5 Stores I Wish I Could Still Shop At

 

It's that time again, the most wonderful time of the year. Where everyone is in the hustle and bustle of completing end of year tasks, holiday events, tree lighting ceremonies and of course holiday shopping. Even though online shopping has taken over, there is still an immense amount of value in actually going to a store, soaking in the atmosphere, and feeling the products before you buy it.

With all that in mind, and a few short days from Christmas. I thought about some stores I really enjoyed going to when I was a kid. Even though I didn't have money of my own to spend. Once again since I am a very nostalgic person, I decided to write this blog about stores that are no longer with us, that I really wish were.

5. K- B Toys

Check it, in the 90's and earlyish 2000's every mall had a space for K-B Toys. Filled with toys and often having some toys on display you could play with near the front of the store. I'm in Baltimore, and the major shopping malls of the day (Towson, Security, White Marsh, Westview, Reisterstown Plaza, and many more) all had K-B Toys in them.

I don't remember them really having anything exclusive to draw people in. I think it was the convenience of being in the mall, that drew all us kids in. And damnit they got me. The chain suffered a slow death in the 2000's before finally being sold to Toys 'R' Us in 2009. 

4. Sam Goody

In this digital age of streaming, physical media seems to be an afterthought. Except to me and a few other people I know who still appreciate and at times prefer physical media. 

For those unaware, once upon a time there stores filled with physical media. Cassette tapes, CD's, VHS, and later DVD. During those times Sam Goody was thee mall store to turn to when you wanted the latest releases.

Sam Goody was also known for playing the hottest tracks throughout the store. A subtle sales pitch to get folks to buy entire albums.

By the early 2000's Sam Goody had seen better days. The company filed for bankruptcy in 2006. There are still a few "children" of Sam Goody left like FYE. Even that is not the same.

3. Caldor

I've often said that if Caldor was still around, Target would not have my pockets in the chokehold it does. In fact both stores would probably have me broke.

When I was a young kid (before the age of 10), I dont recall any Walmarts or Targets in my area. My family shopped at Ames, Value City, K-Mart and the holy grail Caldor.

Caldor as a department store just had everything you needed. In fact it essentially was Target before Target, Target swagger jacked so much from them. Another company that crumbled in the early 2000's..man I miss Caldor.

2 Circuit City

Back in the 90's and early 2000's you had department stores like Walmart, Sears and JCPenney that sold electronics. There was rival chain Best Buy but nothing compared to Circuit City.

As much I enjoy shopping at Best Buy, Circuit Citys showroom just had a aura about it. Everything was immaculately placed and neat, relatively easy to find and it seemed like the store had a certain flow to it. That encouraged shoppers to traverse the whole store aimlessly.

The chain also had a catchy jingle and later made great use of a classic Cars song. It's a shame the store is no longer around, but it was a great place to shop in its day.

1. Toys 'r' Us

Ok, so Toys 'R' Us is attempting to mount a comeback. Having sections in Macys department stores. The jury is still out on what will become of it.

For now I'm talking about the cultural icon that was Toys 'R' Us. We all know the jingle and remember the fond memories. Walking into huge stores that rivaled any Super Walmart filled with toys to make any kids dreams come true.

The epitome of a toy store, it's shelves were stocked with board games, video games, dolls, action figures bicycles. You name it, they had it. The stores were so big as a kid it seemed like you could easily get lost in there.

Now that I have a young daughter I wish we could walk the aisles, killing time and trying out new toys I have no intentions of buying.

Toys 'R' Us sadly filed for bankruptcy and closed stores in 2018. Shattering the hearts of so many adults who grew up wanting to be a Toys 'R' Us kid.

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TV Thanksgiving episodes

 Thanksgiving that holiday the middle of Halloween and Christmas/New Years. A day of giving thanks for what you have, although we love our spread, big plates, and football it doesn't get a ton of love. Some folks find the holiday boring, others are just waiting to fully kickoff the Christmas season, then there are those that try to educate you on why you shouldn't celebrate the holiday as you try to enjoy your meal in peace.

