Many people on this board grade the decades based on simply a single category. For example, "60's music was the best", "00's television was the worst!". What could make it more interesting if we combined several pop culture categories and after a bunch of posts, determine a final average to see which decade had the best overall atmosphere.

Using the standard 0-5 scale that is found in many post, grade each decade from the 50's-00's for the categories of Music, Movies, Television, Fashion, Sports, Technology, and Society (Which includes economy, miscellaneous fads, and news events.) I will make my own opinion for starters.

The '50s:

Music... 3 (Boring in the first half of the decade with Swing dead with mainly adult singers and rock & doo-wop underground, but the second half has some of the finest music ever made in the form of the Rock & Roll explosion. 1959 was also a good year for Jazz music.)
Movies... 4 (Not quite as good as the '30s and '40s, but with most films now in color, drive-ins surging in popularity along with the 3-D (making a comeback today!) and widescreen movies, the prices were cheap and Looney Tunes and newsreels were still found before the show started). What keeps this decade from a 5 are the cheesy sci-fi movies.
Television... 5 (The biggest advance to come out of the '50s allowed people to see instant visual entertainment without leaving their home. No other decade had so much variety in TV than the '50s. )
Fashion... 4 (Hats from earlier times were pretty much a thing of the past, though people still dressed up, until the greasers arrived creating a youth culture. A solid decade for fashion, and the hairstyles were good.)
Sports...3 (The color barrier was fading as Baseball's popularity peaked, along with the development of the NBA and the NFL. However, the NBA, NHL, and NFL were still pretty small franchises so many large cities didn't have a great sports scene. The classic era of Boxing begins.)
Technology...2 (Sadly, this is the low point of the 50's, as while the economy was good, this was mainly a decade for progress to deliver the technology for later decades. Computers were still mostly used by a select few professionals. The 33 and 45 record was a nice advance for this decade as 78's faded around decades' end. Pinball machines did take off, however.
Events... 4 (Except for the Korean War, this was a generally peaceful decade worldwide.  You could visit Baghdad without feeling afraid for one moment.)

Overall: 3.6 (Good)

The '60s:

Music... 5 (No single decade in history has produced music as interesting and enjoyable as the 1960s. It will never happen again in our lifetime. While Beatlemania may become overrated after listening to them for hours and hours, there's so many other good songs that it will take you years and years to see it all. From the early decade Folk, Teen Idols, and Girl Groups; the mid-decade British Invasion, surf rock, and pop, to the Psychedelic and Funk emerging late in the decade; along with Motown, Stax, and Atlantic records, the Holy Trinity of Soul music.)
Movies... 1 (Unfortunately, the movie industry had possibly it's worst decade ever here. 1963 was the worst year ever for the movie industry, and many low-budget, B-films were released. Television's full impact may have played a part in this, as networks started to air movies on TV.)
Televison... 4.5 While not quite as good as the '50s, there was still a lot of variety to be found, as musical programs peaked with Ed Sullivan, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo, and Top Of The Pops. Cartoons were quite good with Hanna-Barbera breaking through and educational programming on the rise. Color was also a big plus.
Fashion... 5  A Very diverse decade for fashion. Adults dressed cleanly, while the youth would follow the latest trends, with fashion from this decade still somewhat popular today.
Sports... 4 This was the decade of the NFL with the first Super Bowls played. Baseball expanded with new teams. Wilt Chamberlain was the first NBA Superstar, and the first Boston-Lakers rivalry was launched. Unfortunately, most stadiums built in this decade weren't that great in design and most are gone today.
Technology... 2.5 Adding machines became more sophisticated as a prelude to calculators, and transistor radios made listening to music portable. Most cars now offer power steering and in 1964, all have seat belts. Fax machines and Xerox also begin to make an appearance. Otherwise, it was still very simple times.
Events... 2.5  Unfortunately, many books about this decade's various events show that it was a turbulent decade in society, especially the second half, with Vietnam, assissinations, and Civil Rights movemnts. The New Left also ensures that various traditions will never be seen or heard of again. The use of "Mr." and "Mrs." is declining in the US and Canada, a sign that society is becoming less formal. That's why while it was interesting, most people probably don't want another "'60s" atmosphere again, despite the peaceful start.

