Today in Nerd History | March 27

March 27 brings a medical drama phenomenon, a revolutionary handheld console, a heartwarming alien comedy, and vampiric mockumentary hilarity. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about Grey’s Anatomy, the Nintendo 3DS, Home, and What We Do in the Shadows!

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 27, 2005, ABC premiered Grey’s Anatomy, a medical drama following the personal and professional lives of surgical interns at Seattle Grace Hospital.

Nerdy Facts:

• Musical Genius: The show is praised for its soundtrack, often featuring indie artists and hits that perfectly complement its dramatic moments. The music is so integral that there was even a musical episode in Season 7!
• The Name Game: Each episode is named after a song, adding a unique layer to the show’s storytelling and emotional depth.
• Real-World Impact: “Grey’s Anatomy” has been credited with increasing public interest in medicine, with many fans pursuing careers in healthcare inspired by the series.

On March 27, 2011, Nintendo launched the 3DS, offering gamers portable 3D experiences without requiring special glasses.

Nerdy Facts:

• Backward Compatibility: The 3DS was designed to play nearly all Nintendo DS games, ensuring that fans could still enjoy their old favorites on the new system.
• StreetPass and SpotPass: These features allowed 3DS devices to exchange game data and connect to the internet for content downloads even when in sleep mode, making the gaming experience more social and dynamic.
• A Library of Classics: The 3DS also offered access to classic games through the Virtual Console, bringing beloved titles from past generations back to life.

On March 27, 2015, DreamWorks Animation’s Home arrived in theaters, telling the story of an alien named Oh and his unlikely friendship with a resourceful girl named Tip.

Nerdy Facts:

• Star-Studded Soundtrack: Rihanna, who voiced Tip, also contributed several songs to the film’s soundtrack, blending her musical talent with her voice acting role.
• Cultural Impact: “Home” was notable for featuring a Black female lead in a mainstream animated movie, a step forward in representation and diversity in animation.
• Innovative Animation: The movie’s animation team developed new techniques to create the Boov’s unique color-changing ability, showcasing DreamWorks’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of animation technology.

Also on March 27, 2019, FX introduced a TV adaptation of the cult-favorite mockumentary film What We Do in the Shadows, shifting the supernatural comedy from New Zealand to Staten Island.

Nerdy Facts:

• Cameo Central: The show features a slew of cameos from famous faces in the comedy and horror genres, including the original film’s creators, Waititi and Clement.
• Expanding the Universe: While staying true to the spirit of the original film, the series introduces new supernatural elements and characters, such as energy vampires, broadening the show’s mythology.
• Critical Darling: The series has been praised by critics and fans alike for its fresh approach to comedy and horror, earning several award nominations for its writing and overall hilarity.

March 27 spotlights riveting hospital drama, eye-popping portable gaming, intergalactic mischief, and supernatural hilarity. Happy Nerd History Day!