Do you remember when people read physical magazines? Those were the days. Even if you’re too young to have experienced it, trust me, it was a ritual for millions. You could grab the latest issue from a corner newsstand, a drugstore rack, or even the grocery checkout line. And those TV ads! “For only three easy payments of $9.99, you’ll receive a fresh issue every week for a year!”
Magazines had a certain magic; sleek covers, glossy pages, and that unmistakable scent of fresh ink. While newspapers kept train commuters and kitchen-table readers informed, magazines spoke to the style, hobbies, and passions of their readers. The only real dilemma was deciding which of the hundreds of titles to dive into. In this post, I’m flipping through the pages of the past, revisiting classics you might just remember – and maybe even miss.
A Bit of Newsstand History
Times have changed, for better or worse. If you’ve ever been to New York City, you’ve probably seen what’s called a newsstand (or “news stand,” if you prefer two words). These fixtures sell all sorts of things: magazines, newspapers, candy, lottery tickets, and drinks. They’ve always been set up in the most convenient spots – on busy sidewalks, inside Grand Central and Penn Stations, down in subway stations; anywhere foot traffic is king.
When I was a kid, I mostly remember the ones tucked inside Grand Central and the kiosks perched on the corners of so many streets and avenues.
Here’s a fun fact: in the 1950s, there were more than 1,500 newsstands across New York City. Today? Fewer than 300 remain. The reason is simple. Fewer people are buying newspapers and magazines. That’s it. That’s the whole story.
The newsstand in Grand Central Terminal, where I used to buy a dozen magazines a month, doesn’t sell magazines anymore.
– Trip Gabriel
The smartphone has upended countless industries, and print media has taken one of the hardest hits. With so much competition, it’s no wonder the newsstand owners who’ve managed to hang on have shifted their focus. These days, it’s less about stacks of newspapers and glossy magazines and more about snacks, drinks, and handy last-minute items. Think umbrellas, gum, or even cigarettes.
Here’s another fun fact: if you’ve ever wondered who runs most of these stands, it’s largely immigrants from South Asia, particularly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. In places like Manhattan and Queens, they’ve long been the backbone of the newsstand scene.
Of course, the point of this post isn’t to give a deep dive into New York’s newsstand history. It’s more about revisiting the magazines that ruled the 1980s; those cultural touchstones that spark instant nostalgia. Keep reading, and you just might find a few old favorites. And if I missed yours, drop it in the comments.
Most Popular Magazines of the ’80s
Before I begin with my list, I’ll offer some reaction from the internet. This is one person’s opinion of the era.
Why were magazines in the 1980s so popular?
In the ’80s, magazines were life. There were huge stands and stores, especially around the city, that sold nothing but mags. The reason for this is that every person had their tastes and was simply dying to occupy their time. It was the closest thing to the internet we had.
Which magazines were the best?
Saying which was the best is very tough. To each his own in those days. People, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and others were popular. I can’t fathom another design method that emulated those examples with any regularity. Maybe the New Yorker or TV Guide. Dare I say Playboy or Hustler?
Here we go – the list. Whether or not they’re my personal picks, they’re the ones people remember most fondly.
Mad Magazine
This first one is huge, and I remember it well. It’s my top pick because I was young in the ’80s, and I recall how popular the magazine was among my friends. MAD is an American humor magazine that was launched in 1952 and is currently published by DC Comics.
In the 1980s, MAD Magazine remained a cornerstone of American satire, lampooning politics, pop culture, television, movies, and advertising with its trademark irreverence. Guided by long-time editor Al Feldstein (until 1984) and later Nick Meglin and John Ficarra, the magazine embraced the decade’s excesses, skewering everything from Reagan-era politics to blockbuster films like Star Wars and Ghostbusters. Iconic features such as “Spy vs. Spy,” “The Lighter Side of…,” and Mort Drucker’s movie parodies kept readers laughing, while Alfred E. Neuman’s gap-toothed grin symbolized MAD’s playful defiance of authority.
The magazine’s satirical edge adapted to the rise of cable TV, MTV, and celebrity culture, offering sharp, absurd, and often biting commentary. Throughout the 1980s, MAD maintained its role as the ultimate anti-establishment voice for teens and adults alike – mocking trends, challenging norms, and proving that nothing in pop culture or politics was too sacred to spoof.
Rolling Stone
Rolling Stone launched in 1967, founded by Jann Wenner and music critic Ralph J. Gleason in San Francisco. Blending rock ’n’ roll coverage with political journalism, it quickly became a counterculture icon, shaping how music and social issues were reported for a new generation.