Overall: (3.5) Good

The '70s:

Music: 4 While 95% of this decade's music is listenable and enjoyable, it was definately a decade were something from the '60s was missing. Still, it is now the decade of choice for most Oldies/Classic Hits stations, and the first decade to easily find what you're looking for on today's radio playlists. 1978-1979 were probably the weakest years simply due to the massive Disco Bandwagon for artists where Disco would be very unnatural.
Movies: 4 After a weak start, movies become more action-packed and experimental with special effects. The first Blockbusters come out, and multiplexes allow multiple movies to be shown in one building. Many movies from this time period have a "happy ending" as well, and soundtrack music really becomes big as well. Unfortunately, Drive-Ins experienced a sharp decline.
Television: 4.5 Another Good Decade with great Game Shows, Sitcoms, and even solid "made-for-TV movies". Soap Operas probably have their best decade ever here. Musical programs are fewer, but Soul Train gives a new light for R&B/Soul artists. Network Affiliate Programming gives a local identity of TV programming.
Fashion: 3 Very progressive but we could do without the Bell Bottoms and Polyester today.
Sports: 4 Although Baseball starts it's long, slow decline, the NHL, NBA, and NFL continue to grow and expand. People become more interested in the secondary sports as the TV networks air them to a wider audience.
Technology... 2 While the R&D progress showed a lot of promise for the decades to come, this was still a rather low-tech decade. Who owns an 8-track player today? TV sets simply grew woody. Late in the decade, Home Video began to emerge, although most wouldn't get to experience it until sometime in the early-mid '80s. Microwave Ovens arrived late in the decade in most homes. Also, car styles got blander as the decade progressed, with most 1979 models boxy in style and the convertable took a hiatus as well.
Events... 2 Definatly a "negative-feeling" atmosphere, especially through 1975 and again at decade's end, with Disco a draw to help woo people up.

Overall: 3.4 (Average)

The '80s:

Music: 4 The last great decade in terms of pop music, although much of it depended on simply synthesizers and drum machines. MTV revolutionized how we think of pop music today yet the lyrics will still good and understandable, and the cheese you see in MTV videos will never be seen again. Many non-MTV artists have underrated music as well. Even the ballads won't make you fall asleep. The catchiness of most songs is hard to forget as well.
Movies: 4.5 The golden age of the Blockbuster; merchandise from many films are common and action/adventure movies really flourished. This is the last decade before CGI became a necessisty in most films, however.
Television: 5  Awesome! We definately entered the era of choice here, with cable TV breaking through, as well as stereo and closed-captioning improving technology. The new  begins with Family Ties and Cheers and continues well in the '90s. Soap Operas are among the most romantic ever in terms of story line, and there are some really cool game shows, with Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and The Price is Right peaking in popularity. It is a time like no other in TV history.
Fashion: 4 While in the actual '80s, there are some things we can now do without, people dressed up like they really meant to. The hairstyles are also making a comeback as well.
Sports: 3 NBA's popularity peaks; unfortunately, Baseball suffered a couple of strikes and the difficulty of a team making the playoffs really hurt this sport. The NHL and NFL continue to thrive, with the NHL probably having it's best decade ever.
Technology: 4.5 A magical time in development, where it seemed like every month something new would come out, rather it be a new video game system, scientific calculator, personal computer, floppy disk title, casette, CD rom, electronic (you name it). Living became much more comfortable.
Events: 4.5 A few blips here and there, such as the Challenger Explosion  or the assassination attempt, but overall not much happened in the '80s, and the economy really prospered from mid-1983 on, and gas prices stabilized a dropped a little mid-decade.

