Today in Nerd History | September 17

Here’s your Today in Nerd History for September 17 — a stacked day that spans wartime satire, robot heroes, chaotic video games, and one unforgettable game of red light, green light. Let’s dive into a timeline of iconic premieres and launches that still echo through pop culture today.​

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.

“MASH,” a television adaptation of the 1970 film of the same name, premiered on CBS on September 17, 1972. The series, set during the Korean War, combined comedy and drama to tell the stories of the doctors and staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.

Nerdy Facts:

• Genre-Defining: “MASH” is often credited with creating the “dramedy” genre, blending humor with serious themes such as the horrors of war, making it one of the most influential TV shows of all time.
• Final Episode Record: The series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” aired in 1983 and became the most-watched television episode in U.S. history, with over 105 million viewers.
• Long-Lasting Impact: “MASH” ran for 11 seasons, far longer than the actual Korean War, and continues to be revered for its writing, characters, and the way it handled complex issues with humanity and wit.

Autobots rolled out on U.S. television for the first time in 1984, as The Transformers animated series debuted and began the multi-generational franchise we know today. Based on Japanese toy lines and supported by Marvel Comics, the show introduced the eternal battle between Autobots and Decepticons.

Nerdy Facts:

• Optimus Prime’s iconic voice actor, Peter Cullen, based the character’s voice on his older brother, a Marine.
• The series tied directly into a comic book line written by Marvel legends like Bob Budiansky and Simon Furman.
• The 1986 animated film shocked fans by killing off Optimus Prime—a moment that still stings decades later.

“Home Improvement,” starring Tim Allen as the accident-prone Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, debuted on ABC on September 17, 1991. The show followed Tim’s misadventures as the host of a DIY television show and as a husband and father.

Nerdy Facts:

• Tool Time: The show-within-a-show, “Tool Time,” became an iconic part of “Home Improvement,” with Tim’s catchphrases like “More power!” and his grunting noises becoming cultural touchstones.
• Household Names: The success of “Home Improvement” made Tim Allen a household name and launched the careers of cast members like Jonathan Taylor Thomas, who became a teen idol in the 1990s.
• Award-Winning: The show won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Tim Allen, and remained one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s.

The Nintendo e-Reader, an accessory for the Game Boy Advance, was released in North America on September 17, 2002. This device allowed players to swipe specially coded cards to unlock games, content, and features on their Game Boy Advance.

Nerdy Facts:

• Retro Games: The e-Reader was notable for bringing classic NES games to the Game Boy Advance. Players could swipe a series of cards to load games like “Super Mario Bros.” and “Excitebike.”
• Limited Lifespan: Despite its innovative concept, the e-Reader had a relatively short lifespan in the market, largely due to its niche appeal and the inconvenience of swiping multiple cards to access content.
• Collector’s Item: Today, the e-Reader and its card sets are considered collectibles, with some rare cards fetching high prices among retro gaming enthusiasts.

“Community,” created by Dan Harmon, premiered on NBC on September 17, 2009. The show, set at the fictional Greendale Community College, became known for its meta-humor, creative storytelling, and beloved ensemble cast.

Nerdy Facts:

• Six Seasons and a Movie: The show’s fans adopted the rallying cry “six seasons and a movie,” based on a throwaway line from the show, which eventually became a reality when a movie was announced in 2022.
• Pop Culture References: “Community” is famous for its pop culture references and homage episodes, including parodies of action movies, video games, and TV tropes, earning it a dedicated cult following.
• Cast Chemistry: The show’s ensemble cast, including Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, and Chevy Chase, was praised for their chemistry and comedic timing, making each character memorable.

“Grand Theft Auto V,” developed by Rockstar Games, was released on September 17, 2013, for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. This open-world action-adventure game became one of the best-selling and most critically acclaimed video games of all time.

Nerdy Facts:

• Record-Breaking: “Grand Theft Auto V” set multiple records, including the fastest-selling entertainment product in history, earning $1 billion in its first three days of release.
• Three Protagonists: The game introduced a new mechanic where players could switch between three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—each with their own unique storylines and abilities.
• Enduring Popularity: The game’s online component, “GTA Online,” remains incredibly popular years after its release, with frequent updates and a large, active player base, making it a cornerstone of Rockstar’s success.

“Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” a police procedural comedy created by Michael Schur and Dan Goor, premiered on NBC on September 17, 2013. The show follows the antics of the detectives of the 99th precinct in Brooklyn, with a focus on humor and camaraderie.

Nerdy Facts:

• Diverse Cast: The show was praised for its diverse cast and inclusive approach, featuring characters from various backgrounds.
• Critical Acclaim: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” received critical acclaim throughout its run, winning multiple awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy in its first season.
• Fan Revival: After being canceled by Fox after five seasons, the show was revived by NBC following an outpouring of support from fans, demonstrating its strong and passionate fanbase.

Spider-Gwen, an alternate universe version of Gwen Stacy who becomes Spider-Woman, first appeared in “Edge of Spider-Verse #2,” published on September 17, 2014. Created by Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez, Spider-Gwen quickly became a fan-favorite character in the Marvel Universe.

Nerdy Facts:

• Instant Hit: Spider-Gwen’s unique design and backstory made her an instant hit with fans, leading to her own ongoing comic series and a significant presence in Marvel’s “Spider-Verse” events.
• Iconic Design: Her costume, featuring a white, black, and pink color scheme with a hooded look, became iconic and is one of the most recognizable in modern comic book history.
• Into the Spider-Verse: Spider-Gwen gained even more popularity with her appearance in the animated film “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018), where she was voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, further cementing her status as a beloved character.

“Squid Game,” a South Korean survival drama series created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, premiered on Netflix on September 17, 2021. The show quickly became a global phenomenon, drawing in millions of viewers with its intense storyline and social commentary.

Nerdy Facts:

• Global Sensation: “Squid Game” became Netflix’s most-watched series at launch, reaching over 100 million viewers in its first month, and sparking countless memes, discussions, and fan theories.
• Cultural Impact: The show’s striking visuals, particularly the creepy yet colorful game arenas and the iconic red jumpsuits worn by the guards, became instantly recognizable and widely referenced in pop culture.
• Social Commentary: “Squid Game” resonated with audiences for its exploration of themes like wealth inequality, desperation, and human nature, making it a thought-provoking as well as thrilling watch.

September 17th is a day that celebrates the broad spectrum of entertainment, from groundbreaking video games and iconic TV shows to the rise of new cultural phenomena. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic and influential releases!