Part 8/11:
Despite the movie’s initial poor showing—being released in September 1983 and pulled from theaters after just three weeks—Eddie and the Cruisers found new life through television. Heavy rotation on HBO and cable outlets in early 1984 allowed viewers to discover the film in their living rooms, leading to a resurgence of interest.
As fans rediscovered the soundtrack, "On the Dark Side" soared up the charts, reaching number seven in the U.S., and the album itself climbed to the top ten, peaking at number nine. The soundtrack’s success was a testament to the power of home viewing and the enduring appeal of authentic rock music—particularly the raw, relatable sound of John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band.