Overall: 4.2 (Very Good)

The '90s:

Music: 2.5 Music really became seriously fragmented, as Top 40 no longer became listenable to most, and talk radio boomed. Rap became more than just a passing fad; and Rock was terrible from 1995 on as grunge couldn't improve rock music. Country and R&B were the bright spots, particularly the Divas.
Movies: 3.5 The last solid decade for movie creativity, as CGI (for better for worse) got better and better through the decade. The movie soundtrack hit it's zenith as well, and stadium-seating cinemas were introduced. Home video's popularity was simply an '80s carryover, and the Laser Disc attempt failed.
Television: 4 The last good decade for TV so far. Sitcoms reach an all-time peak, and cable TV continues to expand. Satellite TV is also introduced, providing a whole new array of channels. Game shows diminish for a few years only to be revived in popularity through GSN. However, I would only give 1999 a 2 with a steep drop-off in quality that year.
Fashion: 1.5 DULL. Everything was bland and boring, there just isn't much interest in this even today, and I don't think 90's fashion will come back as strong as earlier decades. At least you didn't have to dress up as much on average.
Sports: 4.5 Many new sports received sudden popularity this decade, and it was an all-around good decade for sports.
Technology: 4 The Internet of course was the big thing. But why do we have to become so interested in the secondary characteristics of so many products, such as memory, torque, passwords, and user keys. It was booming yet somewhat confusing.
Events: 3.5 After a shaky start with the Gulf War and recession, most of this decade was fairly quiet, although the rise of Cable News Networks and globalization began to keep many of us on our feet for longer than we may want to.

Overall: 3.4 (Average)

The '00s:

Music: 1 It would help if you searched Google and typed: "your best songs of 2003" and try a couple, and see if you like them. Good luck finding a good playlist, as downloading and MP3 really has turned the industry upside down.
Movies: 2 Not as bad as the '60s, but there aren't manty PG or calmer films released nowadays which ensures that it isn't as child friendly. CGI is to movies now to what drum machines were to music in the '80s. Many movies are being remade with mixed results. With libraries offering free movies and websites allowing you to watch them online, the Home Video industry has also been changed.
Television: 1 EEEEK! Lousy commercials, few good sitcoms, and lots of infomercials and news programs, despite all of the channels available, mainstream television has lost its ground after a half-century of good quality.
Fashion: 1 YUCK! I just can't stand the Goth/Emo/Glam Rap look, being retro or clean is probably the best thing to do.
Sports: 4 Definately a bright spot this decade, altough there has been a considerable rise in controversy. Many new stadiums/arenas have been built.
Technology: 3 "How do I use this 3G?" Definately the "Love-it-or-hate-it" decade for tech, it even is altering our religions.
Events: 2 Possibly the darkest decade since the Depression, there's always either "BREAKING NEWS" or a "STOCK SELL-OFF" at every bend in the road.

Overall: 2 (Poor)

i think the 2000s are underrated, above, for television -- the 00s have seen a renaissance in television, in my opinion, from shows like dead like me, weeds, scrubs, 30 rock, firefly, and a bunch i cant remember off the top of my head. i agree with you, though, that 00s music tends to be uninspired and insipid. there are a few exceptions.

the things you cite as being good about the 70s -- the rise of the blockbuster, special effects, and multiplex cinemas -- are exactly what i think have largely ruined movies.  :D i mean, yes, star wars and close encounters were cool but i think you can draw a direct link between them and the endless chain of nondescript and generic special-effects fests we're getting choked by nowadays (how many adaptations of comic books can we possibly make? well, it seems like all that can be laid at the feet of the 1978 "superman", which, though a passable movie in its own right, has inspired a gross of insufferable imitators. and contrast that with the early 70s, giving us movies like american graffiti and thx-1138, duel, the godfather and the french connection and a lot of other very excellent movies for grown-ups, directed by the exact same people who would give us childish papp like "return of the jedi" and ET later on.

i also really love the B-movies of the 60s.

thanks for posting this, though. viva la difference, yes?

Why does there always have to be a contest between the decades? There have been (and will always be) good & bad things about each decade. The thing is to learn from each one.



Cat

No one decade is the best, and anyone who can actually say there is, only gives a biased opinion

You could say the 2000s is the best becuase of all the top technologies that make life easier or you could say the 1950s are the best because you didn't need top technologies to survive.  Realistically though, the greatest decade ever was 50 B.C.  Why?  Because I feel like being an ass :D

Oh, but don't forget, Jas, that the 50s BC saw the rise to power of Cleopatra, and the birth of legendary historian Livy.

