MUMBAI: The 1980s ushered in a new definition of innovation, drive and decadence that shook and shocked the world. To capture the spirit of this provocative decade, National Geographic Channels International has commissioned Twofour to produce ?The 80s Greatest?.

The four-part series will air in spring 2013 as part of a special global programming event dedicated to the decade that gave rise to the birth of now. Game-changing in the way it wove a common global narrative within a rapidly modernising world, the 1980s encapsulate some of the best, most iconic ? and sometimes grievous ? moments in history.

In four fascinating hours, ?The 80s Greatest? explores Sporting Icons, Gadgets, Football Moments and Tragedies ? from young athletes like Diego Maradona and Mike Tyson who skyrocketed to international superstardom to the Chernobyl nuclear explosion, which dominated international headlines.

NGCI executive VP, head of international content Hamish Mykura said, "Few decades hold the same wonder and nostalgia as the 1980s, and together with Twofour, National Geographic Channel is reacquainting viewers with riveting moments across sports, technology and current affairs. These aren?t memories locked away in time; they are the iconic figures, events and innovations that defined a generation, left nations cheering ? or the entire world holding its breath ? and still resonate today,"

Twofour head of factual entertainment and executive producer of the series Juliet Rice said, "We are delighted to be working with NGCI on The 80s Greatest. It is a chance to revel in an extraordinary decade that brought us everything from the first cell phone to the first ?Hand of God?. Expect glorious insight and nostalgia."