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McQuaid Arcade: The 80s and Beyond

80 Commercials

From dancing raisins that took the entire country by storm to local Chicago favorites, this episode is dedicated to some of our favorite TV commercials of the '80s. Where's the beef? Right here on McQuaid Arcade!

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  • Ferris Bueller's Day Off

    25:16|
    Ferris Bueller's Day Off is a teenage love letter to summer that feels as relatable to us as middle-aged men in 2024 as it did when we were kids in 1986. The quintessential Chicago movie, Ferris's whip-smart writing and gorgeous cinematography elevate it above the sea of 80s teen comedies and ensure it's place as a classic that'll be discussed for years to come. Save Ferris! 
  • Knight Rider & The A-Team

    37:53|
    It's an 80s prime time action double feature! From KITT's anamorphic equalizer to Mr. T's Bad Attitude, we're taking a turbo boost-powered trip down memory lane to explore everything that made these iconic shows so much fun. I love it when a podcast comes together!
  • The Last Dragon

    21:09|
    The Last Dragon is a Motown-powered love letter to martial arts movies that is every bit as much fun today as it was when it hit theaters nearly 40 years ago. Just directa your feetza to your favorite podcast app and join us for our GLOWing (get it?) look back at this kung fu comedy cult classic.
  • The Vectrex

    31:13|
    When it launched in 1982, the revolutionary Vectrex game system was set to make its mark with amazing, never-before-seen-at-home vector graphics. On this episode, we discuss this largely forgotten classic console, and gush about why we still love (and play!) it to this very day. Should you give it a listen? You bet your Asteroids!
  • 35. Predator

    25:25||Ep. 35
    Suit up and GET TO DA CHOPPAH! for an in-depth look at Predator, a near-perfect blend of over-the-top action, sci-fi, and horror. We love this movie every bit as much today as we did when it first landed in theaters back in the summer of '87, and we're breaking down everything from its amazing musical score to behind-the-scenes evolution of the iconic alien creature itself. Welcome to the jungle, baby!
  • 34. The Star Wars Holiday Special

    30:42||Ep. 34
    'Twas the night before Life Day, and all through Kashyyyk, not a creature was stirring...except for Bea Arthur, Art Carney, and a toothless old wookie pervert. Join us for our fourth annual McQuaid Arcade Holiday Spectacular as we explore the most notorious TV holiday special ever made!
  • 33. A Very 80s Christmas!

    44:23||Season 3, Ep. 33
    From Emmet Otter to the great Cabbage Patch Kids riots of 1983, this year’s annual holiday episode will stuff your stocking with everything that made our childhood Christmases back in the 80s so unforgettable!
  • 32. Raiders of the Lost Ark

    38:00||Season 3, Ep. 32
    We're opening our third season with a tribute to arguably the greatest adventure film ever made: (Indiana Jones and the) Raiders of The Lost Ark! Get ready to explore everything we love about this 1981 classic, from the real world origins of Indy's signature gear, to a deep dive into the lore behind the legendary lost Ark itself.