Strange things are afoot at the Circle K ~ Ted "Theodore" Logan

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Before I tell you what Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are up to, let’s flash back to their time as Bill & Ted, and their most excellent adventure.

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In 1989, a most excellent comedy hit theaters, introducing the world to two lovable slackers with a time-traveling mission. "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" follows Bill S. Preston, Esq. (Alex Winter) and Ted "Theodore" Logan (Keanu Reeves), two high school students from San Dimas, California, who embark on a wild journey through history to pass their final history exam and save their band, Wyld Stallyns.

Let me just stop there for a moment and express to you jus how totally awesome the premise is already… I wish I were there when this concept was pitched! I want to give the person who green-lit this film a friggin’ high-five!!

Directed by Stephen Herek, the film's blend of humor, heart, and historical figures resonated with audiences, grossing over $40 million at the box office and spawning two sequels.

This is how I feel about the sequel…

The movie's premise is delightfully absurd: Rufus (George Carlin), a visitor from the future, provides the duo with a time-traveling phone booth. Why? Because Bill and Ted's music will someday create a utopian society, but only if they can graduate high school. This sets up a series of hilarious encounters with historical figures like Napoleon, Socrates, and Abraham Lincoln, all brought to modern-day San Dimas for a crash course in contemporary culture.

RAD TRIVIA:

1. The original script featured Bill and Ted traveling through time in a 1969 Chevrolet van. The phone booth was a last-minute change to avoid comparisons to "Back to the Future's" DeLorean.

2. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter underwent a unique bonding experience before filming. They spent time together in an "acting zoo," improvising and developing their characters' friendship, which contributed to their on-screen chemistry.

3. The film's writers, Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon, based Bill and Ted on exaggerated versions of themselves in college. They would improv as these characters, eventually leading to the movie's concept.

4. George Carlin wasn't the first choice for Rufus. The role was initially offered to Eddie Van Halen, but he turned it down.

I’m just going to put it out there… "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" is so much fun to watch I rank it as a must-watch 80s movie. It launched the careers of Winter and Reeves, with the latter going on to become one of Hollywood's biggest stars. Most importantly, it taught us all to "be excellent to each other" – a lesson that's still totally relevant today, dude!

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Alright, so what’s all this about Bill & Ted reuniting? So Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are set to tread the boards together in a new production of Samuel Beckett's classic "Waiting for Godot." Directed by Jamie Lloyd, the production will mark Reeves' Broadway debut when it opens in fall 2025. Reeves and Winter will tackle the lead roles of Vladimir and Estragon in this existential play.

Here’s what I think about this…

The Union | Mark Wahlberg + Halle Berry | Official Trailer | Netflix

Tell me what you think after watching the trailer! Film is available for streaming on August 16

Henry Cavill's 'Warhammer 40,000' Is in Big Trouble

35 Years Ago, The Game Boy Made Mainstream Gaming Just A Little Stranger

Kelsey Grammer Finally Confirms Fate of Cheers Bar in Frasier Reboot

Matt Damon is Really Pushing to Play Another Hand of His 1998 Cult Hit

I’m adding this section to What’s Poppin’ because I enjoy discovering new music while listening to my curated playlists. So I thought you might enjoy some recommendations from my queue, and hopefully you will discover something you really enjoy here…. also, take the audience poll below—

This one is in my top 5 from the 80s… so it’s pretty much in my queue all the time.

Here’s one I’ve been loving a lot lately… there are sprinkles of genius here…

This one takes me back for sure!

This one doesn’t get enough love…

Fitz and The Tantrums are coming to San Diego… so I’ve been revisiting their discography… enjoy!

This Nostalgic Life Issue #10 (Love Pizza Hut back in the day? Than you will enjoy this post very much!) by

In Conversation: Sammy Siegler of Rival Schools, Youth of Today, and Judge by (Anti-Matter)

The History of Ghostbusters Cereal by

‘My Cousin Vinny’ Is Innocent of Any Charge by

I’ve launched another publication which is basically where I write about whatever I want, but mainly a culture, lifestyle and advice publication… very opinionated— I invite you to give me a follow there if you like.

Alright, that’s it for this week’s WHAT’S POPPIN’ — Please make sure you are subscribed to get this in your inbox each week, or whenever I send it out!

