History Analysis / MisterSandmanSequence

* Stock Movies/Marquees: Since fairly few specific silent films [[SmallReferencePools ring much of a bell with the public]], Creator/CharlieChaplin or occasionally Creator/BusterKeaton or Creator/HaroldLloyd (specifically the clock scene from ''Film/SafetyLast'') will show up.

* Stock Music: Lots of pop in the vein of Britney, Music/TheBlackEyedPeas, Music/{{Beyonce}}, Music/JohnMayer, Music/GwenStefani, or Music/AvrilLavigne. There will be a lot of hip hop and R&B as well, from Eminem, Music/FiftyCent, Music/{{Outkast}}, Music/LilKim, Music/{{Nelly}}, Music/{{Ludacris}}, and Music/GnarlsBarkley. As far as rock goes, you'll definitely see some more nu metal at the beginning of the decade (especially from the likes of Music/LinkinPark), but this will be supplanted by a grittier sound from the likes of Music/{{Nickelback}}, Music/ThreeDoorsDown, or Music/{{Staind}}, or a harder sound from the likes of Music/TheWhiteStripes. EmoMusic may also be liberally used; expect to hear the likes of Music/GoodCharlotte or Music/MyChemicalRomance. And funnily enough, there won't be any Iraq War or Afghanistan War protest music heard, other than something from Music/GreenDay's ''Music/AmericanIdiot''.[[note]]As explained by Creator/LindsayEllis [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbgAGlrVKE here]], there just wasn't much popular protest music out there in the 2000's like there was in the Sixties.[[/note]] Additionally, the portable media player of choice will very likely be a classic iPod with wired earbuds.

The50s: In American stories, the stock Fifties setting is suburbia over varying levels of [[StepfordSuburbia Stepford-ishness.]] Within suburbia the MaltShop is a frequent location and nearly a requirement for works centered around teenagers. The stock characters mostly consist of the standard '50's nuclear family - the StandardFiftiesFather, the housewife mother, 2.5 children, usually a SeeminglyWholesome50sGirl and a younger [[TheAllAmericanBoy All-American Boy]]. And don't forget the GreaserDelinquents! Every town had that group of teens/young adults who dressed in leather jackets and rode around on motorcycles or hot rods. Expect a pastel color palette. Stuff set at the end of the decade will usually contain at least one hula hoop.

* Stock Video Games: Video games were SUPER popular in the '80s, so you may include scenes in video arcades with upright video game cabinets, typically with ''VideoGame/PacMan'', ''VideoGame/MsPacMan'', and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong'' being the go-tos. For home consoles, you will see a lot of UsefulNotes/Atari2600 earlier in the decade, usually playing ''VideoGame/{{Adventure}}'' or ''VideoGame/{{Pitfall}}'', or the terrible ports of ''Donkey Kong'' or ''Pac-Man'' (usually [[HeyItsThatSound for the sound effects]] if nothing else). After 1985, though, you will typically see the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem, typically playing ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'' or one of its sequels.

* Stock Video Games: The first half of the decade will include the 16-bit generation, so expect to see games on the UsefulNotes/{{Super Nintendo|EntertainmentSystem}} (like ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld''), or UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis (like the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' series, ''Franchise/StreetFighter'', or ''Franchise/MortalKombat''). The second half of the decade will include the 32/64-bit era, so expect to see titles from the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 (usually ''VideoGame/SuperMario64'' or ''VideoGame/GoldenEye'') or UsefulNotes/PlayStation (typically the original ''VideoGame/TombRaiderI''). If any handheld consoles are seen, it's usually the original UsefulNotes/GameBoy (or UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor late in the decade), with the UsefulNotes/GameGear being a close runner-up. If any arcade machines are seen, then usually it's a fighting game like ''Mortal Kombat''.

* Stock Video Games: Typically video games may be confined to home or portable consoles, as arcades weren't quite as popular in the 2000's as they were in prior decades, but if an arcade is seen, then you may see ''VideoGame/DanceDanceRevolution'' (first released in 1998) or ''VideoGame/GuitarHero'' (first released in 2005). But for home gaming, you will likely see an UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} or a UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 early on; if you see a UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast at all, it's ''very'' likely going to be used in a pre-9/11 setting [[AnyoneRememberPogs for ironic purposes]]. You may also see a rise in PC gaming as well (typically with ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' or ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty''). That said, ''VideoGame/WiiSports'' on a UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} seems to be the go-to for later in the decade, mostly due to its broad notoriety for having been a KillerApp across multiple demographics. And as far as portables go, expect to see either a UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance early on, and a UsefulNotes/NintendoDS later on.

The50s: In American stories, the stock Fifties setting is suburbia over varying levels of [[StepfordSuburbia Stepford-ishness.]] Within suburbia the MaltShop is a frequent location and nearly a requirement for works centered around teenagers. The stock characters mostly consist of the standard '50's nuclear family - the StandardFiftiesFather, the housewife mother, 2.5 children, usually a SeeminglyWholesomeFiftiesGirl and a younger [[TheAllAmericanBoy All-American Boy]]. And don't forget the GreaserDelinquents! Every town had that group of teens/young adults who dressed in leather jackets and rode around on motorcycles or hot rods. Expect a pastel color palette. Stuff set at the end of the decade will usually contain at least one hula hoop.

