Best TV Shows of the ’80s
Let us demystify the ’80s. Collectively known as the “big hair” era or the “Aquanet” era, people seem to have forgotten how to see past the fringe and the cloud of chlorofluorocarbons to remember the good things about the ’80s: its TV shows! Let us reminisce our favorite ’80s TV shows that many of us grew up or wished we grew up loving!
Best TV Sitcoms of the ’80s
One characteristic of most ’80s TV shows is their 30 minute slot on primetime TV. A fake or a live audience usually accompanies the show’s filming as a way to cue the viewers to cry or to laugh on command. This seemingly brilliant form of “cast and audience connection” among the characters and the viewers is that which is so engaging about ’80s sitcoms. In no particular order, the best TV sitcoms of the ’80s were Bosom Buddies (ABC Network 1980-1982), The Jeffersons (CBS 1975-1985, Communications Company 1975-1982, Embassy Television 1982-1985), Family Ties (NBC 1982-1989), Diff’rent Strokes (NBC 1978-1985, ABC 1985-1986), Webster (ABC 1983-1987), The Facts of Life (NBC 1979-1988), The Cosby Show (NBC 1984-1992), Cheers (NBC 1982-1993), Roseanne (ABC 1988-1997), Perfect Strangers (ABC 1986-1993), Who’s the Boss? (ABC 1984-1992), Small Wonder (Fox 1985-1989), and Growing Pains (ABC Network, 1985 to 1992).
Best TV Soaps of the ’80s
TV soap operas of the ’80s were never clichéd and unpredictable, right? Wrong! ’80s soap operas were chock full of formulated, reused and reconfigured storylines that simply looked different upon the addition of every new cast member. In no particular order, the best TV Soaps of the ’80s were Dallas (CBS 1978-1991), Dynasty (ABC 1981-1989), and General Hospital (ABC 1963-Present).
Best TV Dramas of the ’80s
What could be better than watching a show about pretty people and their problems? A show about young people who are beginning to experience their problems in front of a watching audience! The Wonder Years (ABC 1988-1993) was all of the above.
Best TV Action Adventure Dramas of the ’80s
Action Adventure Dramas, like the following, proved that TV shows which included karate kicks and gorgeous women brought more excitement to their viewers. In no particular order, the best TV action adventure dramas of the ’80s were The Love Boat (ABC 1977-1986), The A-Team (NBC 1983-1987), Knight Rider (NBC 1982-1986), Miami Vice (NBC 1984-1989, USA 1990), MacGyver (ABC 1985-1992), and Baywatch (ABC 1985-1992).
Best Teen TV Shows of the ’80s
Near the end of the ’80s came along the teen pop craze in digital audio form. This might have been caused by the drastic change in the viewer pool. As older kids, such as the baby boomers who have grown up watching The Facts of Life (NBC 1979-1988) and Diff’rent Strokes (NBC 1978-1985), venture out of their homes and away from their couches and TV the younger kids are screaming for shows that are suitable to their tastes. Thus, we’ve witnessed NBC’s inception of Saved by the Bell (1989-1993), Alf (NBC 1986-1990), and Punky Brewster (NBC 1984-1986 and 1986-1988).
Best TV Cartoons of the ’80s
Animated segments of quality TV brought to you by our local programming. In no particular order, the best TV cartoons of the ’80s were Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (CBS 1987-1996), Carebears (ABC 1985-1988, Disney Channel 1990-1997, Toon Disney 1998-2002, Tiny Pop 2004-Present), Smurfs (NBC 1981-1990), and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe (USA 1983-1985).
Best TV Documentaries of the ’80s
The great thing about documentaries is that during every viewing someone always shouts, “Hey, I think I’ve seen him/her before!” In no particular order, the best TV documentaries of the ’80s were COPS (Fox 1989-Present), America’s Most Wanted (Fox 1988-Present), and 60 Minutes (CBS 1968-Present).
Best TV Game Shows of the ’80s
Let the games begin and test your luck with the coolest game shows of the ’80s which includes Win, Lose or Draw (NBC 1987-1989), Wheel of Fortune (NBC/CBS 1983-Present), The Price is Right (1972-2007), and Jeopardy (hosted by Alex Trebeck[NBC 1984-Present]),
Best Novelty TV shows of the ’80s
Prior to the world-wide American Idol phenomenon came the following novelty shows which includes That’s Incredible (ABC 1980-1984), Amazing Stories (NBC 1985-1987), and Club MTV (MTV 1985-1992).
Best TV Talk Shows and News Shows of the ’80s
Roo! Roo! Roo! The Arsenio Hall Show (Fox 1989-1994) and Entertainment Tonight (CBS 1981-Present) were one of the “raddest” talk shows and news shows of the ’80s.