For more content like this, please consider subscribing to my publication. Founding Members are also “comped” all-access to my other publication as well. Thank you for your support 🤙🤙

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Have something that Nostalgia Nation readers would love to know about? … or you desire to sponsor a section? »» Email: 80sDudeTV (at) gmail.com

Don’t be ridiculous! ~ Balki Bartokomous

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When you think of classic '80s sitcoms, "Perfect Strangers" might not be the first show that comes to mind, but it definitely deserves a spot in the pantheon of feel-good TV from that era. This odd-couple comedy brought together two cousins from different worlds and served up a some great laughs, cultural misunderstandings, and heartwarming moments.

The show centered around Larry Appleton, a straight-laced Midwesterner trying to make it in the big city of Chicago, and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous, a naive but lovable shepherd from the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos. When Balki shows up unannounced on Larry's doorstep, hilarity ensues as the two navigate life, work, and relationships together.

What made "Perfect Strangers" stand out was its blend of physical comedy, witty wordplay, and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Bronson Pinchot's portrayal of Balki was nothing short of comedic gold. His mangled English, bizarre Myposian customs, and catchphrases like "Don't be ridiculous!" became instant classics. Mark Linn-Baker's Larry provided the perfect foil as the neurotic, often exasperated uptight man to Balki's impulsive antics.

Here's a fun bit of trivia: Pinchot's character of Balki was actually inspired by a brief role he played in the movie "Beverly Hills Cop." The accent and mannerisms he used for that small part caught the attention of TV producers and eventually led to the creation of Balki Bartokomous.

The show wasn't afraid to get silly, with episodes featuring everything from Larry and Balki entering a dance contest to Balki bringing home a bionic dog. But beneath the wacky scenarios, there was always a heartfelt core about family, friendship, and chasing the American dream.

Speaking of chasing dreams, did you know that Mark Linn-Baker almost didn't become an actor at all? He originally planned to be a lawyer but changed course after appearing in a high school play. Talk about a career 180 that paid off!

"Perfect Strangers" also gave us one of the most memorable TV theme songs of the '80s. "Nothing's Gonna Stop Me Now" perfectly captured the show's optimistic spirit and became an earworm for viewers everywhere. Go ahead, try not to hum it after reading this!

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You gotta have two things to win. You gotta have brains and you gotta have balls. And you got too much of one and not enough of the other. ~ Eddie Felson, from The Color of Money

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"The Color of Money" (1986) happens to be one of favorite films of all time, so I wanted to give it the spotlight for this week’s What’s Poppin’.

The movie is often overlooked. I’m not sure why, because it’s an absolute Scorsese gem. In case you didn’t know, “The Color of Money” is the sequel to the 1961 classic "The Hustler," which is also a fantastic film. It brings Paul Newman back to the role of "Fast Eddie" Felson, now a seasoned pool hustler turned mentor.

Of the two films, my favorite happens to be the sequel. Maybe it’s Newman as mentor or maybe because I’m a fan of Cruise. The film stands as a compelling character study and a masterclass in filmmaking technique. Remember, this is a sports drama.

At its core, the film is an exploration of mentorship, ambition, and the price of success. Newman's Eddie Felson is a complex character, simultaneously charismatic and flawed. His relationship with the cocky young protégé Vincent, played by Tom Cruise, is really the heart of the story. They work so well together, with Newman's world-weary wisdom clashing against Cruise's youthful arrogance. Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio rounds out the central trio as Carmen, Vincent's girlfriend, adding intrigue to the interpersonal drama. She’s quite beautiful, also.

The screenplay, penned by Richard Price, is full of sharp dialogue and authentic pool hall atmosphere. I’ve always felt the film offers a more mature perspective on the world of billiards. The sport has spent years classing things up, but I love the gritty style of this film in particular.

One aspect that certainly deserves recognition is the film's soundtrack. Robbie Robertson's score, complemented by well-chosen pop and rock tracks, perfectly captures the mood of the 1980s pool scene. You’ve got Robert Palmer on there, along with Don Henley, and B.B. King!

If you haven’t seen “The Color of Money” I hope this movie spotlight inspires you to do so. And if you see it for the first time, please leave a comment and let me know what you thought.

A couple points of trivia I thought you would enjoy:

1. Paul Newman won his first and only Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in this film, after seven previous nominations.

