Today in Nerd History | March 26

March 25 delivers epic RPG action, a mind-bending shooter sequel, and a cinematic showdown between two DC icons. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about Sacred, BioShock Infinite, and Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

On March 26, 1989, audiences witnessed Dr. Sam Beckett’s first “leap” through time in this sci-fi classic.

Nerdy Facts:

• Theorizing That One Could Time Travel: Each episode had Sam leaping into a different person’s body, which meant that Scott Bakula had to portray a wide array of characters, from pilots to pregnant women, showcasing his versatility.
• A Touching Finale: The series finale is remembered for its emotional punch, leaving fans with the bittersweet message that “Dr. Sam Becket never returned home.”
• Cameo Galore: The show featured numerous guest stars before they were famous, including a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Jennifer Aniston, adding a fun “spot the star” aspect to re-watches.

On March 26, 2001, the wrestling world closed a chapter as WCW broadcast its last Monday Nitro, mere days after WWF purchased the company.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Shocking Twist: Vince McMahon, WWE’s chairman, appeared on WCW television to announce he had bought his competition, blending reality and storyline in a way wrestling hadn’t seen before.
• End of an Era: WCW once reigned supreme during the Monday Night Wars; its final show signaled the wrestling landscape’s seismic shift.
• A Fitting Finale: The last match in Nitro history saw Sting face off against Ric Flair, echoing the promotion’s heyday and providing a nostalgic close to WCW’s storied run. Ric Flair faced Sting in the inaugural episode of Nitro as well, making this a fitting bookend.

On March 26, 2005, Doctor Who returned to television, reviving the long-running British sci-fi series for a new generation.

Nerdy Facts:

• Christopher Eccleston’s Debut: He portrayed the Ninth Doctor, introducing fresh viewers to the Time Lord’s cosmic escapades.
• Russell T Davies Revival: The showrunner’s vision modernized the classic series while honoring its deep-rooted lore.
• Global Phenomenon: This reboot turned Doctor Who into an international hit, paving the way for future Doctors and spin-offs.

On March 26, 2010, DreamWorks took flight with How to Train Your Dragon, charming audiences with the story of Hiccup and Toothless.

Nerdy Facts:

• Breaking New Ground: The film’s breathtaking flight scenes were inspired by “Star Wars,” with the creators aiming to bring an epic sense of scale and adventure to the animation world.
• A Dragon’s Design: Toothless’ design was inspired by a variety of animals, including cats, dogs, and horses, making him one of the most endearing dragons in pop culture.
• Critical Acclaim: The movie was not just a hit with audiences; it received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature.

On March 26, 2019, Power Rangers: Battle for the Grid morphed onto consoles, offering high-energy combat for fans of the iconic franchise.

Nerdy Facts:

• A Massive Roster: The game features characters from various Power Rangers eras, allowing players to pit their favorite Rangers and villains against each other in epic battles.
• Cross-Play Innovation: One of the first fighting games to support cross-play across multiple platforms, “Battle for the Grid” ensured that Rangers fans could battle friends regardless of their console choice.
• Evolving Content: The game has received multiple updates and DLC packs, adding new fighters, stages, and story modes, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging for the community.

Also on March 26, 2021, Amazon premiered Invincible, an animated adaptation of Robert Kirkman’s graphic novel, known for its shocking violence and heartfelt coming-of-age themes.

Nerdy Facts:

• Star-Studded Cast: The voice cast is a who’s who of Hollywood, featuring Steven Yeun, J.K. Simmons, Sandra Oh, and many others, bringing depth and gravitas to the animated format.
• Comic Book Fidelity: While the show makes some changes, it stays remarkably true to the spirit and plot of the original comics, pleasing longtime fans and newcomers alike.
• Critical and Fan Acclaim: “Invincible” was lauded for its storytelling, character development, and action sequences, quickly earning a renewal for two more seasons after its debut.

March 26 celebrates leaps through time, the final bell for WCW, a time-traveling Doctor’s return, the bond between boy and dragon, morphin’ showdowns, and a gory superhero odyssey. Happy Nerd History Day!