For Better or Worse, Here are 22 Things From the 80s We Haven’t Tried to Reboot (Yet)

by Howie Decker @HowardTheDeck on January 5, 2014

in Lists, The 80s

With children of the 80s reaching peak “consumer with disposable income” age, over the last decade the television and film industry have rebooted endless properties and franchises from our youth (correctly predicting what we’ll spend our money on). Even the cereal industry has gotten in on the act, bringing rebooted versions of Fruit Brute and Fruity Yummy Mummy to market last year.

For every Nightmare on Elm Street, Dallas, and Dukes of Hazzard, however, there are plenty of 80s shows, movies and products that remain untouched, free to roam our memories without the taint of a newer, less awesome incarnation.

Here are 22 things from the 80s that we haven’t tried to reboot (yet):

Laff-A-Lympics

image: in10words

 

Dynasty

 

Ice Capades

image: neatneatneat

Eight is Enough

 

Bonkers

 

The Facts of Life

Although American Horror Story: Coven could be construed as a loose reboot. When Edna’s Edibles burns to the ground we’ll know that nasty Voodoo Queen was responsible.

 

S’Mores Crunch cereal

 

The Goonies

 

MicroMagic

 

Silver Spoons

 

That’s Incredible!

 

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Dex January 6, 2014 at 7:09 am

Re: Krofft Super Show. I haven’t seen Yo Gabba Gabba but the same people work on The Aquabats Super Show which also embodies the Krofft vibe.

HowardTheDeck January 6, 2014 at 4:15 pm

Yeah, those guys are great. Lots of 80s homages, and they involve Mark Mothersbaugh in everything.

doubledumbass January 6, 2014 at 10:13 am

When it comes to Helen Slater, I much prefer her in The Legend of Billie Jean …

HowardTheDeck January 6, 2014 at 4:15 pm

+1

Cody Mix January 6, 2014 at 11:04 am

I am really quite surprised Jem and the Holograms hasn’t been rebooted yet. I feel like that would take off today with kids.

I really want that Smores cereal in my life again though.

HowardTheDeck January 6, 2014 at 4:14 pm

SO good. And remember Ice Cream Cones cereal? Equally awesome.

Marzo Kalif January 6, 2014 at 5:17 pm

Don’t worry guys, I’ve already hassled @GeneralMills about bringing back Ice Cream Jones while on the hunt for the Monster Cereals during the Halloween season. lol

HowardTheDeck January 7, 2014 at 10:40 am

go get ’em Marzo.

Marzo Kalif January 6, 2014 at 5:14 pm

Love many of the things on this list, but the only things I’m completely cool with “rebooting” are Bonkers candy and Smores cereal because it’s a lot harder to eff up stuff like that than any media entertainment.

Actually, I’d be cool with rebooting cartoons too. Especially if it brings something for us old, original fans to enjoy as well. New stuff for the kiddies, but throw us loyal, lifelong fans a bone here and there. TMNT is doing it exactly right. Killin it for the kids with all the new stuff, while there’s also the classic figures out there for the original fans who are now adults/parents.

HowardTheDeck January 7, 2014 at 10:41 am

yeah the chocolate ones tasted like dog food.

bmorin54 January 6, 2014 at 8:47 pm

I want Smores cereal again. And a side note about that picture of the Three Amigos, why is it that Chevy looks so much older, while Steve and Martin still look relatively the same? Theories?

HowardTheDeck January 7, 2014 at 10:40 am

that’s a great question. I guess in Martin’s case, when you go fully gray (white) in your 30s or 40s you will always look youthful (by sacrificing your “youthful” look in your 30s and 40s). Short is one of those genetic freaks who doesn’t age, the kind that comes along every 100 celebs or so. Jason Bateman will be another like that. So maybe it’s not that Chevy has aged like crazy, it’s that he’s the only normal one of the three.

Jason G January 7, 2014 at 8:29 am

I think M.A.S.K. and Silverhawks should be a package deal. I’m looking at you HUB.

HowardTheDeck January 7, 2014 at 10:35 am

How on Earth did I not have M.A.S.K. on this list? I guess it was one of those that is so glaringly obvious that I looked right past it. Jeez!

John32070 January 7, 2014 at 10:02 am

Hey, those microwave milk shakes were good. And I think they could do a new version of Hee Haw. Many country artist today give the original show credit for getting them into the genre’.

HowardTheDeck January 7, 2014 at 10:34 am

I agree! I actually had to double check to make sure Hee Haw hadn’t been rebooted because it seems like a no-brainer. A new version would definitely be viable.

Clarence February 4, 2014 at 7:10 pm

With some of the properties, just give it time. Within maybe ten years, we will have a revival the public doesn’t really want. Even the Goonies. Some of them are best left in the 80s. I’m looking at you, Jem.

Joe February 9, 2014 at 9:11 pm

I wish they would bring back the Universal Monsters Popsicles, would love to see Bonkers back in the candy aisle too.

Toban_Frost March 22, 2014 at 1:26 am

Jem is in production, now, I hear. So we may see that.

HowardTheDeck March 24, 2014 at 8:23 am

Ahead of G.I. Joe 3 no less! (which I’m fine with)

I just wish someone would get on that Masters of the Universe movie.

Toban_Frost March 24, 2014 at 8:31 am

Could work. Should She-Ra be in it, if they did?

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