Best 80s TV Shows: Nostalgic Classics That Still Hold Up Today

The 80s were a decade of big hair, neon colors, and some of the most iconic TV shows of all time. From action-packed dramas to hilarious sitcoms, the 80s had it all. In this article, we’ll be taking a trip down memory lane and revisiting some of the best 80s TV shows that are still beloved today.

When it comes to 80s TV shows, there are a few critical things to keep in mind. First and foremost, the writing and acting must hold up over time. Just because a show was popular in the 80s doesn’t mean it’s still worth watching today. We’ll be looking at shows that have stood the test of time and are just as entertaining now as they were back then.

Another important factor to consider is the cultural impact of the show. Did it influence other TV shows or movies? Did it change the way people thought about certain topics or issues? We’ll be taking a closer look at how each show impacted pop culture and why it’s still relevant today.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the best 80s TV shows that are still worth watching today.

Best 80s TV Shows

We’ve compiled a list of the best 80s TV shows that are still worth watching today. These shows defined a generation and continue to captivate audiences with their timeless storytelling, unforgettable characters, and iconic moments. Whether you’re a child of the 80s or just looking for some classic TV to binge-watch, our roundup has got you covered. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best 80s TV shows.

The Best of the ’80s Coloring Book

If you’re looking for a fun and nostalgic way to unwind, The Best of the ’80s Coloring Book might be just what you need.

Pros

• The coloring book features iconic pop culture references from the 1980s, which is perfect for those who grew up during that era or are fans of ’80s culture.
• The book has a good variety of designs, from movie posters to album covers to fashion trends, so there’s something for everyone.
• The paper quality is good, and the pages are perforated for easy removal.

Cons

• The book is only 96 pages, which might not be enough for some avid colorers.
• The designs are printed single-sided, which means that markers might bleed through to the next page.
• Some of the designs are quite small, which might be frustrating for those with less precise coloring skills.

Overall, we think The Best of the ’80s Coloring Book is a great choice for anyone looking to relive some of the best pop culture moments from the 1980s. Just be aware of the potential limitations with page count, bleed-through, and small designs.

The Best of Fridays

If you’re a fan of edgy and subversive sketch comedy, then The Best of Fridays is definitely worth checking out.

Pros

• Features the early work of Larry David and Michael Richards, who both went on to greater success on Seinfeld.
• Includes top-notch musical guests such as The Clash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and KISS.
• Offers a cross-section of famous (and infamous) material from ABC’s early-1980s attempt to unseat Saturday Night Live as the reigning sketch/variety series on television.

Cons

• Like SNL, Fridays relied too heavily on recurring characters whose efficacy expired after their first or second appearance, leaving most, if not all episodes very uneven.
• Some of the sketches die on the vine and are forgettable.
• Not every song performed by musical guests on their respective episodes is included on the set.

If you’re a fan of Seinfeld, you’ll definitely enjoy seeing the early work of Larry David and Michael Richards on Fridays. The Best of Fridays showcases the edgy and subversive sketch comedy that helped launch the careers of these two comedic geniuses, as well as other talented cast members such as Melanie Chartoff and Mark Blankfield.

The show’s top-notch musical guests, including The Clash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and KISS, make The Best of Fridays even more enjoyable to watch. However, like SNL, Fridays relied too heavily on recurring characters whose efficacy expired after their first or second appearance, leaving most, if not all episodes very uneven. Some of the sketches are forgettable, but the best ones are clever and memorable.

Overall, The Best of Fridays is a great addition to any comedy lover’s DVD collection.

The Cosby Show – The Complete Series

If you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, then The Cosby Show – The Complete Series is a must-have for your collection.

Pros

• The Cosby Show was one of the biggest hits of the 1980s and helped revive the sitcom genre.
• The show features a lovable and relatable family, the Huxtables, who deal with everyday situations in a humorous way.
• The show has a great cast, including Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, and Lisa Bonet.

Cons

• The set doesn’t include any special features or commentary.
• The DVDs come in basic sleeves, so you’ll need to provide your own storage.
• Some viewers may be hesitant to support the show due to Bill Cosby’s criminal charges.

The Cosby Show is a classic sitcom that has stood the test of time. While the lack of special features may disappoint some viewers, the show’s humor and relatable characters make it worth owning. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, The Cosby Show – The Complete Series is a great addition to any collection.