2. Tom Cruise spent months learning to play pool for his role, becoming proficient enough to perform many of his own shots in the film.

Box Office and Costs:

- Budget: $14,500,000 (estimated)

- Domestic Box Office: $52,293,982

- Worldwide Box Office: $52,293,982

Donald Glover Unveils Trailer for New Movie ‘Bando Stone & the New World’

Donald Glover is a talented dude. Music artist, performer, actor, and now movie director and score writer. This trailer looks intriguing. Unfortunately, there is no release date yet, but love everything about it!

Tell me what you think after watching the trailer!

Richard Simmons, legendary fitness guru, dead at 76 just one day after celebrating birthday

Kevin Bacon Reveals Whether He Turned Down Patrick Swayze’s Iconic Role in ‘Ghost’

Anthony Michael Hall on going from '80s 'kid actor' to 'elder statesman' on 'Trigger Warning' decades after Brat Pack

Getting old with Blink-182

Streaming Nostalgia: ‘Beef’ on Netflix Unlocks Catalog Classics to a Newer, Younger Audience

The Netflix series 'Beef' made a significant impact on the music scene shortly after its US premiere on April 6, 2023. This dark comedy showcased an impressive selection of over 20 songs from the 1990s and early 2000s throughout its episodes. The show's musical choices resonated strongly with audiences, leading to a remarkable performance on the Billboard Top TV Songs chart, which is compiled using data from Tunefind.

Is 'Longlegs' cursed? Nicolas Cage's nightmare performance has fans, and even his co-stars, petrified of the film

Andrew McCarthy always 'hated' being part of the Brat Pack. Now he sees it as a 'blessing.'

Also… here’s the promo I did for BRATS

'A Quiet Place's' alien monsters explained

🎬 Movie I bought this week…

La Femme Nikita 4K Ultra HD SteelBook

Stuff I own, am purchasing, or considering purchasing makes it on this list…

Amazing Sixth Scale Figure of Beetlejuice from Sideshow!

Get your hands on this Star Wars Retro Collection Action Figure Set if you’ve always wanted one!

Usagi Yojimbo Samurai Usagi Yojimbo Black & White 7-Inch Scale Action Figure

If you read Usagi Yojimbo comics like me growing up, you have a love for this character. This is an amazing looking black and white figure!

… and how cool is this Magnum, p.i. Ferrari set? Take my money Amazon!

These are articles I loved reading right here on Substack and around the web!

• The Puppets and Puppeteers of Star Wars

• Cobra Kai Season 6's Nostalgic Return To The 1980s Is Exactly What The Series Needs

• How to Write Non-Sucky Headlines That Actually Get Opened and Read by

• ‘Galaxy Quest’ and the Virtue of Making Fun of What We Love by

This will take you back to the 90s…

Alright, that’s it for this week’s WHAT’S POPPIN’ — Please make sure you are subscribed to get this in your inbox each week, or whenever I send it out!

Stay rad!

~ John

You may also like…

Affiliate disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links that if you click through and buy, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you - I only recommend and mention products I love and/or personally use. As an affiliate/influencer for Amazon and other brands, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me create more valuable and fun content for you. Thank you!

To call Stranger Things a hit series is selling it short. The show that has tapped into the cultural zeitgeist of several generations is facing significant production delays for its highly anticipated final season.

Recent reports suggest that the premiere of Stranger Things' fifth and final season could be pushed back to 2026. There has been some insider news stating it may be released at the end of this year.

This delay is attributed to several factors, including the intricate planning required for the show's complex storyline and the advanced special effects that have become a hallmark of the series. Matt Duffer, one of the show's creators, has emphasized the extensive preparation needed to bring the final chapter to life. The Duffer Brothers, known for their meticulous attention to detail, are committed to meeting the high expectations set by previous seasons

Personally, I believe this is a wise decision. Can you imagine if something is flubbed in this show? There would be endless chatter about the series being rushed.

Maya Hawke, who portrays Robin in the series, has hinted at the scale of the production, revealing that the episodes in the final season are comparable to feature films in terms of length and production value. This ambitious scope is the likeliest reason for production delays.