The 1980s were good to Rolling Stone magazine. It evolved from its 1960s counterculture roots into a mainstream authority on music, politics, and popular culture. Under founder Jann Wenner’s leadership, the magazine expanded its coverage beyond rock to include pop, new wave, punk, and the emerging MTV-driven music scene. It profiled and interviewed major artists like Bruce Springsteen, Prince, U2, and Madonna, while continuing hard-hitting political reporting from writers like Hunter S. Thompson.
The magazine also delved into film, television, and social issues, reflecting the decade’s cultural shifts. With its mix of glossy celebrity covers, in-depth journalism, and music criticism, Rolling Stone became both a tastemaker and a chronicler of 1980s America, capturing the energy of the era while maintaining a sharp editorial voice. By decade’s end, it was firmly established as a cultural institution bridging music fandom with serious journalism. If you were seen carrying or reading this magazine in the ’80s, it meant you were “in the know.”
Boys’ Life
Boys’ Life debuted in 1911 as the official magazine of the Boy Scouts of America. Created to inspire and entertain young scouts, it blended adventure stories, scouting tips, and educational content, becoming a staple in youth culture and a trusted companion for generations of boys learning outdoor skills and values.
I used to read Boys’ Life (now Scout Life) back when I was a Cub Scout and Webelo – late ’70s, maybe early ’80s. My favorite part wasn’t the wholesome stories or merit badge tips; it was the ads crammed into the backmost pages. Two in particular were legendary. One promised instant muscle with some mysterious powder, illustrated by a scrawny guy on a beach getting sand kicked in his face by a smug, chiseled rival, who, of course, had a gorgeous girl on his arm. The other was a contraption claiming you could fly using nothing more than a vacuum cleaner motor and some random parts. As a kid, I was hooked. Were they scams? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. Those ads were equal parts ridiculous and magical and I loved every second of believing they might actually work.
As a matter of fact, I’ve located one of the ads for you. This one advertises the machine that “floats on air.”
Interested in seeing a huge number of Boys’ Life ads? Take a look at this video:
Crazy Ads In Boys’ Life Magazine! Remember These?
I watched the video myself and have come to conclude that I was heavily influenced by what Boys’ Life contained on its pages. I used to love pocketknives and gadgets and all sorts of things that were found advertised and referenced inside.
During the 1980s, Boys’ Life magazine, published by the Boy Scouts of America, remained a staple for young readers, blending entertainment, education, and Scouting values. Each monthly issue featured adventure stories, comic strips, puzzles, and how-to guides aimed at fostering creativity, self-reliance, and outdoor skills. Regular columns offered tips on camping, hiking, and first aid, while also covering science, technology, and hobbies that reflected the decade’s growing interest in computers and space exploration.
The magazine showcased real-life Scouts’ achievements, inspiring service and leadership. Its tone was wholesome yet engaging, often balancing practical advice with lighthearted humor. With colorful illustrations, engaging photography, and a focus on positive role models, Boys’ Life in the 1980s continued its mission of “fun with a purpose,” nurturing curiosity and character for generations of young readers. It was both a guidebook and a companion for boys navigating youth during the decade.
National Lampoon
National Lampoon began in 1970 as an offshoot of the Harvard Lampoon, blending edgy satire, absurd humor, and sharp cultural commentary. Its irreverent tone and fearless approach quickly made it a counterculture icon, influencing comedy, film, and a generation of humor writers.
All throughout the ’80s, National Lampoon kept its reputation for pushing boundaries with humor that was sharp, weird, and totally unapologetic. Each issue was a mix of biting satire, absurd short pieces, fake ads, and edgy cartoons that went after everything; politics, celebrities, trends, and everyday life. It still carried that rebellious, “nothing’s off limits” vibe from its ’70s heyday, though some readers felt the edge was softening a bit.
Even so, the magazine was still a cultural force, thanks in part to its name being splashed on hit comedies like National Lampoon’s Vacation and European Vacation. By the late ’80s, it wasn’t quite the must-read it once was, but it was still the place to go for humor that was smarter, stranger, and a little more dangerous than what you’d find anywhere else. It was the comedy world’s class clown, older now, but still making everyone laugh.
Time
Time magazine debuted in 1923, founded by Henry Luce and Briton Hadden as the first weekly newsmagazine in the U.S. Designed to condense complex stories into brief, accessible summaries, it revolutionized how Americans consumed news, blending reporting with a distinct, authoritative voice.
