The 1980s was a golden era for sitcoms, with many of the shows from that decade standing the test of time and continuing to entertain audiences today. With relatable characters, witty dialogues, and memorable catchphrases, these sitcoms have left an indelible mark on television history. Here are 18 sitcoms from the 1980s that you can still enjoy watching today.
Cheers
Set in a characterful Boston bar, this sitcom revolves around the lives of the bar’s regulars and staff. The ensemble cast, including Ted Danson and Rhea Perlman, created a show that combined humor with heartfelt moments, making it a timeless classic often named one of the great American sitcoms.
The Golden Girls
This female-led sitcom is another classic: brazenly glamorous and complete with shoulder pads and hair spray. Following the adventures of four older women living together in Miami, The Golden Girls delivers sharp wit and clever humor, tackling real-life issues while keeping you laughing. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty brought these characters to life in an endearing way. Their chemistry and the show’s timeless humor make it a joy to watch even today.
Family Ties
This sitcom introduced us to the Keaton family, blending humor with social commentary. Michael J. Fox’s portrayal of Alex P. Keaton, a young conservative in a liberal family, provided endless laughs alongside more thoughtful moments. The resulting family dynamics and relatable scenarios make it a must-watch for anyone who loves classic television.
Full House
Although often associated with the 90s, Full House officially started in 1987. Its heartfelt moments make it perfect for family viewing. The show follows a widowed father raising his three daughters with the help of his brother-in-law and best friend. With a stellar selection of characters, its blend of humor and heart made Full House a favorite among families.
ALF
This sitcom masterfully creates comedic chaos by introducing an alien creature into the suburban Tanner household. ALF’s sarcastic humor and unique premise made it a standout show of the 1980s, and the absurd situations and witty dialogue kept you laughing throughout each episode.
Growing Pains
This wholesome sitcom focuses on the Seaver family and addresses various teen issues with humor and sensitivity. Alan Thicke and Joanna Kerns portray loving parents guiding their children through life’s challenges, presenting a number of relatable family scenarios.
Night Court
Set in a Manhattan municipal court, this sitcom featured quirky characters and absurd situations, complete with the impeccable comedic timing of Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, and the rest of the cast. The unique setting and hilarious characters that inhabit it make each episode a treat.
Who’s the Boss?
Starring Tony Danza and Judith Light, this show flipped traditional gender roles by having a male housekeeper work for a successful female executive. Their chemistry and the show’s humor made it a beloved series, and the role reversals and humorous situations kept viewers engaged from start to finish.
Perfect Strangers
Situated on the fictional Mediterranean island of Mypos, Perfect Strangers follows the misadventures of Larry Appleton and his distant cousin Balki Bartokomous. Their cultural clashes provided endless laughs, while the show’s humor and heartwarming moments make it a delight to watch.
Charles in Charge
Scott Baio stars as our protagonist, Charles, a college student who works as a live-in babysitter. His interactions with the children and their parents offer a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, making Charles’s humorous escapades enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
Webster
Emmanuel Lewis played the title character in this vintage sitcom, a young boy adopted by a retired football player and his socialite wife. The show dealt with serious themes while maintaining a light-hearted tone, cementing its legacy as a widely enjoyed 80s show.
Punky Brewster
Soleil Moon Frye starred as Punky, an abandoned girl adopted by a lonely photographer. While branded as an overly cheesy sitcom, the show’s mix of humor and emotional moments resonated with audiences nonetheless. Punky’s adventurous spirit and the heartwarming stories made it a cherished classic.
Mr. Belvedere
In this sitcom, an English butler comes to work for an American family, bringing a sophisticated demeanor that clashes with their casual lifestyle and creates plenty of comedic situations.
Head of the Class
Set in a high school, this retro sitcom follows a group of gifted students and their unconventional teacher, played by Howard Hesseman. Combining humor with academic challenges, unique student characters, and their classroom antics make Head of the Class an entertaining trip down memory lane.
Kate & Allie
This show focused on two divorced women raising their children together in New York City. It portrayed their charming friendship and the humorous situations they encountered. Quickly becoming a hit, Katie and Allie’s realistic portrayal of friendship and family dynamics makes it relatable to this day.
Silver Spoons
Ricky Schroder starred as a young boy who goes to live with his wealthy father, helping to create a show with a winning combination of humor and believable family dynamics. Adding to the unique charm of this underrated 80’s classic is the father-son relationship, unique setting, and the lavish lifestyle they lead.
The Facts of Life
A spin-off of Diff’rent Strokes, this sitcom followed a group of girls at a boarding school and their housemother. As the premise suggests, this sitcom tackles various teen issues, depicting both sides of the struggle between parents and their children. This combines with a set of diverse characters and heartfelt scenes to make The Facts of Life an iconic sitcom.
Mork & Mindy
Robin Williams’ breakout role as an alien living with a human woman in Boulder, Colorado, made this show a must-watch for any fans of his iconic career. Williams’ improvisational comedy and unique character made Mork & Mindy unforgettable, with plenty of bizarre scenarios to keep you laughing.