** 1973: ''Film/TheExorcist'', ''Film/AmericanGraffiti'', or ''Film/{{Serpico}}''.

** Stock Music: Usually a lot of pop -- think Music/{{Madonna}}, Music/CyndiLauper, or Music/MichaelJackson. And the synthier the music is, the better, so you'll get plenty of popular NewWaveMusic from the likes of Music/{{Eurythmics}}, Music/NewOrder, Music/{{Devo}}, or Music/SoftCell. It also wouldn't be out of place to hear arena rock from Music/{{Journey|Band}} or Music/REOSpeedwagon, HairMetal from Music/TwistedSister or Music/MotleyCrue, or even hip hop from Music/RunDMC or Music/TheSugarhillGang.

* UsefulNotes/WorldWarI: This era will usually will often be depicted with its trench warfare, with soldiers from both sides seen in uniform. In addition, many early flying aces in biplanes may be depicted (usually chasing or avoiding the infamous [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manfred_von_Richthofen Red Baron]]). If any silent cinema is seen, it may be from a Creator/KeystoneStudios short with Creator/MabelNormand, [[Creator/FattyArbuckle Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle]], Creator/CharlieChaplin, and/or the "Keystone Kops."

* The Victorian Period: If a UK setting, then usually VictorianLondon. Expect to see women in poofy skirts with parasols and men in suits and top hats at all times. If {{Steampunk}}, then just add some gears and a zeppelin. If the period around the turn of the century is depicted, expect a prominent [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Nouveau Art Nouveau]] aesthetic.

* Stock Music: Lots of pop in the vein of Britney, Music/TheBlackEyedPeas, Music/{{Beyonce}}, Music/JohnMayer, or Music/GwenStefani. There will be a lot of hip hop and R&B as well, from Eminem, Music/FiftyCent, Music/{{Outkast}}, Music/LilKim, Music/{{Nelly}}, Music/{{Ludacris}}, and Music/GnarlsBarkley. As far as rock goes, you'll definitely see some more nu metal at the beginning of the decade (especially from the likes of Music/LinkinPark), but this will be supplanted by a grittier sound from the likes of Music/{{Nickelback}}, Music/ThreeDoorsDown, or Music/{{Staind}}, or a harder sound from the likes of Music/TheWhiteStripes. EmoMusic may also be liberally used; expect to hear the likes of Music/GoodCharlotte or Music/MyChemicalRomance. And funnily enough, there won't be any Iraq War or Afghanistan War protest music heard, other than something from Music/GreenDay's ''Music/AmericanIdiot''.[[note]]As explained by Creator/LindsayEllis [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbgAGlrVKE here]], there just wasn't much popular protest music out there in the 2000's like there was in the Sixties.[[/note]] Additionally, the portable media player of choice will very likely be a classic iPod with wired earbuds.

* The [[UsefulNotes/JohnFKennedy Kennedy]] Sixties: The first part of the decade, from UsefulNotes/JohnFKennedy's presidential campaign until his assassination (1960-1963), still has a lot of the Fifties mentality, as depicted in ''Film/AmericanGraffiti'', ''Film/PeggySueGotMarried'', ''Film/TheSandlot'', or ''Film/BlastFromThePast''. Expect to see lots of cars with fins and chrome. If any contemporary events are depicted, usually they will include the Cuban Missile Crisis and UsefulNotes/MartinLutherKingJr's "I Have a Dream" speech.

** 1973: ''Film/TheExorcist''.
** 1974: Likely ''Film/TheGodfatherPartII''.
** 1975: ''Film/{{Jaws}}'', and ''Jaws'' exclusively.

The70s: Disco, and a lot of it, especially at the end of the decade. Heck, even stuff set at the beginning of the decade might still have disco music (erroneously, as the genre really only emerged in the middle of the decade), or at the very least some kind of {{Funk}} music. Everyone will be dressed like a background dancer from ''Film/SaturdayNightFever'', even when not dancing. Magnificent Afro hairdos, mustaches, and sideburns are a common sight, as are women with the Creator/FarrahFawcett hairstyle. Most clothes will be made out of polyester, and flared trousers will be a common sight. Speaking of ''Saturday Night Fever'', many an MSS of the Seventies will include a parody of the famous opening walking scene, especially when showing a now middle-aged character as a spring chicken in the Seventies.

** 1977: ''[[Film/ANewHope Star Wars]]'', of course, along with ''Film/CloseEncountersOfTheThirdKind'', and apparently the only films of the Seventies to actually be set in the decade, ''Film/SaturdayNightFever'' and ''Film/SmokeyAndTheBandit''.

* TheRoaring20s: All women under 40 are flappers and all women over 40 are horrified by that fact. All men wear three piece suits with bow ties, and either a flat cap or a straw boater hat. All buildings will be designed in Art Deco.
** Stock Music: It's not called the Jazz Age for nothing. If their music doesn't show up, at least expect Music/LouisArmstrong and Music/GeorgeGershwin to get name dropped. If a specific song is to be heard, "The Charleston" (with its associated dance) would be the prime candidate, especially in the middle-late portion of the decade before the stock market crash.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: Since fairly few specific silent films [[SmallReferencePools ring much of a bell with the public]], Creator/CharlieChaplin or occasionally Creator/BusterKeaton or Creator/HaroldLloyd (specifically the clock scene from ''Film/SafetyLast'') will show up.