In this complete series set, you’ll get all 201 episodes of the show, which follows the lives of the Huxtable family as they navigate their way through life’s ups and downs. While the show deals with serious issues, it always maintains a lighthearted and humorous tone that makes it a joy to watch.

One of the best things about The Cosby Show is its cast. Bill Cosby is a comedic genius, and his portrayal of Cliff Huxtable is one of the highlights of the show. Phylicia Rashad is also fantastic as his wife, Clair, and the rest of the cast, including Lisa Bonet and Malcolm-Jamal Warner, do an excellent job of bringing the Huxtable family to life.

While some viewers may be hesitant to support the show due to Bill Cosby’s criminal charges, it’s important to remember that the show is a product of its time and should be judged on its own merits. If you’re a fan of classic sitcoms, then The Cosby Show – The Complete Series is definitely worth adding to your collection.

All Time Favorite TV Shows Word Search Classics: Large Print Television Show Word Search Puzzle Activity Book containing best TV Series from 1980s until modern days for Seniors, Adults -amp; Teens

If you’re a fan of TV shows from the 80s and beyond, then the All Time Favorite TV Shows Word Search Classics book is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• Provides a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge of popular TV shows from the 80s and beyond.
• Large print makes it easy to read, even for those with visual impairments.
• Suitable for a wide range of ages, including seniors, adults, and teens.

Cons

• Some of the puzzles may be too easy for experienced word search enthusiasts.
• Limited to TV shows from the 80s and beyond, so if you’re looking for puzzles featuring shows from other eras, this may not be the book for you.
• Some of the puzzles may be repetitive, featuring the same words or themes across multiple puzzles.

If you’re looking for a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge of popular TV shows from the 80s and beyond, then the All Time Favorite TV Shows Word Search Classics book is definitely worth considering. With large print and a wide range of puzzles, this book is suitable for a variety of ages and skill levels. However, experienced word search enthusiasts may find some of the puzzles to be too easy or repetitive.

In terms of value for money, this book is reasonably priced and provides hours of entertainment. Whether you’re looking for a fun way to pass the time or a gift for a TV show enthusiast, the All Time Favorite TV Shows Word Search Classics book is definitely worth checking out.

WHAT’S HAPPENING: THE COMPLETE SERIES

If you’re a fan of classic 80s TV shows, then you should definitely consider purchasing WHAT’S HAPPENING: THE COMPLETE SERIES.

Pros

• Jam-packed with 65 hip and hilarious episodes.
• Features a talented cast of actors, including Haywood Nelson, Ernest Thomas, Danielle Spencer, Fred Berry, and Shirley Hemphill.
• Provides hours of entertainment that will have you laughing out loud.

Cons

• DVDs are not protected and can scratch easily.
• Some customers have reported issues with the packaging.
• May not appeal to those who are not fans of 80s sitcoms.

This complete series is a must-have for any fan of classic 80s TV shows. The show follows the lives of high school friends Raj, Dwayne, Rerun, Shirley, Dee, and Mama as they navigate through the ups and downs of teenage life.

One of the best things about this series is its talented cast of actors, who bring the characters to life with their comedic timing and relatable performances. With 65 episodes to choose from, there’s never a dull moment in this hilarious and heartwarming series.

While some customers have reported issues with the packaging and the DVDs scratching easily, these issues are relatively minor and shouldn’t deter you from purchasing this classic sitcom. Overall, we highly recommend WHAT’S HAPPENING: THE COMPLETE SERIES to anyone who loves 80s TV shows and is looking for hours of entertainment.

Lassie: Best of the Lassie Show

If you’re looking for a classic TV show to watch with your family, Lassie: Best of the Lassie Show might be a great choice for you.

Pros

• The show is a timeless classic that is suitable for all ages.
• The DVD includes multiple formats and colors, making it easy to watch on any device.
• The show features a talented cast of actors, including John Provost, Tommy Rettig, Hugh Reilly, and George Cleveland.

Cons

• The DVD only includes one disc, so there are limited episodes to watch.
• Some viewers might find the animation and special effects to be outdated.
• The show might not be as action-packed as some modern TV shows.