Oh, but don't forget, Jas, that the 50s BC saw the rise to power of Cleopatra, and the birth of legendary historian Livy.


definately good valid points!

Many people on this board grade the decades based on simply a single category. For example, "60's music was the best", "00's television was the worst!". What could make it more interesting if we combined several pop culture categories and after a bunch of posts, determine a final average to see which decade had the best overall atmosphere.

Using the standard 0-5 scale that is found in many post, grade each decade from the 50's-00's for the categories of Music, Movies, Television, Fashion, Sports, Technology, and Society (Which includes economy, miscellaneous fads, and news events.) I will make my own opinion for starters.

The '50s:

Music... 3 (Boring in the first half of the decade with Swing dead with mainly adult singers and rock & doo-wop underground, but the second half has some of the finest music ever made in the form of the Rock & Roll explosion. 1959 was also a good year for Jazz music.)
Movies... 4 (Not quite as good as the '30s and '40s, but with most films now in color, drive-ins surging in popularity along with the 3-D (making a comeback today!) and widescreen movies, the prices were cheap and Looney Tunes and newsreels were still found before the show started). What keeps this decade from a 5 are the cheesy sci-fi movies.
Television... 5 (The biggest advance to come out of the '50s allowed people to see instant visual entertainment without leaving their home. No other decade had so much variety in TV than the '50s. )
Fashion... 4 (Hats from earlier times were pretty much a thing of the past, though people still dressed up, until the greasers arrived creating a youth culture. A solid decade for fashion, and the hairstyles were good.)
Sports...3 (The color barrier was fading as Baseball's popularity peaked, along with the development of the NBA and the NFL. However, the NBA, NHL, and NFL were still pretty small franchises so many large cities didn't have a great sports scene. The classic era of Boxing begins.)
Technology...2 (Sadly, this is the low point of the 50's, as while the economy was good, this was mainly a decade for progress to deliver the technology for later decades. Computers were still mostly used by a select few professionals. The 33 and 45 record was a nice advance for this decade as 78's faded around decades' end. Pinball machines did take off, however.
Events... 4 (Except for the Korean War, this was a generally peaceful decade worldwide.  You could visit Baghdad without feeling afraid for one moment.)

Overall: 3.6 (Good)

The '60s:

Music... 5 (No single decade in history has produced music as interesting and enjoyable as the 1960s. It will never happen again in our lifetime. While Beatlemania may become overrated after listening to them for hours and hours, there's so many other good songs that it will take you years and years to see it all. From the early decade Folk, Teen Idols, and Girl Groups; the mid-decade British Invasion, surf rock, and pop, to the Psychedelic and Funk emerging late in the decade; along with Motown, Stax, and Atlantic records, the Holy Trinity of Soul music.)
Movies... 1 (Unfortunately, the movie industry had possibly it's worst decade ever here. 1963 was the worst year ever for the movie industry, and many low-budget, B-films were released. Television's full impact may have played a part in this, as networks started to air movies on TV.)
Televison... 4.5 While not quite as good as the '50s, there was still a lot of variety to be found, as musical programs peaked with Ed Sullivan, American Bandstand, Hullaballoo, and Top Of The Pops. Cartoons were quite good with Hanna-Barbera breaking through and educational programming on the rise. Color was also a big plus.
Fashion... 5  A Very diverse decade for fashion. Adults dressed cleanly, while the youth would follow the latest trends, with fashion from this decade still somewhat popular today.
Sports... 4 This was the decade of the NFL with the first Super Bowls played. Baseball expanded with new teams. Wilt Chamberlain was the first NBA Superstar, and the first Boston-Lakers rivalry was launched. Unfortunately, most stadiums built in this decade weren't that great in design and most are gone today.
Technology... 2.5 Adding machines became more sophisticated as a prelude to calculators, and transistor radios made listening to music portable. Most cars now offer power steering and in 1964, all have seat belts. Fax machines and Xerox also begin to make an appearance. Otherwise, it was still very simple times.
Events... 2.5  Unfortunately, many books about this decade's various events show that it was a turbulent decade in society, especially the second half, with Vietnam, assissinations, and Civil Rights movemnts. The New Left also ensures that various traditions will never be seen or heard of again. The use of "Mr." and "Mrs." is declining in the US and Canada, a sign that society is becoming less formal. That's why while it was interesting, most people probably don't want another "'60s" atmosphere again, despite the peaceful start.