* TheGreatDepression: The entire block will have showed up to form the breadline. Everyone will have lost their shirt in the crash of '29 and look like a background player from a Creator/JohnSteinbeck novel. Remember, it's not the Great Depression without sepia tone!
** Stock Music: "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime" of course being the classic, any down-and-out harmonica will do. More optimistic works, or your occasional CrapsaccharineWorld portrayal of the decade might use "We're in the Money". Tributes to the Hollywood or Broadway scene of the Thirties might use the title song of Film/FortySecondStreet.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: Glimmer-of-hope sort of stories might use a musical like a Creator/FredAstaire and Creator/GingerRogers flick. Bleaker works will occasionally have a vacant theater that closed down due to the crash with a decaying marquee. Stuff set specifically in '39 will usually use ''Film/GoneWithTheWind'' and/or ''Film/TheWizardOfOz''.

* The40s: During the war, expect the tone to be a slightly more upbeat version of the Thirties. In US settings there'll probably be at least one Rosie the Riveter poster and in UK settings swap it out for a Keep Calm and Carry on poster (although neither poster was as ubiquitous during the war as their internet popularity would make you think). Immediately after the war, there has to be at least one obligatory [[TheVJDayKiss VJ Day Kiss]].
** Stock Music: If not a dreary wartime flick, Music/GlennMiller's "In the Mood" is legally required to show up somewhere on your soundtrack.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: During the war, ''Film/{{Casablanca}}'' is an obvious standard, but you're just as likely to see a war movie, propaganda piece, or newsreel. After the war, ''Film/ItsAWonderfulLife'' is the standard for happy-go-lucky post-war pieces. For lighter flair, any number of WesternAnimation/ClassicDisneyShorts, WesternAnimation/LooneyTunes, WesternAnimation/TomAndJerry, or WesternAnimation/TexAveryMGMCartoons could be used, since they all hit their stride in the 1940s.

* The50s: In American stories, the stock Fifties setting is suburbia over varying levels of [[StepfordSuburbia Stepford-ishness.]] Within suburbia the MaltShop is a frequent location and nearly a requirement for works centered around teenagers. The stock characters mostly consist of the standard '50's nuclear family - the StandardFiftiesFather, the housewife mother, 2.5 children, usually a SeeminglyWholesomeFiftiesGirl and a younger [[TheAllAmericanBoy All-American Boy]]. And don't forget the GreaserDelinquents! Every town had that group of teens/young adults who dressed in leather jackets and rode around on motorcycles or hot rods. Expect a pastel color palette. Stuff set at the end of the decade will usually contain at least one hula hoop.
** Stock Music: [[Music/BillHaleyAndHisComets "Rock Around the Clock"]], of course, is the standard. Music/ElvisPresley songs are frequent Fifties establishers too. Occasionally throw in some Music/ChuckBerry or some Music/BuddyHolly to shake things up a smidge; if it's late in the decade, "Tequila" by the Champs could be used. If things need to be a little more button-down, then Perry Como, Peggy Lee, or Music/NatKingCole are the most likely to be used. This would also be the decade to use the TropeNamer song; the Four Aces and the Chordettes each have a version.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: Anything staring Creator/MarilynMonroe (''Film/GentlemenPreferBlondes'' and ''Film/SomeLikeItHot'' come up pretty often on that front), ''Film/SinginInTheRain'', any given Western of the decade, and occasionally ''Film/FromHereToEternity'' if the beach-kissing scene needs to get parodied. Expect that greaser gang to go see ''Film/RebelWithoutACause'' and have a general healthy respect for Creator/JamesDean in general. And, of course, for the DriveInTheater, there's any number of cheap sci-fi exploitation flicks to choose from. The more giant monsters, the better!
** Stock TV scenes: ''Series/ILoveLucy'' is the big one, although ''Series/HowdyDoody'' and ''Series/LeaveItToBeaver'' are close runners-up. Besides those, the occasional TV western could be used for good measure.

* The70s: Disco, and a lot of it, especially at the end of the decade. Heck, even stuff set at the beginning of the decade might still have disco music (erroneously, as the genre really only emerged in the middle of the decade), or at the very least some kind of {{Funk}} music. Everyone will be dressed like a background dancer from ''Film/SaturdayNightFever'', even when not dancing. Magnificent Afro hairdos, mustaches, and sideburns are a common sight, as are women with the Creator/FarrahFawcett hairstyle. Most clothes will be made out of polyester, and flared trousers will be a common sight. Speaking of ''Saturday Night Fever'', many an MSS of the Seventies will include a parody of the famous opening walking scene, especially when showing a now middle-aged character as a spring chicken in the Seventies.
** Stock Music: For those works set in the early 70's that accurately portray the popular music of the times, might use a Sixties holdover band's twilight years single (like "[[Music/TheBeatles Across The Universe]]" or maybe "[[Music/SimonAndGarfunkel Bridge Over Troubled Water]]"). If the subject of the MSS would prefer some harder music, "[[Music/{{Kiss}} Rock and Roll All Nite]]" or "[[Music/LedZeppelin Stairway to Heaven]]"[[note]]But usually in non-visual media -- the surviving members of Led Zeppelin have famously consistently refused to license "Stairway" for use in movies and TV shows[[/note]] are popular choices; strong women often use "I Am Woman"; and the themes from ''Film/{{Shaft}}'' and ''Film/SuperFly'' are popular for all badass black men of the Seventies. As for the [[DiscoDan Disco Dans]], they have their choice of "The Hustle", "I Will Survive", anything Music/KCAndTheSunshineBand, and of course anything off the ''Saturday Night Fever'' soundtrack (or anything Music/TheBeeGees in general). If there's a punk towards the end of the decade, expect something from Music/TheRamones, Music/TheClash, or the Music/SexPistols.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: There's a lot of options here, and each individual year has its own MSS marquee favorites. 1970? ''Film/LoveStory'', maybe ''Film/{{Airport}}''. 1971? ''Film/TheFrenchConnection'' or ''Film/DirtyHarry''. 1972? Pretty much always ''Film/TheGodfather'' (maybe ''Film/{{Cabaret}}'', albeit rarely). 1973? ''Film/TheExorcist''. 1974? Likely ''Film/TheGodfatherPartII''. 1975? ''Film/{{Jaws}}'', and ''Jaws'' exclusively. 1976? Pretty reliably ''Film/{{Rocky}}''. 1977? ''[[Film/ANewHope Star Wars]]'', of course, along with ''Film/CloseEncountersOfTheThirdKind'', and apparently the only films of the Seventies to actually be set in the decade, ''Film/SaturdayNightFever'' and ''Film/SmokeyAndTheBandit''. 1978? ''Film/SupermanTheMovie'', probably, or maybe ''Film/AnimalHouse''. 1979? ''Film/{{Alien}}'' or ''Film/ApocalypseNow''.
** Stock TV scenes: At the beginning of the decade, you'll probably see either Nixon or [[Series/TheBradyBunch the Bradys]] on the TV, but later in the decade you might see ''Series/CharliesAngels'', ''Series/HappyDays'', ''Series/TheMaryTylerMooreShow'', ''Series/SanfordAndSon'', ''Series/StarskyAndHutch'', or ''Series/SaturdayNightLive'' with its original cast.

