UNSOLVED: The Creepiest TV Hack in History
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- THE MAX HEADROOM INCIDENT. November 22nd, 1987 was a pretty normal evening for television viewers in Chicago. That night, like every night, Dan Roan was covering sports on WGN-TV, Channel 9.
Then suddenly, the signal was disrupted and screens across the city cut to black.
Engineers at WGN-TV thought their transmitters were failing.
They weren't. A few seconds later, something crazy happened.
WGN's broadcast signal had been hijacked in what is now known as "The Max Headroom Incident".
WGN-TV was able to act quickly and get their signal back. But, Two hours later, it would happen again to another TV station and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
What happens next remains one of the most bizarre unsolved crimes in television history.
Let's find out why.
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CONTENTS
00:00 - The Max Headroom Incident
00:30 - First Intrusion on WGN
01:09 - WGN Regains Control
02:22 - PBS Channel 11 Intrusion
04:34 - Who Was Max Headroom?
07:15 - Breakdown of the Video
09:55 - How The Signal Was Hacked
12:18 - Captain Midnight Hacks HBO
14:02 - Who Was the Hacker?
15:14 - Thanks For Watching!
#unsolvedmysteries #mystery #popculture - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
Dude, you are a genius. The format of your videos is impeccable, it is very objective and complete. Plus, I LOVE HeckleFish and he serves as a perfect voice for reactions and interjections (the human mouth inside the animation joke was amazing). Keep doing your thing! I've watched quite a few videos now and I definately subscribed.
THE FISH gets my 7 year old interested in watching
@@rclc161 amazing 😂
@@jotaele.44 isnt that the point of the goldfish?
Pinned comment
Hells yeah!
Whoever the Max Headroom hacker is, is the original troll, and a legend.
The prankster is such a legend for never spilling the beans. Respect.
I hope one day he does spill the beans. Maybe on his death bed. Just be cool to know who the legend is.
It was Theo von
Troll master level. I wonder how many people were in on it.
He's likely passed away at this point.
Or im i mean hes still 😂laughing
The best kind of hack/prank. No one got hurt. It wasn’t meant to trick people in mean ways. And you beat the FBI trying to track you down. Legend
Hes scary as to me 😨
Memories of Max Headroom for 80s kids is like a fever dream. Everyone recognised him but we did not know what he meant. Also his selling out to Coca Cola is really telling about what the establishment thinks of anyone not of the establishment.
Yep! Same time Tron was the hot game at the arcades. …damn I’m old
@@audreym3777there was a pizza place where I used to play Tron. It was mind blowing when it came out. Same as that Journey video game. Geezus……..yeah we’re old.
I thought the Coke commercials pre-dated the movie and series. Did it not?
Same. I thought it was a show i missed lol. Guess i did😂
I was working in TV in Detroit when this happened. I cannot begin to tell you the panic all the stations across the country were experiencing. We figured out pretty quickly how it was done, and did a proof of concept test at 3am a couple days after the event. To show how easy it was, we did the test using surplus ham radio equipment, and that there was no real way to prevent it. I wanted to use Max again for this test, but the station management and the FCC wasn't too keen on the idea.
I like ham
@@apapz3245 Ham is OK. I prefer bacon. 🥓
It's all pork..
@@apapz3245I like turtles
ya. HAM works good for screwing around with radio stations as well. Found this out on accident.
At least, the person behind this master prank didn't transmit something terrifying, like gore, insults, threats, or any kind of 18+ content, he just trolled everyone and go away. My hats off to this peaceful nonsense intruder.
This is incorrect. Ass slapping and calling someone a bitch seems a little more towards 18+ content and on PBS nonetheless. But in the end it’s just comical and odd 😂
It might not be terrifying but it sure is creepy and bizarre. 🤣
Good point, I like your positive outlook ☺️✌️
The hacker pulled his pants down and a female spanked his naked butt.