Time magazine was huge in the ’80s. It was one of the big three: Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News & World Report. Each of these three magazines offered weekly editions, with Time being the most widespread and prominent. We all know Time for their “Person of the Year,” from Adolf Hitler to Winston Churchill to Queen Elizabeth II to Donald Trump. Some years, the cover for Person of the Year didn’t include a person at all. Such examples would be The American Fighting-Man, The Hungarian Freedom Fighter, and The Endangered Earth.
Time magazine was a staple for American culture in the 1980s, emulating what the New York Times had on offer. Think politics and global affairs, economics and business, science and technology, and culture and society. This magazine was one of the most popular in the world.
National Geographic
If you grew up in the ’80s, you probably saw this one everywhere. Those bright yellow borders stacked in your friend’s garage, tucked under the coffee table, or piled high in the school library. National Geographic had a kind of quiet prestige, like owning a little piece of the world.
It’s been around almost forever, starting way back in 1888 as a scholarly journal. Once it began adding stunning photos – black-and-white at first, then full color in 1910 – it became the globe-trotting, culture-exploring magazine we all recognize.
In the ’80s, its U.S. circulation soared to 12 million. Today, it’s about 3.5 million here (6.5 million worldwide), but its reach is still massive, printed in 40 languages. Back then, every issue felt like an adventure; a trip to faraway places without ever leaving your living room.
Sports Illustrated
During the 1980s, Sports Illustrated stood at the forefront of American sports journalism, continuing to blend in-depth reporting, striking photography, and cultural commentary. The magazine covered major sports events of the decade; Super Bowls, NBA Finals, World Series, Olympics, while profiling legendary athletes like Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, and Martina Navratilova. Known for its narrative style, it went beyond box scores to explore the personalities, rivalries, and human stories behind the games.
The annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, already a phenomenon, became a major cultural event during this period. With a mix of investigative pieces, long-form features, and vivid imagery, Sports Illustrated of the 1980s captured not only the drama of competition but also the era’s changing sports landscape, including the rise of cable TV, expanding global events, and the growing commercialization of athletics. It was the sports fan’s essential read and a cultural touchstone of the decade.
The New Yorker
The New Yorker launched in 1925 as a sophisticated humor and literary magazine for urban readers. Founded by Harold Ross, it set itself apart with sharp wit, polished prose, and iconic cartoons, quickly becoming a cultural touchstone for intelligent commentary and storytelling.
Throughout the 1980s, The New Yorker continued doing what it did best, sharing smart, thoughtful writing mixed with that signature aforementioned wit. It was still the go-to for in-depth reporting, sharp cultural commentary, and those famously clever cartoons that could make you smirk in three seconds flat. The magazine balanced serious investigative pieces with literary short stories from some of the best writers of the time, giving it a rare mix of brains and charm.
Through the Reagan years, it tackled politics, arts, and the changing social scene with a voice that was both sophisticated and sly. Whether you were reading a deep dive into global affairs or chuckling at a single-panel cartoon, it felt like the magazine knew exactly how to keep you entertained and informed without talking down to you. In short, the ’80s New Yorker was classic; polished, smart, and always just a little ahead of the curve.
TV Guide
TV Guide debuted in 1953, created by Walter Annenberg to capitalize on America’s growing obsession with television. With its handy listings, celebrity features, and colorful covers, it quickly became a household staple, guiding viewers through the rapidly expanding world of TV programming.
TV Guide was basically the 1980’s version of the remote control before remote controls got fancy. Every week, it told you exactly what was on, when it was on, and why you might want to watch it. The listings were the heart of it, but the magazine was more than just a grid of times and channels; it was packed with behind-the-scenes stories, celebrity interviews, and little nuggets about your favorite shows.
Whether you were following Dallas’s cliffhangers, tuning in for The Cosby Show, or catching the latest Cheers episode, TV Guide kept you in the loop. Its compact size made it perfect for coffee tables and kitchen counters, and the covers, featuring everyone from sitcom stars to dramatic leads, were mini pop culture time capsules. In the pre-internet era, TV Guide wasn’t just a magazine; it was your trusty navigator through the golden age of ’80s television.
Newsweek
Newsweek launched in 1933, founded by Thomas J.C. Martyn, a former foreign editor for Time. Aiming to summarize and analyze the week’s news, it blended concise reporting with photography. Quickly becoming a major rival to Time, it carved out a reputation for sharp, timely journalism.
In the 1980s, Newsweek was one of America’s go-to weekly news magazines, delivering national and international coverage with a mix of politics, business, science, and culture. It aimed for a balance between in-depth reporting and accessibility, often weaving in human-interest stories alongside hard news. Compared to Time, Newsweek had a slightly more conversational tone and was sometimes seen as more adventurous in its cultural coverage.
