Miami Vice Goes to the Theme Park (Ep. 88)
This week, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey connect the dots between an MTV-inspired TV phenomenon and one of the most ambitious nighttime stunt shows ever staged at a Universal theme park. From Brandon Tartikoff’s “MTV Cops” brainstorm to exploding boats on Universal Studios Lagoon, the guys unpack how Miami Vice helped shape theme park history - even when Universal Florida was not allowed to use the name.
NEWS
• Universal announces a global Pokémon theme park expansion tied to the franchise’s 30th anniversary
• Early speculation on where Pokémon could land stateside, including Lost Continent and Simpsons real estate
• Universal files a trademark for “OZTACULAR SPECTACULAR,” fueling Oz land rumors for the rumored UK park
• First public look at the Universal Kids Resort model ahead of its Frisco, Texas opening
• Reactions to Wicked: Part Two being shut out of this year’s Academy Award nominations
FEATURE
• How Miami Vice evolved from “MTV Cops” into a pop culture juggernaut
• Why Universal Studios Hollywood repurposed its A-Team stunt show into the Miami Vice Action Spectacular
• The borrowed mine cart chase that directly inspired Disney-MGM’s Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular
• Why Universal Studios Florida’s lagoon show became Dynamite Nights instead of Miami Vice - and how long it ran
HOSTS
• Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com
• Eric Hersey - IG: @erichersey | X: @erichersey | Website: StrongMindedAgency.com
FOLLOW
• Facebook: JimHillMediaNews
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• TikTok: JimHillMedia
SUPPORT
Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia.
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency
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