He showed his bare ass getting spanked with a fly swatter lol
This is why they closed radio shack. To many smart people
This is possible
We sure need someone to do something like this now to get TV, media and government to improve
Back in 1987 television relied on primitive analog signals. Even the analog signals in the early part of the 21st century were better By the Digital signals were being used, and now stations solely use digital. I doubt someone could hijack a network today. Digital is far too safe for that.
This didn’t improve or change anything though. The issue today is more about people not listening if they don’t agree with what’s being said. So even if something like this happened I’m not sure how much good it would do.
Lol.
Yup, sheep can only be herded. and too many wolves in sheep's clothing. Goodbye society.
The answer used to be TH-cam until it was bought out by Google, there will be a next phase
I remember when this happened, and it's amazing to think that it's still unsolved. The one thing we know for sure is that there was more than one person involved. That some serious secret-keeping after all these years!
I heard the statue of limitation was over, so they could reveal themselves saftely.
@@blackrazer22:: Ya , maybe so....but I wonder - - does our government ever change it's mind? At least we have a strong bond of trust between us, right ? ...
@@piccolobella3945 lol. Well I did say "could" not "should". Maybe after they pass away.
i'm old enough to remember this, but did not witness it. my sole claim to TV fame was watching live the night crispin glover was on letterman...
@@dr.matthewhertert310I remember that. That guy is nuts. In high school my best friend and I crushed on him & called directory assistance in LA, & got his phone number. We left numerous 3 way messages. We'd ramble to each other sometimes forgetting that we were on his answering machine.
He never called us back. 🤔
The pirate radio scene was massive in London prior to dab. You could take the radio links from the top of traffic lights in order to bounce the signal 3/4 places before it hit the transmitter. That way they never found you, when i say transmitter i mean an old round biscuit tin with hand held radio parts and a car battery to power it. We used to put them on the highest tower block in the area. In fact kool fm has just shut down after over 30 years broadcasting without getting caught. It was one of the biggest pirate radios in the world.
are u shure they shut down or did they go digital. as far cheaper . and they couldve done it online.
Used to listen to Kool Fm when working in London.
This happened in the UK back in 1977 on the old ITV regional station Southern Television, the hacker called himself Vrillon of the Ashtar Galactic Command and called for peace and disarmanent as well as other positive esoteric stuff. Lasted approx 6 minutes and led to a lot of concerned phonecalls from the public.
I found it pretty funny tbh.
You witnessed the event yourself? Or did you get your info from the numerous videos covering it?
If you did actually witness I want to know since there is no official audio or video recording of the hack, which has made me somewhat skeptical about what it might’ve actually said.
@@Mr.Obongo No I didn't witness at the time, different region.
I have seen the footage though unfortunately I can't remember where.
@@Taliesin-xd7ke the galactic council is real!
@@TheRealEMURSE Na Nu, Na Nu!😄
You talk about it like it wasn’t a time traveler, who did the hack
You're the best. Nicely done on every aspect. Love your work. Keep it up dude, this is quality content from start to end.
The research you do and the presentation is extremely well done like the other videos I've watched from you. This is truly an under appreciated channel, the longer the videos the better.
I’ve heard of this, but this is definitely the most comprehensive video I’ve seen. Awesome work as always♥️
I'm glad you enjoyed. This was my favorite video so far. I know it's a bit obscure, but still... something about this story fascinates me.
Suomalainen ?
vau
tää kanava on aika hyvä :) just löysin muutama päivä sitten .
@@TheWhyFiles The Why Files
heard of this before as well but this is the only channel where he explains exactly what the hacker meant with the stuff he said, other channels just placed us in front of the fact that this did happen
Your channel is quickly becoming my go to while I'm at work love the content and information on such a wide range of topics also would like to see an episode on either the show or subject of Ancient Aliens
Watched 20+ episodes of yours and I really enjoyed this one the most. Hope you cover more hacks in the future!!
I witnessed the Dr. Who incident first hand. It's definitely something I'll never be able to unsee.
No! Goatsee is something I'll never be able to unsee!!!!
I have that on VHS somewhere. I was mad at the time. I really wanted that dr who episode.