For reasons like that, there aren't many movies considered Thanksgiving classics, but there are several TV shows that have produced classic Thanksgiving episodes. 

Thanksgiving is covered a bit more in TV land as opposed to film. Likely because in the TV landscape, November is also sweeps month. A big money making time for networks. Since the actor's strike just ended a couple weeks and there won't be any  Thanksgiving episodes this year. I figured I'd share some good depisodes. 

This article covers some of  to me the best Thanksgiving episodes in TV. So there are likely damn good episodes of sitcoms or dramas I've never seen that's not on this list.

5. Boy Meets World-Turkey Day

Everyone's favorite 90's teen sitcom Boy Meets World taught us some important life lesson's in this season 4 episode. It provided some insight into Cory and Shawn's friendship that for as long as they have been friends, their families likely never meet before this day. 

Cory and Shawn win a turkey and stuffing as a reward for donating the most cans in their class. They decide to have their families come as one for Thanksgiving and break bread together. Problem is the social class difference between the two sides may derail that plan. With a lot of bickering over small differences in taste occurring between the families. 

Eventually the adults get it together when Cory and Shawn have their own moment discussing what they are thankful for. A light episode with laughs, it also has a strong message.

4. Living Single-Thanks For Giving

This season 2 episode of Living Single features a Friendsgiving dinner before that was a thing as the focal point of the episode. Highlights include the debut of Heavy D as a frequent guest star on the series, as a love interest of Regine. The rest of the episode focuses on Khadijah being on edge wondering if her beau Scooter will propose to her, while also getting jitters about him taking a job in Tokyo.

This episode is hilarious and touching at the same time, and is a shining example of why the show is a 90's sitcom classic.

3. Fresh Off The Boat-Huangsgiving

The season 2, episode 8 of Fresh Off The Boat focused on the Huang family hosting Thanksgiving after Jessica's overbearing mom decided who was hosting that year. Determined to outdo her sister Connie who hosted in previous years, Jessica and Louis devise a plan for Huangsgiving to make it the best holiday dinner yet.

With ideas like switching up the menu (I personally am never opposed to that). The Huang's plan to serve individual cornish hens as opposed to Duck, which they serve instead of Turkey. To me that is interested as I'm always curious what Thanksgiving meals look like for other cultures. Of course nothing goes as planned, and it's revealed Connie and her husband Rick are divorcing. Throwing some plans out the window, and Rick and Louis to get pissy drunk. In the end it all come's together and proves the holidays are all about family.

2. This is Us-Pilgrim Rick

First thing's first, damn I really miss this show and this episode is a big reason why. Tugging at our heart strings in this season one episode. It follows the big three getting prepared for turkey day while reminiscing about how they're annual tradition of watching Police Academy 3 and the Pilgrim Rick hat for Thanksgiving came to be.

Per usual it's because Jack saved the day one year when holiday plans were derailed and he had to make the best out of a tough situation. Besides the feel good moments of family traditions, Randall also learns in this episode that Rebecca and William had met previously...the show wasted no time bringing out the heavy hitters.

The episode is about traditions, which many people consider Thanksgiving and most holidays in general to be about. Now that I have a child of my own I look forward to finding something that can be our yearly tradition for the holidays.

1. Martin-Feast or Famine

In this season 3 Thanksgiving epsiode, Martin ever the over confident big mouth boasts that he and the fellas could make a better dinner than the ladies. Gina and pam take them up on the challenge and a battle of the sexes for Thanksgiving dinner ensues. Martin, Cole, and Tommy have some unconventional  methods for they cook the dinner. Leading to a hilarious scene featuring some underwear.

Meanwhile Gina and Pam are aided by Mama Payne and her friend Florine (Millie Jackson) who take a liking to Pam over Gina. Who is still trying to get on Mama Payne's good side, they end up doing a rendition of Pass The Peas . The episode ends with a faceoff dinner, but everyone suspecting some fraudulent activity.

