The 1980s saw major developments in music, entertainment, and technology. Michael Jackson became the first black artist featured on MTV in 1981. Thriller by Michael Jackson and E.T. were both released in 1982 to great success. Nintendo released the first video game console in 1985. Unemployment reached record highs in the UK in 1986 even as popular sitcoms like Only Fools and Horses rose in popularity.

1. 1980’s
1980 – John Lennon assassinated
1981 – AIDS identified
1981 – Michael Jackson 1st black artist to appear on MTV
1982 - ‘The Young Ones’ – 4 undergraduate teenagers, middle class,
breaking rules etc
1982 – Channel 4 (increased diversity)
1982 – E.T released
1982 – Thriller released
1985 – Nintendo release 1st console
1986 – Grange Hill ‘Just Say No’ (linked to character Zammo’s
addiction to heroin)
1986 – Record high unemployment (over 3m)
1989 – Time & Warner become TimeWarner
Men wearing makeup – Boy George & Adam Ant
George Michael not revealing his sexuality
Boy next door actors – Michael J Fox & Tom Cruise
Miners strike – high unemployment among working class (result of
conservative government)
Rise of sitcom – ‘Only Fools and Horses’ and ‘Faulty Towers’
Yuppy culture – wine bars (Dell boy clip)