Today in Nerd History | September 14

Today we’ve got an alien in rainbow suspenders, four sassy seniors, a new generation of animated troublemakers, and a video game adventure that takes you deep inside a certain Koopa King. Let’s break it down!

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.

“Mork & Mindy,” a spin-off of “Happy Days,” premiered on ABC on September 14, 1978. The show starred Robin Williams as Mork, an eccentric alien from the planet Ork, and Pam Dawber as Mindy, his human roommate and friend. The series became an instant hit, largely due to Williams’ unique brand of humor and improvisational talent.

Nerdy Facts:

• Robin Williams’ Breakout Role: “Mork & Mindy” catapulted Robin Williams to stardom, showcasing his quick wit and comedic genius. His portrayal of Mork remains one of his most iconic roles.
• Cultural Impact: Mork’s catchphrase “Nanu Nanu” and his distinctive hand gesture became pop culture staples, along with the phrase “Shazbot,” which became a playful expletive among fans.
• Cross-Over Success: Mork originally appeared in a “Happy Days” episode, “My Favorite Orkan,” where he was intended as a one-time character. However, his popularity led to the creation of “Mork & Mindy,” which ran for four seasons.

“The Golden Girls,” created by Susan Harris, debuted on NBC on September 14, 1985. This sitcom follows four older women—Dorothy, Rose, Blanche, and Sophia—living together in Miami. Known for its sharp humor and heartwarming moments, the show became a beloved classic.

Nerdy Facts:

• Ahead of Its Time: “The Golden Girls” tackled social issues like aging and illness with a blend of humor and sensitivity, making it groundbreaking for its time.
• Iconic Cast: The chemistry between the cast—Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty—was a key factor in the show’s success. Each actress won an Emmy Award for their role, a rare achievement for a TV show.
• Enduring Popularity: “The Golden Girls” remains popular through reruns and streaming, and it has inspired merchandise, a spin-off (“The Golden Palace”), and countless fan tributes.

“Tiny Toon Adventures,” produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation, premiered on CBS on September 14, 1990. This animated series follows a new generation of young cartoon characters who attend Acme Looniversity, mentored by the classic Looney Tunes characters.

Nerdy Facts:

• New Generation: The show introduced characters like Buster Bunny, Babs Bunny, and Plucky Duck, who are younger versions of their Looney Tunes mentors, blending classic cartoon slapstick with modern sensibilities.
• Educational Value: While primarily a comedy, “Tiny Toon Adventures” also included lessons about friendship, honesty, and the importance of creativity, making it a favorite among both kids and parents.
• Award-Winning: The series was a critical and commercial success, winning several Daytime Emmy Awards and paving the way for other successful Warner Bros. animated shows like “Animaniacs” and “Pinky and the Brain.”

“Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story,” developed by AlphaDream and published by Nintendo, was released in North America on September 14, 2009, for the Nintendo DS. This role-playing game is the third installment in the “Mario & Luigi” series and is widely regarded as one of the best.

Nerdy Facts:

• Unique Gameplay: The game features a unique mechanic where Mario and Luigi are inside Bowser’s body, navigating his internal organs, while Bowser himself is controlled in the outside world. This dual gameplay offers a creative twist on traditional RPG mechanics.
• Critical Acclaim: “Bowser’s Inside Story” received widespread acclaim for its humor, engaging battle system, and inventive storyline. It is often cited as one of the best RPGs on the Nintendo DS.
• Bowser’s Starring Role: For the first time in the series, Bowser is a fully playable character, with his own set of abilities and storyline, giving players a new perspective on the iconic villain.

September 14th celebrates the quirky humor of classic sitcoms, the zaniness of animated adventures, and the creativity of video game storytelling. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic and influential releases!