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows, Lassie: Best of the Lassie Show is definitely worth checking out. The show is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time, and it’s suitable for all ages. The DVD includes multiple formats and colors, making it easy to watch on any device. Plus, the show features a talented cast of actors, including John Provost, Tommy Rettig, Hugh Reilly, and George Cleveland.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. The DVD only includes one disc, so there are limited episodes to watch. Some viewers might also find the animation and special effects to be outdated. Additionally, the show might not be as action-packed as some modern TV shows.

Overall, if you’re looking for a wholesome, family-friendly TV show to watch, Lassie: Best of the Lassie Show is a great choice.

Television Series of the 1980s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details

If you’re a fan of 80s TV shows, then this book is a must-have for your collection. It’s full of interesting facts and details about your favorite shows that you might not have known before.

Pros

• Packed with information: This book is jam-packed with information about the most popular TV shows of the 80s. You’ll learn things about your favorite shows that you never knew before.
• Well-organized: The book is well-organized, making it easy to find information about specific shows. You can quickly look up your favorite show and find out everything you need to know.
• Great gift: This book would make a great gift for anyone who loves 80s TV shows. It’s a unique and thoughtful gift that they’ll appreciate.

Cons

• Limited appeal: This book is only going to appeal to a specific group of people – those who love 80s TV shows. If you’re not a fan of these shows, then this book is not for you.
• No pictures: The book is text-heavy and doesn’t have any pictures. Some people might find this boring or unappealing.
• Pricey: The book is a bit pricey for its size and content. Some people might not want to spend that much money on a book.

Overall, we highly recommend this book to anyone who loves 80s TV shows. It’s full of interesting information and is well-organized, making it easy to use. However, if you’re not a fan of these shows, then this book is not for you.

TV Word Search for Adults Large Print Puzzle Book: 70 TV Show Puzzles Including Sitcoms, Classics and Dramas

If you’re a fan of TV shows and love solving puzzles, then this TV Word Search for Adults Large Print Puzzle Book is a great purchase for you.

Pros

• The book contains 70 puzzles featuring popular TV shows from the 80s and beyond, including sitcoms, classics, and dramas.
• The puzzles are large print, making them easy to read and solve.
• The book is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around and solve puzzles on the go.

Cons

• The book only features TV shows, so if you’re looking for a variety of puzzles, this may not be the best option for you.
• The book is paperback, so it may not be as durable as a hardcover book.
• The puzzles may be too easy for advanced puzzle solvers.

We recently purchased this TV Word Search for Adults Large Print Puzzle Book and were pleasantly surprised by the variety of TV shows included in the book. The puzzles were challenging enough to keep us engaged, but not too difficult that we got frustrated. The large print made it easy to read and solve the puzzles, and the lightweight design allowed us to take it with us on the go.

One thing to note is that if you’re looking for a variety of puzzles, this book only features TV show puzzles, so it may not be the best option for you. Additionally, the book is paperback, so it may not be as durable as a hardcover book. Lastly, if you’re an advanced puzzle solver, the puzzles may be too easy for you.

Overall, we recommend this TV Word Search for Adults Large Print Puzzle Book for anyone who loves TV shows and enjoys solving puzzles.

Northern Exposure

If you’re looking for a classic 80s TV show that’s worth the watch, Northern Exposure is a great choice.

Pros

• The characters are well-developed and interesting, making it easy to get invested in their stories.
• The show does a great job of blending humor and drama, making for an enjoyable and engaging viewing experience.
• The setting and scenery are beautiful, transporting you to the small town of Cicely, Alaska.

Cons

• Some of the storylines can be a bit slow-moving, which may not be to everyone’s taste.
• The show can be a bit dated at times, which may make it less accessible to younger viewers.
• The series finale may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.

We recently watched Northern Exposure and were pleasantly surprised by how much we enjoyed it. The characters are quirky and endearing, and the show does a great job of balancing humor with more serious themes. The setting is also stunning, with the Alaskan wilderness providing a beautiful backdrop for the action.

That being said, we did find that some of the storylines dragged a bit, and there were times when the show felt a bit dated. Additionally, the series finale left us feeling a bit underwhelmed, which was a bit of a disappointment.

Overall, we would recommend Northern Exposure to anyone looking for a charming and engaging TV show that’s worth the watch. Just be prepared for some slower moments and a few outdated references along the way.

Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: 70s -amp; 80s

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows and their iconic theme songs, then you should definitely consider purchasing Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: 70s -amp; 80s. This audio CD features a collection of popular TV show theme songs from the 70s and 80s, performed by various artists such as Gary Portnoy, Joey Scarbury, and Barry Manilow.

Pros

• The CD includes a wide variety of popular TV show theme songs from the 70s and 80s, making it a great addition to any fan’s collection.
• The songs are performed by various artists, giving each theme song a unique twist and adding some diversity to the collection.
• The audio quality of the CD is excellent, making it a pleasure to listen to.

Cons

• The CD only includes one disc, which may not be enough for some fans who are looking for a more extensive collection of TV show theme songs.
• The CD does not include the original recordings of some of the theme songs, which may be disappointing for fans who are looking for a more authentic listening experience.
• The CD may not appeal to younger audiences who are not familiar with the TV shows and theme songs from the 70s and 80s.

If you’re a fan of classic TV shows and their iconic theme songs, then Television’s Greatest Hits, Vol. 3: 70s -amp; 80s is definitely worth considering. The CD features a diverse collection of popular TV show theme songs from the 70s and 80s, performed by various artists, and with excellent audio quality. While the CD may not include all of the original recordings of the theme songs and may not appeal to younger audiences, it’s still a great addition to any fan’s collection.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best 80s TV show for your viewing pleasure, there are a few factors to consider. We want to make sure you choose a show that fits your preferences and budget. Here are some features to look for:

Genre

The 80s had a wide variety of TV shows to choose from, ranging from action-packed dramas to hilarious sitcoms. Consider your personal preferences and what genre you enjoy the most. If you’re a fan of sci-fi, you might want to check out shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” or “The Twilight Zone.” If you prefer a good laugh, “Cheers” or “The Golden Girls” might be more your style.

Cast and Characters

A great cast and memorable characters can make or break a TV show. Look for shows with talented actors who bring their characters to life. Consider the chemistry between the cast members and how well they work together. If you find yourself invested in the characters and their stories, you’re more likely to enjoy the show.

Production Quality

The production quality of a TV show can greatly affect your viewing experience. Look for shows with good cinematography, sound quality, and special effects (if applicable). A well-produced show will keep you engaged and immersed in the story.

Availability

Lastly, consider the availability of the show. Is it available on a streaming service or DVD? Is it currently airing on TV? Make sure you choose a show that you can easily access and watch at your convenience.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best 80s TV show for your viewing pleasure. Happy watching!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the iconic television series that defined the 1980s?

The 1980s was a decade of iconic television shows that have stood the test of time. Some of the most memorable shows include “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “Family Ties,” “Miami Vice,” “Magnum, P.I.,” “The A-Team,” “Knight Rider,” and “The Golden Girls.”

Which 1980s TV shows had the highest viewership ratings?

The 1980s saw a rise in television viewership, and some shows had exceptionally high ratings. The most-watched shows of the decade include “Dallas,” “Dynasty,” “The Cosby Show,” “Cheers,” “Magnum, P.I.,” and “The A-Team.”

What are some must-watch TV classics from the 1980s?

Apart from the iconic and high-rated shows, some other TV classics from the 1980s that are worth watching include “Hill Street Blues,” “St. Elsewhere,” “Moonlighting,” “The Wonder Years,” “thirtysomething,” “Fame,” and “Remington Steele.”

Which TV shows from the 1980s are considered cult classics today?

Some of the TV shows from the 1980s that only had a small but dedicated fan base during their original run have become cult classics today. These include “Twin Peaks,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Max Headroom,” “Quantum Leap,” “The Hitchhiker,” and “The Adventures of Pete -amp; Pete.”

What were the most influential television shows of the 1980s in terms of pop culture?

The 1980s saw a significant impact of television shows on popular culture. Some of the most influential shows of the decade include “Miami Vice,” “MTV’s The Real World,” “The Simpsons,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” and “Saturday Night Live.”

Which 1980s television shows won the most awards and critical acclaim?

The 1980s saw some of the most critically acclaimed and award-winning television shows. Some of the shows that won the most awards include “Hill Street Blues,” “Cheers,” “St. Elsewhere,” “L.A. Law,” “The Golden Girls,” and “The Cosby Show.”