* The80s: Expect lots of synth music, bright colors (typically pastels), and aesthetics evocative of [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Group Memphis Group]] and [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Nagel Patrick Nagel]]. But wood-paneling won't be unusual, and if it's the earlier portion of the decade there may still be some holdover of the muted colors of the '70s. All the women will have incredibly poufy hair done up with a LOT of hair spray, and will have the necks cut off of their sweatshirts, or will wear leg warmers with exercise spandex, if they're not wearing a pantsuit with really padded shoulders. For guys, longer hair isn't terribly uncommon (mullets and Jheri curls won't look out of place here), but shorter hair isn't uncommon either, nor are mustaches a la ''Series/MagnumPI'', with any variety of tropical wear or a [[Series/MiamiVice Don Johnson suit]]. If there's a business setting, expect to see a businessman in a suit talking on a gigantic brick of a cell phone. If a character is listening to music, odds are it will be from a cassette tape in a Walkman; if a character is playing with a toy, odds are it will be either a Rubik's cube or something from a MerchandiseDriven cartoon of the period. There's going to be at least some talk about the UsefulNotes/ColdWar, UsefulNotes/RonaldReagan and his "Star Wars" missile defense program -- or, if it's later in the decade, UsefulNotes/GeorgeHWBush and Michael Dukakis -- and if it's midway through the decade, expect to hear lots of talk about how terrible New Coke is.

** Stock Movies/Marquees: Lots of good options, as there were a TON of blockbusters in the decade. In the earlier portion of the decade, expect to see ''Film/TheEmpireStrikesBack'', ''Film/ReturnOfTheJedi'', or ''Film/ETTheExtraTerrestrial''. Midway through the decade, expect to see ''Film/BackToTheFuture1'', ''Film/RiskyBusiness'', ''Film/TopGun'', ''Film/TheTerminator'', ''Film/{{Ghostbusters|1984}}'', or any Creator/JohnHughes movie. At any point you may see an ''Franchise/IndianaJones'' movie, and if it's set in 1989, definitely expect to see any number of movies from that summer, including ''Film/{{Batman|1989}}'', ''Film/DoTheRightThing'', or ''Film/HoneyIShrunkTheKids''. If there's horror to be seen at any point during the decade, it'll either be ''Film/{{The Thing|1982}}'' or a SlasherMovie.
** Stock TV scenes: ''Series/{{Dallas}}'' is usually seen in earlier portions of the decade, with any accompanying talk about "Who Shot JR", but usually ''Series/MiamiVice'' would be the go-to from 1985 on, with ''Series/MagnumPI'', ''Series/KnightRider'', and ''Series/TheATeam'' being close runners-up, and ''Series/{{Alf}}'' showing up late in the decade. If there's a cartoon on TV, usually it will be ''WesternAnimation/TheTransformers'', ''[[WesternAnimation/HeManAndTheMastersOfTheUniverse1983 He-Man and the Masters of the Universe]]'', ''WesternAnimation/GIJoeARealAmericanHero'', or possibly even an early season of ''WesternAnimation/{{Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles|1987}}''. Early Creator/{{MTV}} may also show up, and if any commercials are shown, they'll either be "Where's the Beef?" or "Time to make the donuts!" You may also see UsefulNotes/RonaldReagan giving a speech, or UsefulNotes/GeorgeHWBush's famous "read my lips" line from 1988.
** Stock Video Games: Video games were SUPER popular in the '80s, so you may include scenes in video arcades with upright video game cabinets, typically with ''VideoGame/PacMan'', ''VideoGame/MsPacMan'', and ''VideoGame/DonkeyKong'' being the go-tos. For home consoles, you will see a lot of UsefulNotes/Atari2600 earlier in the decade, usually playing ''VideoGame/{{Adventure}}'' or ''VideoGame/{{Pitfall}}'', or the terrible ports of ''Donkey Kong'' or ''Pac-Man'' (usually [[HeyItsThatSound for the sound effects]] if nothing else). After 1985, though, you will typically see the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem, typically playing ''VideoGame/SuperMarioBros1'' or one of its sequels.

