Max Headroom lives.
In the series, Max Headroom is a computer-generated recreation of the memories of Network 23 news reporter Edison Carter. Carter runs around with a mini-cam doing daring live broadcasts in a kind of real-time investigative show.
In the pilot, Carter smashes his head on a “maximum headroom” warning sign while escaping some camera-shy subjects. His memory is downloaded by the requisite ’80s nerd in too-big glasses and is then accidentally uploaded onto the network’s computers.
All this was done back in the late 1980’s, before computer simulations were fully developed.
Back in the 1980s, the three networks just plain faked news scenes.
ABC faked a spy handing off documents as they had no footage to go with their news story.
CBS faked a watermelon blowing up when hit by an AK-47. The AK only punched holes in the melon so they had to use a special exploding bullet from a different firearm.
NBC, faked a truck wreck and made it burst into flames by having small lit flares so it would burst into flames.
I’ve never trusted anything from them since.