Leave it up to Bruh Man to end the episode on a high note lol.

Welp here's my 5 favorite Turkey Day episodes. Hope everyone eat's good, enjoys time with friends and family and relaxs. 

Have a Happy Thanksgiving! 

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Streaming Wishlist: BET Plus Load These Shows

BET Plus debuted in 2019, like it's cable network counterpart. It carved its niche catering to Black audience. Partnering with Tyler Perry, the app Primarily features original dramas producing by Perry. Along with movies and sitcoms that can be found on the network as well.

At one time we had BET Plus (honestly may still have it), I did check out The Ms. Pat show but other than that and  revisiting a sitcom here and there I really don't use it. Not much on there really captured my attention.

In my opinion the app is just another one lacking in honoring the classics that built the brand that is BET. Here's some programming I would love to see on the service. 

106 and Park 

You can't start this list without making 106 and Park the first choice. Every weekday evening from the fall of 2000 'til 2014 when it became apparent music videos weren't as popular and BET was headed in another direction. 106 and Park was the place to be for the culture. Free and AJ initially held down the fort taking us on the journey.

Every weekday at 6 we could not wait to see what videos where going be in the top ten countdown. Who was coming to sit on the couch, freestyle Friday, live performances and impromptu moments. 23 years later 106 and Parks legacy is cherished by many who grew up during its heyday.

Video Soul

The show that put BET on the map. Donnie Simpson's star grew as the host of video soul and many artist success grew after they appeared on the show.

The show was revived for BET Plus earlier this summer, but I didn't hear much chatter about it. Which means it didn't work for some reason. BET Plus needs to look back to go forward in this case.

For those of us who were to young or weren't born during the show's heyday. This is a perfect opportunity to remind folks what this show did for the culture, why it meant so much to us and why it was BET's first major hit.

Teen Summit

This show just may have been ahead of its time. Airing  from 1989 to 2002 and featured real life everyday teens, seeking guidance and talking through issues teenagers face. 

Bringing this show back would show today's teenagers the problems they face. Are the same problems teens from previous years faced. Maybe just maybe they'd start believing their parents were no different from them.

All Previous BET Awards

The BET Awards has been running for 22 years now, but it's just not the same.  I honestly thought BET Plus would have showcased the original from 2001-on but  to no luck. I've only seen the 2017 and 2019 ones available, which is a crime. All 22 editions each providing moments for the culture over the years should be available.

Moments like Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar performing Freedom at the 2016 BET Awards. 50 Cent shooting his shot and later booking Vivica A. Fox, Michael Jackson surprising James Brown as he accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Fugees reuniting, even the cast of the Five Heartbeats performed with After 7. All moments that should be accessible to be replayed over and over again.

Check out this promo from the 2005 awards show where of all people, Will and Jada were the hosts and eh some of the jokes sure didn't age well. And a foreshadowing of Will "defending" Jada years later.

Comic view 

Like HBO's Def Comedy Jam, Comic View introduced us to many of today's comic legends. Of course much cleaner versions of them, but even without cursing they had us laughing our asses off. I use to love those compilation episodes featuring the best of the best because you could not stop laughing for the whole 45 minutes.

A Who's who of comedies appeared on the show such as D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Sommore, Leslie Jones, Bruce Bruce, Lil' Duval, Mo' Nique,  Rickey Smiley, Sheryl Underwood, Don D.C. Curry, J. Anthony Brown, Arnez J., Michael Blackson, everyone's favorite white comic Gary Owens. And of course Kevin Hart back in the 2000's right before he really took off.

Let's Stay Together 

Back in 2011 when BET kept The Game alive, they also aired an original series called Let's Stay Together. Starring Kyla Pratt and RonReaco Lee (Tyreke in Sister Sister), the series followed a group of friends in different stages of relationships who depend on one another for support.