* The90s: There's two halves to the decade. The first half would be the Grunge half, so younger characters of either gender in your MSS should include a lot of baggy, ripped jeans, flannel shirts (worn open or tied around the waist), faded T-shirts, and beaded necklaces (usually made from hemp). But bright neon colors aren't out of the question either (as holdovers from the late-80s), and at any point during the decade women may be seen in short floral dresses with sneakers, or slip dresses for something more elegant. For the latter half of the decade, expect to see guys with spiked hear wearing bowling shirts with baggy shorts, cargo pants, or jeans (think JNCO jeans), and women wearing "the [[Series/{{Friends}} Rachel]]" hairdo with tank tops and bright pants. If cell phones are seen, they will usually be a dark gray Motorola with an antenna, smaller than those of the '80s, but still bulkier than their 21st Century counterparts. If the Internet is featured, the computer(s) involved will have a floppy disk drive and a bulky CRT monitor, and you'll likely hear [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0 dialup noises]] and/or AOL's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwcyGB9jGg "You've Got Mail!"]]. If it's around 1999, expect to hear people worried about the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problem Y2K Bug]]. Aesthetically, while it may be tempting to show '90s design with a Memphis flair similar to the '80s (thanks to {{Vaporwave}}), a more accurate depiction of the decade's style would include the "Analog Grunge" or "Factory Pomo" aesthetics[[note]]as explained [[https://www.tumblr.com/waffled0g/719407223587160064/everyone-gets-the-90s-look-wrong-so-lets-fix-it here]][[/note]] with the [[https://cari.institute/aesthetics/y2k-aesthetic "Y2K aesthetic"]] popping up at the tail end.
** Stock Music: Hip hop is much more prominent in the 90s than any other preceding decade, so it wouldn't be out of place for an MSS to include anything ranging from Music/MCHammer to Music/VanillaIce to Music/SnoopDogg to Music/{{Coolio}} to Creator/WillSmith to early Music/{{Eminem}}. You may also hear New Jack Swing from the likes of Music/BellBivDeVoe, Music/BoyzIIMen, Music/EnVogue, Music/{{TLC}}, Music/MontellJordan, or Music/MarkMorrison. That said, your MSS could also include grunge and alternative in the earlier half of the decade, including Music/{{Nirvana}}, Music/PearlJam, Music/{{Soundgarden}}, Music/SmashingPumpkins, or even Music/AlanisMorissette. If it's more UK-based, you may hear Music/{{Oasis}}. Later on in the decade, though, you might include {{Ska}} music, before seeing the likes of groups like Music/{{Hanson}}, Music/SpiceGirls, Music/BackstreetBoys, Music/NSync, or even early Music/BritneySpears later on. You'll also get some of the late-90s Latin explosion from Music/{{Selena}}, Creator/JenniferLopez, or Music/RickyMartin. If you're looking for more edge in the late-90s, expect some NuMetal from Music/{{Korn}} or Music/LimpBizkit. If the MSS is set in or right after 1996, expect to hear the Macarena (and see its dance); and if it's set in 1999, it goes without saying that it ''must'' include the song "All Star" by Music/SmashMouth.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: A MSS will usually prefer to show movies at a Blockbuster Video store instead of a movie theater, since Blockbuster hit its peak in the '90s and [[AnyoneRememberPogs is no longer around today]]. You might see a Creator/JimCarrey movie like ''Film/AceVenturaPetDetective'' or ''Film/TheMask'', or a Creator/KevinSmith movie like ''Film/{{Clerks}}'', ''Film/{{Mallrats}}'', or ''Film/ChasingAmy''. You might see ''Film/TrueLies'' or ''Film/{{Speed}}'' for an action film; ''Film/PulpFiction'', ''Film/ForrestGump'', or ''Film/MrsDoubtfire'' for something more dramatic; ''Film/HomeAlone'' or ''WesternAnimation/{{The Lion King|1994}}'' for something more family-friendly; or ''Film/JurassicPark'' or ''Film/Terminator2JudgmentDay'' for more sci-fi flavor. ''Film/{{Titanic|1997}}'' will likely be namedropped at least once during or after 1997, ''Film/TheMatrix'' and ''Film/FightClub'' will likely be namedropped in 1999, and it wouldn't be unheard of to namedrop ''Film/SchindlersList'' at any point, either.
** Stock TV Scenes: An MSS will very likely include a sitcom like ''Series/FamilyMatters'' (for [[SpotlightStealingSquad Urkel]]), ''Series/{{Friends}}'', or ''Series/{{Seinfeld}}''. For more dramatic flair, it could use ''Series/BeverlyHills90210'', ''Series/MelrosePlace'', ''Series/{{Baywatch}}'', ''Series/TheXFiles'', or ''Series/WalkerTexasRanger''. Kids' shows will include ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' (but only the [[FirstInstallmentWins original]]) or the much-reviled ''Series/BarneyAndFriends''. Cartoons will likely include more cable-based fare, including ''WesternAnimation/RenAndStimpy'', ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'', or (later in the decade) ''WesternAnimation/DextersLaboratory''. Depending on where you are in the decade, news events on TV will likely consist of UsefulNotes/RodneyKingAndTheLosAngelesRiots, the Creator/OJSimpson trial, the Waco siege, the Oklahoma City bombing, or UsefulNotes/{{Columbine}}. If a politician is to be shown giving a speech on TV, odds are it will be UsefulNotes/BillClinton; if it's the latter portion of the decade, you might see Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" speech and hear about his impeachment trial.
** Stock Video Games: The first half of the decade will include the 16-bit generation, so expect to see games on the UsefulNotes/{{Super Nintendo|EntertainmentSystem}} (like ''VideoGame/SuperMarioWorld''), or UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis (like the ''Franchise/SonicTheHedgehog'' series, ''Franchise/StreetFighter'', or ''Franchise/MortalKombat''). The second half of the decade will include the 32/64-bit era, so expect to see titles from the UsefulNotes/Nintendo64 (usually ''VideoGame/SuperMario64'' or ''VideoGame/GoldenEye'') or UsefulNotes/PlayStation (typically the original ''VideoGame/TombRaiderI''). If any handheld consoles are seen, it's usually the original UsefulNotes/GameBoy (or UsefulNotes/GameBoyColor late in the decade), with the UsefulNotes/GameGear being a close runner-up. If any arcade machines are seen, then usually it's a fighting game like ''Mortal Kombat''.

