That ’80s Show – THE GOLDBERGS, A Pleasant Surprise in True ’80s Style

I was a huge fan of “That ’70s Show” back in the day. It was a show I could relate to, with its bellbottom jeans and one-hit wonders. The Goldbergs takes us into the ’80s in much the same way. Family life wasn’t anything like mine but I had a lot of friends who’s parents remind me of Bev and Murray.

There’s nothing like watching a show that doesn’t pretend it’s nothing more than what it actually is. The Goldbergs is not a show set in the 1980s with 2013 themes. These people talk, look and act like we all did in that time. We listened to Styx, The J. Geils Band and REO Speedwagon – loudly! Rollerskating was how we spent our Friday nights followed by the movies on Saturday nights after a long day at the mall. We didn’t always get along with our siblings and Mom and Dad just wanted world peace in the home.

I don’t care if you were a guy or a girl, your clothes defined you. Erica is completely up to date with her bold colors, side ponytail and big plastic earrings. Barry wins with his Air Jordans and Adam finally convinces his mom that Cavariccis were the coolest ever.

“Poltergeist” terrified us, the station wagon was the soccer mom’s vehicle of choice, and you’d be lying if you told me that you never tried watching movies between the squiggly lines from Home Box Office.

If you haven’t yet tried out The Goldbergs, I would encourage you to tune in for a few half hour episodes. You’re in for a treat and possibly a pleasant walk down memory lane. I have not been all that excited about comedies that have come out the last two fall seasons, but this one is a win in my book.

Get out those 8-track players, kids!

The Goldbergs airs on Tuesday nights at 9/8c, on ABC.