
14 ’80s TV Show Promos That Wouldn’t Run Today
Some beloved promos from the ‘80s now feel out of step with how we view gender, race, violence, and identity on screen.
Some beloved promos from the ‘80s now feel out of step with how we view gender, race, violence, and identity on screen.
These marathons were more than just reruns — they were ritual events that anchored weekends, holidays, and channel identities.
The 1980s gave rise to a wave of sports television shows that mixed entertainment, athleticism, and weekly drama. Many of these programs once held loyal audiences but have quietly disappeared from the airwaves.
TV awards once had a different charm, rooted in the glitz and nostalgia of television's golden eras. Many shows that celebrated small screen excellence have now disappeared, leaving behind legacies, moments, and memories.
The 1980s brought us a wide variety of talk shows, each with its own flair, focus, and unforgettable moments. While some hosts went on to build lasting legacies, others faded from the spotlight just as quickly as they rose.
Television ads have always walked a fine line between creativity and controversy, but some pushed boundaries in truly bizarre ways. Whether it was surreal imagery, strange humor, or outright discomfort, these banned spots prove that weird does not always mean wonderful.