* TurnOfTheMillennium: The 00's aren't all that common just yet in a MSS, as they're still usually depicted as a PresentDayPast, but they still do occur from time to time. Like the Sixties, you'll have a continuation of the previous decade up until a major tragic event; in this case, and especially in American media, it's 9/11. Because of this, anything pre-attacks will still show the classic Y2K aesthetic, while anything after may show the post-9/11 wave of American patriotism and the UsefulNotes/WarOnTerror. You ''might'' see some early iPhones (as they were first released in 2007), but typically any cell phones will be a flip phone or similar. The rise in social media culture may also be depicted midway through the decade, from the likes of early Website/YouTube, Website/MySpace, and Website/{{Facebook}}. Fashion-wise, women will be seen in ultra-low jeans with tank tops, and guys will typically be seen in colorful tees with baggy pants and trucker hats; however, {{Emo Teen}}s in dark clothes (usually sourced from Hot Topic) also won't be uncommon.
** Stock Music: Lots of pop in the vein of Britney, Music/TheBlackEyedPeas, Music/{{Beyonce}}, Music/JohnMayer, or Music/GwenStefani. There will be a lot of hip hop and R&B as well, from Eminem, Music/FiftyCent, Music/{{Outkast}}, Music/LilKim, Music/{{Nelly}}, Music/{{Ludacris}}, and Music/GnarlsBarkley. As far as rock goes, you'll definitely see some more nu metal at the beginning of the decade (especially from the likes of Music/LinkinPark), but this will be supplanted by a grittier sound from the likes of Music/{{Nickelback}}, Music/ThreeDoorsDown, or Music/{{Staind}}, or a harder sound from the likes of Music/TheWhiteStripes. EmoMusic may also be liberally used; expect to hear the likes of Music/GoodCharlotte or Music/MyChemicalRomance. And funnily enough, there won't be any Iraq War or Afghanistan War protest music heard, other than something from Music/GreenDay's ''Music/AmericanIdiot''.[[note]]As explained by Creator/LindsayEllis [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehbgAGlrVKE here]], there just wasn't much popular protest music out there in the 2000's like there was in the Sixties.[[/note]] Additionally, the portable media player of choice will very likely be a classic iPod with wired earbuds.
** Stock Movies/Marquees: There isn't a strictly definitive list of movies that would be considered ''quintessentially'' 2000's, but Creator/PeterJackson's ''Film/TheLordOfTheRings'' trilogy, Creator/SamRaimi's Film/SpiderManTrilogy, the original trilogy in the Film/XMenFilmSeries, the ''Film/OceansEleven'' trilogy, the ''Literature/BridgetJones'' movies, and ''Film/SnakesOnAPlane'' all seem to be contenders.
** Stock Web Videos: In large part, thanks to the rise of Website/YouTube after 2005, any MSS in the latter half of the decade may feature an early viral video. This could include [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J---aiyznGQ Keyboard Cat]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmtzQCSh6xk Numa Numa]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPPj6viIBmU Star Wars Kid]][[note]]Although less so [[HarsherInHindsight after it was revealed]] that the video was uploaded without its subject's consent to bully him[[/note]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg Evolution of Dance]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqSTXuJeTks Leave Britney Alone]], or [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKoB0MHVBvM Diet Coke + Mentos]], depending on the year. Web animations like WebAnimation/HomestarRunner, [[http://www.weebls-stuff.com/toons/badgers/ Badger Badger Badger]], [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ZAGBL6UBA Peanut Butter Jelly Time]], or WebAnimation/CharlieTheUnicorn are also fair game.[[note]]If there's any question as to what should be included, both [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQHPYelqr0E "Pork and Beans"]] and [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pPCkhYMQgY "Internet People"]] are good reference points.[[/note]]
** Stock Video Games: Typically video games may be confined to home or portable consoles, as arcades weren't quite as popular in the 2000's as they were in prior decades, but if an arcade is seen, then you may see ''VideoGame/DanceDanceRevolution'' (first released in 1998) or ''VideoGame/GuitarHero'' (first released in 2005). But for home gaming, you will likely see an UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} or a UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 early on; if you see a UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast at all, it's ''very'' likely going to be used in a pre-9/11 setting [[AnyoneRememberPogs for ironic purposes]]. You may also see a rise in PC gaming as well (typically with ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' or ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty''). That said, ''VideoGame/WiiSports'' on a UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} seems to be the go-to for later in the decade, mostly due to its broad notoriety for having been a KillerApp across multiple demographics. And as far as portables go, expect to see either a UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance early on, and a UsefulNotes/NintendoDS later on.

