Every decade has television shows that helped shape it, capturing the hearts of the masses with storylines and characters that suited that particular time. Whether it was Friends in the 1990s, Lost in the 2000s, or Peaky Blinders in the 2010s, these shows are influenced by what’s happening in pop culture then and often provide the most significant talking points.
The 1980s was no different, so here are 21 TV gems that defined that era.
Cheers
Cheers was primarily set in a Boston bar owned by one of the lead characters. The show became one of the most popular in the 1980s, with the series bringing a brilliant cast together, showcasing various personalities that helped give audiences someone different to relate to.
Dallas
While Dallas ran across three different decades, the series was primarily shown in the 1980s and was a huge hit. The famous person who shot J.R.’s storyline is one of the most memorable and successful in television history, and due to its compelling nature, this series has become something everyone has wanted to talk about throughout the decade.
Only Fools and Horses
This classic British comedy remains one of the most beloved television shows ever, and for good reason: It packs a real punch for funny moments. The tales of Rodney and Del Boy were hilarious as they attempted to make money by any means necessary, which many Brits could relate to at the time.
Knight Rider
Knight Rider was one of this decade’s most popular television shows, as David Hasselhoff shone brightly alongside the show’s star, KITT. Hasselhoff himself was a big part of the 1980s, being one of the big names in the acting world, which is why this show always suits the time well. It was ahead of its time in some ways, looking into technology and what could be next, but that was part of the fun with this series.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Long before Marvel’s superheroes were the cool kids on the block in television and movies, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles were the characters children would gravitate toward. They were the perfect fun-loving heroes for the time that felt safe. Each character boasted their personality and was easy to love, which is one of the reasons the series became such a hit.
Full House
Full House was a series that could bring the entire family together, with this being classic, wholesome fun. It’s the style that shows would typically push in the 1980s, not attempting to be too outlandish or controversial; the series brought together various characters, including the Olsen twins, who got to break through this show.
The A-Team
When people think about the 1980s, Mr. T is one of the people who immediately springs to mind. As the lead character in this show, it’s no surprise that it typifies the era. Mr. T became legendary as he helped lead a group of former special services officers through various dangerous jobs that brought the right level of thrill and personality.
The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls was a major hit that brought together four lead characters who would try to work out what their role in the world should be at a later stage in life. It brought humor and heart perfectly, summing up the decade well with how they talked and interacted.
Fraggle Rock
Jim Henson’s creations have always been a significant hit with younger audiences, and in the 1980s, the cast of Fraggle Rock caught everyone’s attention. It typified what children’s television was like at this time, filled with color and songs, with the various larger-than-life puppets being much fun to watch.
ALF
ALF was a sitcom about a family and an alien puppet named ALF who crashed into their lives. Puppetry was a big part of television during the 1980s and has been pulled back throughout time, which makes this show instantly feel well suited to the period it ran.
MacGyver
MacGyver was an action character that audiences could believe in. Rather than being all about technology or ultra-violence like more modern characters, MacGyver relied on adventuring skills. Using his trusty Swiss Army knife, he could escape any tricky situation, which made this a show audiences loved.
Miami Vice
Miami Vice ticked all the boxes people would expect from a 1980s show, particularly regarding the characters’ fashion choices. The popular detective show featured brilliant music choices and always focused on the culture at the time, helping to make it feel special to audiences.
Doctor Who
Doctor Who is one of the most successful television shows ever, with the British series becoming a global phenomenon. It has spanned several decades, and even though the science fiction series primarily focuses on aliens and otherworldly characters, it is always rooted in the reality of the time. The fashion choices of the doctors during this decade, notably Colin Baker, suited the era. The conversations and topics addressed also felt quintessentially like the 1980s.
Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
This series focused on a group of UK tradesmen heading to Germany in a bid for employment. It featured post-war tension between the two groups, which still legitimately existed and made for a timely series. With plenty of comedy intermixed, the series felt relatable to many, which was a big part of its success.
Blackadder
Blackadder might not have been the longest-running series in the 1980s, but it was undoubtedly one of the funniest. Rowan Atkinson delivers unforgettable performances in the lead role. The show focuses on different periods of history with a comedic tone that was well suited to the time but still stands up today.
Family Ties
Family Ties is another fun sitcom that covers the entire family dynamic and entertains viewers. This series had a magical feeling due to the fantastic chemistry between the characters. At the same time, the focus on political issues without controversy proved to be an excellent method of getting people talking.
Pee-wee’s Playhouse
Pee-wee Herman was a popular character from the 1980s in movies and television, with the goofy style being something that audiences gravitated to. It’s not a style that would have worked as well in later years, which is why this particular series was perfect for the time it ran.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek is a juggernaut of a franchise, leading to several television shows and movies. However, the original series was perfect for the 1980s, when there was a big focus on pushing boundaries in science fiction. The show created several iconic characters, with Patrick Stewart’s brilliant performances helping to make the series even more captivating.
Magnum P.I.
Tom Selleck was the ultimate private investigator in Magnum P.I., and the series helped to make him a household name. The show personified cool at the time, with his flash cars and fancy clothes, with this being a television show that audiences were gripped by.
Murder, She Wrote
Murder, She Wrote was a gentle but gripping crime drama that hooked audiences for each episode without being overly thrilling or dangerous. That was a theme for this decade, for content to be calmer, and with Angela Lansbury taking on the lead role, there was a soft tone that people naturally gravitated towards.
Dynasty
Dynasty was one of the most gripping shows from the 1980s, with this being a perfect soap opera that didn’t take itself too seriously. It brought the right level of drama, with many engaging characters that helped make this one successful.
