'The Carrie Diaries' is the newest show to pay homage to
those colorful days of yore
By Robert Isenberg Special to MSN TV
"'80s music!" "'80s fashion!" "The Reagan Era!" "Material Girl!"
Say any of these phrases, and every red-blooded American instantly know what
you're talking ... more about — even if he or she was technically born in 1990. The
phrase "the '80s" conjures very specific images, not to be confused with any
other era. After years of dormancy, the '80s have returned: rebooted movies,
pop-infused music and even homages on prime-time TV.
"The Carrie Diaries"
premieres this week on The CW, revealing what a young Carrie Bradshaw
experienced as a temperamental high schooler. The new series basks in its '80s
glory, from the throbbing soundtrack to the candy-colored outfits. Even the
boxy-looking cars parked on her Manhattan streets look startlingly
authentic.
But really what makes an '80s show? Retro or original, how are '80s shows
different from all other television? We can usually recognize an '80s-themed
show in a New York minute, but how? Here are some observations from the age of
Glasnost.
"The Carrie Diaries" premieres Monday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on the
CW.