* The60s: Post-Kennedy, there's two angles to the Sixties. One is the "angry Sixties", which includes the violent protesters, the Vietnam stuff, the Civil Rights Movement, the assassinations of the Kennedys and MLK, all typically portrayed via news broadcasts. Then there's the "happy Sixties," which includes your Beatlemania, your go-go-girls -- in short, the Sixties that Film/AustinPowers hails from. Somewhere in the middle is the stock hippie stuff, which has more of a socially conscious angle than the happy Sixties but is way more pacifistic than the angry Sixties. Circumstances will usually conspire to put your time-traveling characters at Woodstock in 1969. Psychedelia (whether actual drugs or psychedelic-inspired designs) will usually make an appearance. The stock Sixties colors (more so found in the happy and hippie Sixties) are chartreuse, hot pink, yellow, and bright blue.
** Stock Music: For the angry Sixties, if you hear Music/CreedenceClearwaterRevival's "Fortunate Son", Music/BuffaloSpringfield's "For What It's Worth", and the Music/JimiHendrix version of "All Along the Watchtower", congratulations! You've hit Vietnam Song Bingo! For added Vietnam bonus throw in anything by Music/TheDoors. Happy Sixties obviously has a lot of Music/TheBeatles, both their earlier Beatlemania work a la "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" and their more drug-induced stuff like "I Am the Walrus". If Beatles licensing is out of your budget, then any bubblegum pop or Creator/{{Motown}} (such as Music/TheSupremes or Music/TheTemptations) will do. Stuff specifically about the Sixties drug culture will usually have Strawberry Alarm Clock's "Incense and Peppermints" or Music/JeffersonAirplane's "White Rabbit". If it's around summer 1969, expect to hear about UsefulNotes/{{Woodstock}}.

** Stock Video Games: Typically video games may be confined to home or portable consoles, as arcades weren't quite as popular in the 2000's as they were in prior decades, but if an arcade is seen, then you may see ''VideoGame/DanceDanceRevolution'' (first released in 1998) or ''VideoGame/GuitarHero'' (first released in 2005). But for home gaming, you will likely see an UsefulNotes/{{Xbox}} or a UsefulNotes/PlayStation2 early on; if you see a UsefulNotes/SegaDreamcast at all, it's ''very'' likely going to be used in a pre-9/11 setting [[AnyoneRememberPogs for ironic purposes]]. You may also see a rise in PC gaming as well (typically with ''VideoGame/WorldOfWarcraft'' or ''VideoGame/CallOfDuty''). That said, ''VideoGame/WiiSports'' on a UsefulNotes/{{Wii}} seems to be the go-to for later in the decade, mostly due to its broad notoriety for having been a KillerApp across multiple demographics. And as far as portables go, expect to see either a UsefulNotes/GameBoyAdvance early on, and a UsefulNotes/NintendoDS later on.

** Stock TV Scenes: An MSS will very likely include a sitcom like ''Series/FamilyMatters'' (for [[SpotlightStealingSquad Urkel]]), ''Series/{{Friends}}'', or ''Series/{{Seinfeld}}''. For more dramatic flair, it could use ''Series/BeverlyHills90210'', ''Series/MelrosePlace'', ''Series/{{Baywatch}}'', ''Series/TheXFiles'', or ''Series/WalkerTexasRanger''. Kids' shows will include ''Series/MightyMorphinPowerRangers'' (but only the [[FirstInstallmentWins original]]) or the much-reviled ''Series/BarneyAndFriends''. Cartoons will likely include more cable-based fare, including ''WesternAnimation/RenAndStimpy'', ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'', or (later in the decade) ''WesternAnimation/DextersLaboratory''. If a politician is to be shown giving a speech on TV, odds are it will be UsefulNotes/BillClinton; if it's the latter portion of the decade, you might see Clinton's "I did not have sexual relations with that woman" speech.

** Stock Music: Hip hop is much more prominent in the 90s than any other preceding decade, so it wouldn't be out of place for an MSS to include anything ranging from Music/MCHammer to Music/VanillaIce to Music/SnoopDogg to Music/{{Coolio}} to Creator/WillSmith to early Music/{{Eminem}}. You may also hear New Jack Swing from the likes of Music/BoyzIIMen, Music/EnVogue, Music/{{TLC}}, Music/MontellJordan, or Music/MarkMorrison. That said, your MSS could also include grunge and alternative in the earlier half of the decade, including Music/{{Nirvana}}, Music/PearlJam, Music/{{Soundgarden}}, Music/SmashingPumpkins, or even Music/AlanisMorissette. If it's more UK-based, you may hear Music/{{Oasis}}. Later on in the decade, though, you might include {{Ska}} music, before seeing the likes of groups like Music/{{Hanson}}, Music/SpiceGirls, Music/BackstreetBoys, Music/NSync, or even early Music/BritneySpears later on. You'll also get some of the late-90s Latin explosion from Music/{{Selena}}, Creator/JenniferLopez, or Music/RickyMartin. If you're looking for more edge in the late-90s, expect some NuMetal from Music/{{Korn}} or Music/LimpBizkit. If the MSS is set in or right after 1996, expect to hear the Macarena (and see its dance); and if it's set in 1999, it goes without saying that it ''must'' include the song "All Star" by Music/SmashMouth.

