In "This Month in YesterYear History," we look back at the big pop culture moments from
20 (2006), 25 (2001), 30 (1996), and 35 (1991) years ago!
Below, you'll find a little time capsule of what was significant during this month in history. Hopefully, as you read these brief recaps of the past, you'll remember the who, when, and where of some long-tucked-away memories! That's the whole point of this site!
POINTS OF REFERENCE
2006: The Serious Organised Crime Agency, dubbed the 'British FBI', is created in the United Kingdom on the 1st. Not an April Fool's joke... possibly? I'm not sure. On the 2nd, 60 tornadoes broke out in the midwestern United States, killing 29 in Tennessee. Also on the 2nd, at WrestleMania 22 in Chicago, John Cena defeated Triple H, and Rey Mysterio won the World Title in a triple threat match against Kurt Angle and Randy Orton. On the 3rd, NHL Hall of Famer Steve Yzerman scored his final goal (#692) against the Calgary Flames. On the 9th, Phil Mickelson won his 2nd "Green Jacket" at the 70th US Masters Tournament. Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood won top honors at the 5th CMT Video Music Awards on the 10th. On the 11th, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced that Iran had successfully enriched uranium. On the 16th, actor Colin Farrell reached a confidential settlement with ex-girlfriend Nicole Narain to keep their 13-minute sex tape private. On the 17th, George Ryan, the former governor of Illinois, was convicted on 22 counts of fraud, racketeering, and lying to the FBI. On the 27th, construction finally begins on One World Trade, the replacement for the World Trade Center in New York City.
2001: On the 1st, former president of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia Slobodan Milosevic surrenders to police special forces on charges of war crimes. Also on the 1st, Notre Dame's women's basketball team beat Purdue 68-66 to win the NCAA Championship. The Netherlands became the first country to legalize gay marriage on the 1st, as well. Also on the 1st, at WrestleMania 17 in Houston, Stone Cold Steve Austin wrestles his last match (until 2022) against The Rock. On the 2nd, Duke's men's basketball team defeated Arizona 82-72 for the NCAA Championship. Also on the 2nd, New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens became the American League all-time strikeout leader, recording his 3,509th strikeout in a 7-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Mars Odyssey launched on the 7th. Tiger Woods wins his second Masters on the 8th. On the 11th, the detained crew of a US military aircraft that collided with a Chinese fighter jet and landed in Hainan was finally released. On the 17th, a letter from Gale Norton to Jeb Bush is released, stating that the Bush administration has decided to proceed with plans to auction off 6 million acres of potentially oil and gas-rich seabed in the Gulf of Mexico to foreign nations. On the 19th, Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan's musical "The Producers" (based on Brooks' 1967 film) starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick, opened at the St. James Theatre. It eventually ran for 2,502 performances and won 12 Tony Awards. Michael Vick was the number one NFL draft pick on the 21st (for the Atlanta Falcons). On the 23rd, the famous Fatboy Slim music video, for the song "Weapon of Choice," starring Christopher Walken, was released. On the 28th, millionaire Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist.
1996: On the 1st, Howard Stern's radio program debuts in Boston on WBCN. Also on the 1st, Kentucky defeats Syracuse to become the NCAA Men's Basketball champions. That same day, MLB umpire John McSheery died of a heart attack while umpiring the Opening Day game in Cincinnati. On the 2nd, Detroit Tigers' Cecil Fielder steals his first base after 1,097 games, the longest ever streak without a stolen base in MLB history. On the 6th, Marlon Brando famously said that "Jews control Hollywood" on Larry King Live. On the 12th, the Rock for the Rainforest benefit concert was held at Carnegie Hall in NYC with performances by Sting, Elton John, James Taylor, Don Henley, and Diana Ross. On the 14th, Nick Faldo wins his 3rd Masters tournement 5 strokes ahead of Greg Norman. Keyshawn Johnson was drafted by the New York Jets as the first pick in the NFL Draft on the 20th. On the 24th, at the 31st Academy of Country Music Awards, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, and Patty Loveless won top honors. Also on the 24th, the highest-scoring MLB game in over 20 years occurs, as the Minnesota Twins defeat the Detroit Tigers 24-11. On the 30th, when gas prices reached their highest level in over 35 years, President Bill Clinton approved the sale of $227 million of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to help lower prices at the pump.