The show ran for four seasons and was actually funnier than its given credit for. While writing this now that I think about it, it was similar to another criminally underrated sitcom. For Your Love that use to air on the WB in the 90's.

Rap City

Rap City was the show to tune into to catch the hottest mainstream and underground rappers and music videos out. 

The show initially featured the host traveling to different cities covering their hip hop scene. It then moved to an taped studio format in the basement. That's when it became famous for the freestyle booth that former host Tigger use to join in with show guests. That segment is where rappers were able to prove who was a real rapper and could think of anything off the top of their dome.

Even with Big Tigger hinting that an revival is on the way. Rap City was a video time capsule of hip hop history from the late 80s to the early 2000s. Its time to uncover the historical artifacts for a new generation.

Baldwin Hills

Baldwin Hills was BET's answer to MTV shows like Laguna Beach. It follows a group of teenagers who live in the predominantly Black, wealthy area of LA Baldwin Hills.

The show is currently available on Hulu. I'm not 100% sure how the licensing deal is worked out, and I'm sure Hulu is paying a nice piece of change to air it. However, it's time to air it on BET plus. Highlight Black teenagers even if it's from 15 plus year's ago, living in the upper echelon of society and what life was like for them at that time.

College Hill

Like Baldwin Hills, College Hill is also available on Hulu and Paramount Plus. The show ran for four reasons with each season covering students from a different HBCU. Like most reality shows featuring young adults you have relationship issues, blossoming romances, fights and all the excitement that keeps you tuning in week after week.

College Hill ran for six seasons and  is probably an unsung hero of students attending various HBCU's that the students on the show were from.

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Friday Night In The 90's What A Time

If you've read any of my blogs you can probably tell that I am a very nostalgic person. As a 80's baby I love late 80's to early 2000's content. And although I can acknowledge that times have changed and I thoroughly enjoy most of the technological advancements we have in today's world. I still think about all the good times and thing's I experienced as a kid in the 90's, that today's kid's will never experience.

One of them being Friday night's in the 90's. A instagram reel my buddy shared with me about Blockbuster recently sparked a conversation about how good we had it back then. Besides not having any real care in the world, Friday night's in the 90's were just special. 

First up was a choice of what's for takeout? Pizza, McDonald's, Sub shop...now as an adult with a family I completely get the urge to order takeout on Friday after a long work week. 

Once that was decided it was time to go to Blockbuster. Browsing through the blue and yellow aisles was just magical, renting a old favorite you have all weekend to watch it. Renting a brand new released film you had no time to waste on. I think I remember Blockbusters policy was you had to return it the next day. Same rule applied for video games.

Once you made your selection, we may grab a bag of microwave popcorn or movie theater packaged candy to make it a whole experience. Check out, pick up the food and head home. Once at home it was time to turn on ABC network at 8:00 pm and watch the legendary block of sitcoms TGIF. Featuring some of our favorites over the years, Perfect Strangers, Boy Meets World, Full House, Family Matters, Sabrina The Teenage Witch, Dinosaurs, and many more.

Once the block ended at 10:00 pm, it was time to watch the rented Blockbuster movie, or play the video game. And somehow magically, we could stay up as late as possible to watch it and be ok the next day. Everything, was 10x more fun if you had cousins or the kid next door spending the night.

You really had to be there, but it is just an experience wrapped in the time capsule of greatness that we'll never get back. It's amazing that something so simple has held such a important place in a generation of folks hearts all these years later.

 A testament to how amazing it was.

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Streaming Wishlist: Disney Plus

 

Disney Plus is the most popular streaming app released within the last three years. In the world of streaming hierarchy its Netflix, Hulu, and then Disney Plus. Which is kind of funny in itself because Disney owns Hulu, so their just raking in the dough. 

Disney has propelled Disney Plus to the top tier by using their library, and family friendly films from Fox Studios which they bought. Powered by Disney classics, Marvel, and Star Wars Disney plus has something for everyone. Even with all that great content there's still some favorites of mine missing from the app.