Overall: (3.5) Good

The '70s:

Music: 4 While 95% of this decade's music is listenable and enjoyable, it was definately a decade were something from the '60s was missing. Still, it is now the decade of choice for most Oldies/Classic Hits stations, and the first decade to easily find what you're looking for on today's radio playlists. 1978-1979 were probably the weakest years simply due to the massive Disco Bandwagon for artists where Disco would be very unnatural.
Movies: 4 After a weak start, movies become more action-packed and experimental with special effects. The first Blockbusters come out, and multiplexes allow multiple movies to be shown in one building. Many movies from this time period have a "happy ending" as well, and soundtrack music really becomes big as well. Unfortunately, Drive-Ins experienced a sharp decline.
Television: 4.5 Another Good Decade with great Game Shows, Sitcoms, and even solid "made-for-TV movies". Soap Operas probably have their best decade ever here. Musical programs are fewer, but Soul Train gives a new light for R&B/Soul artists. Network Affiliate Programming gives a local identity of TV programming.
Fashion: 3 Very progressive but we could do without the Bell Bottoms and Polyester today.
Sports: 4 Although Baseball starts it's long, slow decline, the NHL, NBA, and NFL continue to grow and expand. People become more interested in the secondary sports as the TV networks air them to a wider audience.
Technology... 2 While the R&D progress showed a lot of promise for the decades to come, this was still a rather low-tech decade. Who owns an 8-track player today? TV sets simply grew woody. Late in the decade, Home Video began to emerge, although most wouldn't get to experience it until sometime in the early-mid '80s. Microwave Ovens arrived late in the decade in most homes. Also, car styles got blander as the decade progressed, with most 1979 models boxy in style and the convertable took a hiatus as well.
Events... 2 Definatly a "negative-feeling" atmosphere, especially through 1975 and again at decade's end, with Disco a draw to help woo people up.

Overall: 3.4 (Average)

The '80s:

Music: 4 The last great decade in terms of pop music, although much of it depended on simply synthesizers and drum machines. MTV revolutionized how we think of pop music today yet the lyrics will still good and understandable, and the cheese you see in MTV videos will never be seen again. Many non-MTV artists have underrated music as well. Even the ballads won't make you fall asleep. The catchiness of most songs is hard to forget as well.
Movies: 4.5 The golden age of the Blockbuster; merchandise from many films are common and action/adventure movies really flourished. This is the last decade before CGI became a necessisty in most films, however.
Television: 5  Awesome! We definately entered the era of choice here, with cable TV breaking through, as well as stereo and closed-captioning improving technology. The new  begins with Family Ties and Cheers and continues well in the '90s. Soap Operas are among the most romantic ever in terms of story line, and there are some really cool game shows, with Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and The Price is Right peaking in popularity. It is a time like no other in TV history.
Fashion: 4 While in the actual '80s, there are some things we can now do without, people dressed up like they really meant to. The hairstyles are also making a comeback as well.
Sports: 3 NBA's popularity peaks; unfortunately, Baseball suffered a couple of strikes and the difficulty of a team making the playoffs really hurt this sport. The NHL and NFL continue to thrive, with the NHL probably having it's best decade ever.
Technology: 4.5 A magical time in development, where it seemed like every month something new would come out, rather it be a new video game system, scientific calculator, personal computer, floppy disk title, casette, CD rom, electronic (you name it). Living became much more comfortable.
Events: 4.5 A few blips here and there, such as the Challenger Explosion  or the assassination attempt, but overall not much happened in the '80s, and the economy really prospered from mid-1983 on, and gas prices stabilized a dropped a little mid-decade.

