair, and the deregulation of industries such as banking and airlines. The episode also explores the rise of conservative politics and the impact of the religious right on the Republican Party.

The third episode, "The Tech Boom," delves into the technological advances that occurred during the 80s, such as the rise of personal computers, the birth of video gaming, and the creation of the World Wide Web. The episode explores the impact of Silicon Valley on the American economy and culture, as well as the potential dangers of our increasing dependence on technology.

The fourth episode, "Tear Down This Wall," focuses on the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the Cold War. The episode examines the policies of Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev, and the impact of glasnost and perestroika on the Soviet Union. The episode also explores the various protests and uprisings that occurred in Eastern Europe leading up to the fall of the Wall.

The fifth episode, "The Fight Against AIDS," examines the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the world during the 80s, and the various cultural and political responses to the crisis. The episode explores the misconceptions and stigma surrounding the disease, as well as the political activism that eventually led to advances in treatment and research.

The sixth episode, "The Style and Design of the 80s," takes a nostalgic look at the fashion, design, and art of the decade, including the rise of postmodernism and the influence of street culture on fashion. The episode also explores the impact of iconic designers such as Azzedine Alaia and Gianni Versace, as well as the emergence of new art forms such as graffiti and hip-hop.

The seventh episode, "The Reagan Show," takes a closer look at the role of the media in shaping public perception of the Reagan presidency, including the use of television and public relations to create a "presidential product." The episode examines Reagan's use of charisma and storytelling to sell his policies and create a lasting legacy.

The final episode, "Video Killed the Radio Star," explores the impact of music and pop culture on the 80s, including the emergence of MTV, the rise of hip-hop, and the influence of artists such as Michael Jackson and Madonna. The episode also examines the various controversies and scandals that occurred in the world of music during the decade, including the PMRC hearings and the backlash against rap music.

Overall, The Eighties is a well-produced and informative documentary series that provides a comprehensive look at the various aspects of one of the most transformative decades in American history. While it may appeal primarily to those who lived through the decade, it should also be of interest to anyone curious about the cultural and political events that shaped modern America.

The Eighties is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (7 episodes). The series first aired on March 31, 2016.