While fresh content is slim pickings right now due to the actors strike. Here's some old favorites I wish Disney Plus would air.

Not Quite Human film series

Not Quite Human is a Disney Channel original starring Alan Thicke, Robin Lively and Jay Underwood. In the film Alan Thicke is a widowed scientist who manages to create a life sized android that's a teenager. Of course that leads to a traditional fish out of water tale, with the hijinks of a robot interacting with real teenagers. 

The film was popular enough to gain two additional sequels Not Quite Human II and Still Not Quite Human and its been well over 20 years since I've seen any of them. Disney needs to make this available. 

Escape To Witch Mountain '95 remake

The Escape To Witch Mountain films were very popular in the 1970's. The story of two alien twins who were seperated upon arriving on earth and reconnect to save humanity. During the 90's ABC use to air The Disney Sunday Movie which consisted of Disney classics and original TV movies.

In 1995 a TV-movie was made to update the story to the then contemporary times. Starring Elizabeth Moss and Erik Von Detten as the twins. With Robert Vaughn, Vincent Schiavelli, and Sam Horrigan rounding out the cast.  I'm sure if I were to watch it today, it hasn't aged well and would be very cringey. I don't care, I loved the movie as a kid and would love to watch it again.

 In fact throw the 1995 TV-movie version of Freaky Friday up there as well. Starring Shelly Long and Gaby Hoffmann. The story follows the same plot points as the 1977 original starring Jodie Foster and Barbara Harris, and the 2003 film starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Both the original and the 2003 version are on Disney Plus, so let's add this one and enjoy spotting differences of the three of different eras.

Tower of Terror

I was shocked when I found out this wasn't on Disney plus for Halloween, that in itself is a crime. Starring Steve Guttenberg and Kristen Dunst. The TV-movie has the distinction of being the first Disney movie based on one of their attractions. It follows Guttenberg and Dunst as a uncle-niece duo investigating the strange occurence at a mysterious hotel. It's part supernatural, part whodunit, but it's a wild ride and should be highlighted on Disney Plus. Especially during spooky season. 

Dumbo's Circus

I honestly don't know why I want to watch this again. My only logical explanation is this is a clear case of nostalgia, since I remember watching the show when I was around 5 or 6 and I haven't seen it since. I would probably watch a couple episodes with my daughter, but that'd be about it. 

New MMC 

I use to watch the New Mickey Mouse Club faithfully every afternoon.I really don't remember the skits being super hilarious, but the 7 year old me just found the entire cast cool as hell. Little did I know just like others that before the decade would end, four members of the cast would go on to be pop music superstars. JC Chasez, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, other cast members Rhona Bennett, Ryan Gosling and Keri Russell made their splash in Hollywood. For those reasons alone, the New MMC episodes should be on the service.

They did cover a lot of songs during the various episodes so the music rights maybe a hold up. Last I checked Disney has the pockets to work it out should they choose too. Honestly with Britney Spear's recent book releasing and the surrounding Justin Timberlake scandal behind it, people may want to watch just to see how it all started. 

Polly (pollyanna remake) 

Polly starring Keisha Knight Pulliam and Phylicia Rashad is based on the book Pollayanna by Eleanor H. Porter. It features recently orphaned Polly moving in with her strict aunt, Polly's youthful optimist personality clashes with her aunts stri3ct demeanor. Polly also helps segerated parts of their small town come together.

I remember the movie mainly being an musical. I wouldn't mind seeing this again and think it would a good addition to Disney Plus. For historical purposes and entertainment value. 

Famous Jett Jackson

This series recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Now I'll admit I was a little late to the Jett Jackson party, but once I hopped onboard I couldn't get enough of the show. 

The premise featured a child TV star Jett Jackson played by Lee Thompson Young, who moves back to his small hometown and has his very successful show filmed there. He may have been a young successful Hollywood star, but he got into the same hijinks and had the same issues as regular kids. The show ran for three seasons and just celebrated its 25th anniversary. I would love to rewatch all 65 episodes again and sing along to the theme song.