Overall: 4.2 (Very Good)

The '90s:

Music: 2.5 Music really became seriously fragmented, as Top 40 no longer became listenable to most, and talk radio boomed. Rap became more than just a passing fad; and Rock was terrible from 1995 on as grunge couldn't improve rock music. Country and R&B were the bright spots, particularly the Divas.
Movies: 3.5 The last solid decade for movie creativity, as CGI (for better for worse) got better and better through the decade. The movie soundtrack hit it's zenith as well, and stadium-seating cinemas were introduced. Home video's popularity was simply an '80s carryover, and the Laser Disc attempt failed.
Television: 4 The last good decade for TV so far. Sitcoms reach an all-time peak, and cable TV continues to expand. Satellite TV is also introduced, providing a whole new array of channels. Game shows diminish for a few years only to be revived in popularity through GSN. However, I would only give 1999 a 2 with a steep drop-off in quality that year.
Fashion: 1.5 DULL. Everything was bland and boring, there just isn't much interest in this even today, and I don't think 90's fashion will come back as strong as earlier decades. At least you didn't have to dress up as much on average.
Sports: 4.5 Many new sports received sudden popularity this decade, and it was an all-around good decade for sports.
Technology: 4 The Internet of course was the big thing. But why do we have to become so interested in the secondary characteristics of so many products, such as memory, torque, passwords, and user keys. It was booming yet somewhat confusing.
Events: 3.5 After a shaky start with the Gulf War and recession, most of this decade was fairly quiet, although the rise of Cable News Networks and globalization began to keep many of us on our feet for longer than we may want to.

Overall: 3.4 (Average)

The '00s:

Music: 1 It would help if you searched Google and typed: "your best songs of 2003" and try a couple, and see if you like them. Good luck finding a good playlist, as downloading and MP3 really has turned the industry upside down.
Movies: 2 Not as bad as the '60s, but there aren't manty PG or calmer films released nowadays which ensures that it isn't as child friendly. CGI is to movies now to what drum machines were to music in the '80s. Many movies are being remade with mixed results. With libraries offering free movies and websites allowing you to watch them online, the Home Video industry has also been changed.
Television: 1 EEEEK! Lousy commercials, few good sitcoms, and lots of infomercials and news programs, despite all of the channels available, mainstream television has lost its ground after a half-century of good quality.
Fashion: 1 YUCK! I just can't stand the Goth/Emo/Glam Rap look, being retro or clean is probably the best thing to do.
Sports: 4 Definately a bright spot this decade, altough there has been a considerable rise in controversy. Many new stadiums/arenas have been built.
Technology: 3 "How do I use this 3G?" Definately the "Love-it-or-hate-it" decade for tech, it even is altering our religions.
Events: 2 Possibly the darkest decade since the Depression, there's always either "BREAKING NEWS" or a "STOCK SELL-OFF" at every bend in the road.

Overall: 2 (Poor)
Disagree with you on the 90's music giving it a rating of 2.5 heavily. I would agree on 1990-1991 and 1999 for not being good years musically. Top 40 radio was pretty listenable in the 90's to me.

I would give 00's music a rating of 2.5 myself.

00's sports:

The NFL and NASCAR have done well but the NBA and NHL not so well in the ratings book.

00's in TV:

I would give 00's TV a rating of a 2 maybe I just don;t like "Dancing With The Stars" or "American Idol", or So You Think You Can Dance.

Also, the NBA's popularity didn;t peak in the 80's, the NBA was probably the most popular sport in the 90's.

Is this a McFly thread ? Look at the length of that opening post ! < Can't be bothered to read all THAT !




Realistically though, the greatest decade ever was 50 B.C.  Why?  Because I feel like being an ass :D



Hey .... you may well actually be RIGHT there !  You could just drag a woman off to a cave back then ..... and not have to worry about doing time afterwards wearing black and white pyjamas !  8)





















:D

The Victorian decades had their moments of fun.

