The Saturday morning series was encoded with a signal that allowed enemy robots to "shoot" at viewers and their toys. (Batteries not included.)

TBT
A magazine writer coined the phrase, which had roots in the 1960s, and Judd Nelson wanted to punch him for it.
1975's 'Trilogy of Terror' featured three Richard Matheson adaptations—one of which, "Amelia," became a permanent fixture of viewers' nightmares.
When the 704-page 'A Game of Thrones' hit shelves on August 1, 1996, it received positive notices and respectable sales, but there was little hint of the hysteria that would follow.
The studio was so optimistic about their adaptation of the Mattel toy line that they started pre-production on a sequel. Then the movie came out ...
There was only one way you were ever going to see a shirtless David Letterman in a kayak: ABC's 'Battle of the Network Stars.'
"See Matt Dillon Eat Pizza!"
William Gruber made one of the definitive toys of the 20th century. He also thought Hitler was a pretty solid guy.
The fried egg/fried brain metaphor resonated with millions of teenagers, but the American Egg Board wasn't a fan.
A staple of 1990s pop culture, the billowy, harem-style pants have roots in Switzerland sanitariums.
A farting elephant puppet, cost overruns, and complex effects nearly sunk Disney's Michael Jackson attraction.
The series of slightly disturbing ads annoyed some, but paid off for the "Freshmaker" candy company.
You can still buy Morris Wilkins's Sweetheart Tub today, for $2395 plus installation fees.