I was watching Doctor Who at the time in the dark when it happened. What you see online doesn't show how Live it looked when it broadcasted and was scary. Mind you I was 14 at the time.
I could only imagine!
Wow...that's crazy
U watched Dr who in the USA at that time?
@@Moltar666 Yes watch the video they even say that. Did you watch the video? Or google it it will tell what episode it was.
@@Moltar666 Dr. Who first aired in the US in 1965, I know this because of my Vietnam Vet friend. One of his buddies who did not make it back from the war was huge fan. Now every time it comes on... he changes the channel.
Awesome episode! Another great one. I always learn something new ;) Keep up the good work guys and gals.
Can you imagine the amount of power required to pull this off?
I'm a big fan of Max Headroom. There was an episode of the series where network 23 is hacked, and blank Reg is framed for the crime. The entire series was very poignant in its social commentary. I absolutely loved it.
Have you managed to find a release of 20 minutes into the future?
One of my favorites as well. Brilliant writing.
The coke commercial was good I wasn't too fond of the show or the cartoon
Can we all take a second to thank AJ for all his hard work, which he puts into his writing, research and jokes for HF.
Thank you AJ.
I'm hooked on your channel.
Omg stop with these like-whore comments
Don't tell me what to do... chump
Excellent episode. Thank you. I grew up outside Chicago in the 1970s. Please do an episode on Dan Burisch. If you are truly on the level, you need to address this man.
Great content….straight into it, pithy and well paced.
I have seen clips of the MHI, but this is the first time I have seen any of it where he talks. I never knew it existed until 16 minutes ago. Another great one in the books!
Thanks, Gary. I'm glad we could bring something new to the story for ya!
"Your love is fading." This is why the world is going mad.
There was a Max Headroom show in the UK in the 80's where he would show music vids, and talk incessantly about golf, and how he didn't have any legs.
I remember the Max Headroom tv show! I waas in Dallas when it aired in the 80s.
I watched it but never truly got it. Lol
I love your channel. With things the way they are, your take on just about everything under the sun is always 1) positive 2) informative and 3) entertaining. Good stuff! And I appreciate that very much , kudos 👍
I just knew about Max Headroom from Back to the Future. I didn't know there was a whole thing around it, or that someone had hijacked the airwaves. I was a very little kid at the time. Thanks for this video, AJ. :) It was honestly interesting - and very creepy. The tilting background was disorienting. The visual, the sound, and the clipping would have disturbed baby me so hard.
It was a TV show on abc....
Max wasnt in back to the future. Their was a homage to him in back to the future 2.
You'll be hitting 3 million subscribers soon. I'm enjoying catching up with the back catalogue 😊
Extremely well done. Very underrated channel!
Really happy you found the channel, OTAMC! (what does this username mean?? are you ok??)
There was a Reddit post about this. A guy posted a pretty convincing story that he knew who did it. The basis of his story was he was at a party and met the 2 brothers that did it. They were college students at the University of Chicago I believe. His story was so detailed it was very believable.
Link?
He eventually concluded that it wasn't him
Superb episode!! Really enjoyed this one. ✌❤
I really enjoy your videos- Thanks! 😊
Max Headroom was the coolest dude in the 80's - way ahead of his time, satirical funny and prophetic
we were all cool in the '80s
Do u recall 👀him on MTV?
@@sallymay3643
Yes sure do, somewhere up up up in there 🤣🍻🇺🇲
The 80s was like cowabungally awesome...
The funny part I'd Max Headroom was originally pitched that Max should ba a dry boring talking head trying to connect with "the youth", but having no clue about how to actually do it. At the same time being arrogant and self confident. Well apparently that really connected with the youth 🤣
Loved that show! Apparently my Technical Illustration instructor did too, and was quite annoyed when it was cancelled. (Yes, TI is a thing, it was my major. If you own a Kia, my work is in it).
You know there was at least one person out there that hit a crossroads when these broadcasts cut in especially the 2nd one. Melting into their couch tripping balls their trip either hit its peak or went completely off the rails when they saw Max cut onto the screen.