An interesting topic!  The only problem is, so much depends on our respective memories  ::)  I'll give a couple of areas a shot:

Music
50's - 3.  Cut because I only count the latter half of the decade.  If the decade began in '54, I'd bump it up to 4 - early rock 'n roll was quite good.
60's - 4.5.  The main reason I didn't say 5 was because the beginning of the decade (60-mid 63) was quite weak.  But the rest of the decade was outstanding.  Mid-late 60's music sets the standard.
70's - 4.5.  My favorite music decade is 70's.  To me, an outstanding decade.  It's only weakness was that Disco was so pervasive at the end of the decade.  Otherwise a great decade for music.
80's - 4.  An awful lot of 80's music was great, though creativity began to erode as the decade wore on.  Late 80's music wasn't as good, overall, but there was still plenty to enjoy.  Overall, a very good music decade.
90's, 00's < 2.  Not a fan of much anything 90's and beyond.  I could elaborate but will decline.

TV
50's - can't rate, don't remember
60's - 5.  TV was still 'young' in the 60's but just mature enough.  It didn't rely on sensationalism to sell, but rather talent.  The best TV happened in the 60's.
70's - 4.  The 70's was a strong decade for TV.  Some 70's sitcoms are all time classics.  Dramas were pretty decent, too.  The trend toward cookie cutter police shows seemed to start then.  The slow increase in violence on TV was apparent too, although violence was still generally tame even by the end of the decade.  Overall, a fine decade for TV.
80's - 4.5.  The 80's was another excellent decade for TV.  TV started to become less family friendly - although there were great classic family shows then.  Violence also continued to trend upward.  But overall another fine decade for TV watching.
90's - 3.  Not as good as the prior decades; not all bad either.  Sensationalism was creeping in - not a good thing.  Mean-spiritedness became the norm in some instances.  But some well loved series aired in the 90's.  Overall, so-so.
00's < 3.  Although the decade's not over, there's a lot to complain about.  Sensationalism is rampant, so is wanton violence.  Reality shows - generally not good.  Even TV cartoons seem lame.  Not a great decade for TV watching IMO.

Movies
50's - can't rate, don't remember
60's - 3.  When I think of great movies, 60's movies aren't usually what I think of.  There were some good 60's movies, but not so many incredible ones.  Overall, so-so.
70's - 3.5.  The 70's could've been better movie-wise, but stuff like scary/horror films, kung fu movies, and blaxploitation films occupied too much of the 70's creative juices.  (Horror films became real horror films in the 70's.)  Still, there were some outstanding films cut then.  Overall, just a tic above so-so.
80's - 4.5.  The 80's was an excellent decade for movies.  There were so many outstanding movies from the 80's that have become classic.  Film creativity was in high gear then.  The only downside is the proliferation of slasher horror movies.
90's - 3.5.  There were some outstanding movies in the 90's.  As with TV, sensationalism was rampant.  A strength is in the genre of animated/kid-oriented movies.  Overall, the 90's was slightly above so-so for movies.
00's - 3.  There have been some excellent movies this decade.  Sensationalism is quite rampant, though.  Creativity seems diminished, which is never good.  Not a horrible movie decade but not great - so-so.

Events: 4.5 A few blips here and there, such as the Challenger Explosion  or the assassination attempt, but overall not much happened in the '80s, and the economy really prospered from mid-1983 on, and gas prices stabilized a dropped a little mid-decade.



   More than a few blips.  Off the top, I can recall - Times Beach, Love Canal, Iranian Hostage Crisis, Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan, Iran vs. Iraq, Israeli Invasion of Lebanon, Israeli Air Force vs. Iraqi Nuclear Facility, Iran/Contra Affair, ABSCAM, Sabra & Shatila Massacre, Benigno Aquino Assasissination, Chrysler Bailout, Granada Invasion, Attack on US Marine Barracks (Lebanon), Chernobyl Disaster, Perestroika & Glasnost, Falkland Islands War, Challenger Disaster, Assassination Attempt on Reagan, Golden Temple Massacre, Assassination of Indira Ghandi, Bhopal Disaster, Mt. St. Helens Eruption, Reaganomics, Solidarność vs. Communist Regime & etc... 

   Adding another - KAL 007.  Big blip...
                          Ryan White...
                          Achille Lauro Hijacking...