Tang in popular culture

Tang has appeared many times in popular culture.
In Law & Order: Special Victims Unit's episode "Lunacy" aired October 21, 2008 - Detective Olivia Benson, in her ambivalence about the American space program, repeated the popular myth that Tang was specifically invented for and by the space program, implying that money was probably wasted on it, lamenting that all we have to show for it is Tang.
In the Walt Disney motion picture RocketMan, main character Fred Z. Randall is brought to a bar and bought a round of drinks called "Blast-Offs". The buyer of the drinks (William Overbeck) says that is a special drink only for astronauts. Randall replies "Oh, you mean like, Tang?"
Tang was frequently referenced as the drink of choice for the Bundy family on Married... with Children, particularly in the early seasons.
Tang was also frequently mentioned on The Chris Isaak Show.
In the fifth season episode of The Simpsons "Deep Space Homer", Homer makes a phone call to N.A.S.A., in which he says, "Shut up! And another thing...How come I can't get no tang round here?!",and to ask them to stop showing "boring space launches"; NASA officials track down Homer during his phone call to Clinton and ask him to enter training to become an astronaut.
In an episode of That '70s Show, season 5 "When the Levee Breaks", Eric and Hyde make frequent puns about the slang phrase, "Tang," and the soft drink.
In an episode of The Simpsons, "Summer of 4 Ft. 2", Marge attempts to offer Lisa and her friends Tang and Rice Krispies treats.
In Sabrina the Teenage Witch season one "Geek Like Me" Libby is the temporary leader of the Science Club because Mr Pool has gone to get Tang and Fig Newtons.
In Family Guy episode "Fast Times at Buddy Cianci, Jr. High", Lois and Peter were discussing a birthday surprise displayed by Peter, who shows up in nothing but a space helmet and moon boots. Lois asks, "Would you like some Tang, Mr. Space man?"
In an episode of Will & Grace, season 8 "Steams Like Old Times", Will invites an elderly man, Clyde (played by Richard Chamberlain) to their 10th Anniversary Game Night Spectacular and asks him what he would like to drink. Seeing he cannot make up his mind, their friend Larry suggests Tang, which Clyde approves of enthusiastically: "Yes! Tang would be nice!". Will answer's to that is: "I am sorry, I ran out of Tang...when I was seven!".
The Bob & Tom Show has a song that makes references to the drink.
In the movie "Hairspray", Penny Pingleton is punished for helping her friend Tracy Turnblad hide from the police. Her mother finds out, ties her up and says, "You shall live on a diet of saltines and Tang."
In the HBO series "The Wire", Season 2 episode 7, Frank Sobotka makes a reference to Tang when talking to his lobbyist.
Neon Genesis Evangelion fans often refer to the mysterious liquid LCL as "Tang", due to its orange color.
In the My Name Is Earl episode "Randy's List Item", Earl makes "space beer" by mixing Tang with beer, saying "I used the last of the Tang."
On March 25, 2009, in phoned conversation to the Space Shuttle, President Barack Obama asked the astronauts if they "still drink Tang up there."
In the early days of Saturday Night Live Todd (Bill Murray) and Lisa (Gilda Radner) enjoyed a snack of egg salad sandwiches and Tang. Served by Lisa's mom, Mrs. Loopner (Jane Curtain).
 
< Prev   Next >