1991: On the 1st, Duke defeats Kansas to win the Men's NCAA Basketball Championship. The United States Minimum Wage jumps from $3.80 to $4.25 an hour on the 1st. Righteous bucks! Bo Jackson signs a one-year contract with the Chicago White Sox on the 3rd. On the 4th, Senator John Heinz of Pennsylvania and six others were killed when a helicopter collided with their plane over an elementary school in Merion, Pennsylvania. On the 5th, Kitty Kelley publishes an unauthorized biography of Nancy Reagan. An Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) Embraer 120 turboprop crashed in George and killed 23 on the 5th. Also, that day, Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from the Kennedy Space Center. Also, on the 5th, the United States begins air-dropping supplies to the Kurds in Northern Iraq. On the 6th, the former child star Adam Rich (Eight is Enough) is arrested for breaking into a pharmacy to steal drugs. The George Washington Bridge in New York City raises its toll to $4.00 on the 7th. For reference, the current toll in 2026 is $21.79 during peak hours and $19.79 during off-peak hours, with a $4 discount for using E-ZPass. But hey, at least the toll money goes to the Education Department, like they say, and they have the best schools in NYC, right? I digress... On the 8th, actor Michael Landon announces he has inoperable pancreatic cancer. The same day, the Oakland Athletics stadium became the first open-air arena to ban smoking. On the 10th, a boat rams an oil tanker off the coast of Livorno, Italy, on a foggy day and kills 120. On the same day, Wayne Gretzky (on the L.A. Kings) scored his record-setting 93rd career playoff goal. The next day, Space Shuttle Atlantis returns to Earth, landing in California. On the 12th, the 2,500th episode of Entertainment Tonight airs. Magic Johnson sets an NBA record on the 15th for the most assists (9,898). On the 17th, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed above 3,000 for the first time. In early 2026 (as I write this), it is currently over 48,000. Also on the 17th, railroad workers across the US go on strike. The next day, Congress uses the Railway Labor Act and forces them to return to work. Evander Holyfield defeated George Foreman in 12 rounds on the 19th. The next day, Greyhound Bus Lines posted a $195 million loss for 1990. Frank Thomas is the first White Sox player to hit a home run at the new Comiskey Park on the 22nd. Later that night, Johnny Carson announces he will be retiring from The Tonight Show. "Dinosaurs" premieres on ABC, featuring Jim Henson-designed costumes and puppetry, on the evening of the 26th. Alan Jackson released what will become 1992's Country Song of the Year, "Don't Rock the Juke Box," on the 29th.
TOP MOVIES
2006: "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown" -
This animated adventure comedy film was directed by Carlos Saldanha, produced by Blue Sky Studios, and distributed by 20th Century Fox as the sequel to the 2002 hit Ice Age. The voice cast reprises their roles with Ray Romano as Manny the mammoth, John Leguizamo as Sid the sloth, and Denis Leary as Diego the saber-toothed tiger. New additions include Queen Latifah as Ellie (a female mammoth who believes she's an opossum), Seann William Scott and Josh Peck as her possum "brothers" named Crash and Eddie, plus Will Arnett as a vulture and Jay Leno in a cameo as Fast Tony. Scrat the squirrel returns for his signature acorn-chasing antics.
The plot follows Manny, Sid, and Diego as they discover that the Ice Age is ending, with melting glaciers threatening a massive flood in their valley. Urged by vultures to evacuate to higher ground, the herd joins a mass migration. Manny, believing he's the last mammoth, meets Ellie (who thinks she's a possum) and her chaotic "brothers" Crash and Eddie. Romance blossoms between Manny and Ellie amid slapstick adventures, family bonding, and Scrat's escalating mishaps, all while racing against the rising waters to safety.
The film received mixed reviews, with only a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 144 reviews). Praise focused on the impressive animation and Scrat's humorous segments; however, many critics found the story weaker than the original. Audiences were more positive, often enjoying the family-friendly humor and adventure. The film was a major commercial success, grossing $667 million worldwide (about $195 million domestically) against an $80 million budget, becoming the third-highest-grossing film of 2006 and the highest-grossing animated film that year.
2001: "Spy Kids" -
Spy Kids is an action comedy film written and directed by Robert Rodriguez (best known for low-budget films like Sin City). The film stars Alexa Vega (now Alexa PenaVega) as Carmen Cotez and Daryl Sabara as her younger brother, Juni Cortez, with Antonio Banderas as their father, Gregorio, and Carla Gugino as their mother, Ingrid. A colorful supporting cast includes Alan Cumming as children's TV host Fegan Floop, Teri Hatcher as villainess Ms. Gradenko, Cheech Marin as Uncle Felix, Danny Trejo as Machete, Robert Patrick, and Tony Shalhoub.