As Netflix grapples with this setback to one of its flagship shows, the streaming giant is simultaneously making bold moves to diversify its content and revenue streams. (More below…)

Fan Reactions

The news of the potential 2026 release has elicited mixed reactions from the Stranger Things community. While some fans express frustration over the prolonged wait, many appreciate the commitment to quality and understand the complexities involved in producing such an elaborate series.

Despite the delay, fan engagement remains high. In usual fashion, social media is buzzing with theories about character fates and the ultimate showdown with the forces of the Upside Down. If you do a search for anything Stranger Things online, you will find at least a dozen articles posted about one thing or another about the series from a few hours before.

Netflix's Strategic Pivot

As Stranger Things approaches its conclusion, Netflix is actively working to secure its future beyond its current flagship series. The streaming pioneer is making significant strides in diversifying its content offerings and revenue streams.

One of the most notable developments is Netflix's entry into live sports broadcasting. The company has secured streaming rights for two NFL games on Christmas Day as part of a three-season agreement. This marks Netflix's first major foray into live sports, a move aimed at attracting a broader audience and competing with traditional broadcasters. In November, one of the most anticipated events in sports is taking place on Netflix - Mike Tyson vs Logan Paul boxing match.

So Who’s The Potential Successors to Stranger Things?

Netflix is already preparing for life after Stranger Things. A couple of promising series are poised to fill the void:

1. Wednesday: This Tim Burton creation, starring Jenna Ortega as the iconic Wednesday Addams, has already garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. The show's gothic twist and Ortega's compelling performance have made it a standout hit, with plans for multiple seasons in discussion.

2. Squid Game: The South Korean survival drama became a global sensation and has been renewed for a second season. Its unique premise and intense storytelling have resonated with viewers worldwide, highlighting Netflix's successful investment in international content. I absolutely love this series. It was moody and clever!

Maintaining Fan Engagement

Even with the production delays, Stranger Things continues to foster a deeply engaged and loyal fanbase. Netflix recognizes the importance of keeping this enthusiasm alive during the extended wait for the final season.

Things we can learn from the way Netflix maintains engagement:

- Regular updates on production progress

- Behind-the-scenes content and cast interviews

- Interactive fan experiences and virtual events

- Collaborations with brands and attractions, like the existing partnership with Six Flags

These initiatives have helped bridge the gap between seasons and keep the Stranger Things universe alive in fans' minds. Reminds me so much of how well Lucas Film did this with Star Wars.

The Evolving Streaming Landscape

The situation with Stranger Things highlights the dynamic nature of the streaming industry. As competition intensifies, platforms like Netflix must continuously innovate to retain and grow their subscriber base.

Netflix's diversification strategy, including its move into live sports and the introduction of an ad-supported tier, demonstrates the company's adaptability in the face of changing viewer preferences and market dynamics.

These moves are likely to influence the strategies of other streaming services as they vie for market share.

One of the biggest innovations and additions Netflix is working on to differentiate itself is in gaming. Have you been on Netflix lately? To compete with Prime Video, Netflix has jumped into mobile gaming. How this will play out, I have no idea at this time. I think it’s too early to tell.

The success and challenges of Stranger Things offer valuable lessons for the streaming entertainment industry:

- The importance of flagship series in defining a service's identity

- The need for flexibility in production schedules

- The value of maintaining audience engagement over extended periods

- The potential of exploring new content formats and revenue models

For fans eagerly awaiting the return to Hawkins, the wait may be long(er), but if the Duffer Brothers' track record is any indication, it will be worth it. As for Netflix, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether its bold strategies can fill the void left by one of its most successful series.

Personally, I believe there are enough shows out there to keep me entertained until the Stranger Things finale. I’d prefer a great product over a “just ok” product.

A friend of mine asked me if I loved Stranger Things. That’s a strong word. I highly enjoy the series and it continues to impress me with its unpredictability and style. I completely see the love from fandom and the younger generation. Stranger Things will be the equivalent of The Goonies for younger generations, and I love that.

READER QUESTION: Are you a fan of Stranger Things? Which is your favorite season so far?

Stay rad,

~ John

"Great Knights of Columbus! I now love scotch. Scotchy, scotch, scotch, and ‘What’s Poppin’ where I get all of the trending pop culture and entertainment news on the web every week so I’m in the loop!” ~ Ron Burgandy, The number one news anchor in all of San Diego (Probably would have said this)

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'Captain America: Brave New World' trailer debuts, introduces Harrison Ford into the MCU

Check out the trailer below!