While Time maintained a polished, establishment feel, often leading with sweeping cover stories that framed the week’s biggest events, Newsweek leaned toward sharper analysis and occasionally edgier features. Both were competing for the same coffee table space and business traveler’s briefcase, but Newsweek tended to position itself as the fresher alternative. In an era before the internet, the Time vs. Newsweek rivalry shaped how millions of Americans consumed their weekly dose of the world.
People
People magazine debuted in 1974, launched by Time Inc. as a human-interest weekly spotlighting celebrities, pop culture, and everyday heroes. With its lively mix of star profiles and real-life stories, it quickly became a cultural staple, offering Americans their favorite and most timely entertainment news.
People magazine was the ’80s go-to spot for celebrity buzz, heartwarming human-interest stories, and snapshots of pop culture at its most colorful. Every week, it felt like catching up with a friend who had all the inside scoop, whether it was about Hollywood’s biggest stars, the British royal family, or the TV and movie hits everyone was talking about.
But People wasn’t just fluff; it balanced the glitz with inspiring profiles of everyday folks doing extraordinary things, stories that stuck with you long after you closed the issue. The photos were bright, the headlines catchy, and the writing easy to sink into. It was perfect for reading on the couch, in a waiting room, or while sunbathing with a Walkman nearby. In a decade full of blockbuster movies, music video icons, and tabloid drama, People managed to capture the fun, the fascination, and the humanity behind it all.
Circus
Circus magazine launched in 1966 as a rock music publication, covering emerging and established artists with colorful photos, interviews, and concert reports. By the late ’70s and ’80s, it became a go-to source for hard rock and heavy metal fans, rivaling other music mags of the era.
When the culture of the 1980s rolled around in earnest, Circus magazine was a must-have for rock and metal fans who craved more than just the music; they wanted the full backstage pass. Packed with glossy photos, in-depth interviews, and tour coverage, Circus gave readers a front-row seat to the wild world of bands like Van Halen, Mötley Crüe, Def Leppard, and Metallica. It wasn’t afraid to embrace the excess of the era, celebrating big hair, loud guitars, and the rebellious spirit that defined the decade.
The writing mixed insider knowledge with fan-level enthusiasm, making it feel like your cool older sibling was letting you in on rock’s best-kept secrets. Whether it was album reviews, gear breakdowns, or juicy road stories, Circus kept its finger firmly on the pulse of the hard rock and heavy metal scene, becoming a trusted companion for anyone living life loud in the MTV age.
Hit Parader
Hit Parader began in 1942 as a general song lyrics magazine but evolved into a rock and heavy metal staple by the 1970s and ’80s. Known for interviews, band features, and fan-focused content, it became a favorite among teens following the decade’s biggest rock acts.
Hit Parader was right up there with Circus as a 1980’s go-to source for rock and metal fans, but it had its own flavor. While Circus leaned toward glossy spreads and backstage antics, Hit Parader often felt more straightforward, almost like a fan club newsletter with a professional polish. It delivered interviews, lyrics, and feature stories on the biggest acts of the day. Think Judas Priest, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses, while also giving space to up-and-coming bands.
Its tone was a bit more casual than Circus, often speaking directly to the reader like a fellow fan rather than an industry insider. Both magazines fed the same hunger for rock and metal culture, but Hit Parader was more about direct connection with the music and musicians, while Circus focused on the spectacle and lifestyle. Together, they were essential reading for anyone living through the hair-metal heyday.
Spin
Spin launched in 1985 and quickly carved out a niche that set it apart from Hit Parader and Circus. While those two thrived on hard rock and metal fandom, packed with band photos, tour gossip, and fan-service interviews, Spin came in with a broader, cooler, and more alternative agenda. It covered rock, yes, but also hip-hop, punk, and new wave, giving attention to artists the other two barely touched.
Instead of just celebrating the spectacle, Spin dug deeper into cultural commentary, social issues, and the music industry itself. Its tone was hip, sometimes irreverent, and aimed at readers who wanted more than just posters and setlists. They wanted perspective. Where Hit Parader and Circus were about being part of the fan club, Spin was like hanging out with the savvy friend who could turn you on to something new before it hit the mainstream.
The Face
Launched in 1980 by Nick Logan, The Face was the epitome of cool in print; a British style and culture magazine that blurred the lines between fashion, music, and art.