The Four Diamonds

The Four Diamonds is a sad yet inspiring movie and sadly a Disney TV movie many have never heard of. Based on a true story, it stars Tom Guiry better known as Smalls from The Sandlot as a young teen battling cancer. As part of a school assignment and to help cope with his illness, he writes a short story inspired by the legend of Arthur. One thing I remember most about this movie, is it will get you in your feels.

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme

Mother Goose Rock n Rhyme was a Disney Channel original movie released in 1990. Starring Shelly Duval, the basic purpose of the movie was to update Mother Goose rhymes to modern times. With many of the rhymes being hip hop influenced, and several cameos by the "hot" musicians of that time. I just want to watch this so I can sing Mother Goose songs to my daughter, but I'm sure a new generation would appreticate this gem as well. 

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Streaming Wishlist: Peacock Load These Shows

With the writers strike over, but the actors strike still ongoing. Hollywood will soon run out of new material that was already completed to release. So sooner or later they are going to have to dig in the crates, especially for hidden gems.

When many of the streaming services launched, most relied on their libraries and the nostalgia factor to bring consumers in, slowly introducing original programming. With alot of these services though, they are missing out on alot of nostalgic content they could use. 

When Peacock launched I got it for free as a Comcast customer. Now I really only use it for the WWE section and Kevin Hart's interview series, which Peacock honestly needed. Not sure if it's by design or rights are just tied up elsewhere, but Peacock's library offering seems limited and not on par with other services.

Now that may not be a bad idea when you can easily get overwhelmed in the land of Netflix with what to watch.  However, with the vast library of Universal and NBC here are a few programs I'd like to see on the service.

California Dreams 

Saved By The Bell was a smashing success and pop culture phenomenon for NBC. So naturally they decided to take the formula and apply it to a new mix.

What they came up with was Calfornia Dreams. Following a group of high school friends who also happen to be in a band.

Its pretty much a carbon copy of Saved By The Bell. The theme song was very infectious and it would be cool to watch years later.

Hang time 

Another SBTB influenced show that aired on NBC's TNBC Saturday morning block. Hang Time covered the members of a kind of successful High School basketball team in Indiana. It went through some changes throughout it's 5 year run and wasn't as successful as SBTB. 

It was a decent enough Saturday Morning TV show and deserves a second life on Peacock.

City guys 

C-I-T-Y You can see why. City Guys was probably my favorite show out of them all. It was also a bit more real than the SBTB inspired shows. It featured  Wesley Jonathan and Scott Whyte as two polar opposite individuals who become friends, and get into trouble while trying to stay out of more trouble at their high school.

The characters were cool, topics such as racism and drugs were covered and they just seemed like cool guys to hang out with. The show has been off syndication for some years now is the perfect time to make it available on Peacock.

Saved By The Bell: The New Class

The original Saved By The Bell is tied up in an Netflix deal. Last I checked The College Years was on Hulu.  Peacock tapped into their IP by producing an revival series. Missing from all of this is the follow up series The New Class.

For some reason The New Class which ran for 7 seasons is never really acknowledged or given it's due. Mr. Belding and Screech returned to connect it to the original series. The show often featured a consistent plot point that I've realized as I've gotten older. There maybe slight differences in behavior, clothing, what's considered cool etc. But all teenagers act the same throughout the years.

It's time to give The New Class their respect in the legacy of the Saved By The Bell franchise and air it on Peacock.

American Dreams 

American Dreams was an intriguing show in my opinion. It followed a family in 1960's Philadelphia and set against the backdrop of American Bandstand. Main character Meg (Brittany Snow) is a dancer on the show. The show not only referenced historical events such as JFK assissination, racial tension in the 60's, and the Vietnam war.