What do you think of the trailer? Is this going to be a great flick since Ford has signed on? I have to admit, makes me very interested in seeing the flick. I always liked the Captain America films.

Shelley Duvall ‘The Shining,’ ‘Popeye,’ and ‘Annie Hall’ actress died of diabetes complications.

'God Was Looking Over Me': Eddie Murphy Recalls Time John Belushi And Robin Williams Asked Him To Try Coke

Eddie Murphy gets candid about his faith in God, avoiding drugs, and his hopes for an Oscar in a new interview on The Hollywood Reporter’s podcast “Awards Chatter.”

‘Californication’ is 25 Years Old!

Did the Red Hot Chili Peppers' song 'Californication' predict the future?

Jon Bon Jovi has 'no desire' to sell his music catalog: Those songs 'are my babies'

Mr. BIG just dropped their new album ‘TEN’

It’s already a best seller on Amazon!

Remember this one?

I watched Supacell on Netflix and Loved it! Have you seen it?

In South London, a group of normal people suddenly develop superpowers, and the only apparent connection between them is that they are all Black; as they deal with the impact of their powers on their daily lives, one man must bring them together.

Really interesting concept for a superhero show. It has faults, but overall very entertaining. If you haven’t seen it, check it out!

Several nostalgic films have dropped in Steelbook format, and also happen to be on the best seller list this week! I love the new covers, these are amazing!!

Starship Troopers (25th Anniversary SteelBook)

THE FIFTH ELEMENT (Steelbook)

Heavy Metal / Heavy Metal 2000 2-Movie Collection (Steelbook)

Rudy 30th Anniversary SteelBook

Mattel just dropped 30 years of nostalgic fun from the 1990s TV series, Street Sharks. Jab & Slash are available too!

LEGO released the most amazing DC Batman: The Animated Series set I’ve seen so far - Gotham City Build and Display Adult Set with Minifigures

It’s pricey, but I’m seriously considering adding it to my collection. I mean this thing can be mounted on the wall!!

This rad LED Digital Transformation Watch reminded me of the Transformer watch from the 80s!

These are articles I loved reading right here on Substack!

Dungeons & Dragons Saves Lives by

This Nostalgic Life Issue #7 by

GenAI Is Trying to Kill Creativity by

Practice leaving social media by

This will take you back to the 90s…

Alright, that’s it for this week’s WHAT’S POPPIN’ — Please make sure you are subscribed to get this in your inbox each week, or whenever I send it out!

Stay rad!

~ John

You may also like… 🥷

Affiliate disclaimer: Some links are affiliate links that if you click through and buy, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you - I only recommend and mention products I love and/or personally use. As an affiliate/influencer for Amazon and other brands, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me create more valuable and fun content for you. Thank you!

‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’ drops today (July 3rd) on NetFlix!

I’m watching this movie today no matter what!! Always loved the BHC franchise and I’m super-pumped it’s dropping on streaming so I don’t have to go anywhere!!

Saw this funny collab between NetFlix and Shaq…

This pisses me off to no end. Goes to show you that anything can be erased and rewritten by the powers that be. This is a sad day for GenX kids!

Paramount Erases Decades of Pop Culture History With MTV Website Deletion

Kevin Costner mortgaged his home and put $38 million of his own money into 'Horizon.' Box-office numbers suggest this was a terrible idea

Pamela Anderson has joined Substack

Pamela’s ‘The Open Journal’ publication just launched and I’m excited to read what she writes. Her posting schedule is Mondays, and you can find her publication HERE. She already has over 100K subscribers…!! Oh the benefit of celebrity.

Michael J. Fox, 63, makes a rare public appearance and puts up a peace sign as he leaves Chiltern Firehouse in a wheelchair amid Parkinson's battle

Honestly, I get so sad seeing MJF in a wheel chair. 🥲

Eighties Excess: A Vibrant Tribute to 80s Pop Culture by AKBERLIN

Can you spot all the pop culture characters in this image?

Alright, that’s it for this week’s WHAT’S POPPIN’ — Please make sure you are subscribed to get this in your inbox each week, or whenever I send it out!