Happy Max Headroom Hijacking Day

Happy 36th anniversary to the day when a still unknown pirate took over 2 signals of Chicago television. On the night of November 22, 1987, the first incursion took over during the sports segment of the 9 o’clock news of WGN. The hijack lasted only about 20 seconds until they could wrest back control. The incursion only showed video and a loud buzz while a character that appeared to look like Max Headroom danced about.

Max was everywhere in the early 1980’s and was the definition of the future at the time. Max was seen on TV in the US on Cinemax and can count George RR Martin as one of the writers. Yes, Game of Thrones George RR Martin who celebrated Max week for the 30th anniversary in 2017.

Approximately 2 hours later, the character then took over the PBS affiliate WTTW during an episode of Dr. Who. This time there was sound but it was slightly intelligible. Below watch the clip with helpful subtitles.

Read more about the episode on Wikipedia.