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The 40 Best TV Shows That Everyone Just Couldn't Get Enough Of In The '80s
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I’m the SEO Resident here at BuzzFeed, and I cover everything from trending pop culture and celebrity news to evergreen entertainment and lifestyle topics. What it's about: "The regulars of the Boston bar 'Cheers' share their experiences and lives with each other while drinking or working at the bar where everybody knows your name." —IMDb Starring: Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Kirstie Alley, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt, Woody Harrelson, Kelsey Grammer Fan Review: "Before Jim and Pam on The Office, there was Sam and Diane (the better relationship by far). Cheers has amazing characters, concentrated single-episode stories, and some really sweet moments. There's not really a single weak character in the cast. There's a reason Frasier spun off from it and became its own comedy. As a TV writer myself, I think the pilot '[Give] Me a Ring Sometime' is one of the best pilots of all time. Sets the tones and characters perfectly. You get Carla, Norm, and Coach immediately when they walk in through that door." —TajesMahoney What it's about: "Four previously married women live together in Miami, sharing their various experiences together and enjoying themselves despite hard times." —IMDb Starring: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty Fan Review: "I watched when it aired. I also watch now with my kids. It's nice to hear them laugh at the one-liners today, just as I had originally. The show has held up, and the clothes are fabulous!" —ShareComprehensive97 What it's about: "A group of students at a historically Black university struggle to make it through college." —IMDb Starring: Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Darryl M. Bell, Dawnn Lewis, Lisa Bonet, Charnele Brown Fan Review: "It is an amazing show. I loved it and watched it every week when it was airing, and I still enjoy watching it now. I love Dwayne and Whitley; their romance is iconic, and their wedding episode was so romantic. If you weren’t there, you can’t really understand how intense that build-up really was…how long we pined for them to get back together. That 'Baby, PLEASE!' lives in my head rent-free. I loved seeing the college culture. One of my favorite parts was the stepping episode. I was in high school, so it made me think college was going to be awesome (and it was). Anyway. Was and is one of my favorites. And leaving this here: RELAX. RELATE. Re-LEASE!" —haileyskydiamonds What it's about: "Follows millionaire Phillip Drummond, his daughter Kimberly, their current housekeeper Edna, and Arnold and Willis, the two pre-teenage sons of their late African American housekeeper from Harlem, whom he adopted and raised as his own." —IMDb Starring: Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Conrad Bain, Dana Plato Fan Review: "I actually went back and watched the first few seasons a couple of years ago, and I thought a lot of the humor held up pretty well. The tragedies behind the scenes loom over a bit, though. And I will not watch any of the 'very special episodes.'" —krissym99 What it's about: "Al is the quintessential working-class dad. Peggy, his wife, always wants more from him. With their children, they go through the highs and lows of ordinary life." —IMDb Starring: Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino Fan Review: "It was the perfect anti-'80s sitcom; the anti-Cosby Show: a white trash family on the verge of poverty that can’t stop sabotaging and ruining their chances for a better life. The characters never learn a positive lesson, and the audience is better off not trying to emulate them. It was perfect." —DudebroggieHouser What it's about: "This story took place in an apartment building numbered 227. The cast would frequently be sitting outside on a large set of stone stairs, involved in some discussion that would unfold into the weekly plot line." —IMDb Starring: Marla Gibbs, Hal Williams, Alaina Reed Hall, Jackée Harry, Regina King Fan Review: "One of the best '80s shows on TV. I love Marla Gibbs. I always imagined hanging out with Brenda and Calvin while eavesdropping on the gossip that Mary, Rose, and Pearl shared on the front stoop. And it would be fun to hang out with Sandra and get advice about dating. So many interesting personalities in the building. 227 is like a security blanket that I still watch when I have time to catch it on TV. But I'm upset that only the first season is available on DVD." —PurpleSloth1025 What it's about: "Chronicles liberal ex-hippies Steven and Elyse Keaton, their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew." —IMDb Starring: Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers, Brian Bonsall Fan Review: "It’s on one of those old TV networks that my mom watches. I've been catching quite a few episodes, and, man...They were absolutely fantastic. Any kind of cheese or corn ball is strictly a product of the time, and it’s infinitely rewatchable. What fantastic parents. It was a nice change from ineffectual parents. What a great couple they were, actually a couple who really practiced equitable parenting. Dad is a role model men should’ve been taking for parenting. What a great show." —304libco What it's about: "The