Yep. Back then acid was the real deal too. Not the synthetic BS you find today.
Mannn... lmfao thats cruel
They could only be so lucky.
Nice take, far out
I thought the same thing🤣🤣🤣 that would have definitely changed that trip up🤣🤣🤣
I don't know why I haven't subscribed to you yet, you really love making these videos.
New subscriber. Very enjoyable, and informative. Quality content.
You weren't kidding! This was a super fun episode. I'd never heard of this before, but I expect these surprises by now. If you've never heard of the Eriksson Twins story, that might be something you'd be interested in. Keep up the great work!
I had never heard this story and you have now sent me down a whole rabbit hole! This topic is a worth inclusion, sir!
Na boring, one just crazy swedes.
Forgotten here anyways maye fun for teens to hear about it
I wish someone could do this now and actually make the news tell the truth!
Or the FBI sctually did a "good" job
which “truth” tho…theres always multiple truths unfortunately, tho news without bias would be nice
I was thinking the same
ANONYMOUS
The trouble with that is society has come to believe multiple, competing truths coexist with each other. There's no fixing that.
AJ, Hecklefish, you guys are GREATLY APPRECIATED !
Your old stuff is gold too. I can’t believe it’s taken this long to find you guys.
You neglected to mention that he held up a Pepsi can while repeating Coke's slogan.
Love the videos!
"...where the line between news and entertainment was getting more and more blurry", "That line is gone now" had me laughing out loud! Laugh or cry, those were my options. I remember hearing about this and am glad to see the story covered here. There's another video out there that goes through the suspects along with the possible motivations, I certainly recommend checking it out though can't remember the title. For those wondering, "Captain Midnight is a U.S. adventure franchise first broadcast as a radio serial from 1938 to 1949" Wikipedia
Just stumbled across this. Brilliant stuff. ALso, I grew up in the 80s but never really understood who Max Headroom was, I also knew about this incident but not the details. Pretty fascinating!
Another fantastic show. Keep um coming ❤
I am so glad your channel came up as a recommendation! Subscribed immediately! Very well produced and keeps my attention to the end with each video!
So glad you found the channel, Larry! If you enjoyed the Max Headroom story, you're the perfect kind of weird. Welcome home!
@@TheWhyFiles LOVE YOUR CHANNEL!!!! THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK!!!
@@TheWhyFiles do u have help with these?
Me to
I just came across this channel and immediately subscribed. This was my second video and I see that I have many to catch up on.
I had heard about this incident a couple of times, but you explained it perfectly and clearly explained the context. Also the Max Headroom story. I never hear that. I knew there was a reason I always liked Max and found him hilarious. Now I need to back and fully watch this show...um, maybe not, seeing that everything on that show is so prescient.😬
This is something I didn't know happened! Great episode!
One of the strangest yet fascinating incidents. The fact that after all this time the Max Headroom incident is still unsolved is part of what makes it such an interesting story. Also what makes it fascinating is just how bizarre the whole thing was. Trying to figure out who did it and why they did it will likely keep people revisiting this story for years to come. Keep up the great content. My family loves HeckleFish!
I agree! Looking at the old coverage, the FCC and FBI were soooooo confident they would catch the perpetrators. But fighting within and between the agencies got worse as the investigation floundered. This is one of those mysteries I hope remains forever unsolved.
@@TheWhyFiles it’s definitely more fun not knowing who was responsible.
My guess is that it was college or university kids, at least 3 and no malice intended. Then when they heard what the penalties are they just decided to never mention it.
@@TheWhyFiles cheese
@@mattc3169 Hi!
Great work on this. Seen the footage before and knew of the incident - but didn't know about the earlier one and some of your details - so - thanks.
Happy I could bring something new, Randy. That's not easy to do on the internet.
Man I absolutely love this content! I can't stop watching these videos 😅
I still hear "I stole CBS" instead of "I still see the X"
Mixing some nostalgia in there will always be a key to success for TH-cam channels like this one. You guys rock. I freaking LOVE The Why Files!