It also incorporated archived footage of American Bandstand into the series, and music stars of the early 2000's would appear on the show recreating past performances of former stars on the show. I was a big fan of the show and rarely missed an episode. Besides being a period drama, the amount of music involved in the series surely took up a good portion of the budget. Which I believe is one of the biggest reasons the show has not appeared in reruns or on a streaming service.

Licensing music especially hits from the past is costly, but recently Cold Case has appeared on HBO Max. That show is inudated with music of previous years, so hopefully something could be worked out and American Dreams could be available to revisit on Peacock.

Graceland

Graceland is a USA original drama that debuted in 2013. Although it ran for 3 seasons it never quite gained a following like it should have.

The series followed a group of law enforcement personnel from various  government agencies (FBI, CIA, DEA,etc.) The team lives in and runs their operation out of a beach front mansion named Graceland.

The heart of the series was a young agent Mike Warren who has just joined the team. Along with chasing criminals, he is keeping an eye on the team leader Paul Briggs who has some unorthodox methods.

I'm sure Graceland could gain a second life on Peacock. Maybe not as popular as Suits, but people would know what a gem this series was.

Shades of Blue

Shades of Blue debuted on NBC in 2016. Starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta the show was a crime drama revolving around corrupt cops. J. Lo single mom cop is a member of Ray Liottas corrupt cop unit within the NYPD. All in the name of making a better life for her daughter.

After getting jammed up, she reluctantly agrees to work with the FBI and become an informant against her own unit. All the while dealing with single mom issues, an abusive ex-husband that's lurking out of prison, and a creepy stalker FBI agent.

The series ran for three seasons and completed its story. However, during it's original run it was not talked about like it should have been. Just like Graceland a new life on Peacock, could show people what they missed out on.

These are the shows I would like to see on Peacock...on to the next streaming service wishlist. 

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Documentaries wishlist 2

 Content is King and with all these streaming channels competing against traditional television/cable channels. You need plenty of content, scripted content by itself won't cut it so documentaries are often produced to shed light on figures or important moments in history or the culture. Right now with the Hollywood writers and actors strike, it maybe some time before we see some new scripted programming. Which opens the door for more documentaries and more subjects for documentaries to cover.

I'm always down for a good documentary. With recent documentaries on Michael J. FOX, American Gladiators, and even the Wham documentary. And documentary series like Dark Side Of The Ring as well as the new Dark Side of the 2000s feeding my documentary appetite. 

I previously wrote about five subjects I wouldn't mind seeing being covered in a documentary. Many of which, if actually were produced would feed my nostalgic loving soul. After watching the recent American Gladiators documentaries on Netflix and ESPN 30 for 30 respectively. I thought of five more pop culture subjects I wouldn't mind seeing an documentary on.

WMAC Masters

I'm going to be honest here, I know this one is very obscure and the least likely to ever get a documentary from this list. That does not negate the fact that in the mid-90's amid the Power Rangers and martial arts craze, WMAC Masters was a solid kids show that deserved more love.

It was a mix between pro wrestling and American Gladiators, with some Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter sprinkled in. Filmed at Universal Studios Florida, the series was hosted by Shannon Lee (daughter of Bruce Lee). It featured real life martial artist portraying fictional martial artist, competing in a fictional tournament to win the final prize The Dragon Star. All the while giving lessons on martial arts styles and weapons. It was over the top and cheesy, but pure 90's just look at the intro. After two seasons it was abruptly cancelled.

In coming up with topics, I discovered that a book was released covering the history of the show. I'm going to add that to the list of books to buy. I'm sure even with the book there is so much history tied up in this brief show that deserves to be told.

Baywatch

In the 1990's supported by a catchy theme song and beautiful woman, Baywatch ruled the syndicated TV landscape. Created by David Hasselhoff, it resurrected his career while making stars out of woman like Carmen Electra, Yasmine Bleeth, and of course Pamela Anderson. In fact it may have been the last major successful phenomenon syndicated program before first run syndicated shows started to lose their luster amidst changing habits from the audience.

