January 31st Entertainment Anniversaries

Today is my 40th anniversary and typical fashion true to me. I decided to sort through the history books and see what landmark events, happened in the entertainment world on this day. 

1986

Down and out In Beverly Hills starred Richard Dreyfuss, Bette Midler, and Nick Notle turns 40 today. It follows a homeless man taken in by a rich family and turns their lives upside down. The film was a hit and even spawned a TV series a year later.

1988

The Wonder Years debuted on ABC network following Super Bowl XXII. The successful coming of age series starring Fred Savage ran until 1993.

1992

Capitol Critters was a smart adult oriented cartoon series that debuted on ABC. It followed a band of rats who resided in the basement of the White House. It sadly didnt capture a audience and was cancelled after 13 episodes. It gained a brief second life on Cartoon Network during its early years, but has disappeared to the land of time.

1993

Homicide Life On The Streets debuted on NBC in 1993. The long running cop drama based in my hometown of Baltimore ran until 1999. It also spawned a TV movie in 2000 and is still beloved today.

1997

In 1997 as technology was advancing, the Star Wars Special Edition released. This polarizing film updated the CGI and scenes that just were not possible when the original was released in 1977. It was essentially George Lucas remixing his film and peeps were not happy.

Over in the video game world, Final Fantasy VII released on the original Playstation. This highly acclaimed edition of the Final Fantasy series, was regarded for its story and cutting edge graphics (for its time).

1998

HBO's original film GIA starring Angelina Jolie debuted in 1998. Based on the true story of one of the first supermodel's Gia Carangi. Detailing his rise and descent in the industry.

1999

Seth McFarlane's long running and influential animated series Family Guy debuted on Fox in 1999. Following Super Bowl XXXIII where the Denver Broncos defeated the Atlanta Falcons. The series is still kicking and has produced two spin-offs and several specials, while gaining a hold on pop culture.

2000

Monday Night Raw the shocking WWF debut of Eddie Guerrero, Chris Benoit, Dean Malenko, and Perry Saturn. Who all had just abruptly left WCW made an immediate impact. First appearing in the front row, then laying out D-X.

2003

The cult classic Biker Boyz Premeiered in Theaters. Highlighting motorcycle clubs particularly Black motorcycle clubs and motorists. With a focus on father and sons and how generations do things differently to get the same goal.

Final Destination 2 probably the most debatable film in the series, with whether its truly good or not was released. Continuing the story of cheating death and how it doesn't work out in the end.

The Recruit was a spy thriller starring Al Pacino and Colin Farrell. Farrell plays a new CIA recruit training at their "farm" and trying to find answers about his father's death. He spirals deep into places he didnt plan to.

2011

Lie to Me a TV dramas starring Tim Roth aired its final episode on Fox. Ending a three year run for the show, which followed Roth as a investigator alongside his crew helping solve cases through applied psychology.

2012

Comedy Central's second greatest sketch comedy show debuted on the network in 2012. Key & Peele ran for 5 years, and was just as funny and influential as The Chappelle Show. Leaving a legacy of skits still referenced today.

2013

NBC's long running and successful sitcom based on SNL, 30 Rock aired its Series Finale after a 7 season run. 

2014

This hidden gem romantic comedy starring Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, and Miles Teller released in 2014. Following 3 friends navigating different stages of relationships in their twenties.

2020

One of Netflix's earliest animated hits Bojack Horsemen aired its series finale in 2020. Ending its 6 season run on the network, and letting audiences know Netflix could tackle the adult animated series world.

A fantasy horror film based on the fairy tale Hansel & Gretel. This film follows the siblings as they get lost in the woods and head to the evil witches house. It didn't fare too well when it released, but has gained a cult following since.