Man, you and your team (if there is one backing you up) are pure genius. Your story telling is impeccable, the topics are really interesting, and your English is really easy to follow, even though there is unknown vocabulary involved sometimes (yeah, I'm a non native speaker). During the last days I have spent hours watching your vids and I feel I have invested them in something really valuable. Thank you and keep the good work!
Whose last days? Yours?
Thanks a lot for this episode. Reminds me of when I was young. I remember when Max Headroom came on, it was awesome. Thanks again
Sir,
you have the best content, format, delivery, show on the internet.
I had no idea about the origin of Max Headroom or the hack. This was so interesting and I really appreciated the time and effort it took to put all this together. Another wonderful video! I also loved Hecklefish and his reaction to the animation was terrific! Thank you for all you do!
Brilliant!
I remember this. It started lots of pirate radio stations doing exactly the same thing. They would get on the roof of a tall building and, "hack into" mainstream radio. It took ages to find the transmitter because it was right under the noses of the authorities. The pirate radio was good because it was what young people wanted to hear rather than forced control! Excellent video!
I ran a pirate AM transmitter that was originally a transmitter for a drive-in movie theater with a tunable crystal that would oscillate at certain frequencies on shortwave. Would blast off of the top of a nearby mountain with the TX antenna tied to a bigger legit radio and TV mast. We never gave a station ID or took QSLs so I have no idea how far we got out but shortwave signals can stretch a ways even from a small transmitter
the teen drama series "Radio Free Roscoe" is about teens who do that
I just love your whole concept
Max Headroom was such an iconic character in the 80s.
I remember this as a child and it was one of the weirdest things I’ve ever seen. Most people I know have never heard of it.
Another great program my friend. Be well.
Love the channel!
Love your content. Appreciate your hard work!
This incident was a vague memory until now. I never knew the story. 36 years ago already. This is a great channel!
I remember this when I was little. It was weird, but over time, I ended up liking his appearances. The things that went down in the 80s. Good times
Well put together 👍
Duuude! I remember seeing clips of this when I was younger, super unsettling. It's still kinda off putting even now. Another banger vid, as always 👍
Same here! This one has stuck with me for yearrrrrrrssss... So creepy.
It's the voice that creeps me out. The costume is funny to me, but it's how he sounds that makes me squirm in my seat.
It's wild that he was able to do this twice and never got caught. He must have had all his bases covered unlike the HBO Captain Midnight guy. I'm fascinated by this event because it's so odd and no one ever confessed to doing it. Good video.
Thanks, JJ. I always liked this story.
Different times they didn't even have the tech to follow it. Must not be old enough to remember analog
Oh yeah, this guy had to be one of the best cable techs of his time.
One of the greatest trolls of all time.
@@painhasgotchyu7276 They could catch radio pirates back then but it takes time
Keep ‘em coming!
Presumably, whoever did this would more than likely be in their mid to late 60’s now. I’m hoping they will take credit in their latter years and give us some insight to their train of thought then and perhaps even do some interviews. I know the government will still want their pound of flesh, so I’m sure they’ll hold onto the secret until a time where any punishment would be futile due to age.
Maybe an interview to be released after his/her death.
We watched Max Headroom regularly. Was not happy when it was taken off the air. Love your channel!
I loved him too.
Same! loved it. My husband hated it So there was always a fight for dibs on the tv
Always learn something new here! Great work guys!
Thanks for watching, Da Guy!
37 seconds in and the first statement Hecklefish said has me absolutely rolling. 😂😂😂😂 It saddens me that I've just discovered your channel 3 days ago. But we're here now and I'm going f*n nowhere my man/fish! Your content is amazing. Combine that with your incredible delivery and the real intrest in whatever topic were on that we as viewers can clearly see and then Hecklefish to finish it off. Sir you are top 3 on all of TH-cam easy! Subscriber until I'm gone by friend. Really appreciate your work my man. 🤘🏻🤘🏻
Very interesting and funny thanks mate, can't wait for the next one great work 👍
Glad you enjoyed it, DM!