Not too long after its debut, the magazine became the go-to guide for trendsetters, spotlighting emerging subcultures, cutting-edge photography, and the latest in music from punk to new wave to acid house. Its bold layouts and iconic covers often felt more like art pieces than magazine fronts. While other publications reported on mainstream culture, The Face defined it, often months ahead of the curve. It wasn’t just about clothes or records, it was about attitude, identity, and the energy of youth culture. In short, The Face didn’t just cover the scene in the ’80s. it was the scene.
GQ
GQ began in 1931 as Apparel Arts, a trade publication for men’s fashion retailers. Its stylish content proved so popular that it evolved into Gentlemen’s Quarterly in 1957, eventually becoming a glossy lifestyle magazine for sophisticated men, blending fashion, culture, and journalism with a sharp, modern edge.
In the 1980s, GQ (Gentlemen’s Quarterly) cemented itself as the polished, sophisticated authority on men’s style, grooming, and culture. While it had been around long before the ’80s, as mentioned above, this decade saw GQ fully embrace a sleek, aspirational image that offered readers not just fashion advice, but also in-depth features on politics, sports, travel, and the arts. Its pages balanced sharp suits with sharp journalism, appealing to the upwardly mobile man who wanted to look good and stay informed.
Compared to The Face, GQ was more boardroom than nightclub. Where The Face thrived on the raw energy of youth culture and underground trends, GQ catered to a more mature, established audience who valued timeless elegance over fleeting subcultural waves. The Face might tell you what’s hot in the clubs this month; GQ would tell you how to wear a tailored suit in Milan or order wine in Paris. Both shaped style in the ’80s, just from opposite ends of the cultural spectrum.
Motor Trend
Motor Trend was easily some of the 1980’s most popular requisite reading for car enthusiasts who craved the latest news, reviews, and industry insights. Each issue covered new model releases, detailed road tests, and the decade’s growing interest in performance, technology, and fuel efficiency.
Its annual “Car of the Year” award was a major event, influencing buyers and sparking debates among gearheads. The ’80s saw Motor Trend balancing coverage between classic American muscle, the rise of Japanese imports, and European luxury, reflecting a rapidly shifting auto market.
With sharp photography, technical specs, and no-nonsense analysis, the magazine gave readers both the excitement of dream cars and the practical information needed for everyday driving decisions. It was part showroom, part toolbox, always with a gearhead’s heart.
Seventeen Magazine
Seventeen magazine was a staple for teenage girls during the epic decade we call the ’80s, blending trends in clothing, beauty tips, and lifestyle advice with an upbeat, relatable tone. It showcased the decade’s signature styles; big hair, bold makeup, and colorful, layered outfits, while also covering topics like dating, friendships, and self-confidence.
Each issue balanced lighthearted quizzes and celebrity features with more thoughtful articles on school, career aspirations, and social issues relevant to young women.
In an era before social media, Seventeen served as both a style guide and a trusted friend, shaping trends and offering guidance during the often awkward teen years. The magazine reflected the optimism and excess of the ’80s, yet also encouraged individuality and ambition.
Whether it was advice on how to nail prom night, interviews with pop stars, or tips for pulling together the perfect back-to-school look, Seventeen was the go-to manual for navigating adolescence with style, charm, and a touch of ’80s glam.
ELLE
Founded in France in 1945 by Hélène Gordon-Lazareff, ELLE began as a postwar women’s magazine celebrating fashion, beauty, and culture. Its name means “she” in French, and by the 1980s, it had expanded internationally, blending high fashion with accessible style for a global audience.
During the magazine’s aforementioned expansion, ELLE magazine emerged as a sophisticated, fashion-forward publication with a distinctly European flair. It showcased high-end couture, avant-garde photo spreads, and in-depth profiles of designers, artists, and cultural icons.
While Seventeen catered to teens navigating style and life’s early milestones, ELLE spoke to an older, more cosmopolitan audience; women ready to embrace bold fashion statements and global perspectives.
The magazine blended cutting-edge runway looks with thoughtful articles on art, politics, and lifestyle, reflecting the era’s growing fusion of fashion and culture. In contrast to Seventeen’s approachable, youthful tone, ELLE carried an air of sophistication and ambition, inspiring readers to see style as an extension of intellect and individuality.
By the end of the decade, it had positioned itself as a chic, worldly alternative to American fashion magazines, appealing to women who wanted glamour and substance in equal measure.
Of course, there were countless other popular magazines that belonged to the ’80s, but I had to draw the line somewhere. If there’s one you adored and think deserves a mention, I’d love to hear about it. Drop your favorite in the comments below.
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