Upon doing research for this blog, I found out there is already a docuseries in the works called Baywatch: The American Dream. Which former star Geena Lee Nolin has a hand in helping produce. Looks like it was worked on during the height of the pandemic, and does not have a release date yet. The most information I could find on it was through the instagram page for the film. All a guy could ask for? Please release it sooner than later. 

FUBU

In the early 90's four guys from Queens, New York brainstormed and designed a new clothing line called FuBu (For US By Us). The four entrepreneurs Draymond John, Carlton E. Brown, J. Alexander Martin, and Keith Perrin set up to make fashionable Street wear that was also affordable for the community.

They went through they're trials and tribulations getting their business off the ground, but started gaining popularity and traction when LL Cool J started wearing their attire everywhere he was pictured.

Uncle L even referenced them and wore a FUBU hat in a commercial he did for GAP, which helped boost their appeal. 

FUBU led the way in the 90's and brands like Phat Farm, Karl Kani, Sean John, and Roc-A-wear followed their lead. However, by the time the late 90's/early 2000's came FUBU was considered no longer in style.

Their story needs to be completely told, including the slow backlash from the culture as styles changed. I vividly remember my freshman year of high school, it was no longer considered "cool" to wear the brand due to opposition of the name. To the brand making a comeback of sorts as the nostalgia wave comes around to its heyday.

Let's give these four brothers their shine and tell they're story.

Toys 'R' US

We all remember the jingle and proclaiming I'm a Toys 'R' Us kid. We remember the oversized stores  especially to a kid stocked with what seemed like an endless supply of toys and games. Geoffrey the Giraffe our favorite mascot. Not to mention the sheer joy beaming from our faces as kids when our parents let us one go in Toys 'R' U s and two go in aimlessly for what seemed like hours.

Many Millennials were crushed when it was announced in 2018 that Toys 'R' Us was filing for bankruptcy and closing all their stores. Going the way of other once upon a time retail giants like Woolworth, Montgomery Ward, Radioshack, Circuit City, and Tower Records. The story needs to be told on how did it get that point? With a changing retail landscape and online shopping booming. How did Toys 'R' Us not adapt properly? What went wrong? what's going on with the supposed "reboot" of the company? and just how much the store meant to a generation of kids.

Long live Toys 'R' Us and share the story from it's inception to it's sad end.

WB/UPN

During the mid-90's two new broadcast networks were sprung up to go against the Big Four (ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox). These two upstarts known as The WB and UPN found a small amount of success by targeting niche audiences. Both networks targeted the Black Audience in it's early years with comedies such as The Steve Harvey Show, Wayans Brothers, Jamie Foxx show, and Smart Guy (The WB), and Moesha, Malcolm and Eddie, The Parkers, and Girlfriends. The WB then branched off becoming known as the network for teen/young adult focused dramas (Dawsons Creek, Felicity, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, One Tree Hill). UPN mainly relied on WWF's Smackdown and the Star Trek franchise along with their successful Monday Night block of Black sitcoms to stay afloat.

Despite their success, neither network could really gain traction to sustain longevity. Most of their programming was looked down upon, even when they were really good shows (Veronica Mars). Or shows that could have been something if just given a chance 7 Days and Special Unit 2 on UPN, Jack and Bobby, Gross Pointe on WB.

Eventually in the mid-2000's both networks decided the landscape was changing too much and if they wanted to survive they needed to merge. Thus they picked the cream of the crop of show's from both networks to keep and The CW was born. Which ironically is going through some things regarding their programming direction under new ownership. 

There is a book on this very story that's on my list to read called Season Finale: The Unexpected Rise and Fall of The WB and UPN . Both networks were an integral part of my pre-teen/teenage years when network TV catered to older audiences and there was a time cable TV was not in my mom's budget. Especially with the Black sitcoms that many of us still enjoy today, the story of how both networks realized they were tumbling needs to be told.

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