We had pretty low expectations going in to a 1980s TV themed trivia game hosted by Sporcle Live host Samantha G on Zoom Sunday night! Two out of three ain’t bad? We’ve previously played themed trivia games in the categories of ’80s music (finished in top three three times) and ’80s movies – (finishing in top two twice). Yeah, ’80s TV not my strongest suit (MTV on the other hand….)!
Me, my brother and sister-in-law (both of the latter living in the U.P.) put our heads together on a set of questions all about ’80s TV! Didn’t even come close to being an A Team or the Greatest American Heroes! Ah well, with nothing on the line, it was a nice diversion for about an hour, anyway!
1. Settings – The ensemble drama co-created by Steven Bochko that debuted on NBC in 1986 is set in what city? “Sexy” guy pictured above was in that series which I never, ever watched (we still got this though).
2. Spinoffs – The short-lived sitcom “The Tortellis” aired one season in 1987 and was the first spin-off what what sitcom? Teamwork, I had a hunch, confirmed by my other two players…
3. Double Duty – What actress both sang the theme song and portrayed the character Judy Hoffs on the drama series “21 Jump Street” which premiered in 1987? Knew the first name of this woman, not the last, miss.
4. Parents – George Gaynes portrayed Henry Warnimont, the elderly foster parent of what title character on a 1980s sitcom? This would be the first of two questions about this series… Was there anything pervy about this series? Survey says???
5. Siblings – Name the two sisters of Alex P. Keaton on the TV series “Family Ties.” Knew the older sister (also speculated about whether the actress is still alive), but not the annoying younger sister.
6. Actors – What actor holds the distinction of being the youngest nominee for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, having been nominated at age 13 in 1988? Big miss for 8, picked young actor from a later series.
7. Game Shows – What MTV game show that aired five seasons beginning in 1987 was played by contestants sitting in lounge chairs who selected one of nine channels on a big-screen TV and answered questions? How about some more MTV questions, please?
Heather Locklear eating a hot dog with gusto (you’re welcome)!
8. Families – What is the last name of the wealthy Denver-based family that is central to the plot of “Dynasty,” which aired from 1981 to 1989? You don’t have to watch Dynasty…to have an attitude…
9. Jobs – Dick and Joanna Loudon are the proprietors of the Stratford Inn on what TV series that aired from 1982 to 1990?
10. More Jobs – What “Coach” debuted in 1989, Hayden Fox was the head coach of what university’s Screaming Eagles football team? Nope all around…
Mystery – Theme Songs
Name the TV series that debuted in the 1980s based on the theme song.
M1 – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now,” 1986-1993
M2 – “Life Goes On,” 1988-1995
M3 – “Every Time I Turn Around,” 1984-1988
M4 – “Georgia On My Mind,” 1986-1993
Missed #2, but got #1 correct at the last nanosecond on a guess.
Final Category – Long-Running TV
There are nine scripted primetime TV series in the U.S. that aired at least 230 episodes and either ended or began their runs in the 1980s. “The Simpsons,” “Cheers” and “M*A*S*H*” are three of those series. Name two of the other six.
Nope, we didn’t even come close in our two guesses, though we did think about the spin-off from one of the correct series!
Next trivia game will be ’90s music tonight with Kimberly…it’s more her category than mine, but should be fun! As always, Go Pods, and stay classy, Daryl, Daryl and Daryl!
1. Settings – The ensemble drama co-created by Steven Bochko that debuted on NBC in 1986 is set in what city? LOS ANGELES
2. Spinoffs – The short-lived sitcom “The Tortellis” aired one season in 1987 and was the first spin-off what what sitcom? CHEERS
3. Double Duty – What actress both sang the theme song and portrayed the character Judy Hoffs on the drama series “21 Jump Street” which premiered in 1987? HOLLY ROBINSON PEETE
4. Parents – George Gaynes portrayed Henry Warnimont, the elderly foster parent of what title character on a 1980s sitcom? PUNKY BREWSTER
5. Siblings – Name the two sisters of Alex P. Keaton on the TV series “Family Ties.” JENNIFER AND MALLORY
6. Actors – What actor holds the distinction of being the youngest nominee for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, having been nominated at age 13 in 1988? FRED SAVAGE
7. Game Shows – What MTV game show that aired five seasons beginning in 1987 was played by contestants sitting in lounge chairs who selected one of nine channels on a big-screen TV and answered questions? REMOTE CONTROL
8. Families – What is the last name of the wealthy Denver-based family that is central to the plot of “Dynasty,” which aired from 1981 to 1989? CARRINGTON
9. Jobs – Dick and Joanna Loudon are the proprietors of the Stratford Inn on what TV series that aired from 1982 to 1990? NEWHART
10. More Jobs – What “Coach” debuted in 1989, Hayden Fox was the head coach of what university’s Screaming Eagles football team? MINNESOTA STATE
Mystery – Theme Songs
Name the TV series that debuted in the 1980s based on the theme song.
M1 – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now,” 1986-1993 PERFECT STRANGERS
M2 – “Life Goes On,” 1988-1995 EMPTY NEST
M3 – “Every Time I Turn Around,” 1984-1988 PUNKY BREWSTER
M4 – “Georgia On My Mind,” 1986-1993 DESIGNING WOMEN
Final Category – Long-Running TV
There are nine scripted primetime TV series in the U.S. that aired at least 230 episodes and either ended or began their runs in the 1980s. “The Simpsons,” “Cheers” and “M*A*S8H*” are three of those series. Name two of the other six.
MURPHY BROWN JEFFERSONS MARRIED WITH CHILDREN MURDER SHE WROTE HAWAII FIVE-O HAPPY DAYS