You literally make some of the best videos on TH-cam. Your channel is criminally underrated. Your topics, your personality, Hecklefish, everything... Just absolutely brilliant. Keep doing what you do.
I was stationed in the U.K. in the 80's, Max Headroom was one of the most fascinating TV shows I had ever seen, decades later it's even more eerie how much it got right about where we are now.
I love that you covered this. Totally forgot about this incident until I saw it on your channel. Hecklefish's reaction to the first clip was hilarious! 🤣 🤣
Hey, AJ and Hecklefish, I have learned something new from every one of your videos so far. I expect I won't be disappointed in the others! Thanks for your impeccable research. Such interesting stories!
Thanks Why Files,
I remember Max Headroom, but I didn't know he was never identified!
We could sure use him today!
Started watching when you did the one about Mel Waters. Love the content ❤
Great video man always high quality 🙌
Thanks, Sean! I always liked this story. It's easier to make good content when you're interested in the topics.
I just love the fact this major hack went unsolved!
Ive written how it was pulled off using a 5kw kicker and why they had to do it on VHF because they are only allowed to broadcast at 3kw the waa waa pedal was a dead giveaway if you want to know check the comments above its not done because its hard its not done because you will get 20 years in the federal pen
@@BLEACH366 It is not done now because of encryption. You ain't cracking it.
@@johnphantom you don’t have to
Help I've fallen in love with you and your show 😂 oh and ofcourse Hecklefish ❤
never heard of that incident.
very weird, funny and informative. thanks AJ.
Loved your vid! I knew about these hacks years ago but never saw them, nor had the lowdown on them. Very good job! You might also dig into an incident from the early 70s when hackers took over channel 7 in the Syracuse metro area for an entire weekend. They called themselves "Lucky Seven" and aired rant-laden newscasts and some porn movies - then disappeared without a trace. Keep up the good work... Hecklefish is Da Bomb! :)
Great episode, which reminded me of the late 70’s or early 80’s hack of a UK TV channel news broadcast with a supposed message from an Alien entity. Which itself would be a great idea for one of your YT videos. Bravo again!
Any more information on this?
@@sports872 The video of it can be found with a search of YT or Google.
@@sports872
It happened in the UK on 26 November 1977. The Independent Television station franchise holder was ‘Southern Television’. The UHF transmitter interrupted was Hannington in the south of England. Wikipedia has an article ‘Southern Television broadcast interruption’ for more details.
@@ianharrison6597 I looked it up. It said it was quickly found out to be a hoax.
I’m in the UK I think activists should do this to itv bbc etc
What you're hearing as a ring modulator is more likely the effect of the transmission frequency being a little off or an overloaded input signal to the transmitter. It produces a very similar sound with analog signals.
I laughed when Hecklefish said, "What the actual...[bleep!]?"
And he was never caught?!!! What a freaking legend
Right??? Love this guy!
@@TheWhyFiles that was a child, he had hitting his bottom. that is not good. look at the proportions. that is not a short adult.
Amazing video man, subscribed from the first video I seen from you, I already know all your other videos are just as good so I'm onboard, thanks.
Thanks for taking a chance on the channel, Joshua!
@@TheWhyFiles no problamo thank u for making great videos.
I love that they never figured out who it was.
I have seen this so many times and glad you have done a show bout this
That Max Headroom hack was a DEVO level incident... superb stuff!
I grew up during the 80's ... loved Max Headroom, he was the star of late Saturday nights TV .. back in the day when there were only 4 channels here in the UK
I wouldn’t be surprised if this was some high school senior pulling that last prank before graduation
I love the touch of having that steel grate looking bg spinning behind him. Respect for going the extra mile.
Found this channel recently, I'm enjoying it
Glad you finally found the channel, Josh. I've been waiting for you!
3:48 is likely "looks like you got blood prints on it", said by someone off-camera. Listen to it again
I love that Back to The Future II has Max Headroom in the Cafe scene. Great stuff