The movie follows Carmen and Juni, siblings who discover their seemingly ordinary parents are retired super-spies after their parents are kidnapped by mad genius Fegan Floop and his cohort, Minion (Shalhoub), who plan to use an army of thumb-shaped robots to take over the world. Armed with a high-tech gadget bag and gadgets from the OSS (Organization of Super Spies), the kids embark on a globe-trotting rescue mission filled with wild inventions, thumb monsters, and slapstick action, proving themselves as the next generation of spies while learning to work together.
Critically, the film was well received, earning a 92-93% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on around 130 reviews, with strong praise for its inventive fun, family appeal, and Rodriguez's creative use of a modest budget. Roger Ebert highlighted the imaginative visuals and kid-empowering story. Audiences loved it even more, awarding an "A" CinemaScore for its exciting, kid-friendly energy. The film was a major commercial hit, grossing $147.9 million worldwide ($112.7 million domestic) against a $35 million budget, debuting at #1 and holding the top spot for three weeks.
This movie is also famous in the "Mandela Effect" circles, with many citing current NASCAR driver and former Malcom in the Middle star Frankie Muniz as appearing in it. Most likely, they are conflating Spy Kids with the 2003 movie Agent Cody Banks, in which Muniz starred.
1996: "The Birdcage" -
The Birdcage is an absolutely hysterical comedy, and an English-language adaptation of the French play/film La Cage aux Folles. Directed by Mike Nichols, it stars Robin Williams as Armand Goldman, Nathan Lane as his partner Albert (drag performer Starina), Gene Hackman as the conservative Senator Keeley, and Dianne Wiest as his wife. Calista Flockhart and Dan Futterman play the young couple seeking approval from their parents.
The plot revolves around Armand and Albert's gay household in South Beach, Miami, where their son Val announces his engagement to Barbara, the daughter of Senator Keeley. To impress the conservative in-laws, Armand and Albert pretend to be a straight couple, leading to frantic attempts to "straighten" their flamboyant home and lives, resulting in hilarious chaos, cultural clashes, and heartfelt moments.
Critically, it was well received, with an 84% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and positive marks for its sharp wit and performances. It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Art Direction and a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Cast. The film was a major success, grossing $185.3 million worldwide on a $31 million budget, topping the box office for weeks.
1991: "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Secret of the Ooze" -
Oh my, happy 90s-kid heart, getting to discuss the TMNT movies!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze was directed by Michael Pressman and served as the sequel to the 1990 hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Written by Todd W. Langen, it features the returning voices of Brian Tochi (Leonardo), Robbie Rist (Michelangelo), Adam Carl (Donatello), and Laurie Faso (Raphael), with suit performers including Mark Caso, Michelan Sisti, Leif Tilden, and Kenn Scott.
Paige Turco replaced Judith Hoag as April O'Neil, and François Chau returns as the Shredder (voiced by Kevin Clash in some scenes). The film introduces new mutants Tokka (a snapping turtle) and Rahzar (a wolf-like creature), both voiced by Frank Welker.
The plot picks up shortly after the first film, with the Turtles and Splinter forced to relocate after their secret is exposed. Shredder, surviving his previous defeat, seeks revenge and discovers the origin of the mutagenic ooze that created the Turtles at TGRI (Techno Global Research Institute). He kidnaps Professor Perry to create his own mutants (Tokka and Rahzar) to battle our heroes. The Turtles, aided by April, race to stop Shredder from using the remaining ooze, leading to bare-fisted fights (toned down for family audiences), chaotic battles, and a memorable nightclub scene featuring Vanilla Ice performing the "Ninja Rap."
Critically, the film received negative reviews, with only a 36% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes (based on around 42 reviews). It is often criticized for being lighter, sillier, and less edgy than the darker original, trading its gritty tone for kid-friendly humor and executive-mandated changes to reduce violence (and make more money!). Some praised the practical effects from Jim Henson's Creature Shop and the fun action, but many called it a step down. Audiences were more forgiving, appreciating the family appeal and nostalgia. The film was a solid commercial success, grossing $78.7 million worldwide (nearly all domestic, with $78.7 million in the U.S./Canada) against a $25 million budget, opening at #1 with over $20 million and ranking as the 13th-highest-grossing film of 1991 domestically.