** Stock Music: Hip hop is much more prominent in the 90s than any other preceding decade, so it wouldn't be out of place for an MSS to include anything ranging from Music/MCHammer to Music/VanillaIce to Music/SnoopDogg to Music/{{Coolio}} to Creator/WillSmith to early Music/{{Eminem}}. You may also hear New Jack Swing from the likes of Music/BoyzIIMen, Music/EnVogue, Music/{{TLC}}, Music/MontellJordan, or Music/MarkMorrison. That said, your MSS could also include grunge and alternative in the earlier half of the decade, including Music/{{Nirvana}}, Music/PearlJam, Music/{{Soundgarden}}, Music/SmashingPumpkins, or even Music/AlanisMorissette. If it's more UK-based, you may hear Music/{{Oasis}}. Later on in the decade, though, you'd might include {{Ska}} music, before seeing the likes of groups like Music/{{Hanson}}, Music/SpiceGirls, Music/BackstreetBoys, Music/NSync, or even early Music/BritneySpears later on. You'll also get some of the late-90s Latin explosion from Music/{{Selena}}, Creator/JenniferLopez, or Music/RickyMartin. If you're looking for more edge in the late-90s, expect some NuMetal from Music/{{Korn}} or Music/LimpBizkit. If the MSS is set in or right after 1996, expect to hear the Macarena (and see its dance); and if it's set in 1999, it goes without saying that it ''must'' include the song "All Star" by Music/SmashMouth.

* The90s: There's two halves to the decade. The first half would be the Grunge half, so younger characters of either gender in your MSS should include a lot of baggy, ripped jeans, flannel shirts (worn open or tied around the waist), faded T-shirts, and beaded necklaces (usually made from hemp). But bright neon colors aren't out of the question either (as holdovers from the late-80s), and at any point during the decade women may be seen in short floral dresses with sneakers, or slip dresses for something more elegant. For the latter half of the decade, expect to see guys with spiked hear wearing bowling shirts with baggy shorts, cargo pants, or jeans (think JNCO jeans), and women wearing "the [[Series/{{Friends}} Rachel]]" hairdo with tank tops and bright pants. If cell phones are seen, they will usually be a dark gray Motorola with an antenna, smaller than those of the '80s, but still bulkier than their 21st Century counterparts. If the Internet is featured, the computer(s) involved will have a floppy disk drive and a bulky CRT monitor, and you'll likely hear [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0 dialup noises]] and/or AOL's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwcyGB9jGg "You've Got Mail!"]]. If it's around 1999, expect to hear people worried about the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problem Y2K Bug]]. Aesthetically, while it may be tempting to show '90s design with a Memphis flair similar to the '80s (thanks to {{Vaporwave}}), a more accurate depiction of the decade's style would include the "Analog Grunge" or "Factory Pomo" aesthetics[[note]]as explained [[https://www.tumblr.com/waffled0g/719407223587160064/everyone-gets-the-90s-look-wrong-so-lets-fix-it here]][[/note]] with the [[https://cari.institute/aesthetics/y2k-aesthetic "Y2K aesthetic"]] starting to pop up at the tail end.

* The90s: There's two halves to the decade. The first half would be the Grunge half, so younger characters of either gender in your MSS should include a lot of baggy, ripped jeans, flannel shirts (worn open or tied around the waist), faded T-shirts, and beaded necklaces (usually made from hemp). But bright neon colors aren't out of the question either (as holdovers from the late-80s), and at any point during the decade women may be seen in short floral dresses with sneakers, or slip dresses for something more elegant. For the latter half of the decade, expect to see guys with spiked hear wearing bowling shirts with baggy shorts, cargo pants, or jeans (think JNCO jeans), and women wearing "the [[Series/{{Friends}} Rachel]]" hairdo with tank tops and bright pants. If cell phones are seen, they will usually be a dark gray Motorola with an antenna, smaller than those of the '80s, but still bulkier than their 21st Century counterparts. If the Internet is featured, the computer(s) involved will have a floppy disk drive and a bulky CRT monitor, and you'll likely hear [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0 dialup noises]] and/or AOL's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwcyGB9jGg "You've Got Mail!"]]. If it's around 1999, expect to hear people worried about the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problem Y2K Bug]]. Aesthetically, while it may be tempting to show '90s design with a Memphis flair similar to the '80s (thanks to {{Vaporwave}}), a more accurate depiction of the decade's style would include the "Analog Grunge" or "Factory Pomo" aesthetics (as explained [[https://www.tumblr.com/waffled0g/719407223587160064/everyone-gets-the-90s-look-wrong-so-lets-fix-it here]]).

* The90s: There's two halves to the decade. The first half would be the Grunge half, so younger characters of either gender in your MSS should include a lot of baggy, ripped jeans, flannel shirts (worn open or tied around the waist), faded T-shirts, and beaded necklaces (usually made from hemp). But bright neon colors aren't out of the question either (as holdovers from the late-80s), and at any point during the decade women may be seen in short floral dresses with sneakers, or slip dresses for something more elegant. For the latter half of the decade, expect to see guys with spiked hear wearing bowling shirts with baggy shorts, cargo pants, or jeans (think JNCO jeans), and women wearing "the [[Series/{{Friends}} Rachel]]" hairdo with tank tops and bright pants. If cell phones are seen, they will usually be a dark gray Motorola with an antenna, smaller than those of the '80s, but still bulkier than their 21st Century counterparts. If the Internet is featured, the computer(s) involved will have a floppy disk drive and a bulky CRT monitor, and you'll likely hear [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsNaR6FRuO0 dialup noises]] and/or AOL's [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCwcyGB9jGg "You've Got Mail!"]]. If it's around 1999, expect to hear people worried about the [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Year_2000_problem Y2K Bug]].