Production was rushed, with the sequel released exactly a year after the first one, due to the franchise's hot streak. TMNT creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird disliked this film and called it the weakest of the trilogy, blaming executive meddling for softening the tone. The studio compromised by creating new mutants, Tokka and Rahzar, rather than using popular fan favorites like Bebop and Rocksteady. The iconic Vanilla Ice cameo and song became a pop culture phenomenon in its own right, helping sustain Turtle-mania into the creation of a third film in 1993.
TOP SONGS
2006: "Bad Day" by Daniel Powder
2001: "All for You" by Janet Jackson
1996: "Because You Loved Me" by Celine Dion
1991: "You're In Love" by Wilson Phillips
TOP TELEVISION NEWS
April 2006:
1st: The Kids' Choice Awards ceremony is broadcast by Nickelodeon, with host Jack Black, which featured Robin Williams famously receiving the network's trademark slime.
4th: The series "Pepper Dennis" starring Rebecca Romijn premieres, and has the distinction of being the final show to premiere on The WB before it transitioned to The CW network months later.
14th: The Bernie Mac Show came to an end on FOX, having run since 2001.
16th: What About Brian, a sitcom starring 7th Heaven's Barry Watson, premiered on ABC as a mid-season replacement (filling a gap in the schedule, not an actual replacement). It lasted two seasons.
27th: Popular children's show "Bear in the Big Blue House" came to an end on Playhouse Disney, having run for nearly ten years.
28th: The 33rd Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony is broadcast on ABC.
April 2001:
1st: WrestleMania X-Seven airs from the Astrodome in Houston, Texas, on pay-per-view. The event would receive acclaim from critics and fans and is memorable for being Stone Cold Steve Austin's final match (until 20 years later).
6th: The Norm Show, featuring the great Norm MacDonald, comes to an end after three seasons and 54 episodes.
10th: Kevin Olmstead wins a $2.18 million jackpot on the ABC game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire," making him the biggest winner in American game show history up to that point.
15th: The WB's "Jack and Jill," starring Ivan Sergei, Amanda Peet, and Jamie Pressly, is canceled after two seasons.
16th: Game show "The Weakest Link" premieres on NBC.
22nd: "The Lot," a comedy-drama series about a Golden Age of Hollywood/1930's Hollywood Studio, starring Jeffrey Tambor and Rue McLannahan, ends on AMC. It ran 2 seasons and 17 episodes.
April 1996:
1st: The first-ever Major League Soccer game is broadcast live on ESPN.
1st: "Home and Family," the daytime family-friendly talk show, premieres on The Family Channel. The show continued in 1998 when The Family Channel became the "Fox Family Channel," and after being canceled in 2012, was picked up by The Hallmark Channel. Hallmark canceled the series in 2021 during a time of "political restructuring" (NY Times words) of the network.
20th: Power Rangers: Zeo premiered on Fox Kids. It lasted one season.
23rd: Now a popular show that seems to run continuously on certain channels, Forensic Files debuts on TLC.
27th: Dexter's Laboratory, a popular 90s cartoon from The Cartoon Network, aired for the first (of several) times on TNT to advertise The Cartoon Network.
April 1991:
1st: The premium movie channel Encore launched in the United States, initially focusing on movies from the 60s, 70s, and 80s before eventually phasing in more recent movies.
1st: HBO and Viacom agree to merge their respective comedy channels (HA and The Comedy Channel) to create CTV: The Comedy Network. It became known as "Comedy Central" in June, two months later.
5th: Katie Couric is designated as permanent co-host of The Today Show on NBC after substituting as host since February.
12th: Fun House, the syndicated kids' game show known as the "poor man's Double Dare," comes to an end. It had been on air since 1988.
20th: An episode of NBC's Saturday Night Live, guest-hosted by actor Steven Seagal, immediately becomes infamous due to Seagal being difficult and uncooperative to work with among the cast and crew. Seagal is soon banned from ever appearing on the series again and is branded by SNL creator and producer Lorne Michaels as the "worst host ever".
26th: Dinosaurs, the sitcom about a family of anthropomorphic dinosaurs, produced by Michael Jacobs Productions and Jim Henson Productions in association with Walt Disney Television, premieres on ABC. It runs until 1994.
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