misadventures of four women and their handyman running a design firm in Atlanta, Georgia." —IMDb Starring: Delta Burke, Dixie Carter, Jean Smart, Annie Potts, Meshach Taylor Fan Review: "Designing Women was must-see TV in my house growing up. The quartet (plus Anthony and Bernice) had amazing chemistry. The criticism that it was a Golden Girls rip-off is lame. There can be multiple series about the lives of different women in different settings. Designing Women really tackled social issues with humor and heart. Plus, Suzanne Sugarbaker had a pet pig named Noel." —CJK-2020 What it's about: "A widowed sportscaster raises his three daughters with assistance from his rock and roll brother-in-law and madcap best friend." —IMDb Starring: Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier, Candace Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate Olsen, Ashley Olsen, Lori Loughlin Fan Review: "Very entertaining, and basically the best TV show for a kid/family to watch on a Friday night." —HistorianJRM85 What it's about: "An eccentric, fun-loving judge presides over an urban night court and all the silliness going on there." —IMDb Starring: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll Fan Review: "Night Court is the type of show that fires on all cylinders. Great comedy writing, great performances from the whole main cast, great guest stars. Shows of this quality are a rarity." —Brimstone747 What it's about: "Young Punky Brewster is abandoned with her dog, Brandon, in a supermarket. When she befriends Henry Warnimont, her new family life begins." —IMDb Starring: Soleil Moon Frye, Cherie Johnson, Susie Garrett, Ami Foster Fan Review: "Loved Punky. It was great to see a 'weird kid' represented on TV since I was called weird all the time! Seeing Punky made me realize I liked being different and it made life more interesting." —painter_rachel What it's about: "Centers on the lives of the Huxtables: obstetrician Cliff and his lawyer wife Claire, their daughters Sondra, Denise, Vanessa, and Rudy, and son Theo." —IMDb Starring: Bill Cosby, Phylicia Rashad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keshia Knight Pulliam, Tempestt Bledsoe, Lisa Bonet, Raven-Symoné, Sabrina Le Beauf, Geoffrey Owens Fan Review: "I loved this show so much as a kid. So many good morals and funny moments. Very quotable, feel-good show. Very ironic now that its legacy will be forever tarnished." —joeriverside10 Editor's note: While the show is included for its cultural and television impact, BuzzFeed recognizes the serious criminal allegations against Bill Cosby and wants to be clear that we do not support or condone sexual assault in any form. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673), which routes the caller to their nearest sexual assault service provider. You can also search for your local center here. What it's about: "Tony Micelli, a retired baseball player, becomes the housekeeper of Angela Bower, an advertising executive in New York. Together they raise their kids, Samantha Micelli and Jonathan Bower, with help from Mona Robinson, Angela's man-crazy mother." —IMDb Starring: Judith Light, Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano Fan Review: "This will always be my comfort show. The chemistry between Judith and Tony was so great, and watching the show as an adult is a whole other experience. The theme song will always tug at my heartstrings, too." —anongirl55 What it's about: "Mrs. Edna Garrett, housemother and dietitian at the Eastland School, teaches a group of girls in her charge how to solve those problems that every teenager has to face." —IMDb Starring: Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Mindy Cohn, Nancy McKeon, Cloris Leachman Fan Review: "A wonderful show that really did teach a generation of kids the facts of life. Almost every episode taught a life lesson of some sort, some very basic, and some super important. So many difficult subjects were dealt with, like drug use, disabilities, suicide, racism, classism, eating disorders, human trafficking/child prostitution, sexual assault, homosexuality, and more, in a respectful way that really educated us and helped prepare us for the real world. I loved it." —Br00klynBelle What it's about: "A proper British butler brings his refined ways to a middle-class Pittsburgh family, creating both friction and friendship as he helps manage their household while navigating cultural clashes and daily chaos." —IMDb Starring: Christopher Hewett, Bob Uecker, Ilene Graff, Rob Stone, Tracy Wells, Brice Beckham Fan Review: "Watched it on Antenna TV back in 2014 and 2015 and watched the entire series this year as a tribute to Bob Uecker; it’s a great show with a catchy theme song!" —JingoboStoplight4887 What it's about: "Nell agrees to look after the Kaniskys' home, as a special favor to her dying friend, and takes on the role of housekeeper to widowed police chief Carl and a parental figure to his three teenage daughters, and eventually a foster son." —IMDb Starring: Nell Carter, Dolph Sweet, Lara Jill Miller, Kari Michaelsen, Lauri Hendler, Joey Lawrence, Telma Hopkins, Howard Morton Fan Review: "Nell Carter had an amazing energy. I went back and watched the show again a few years ago, and I still enjoyed it, mostly because of Nell and her chemistry with Dolph Sweet." —mythrowaweighin What it's about: "Two divorced mothers and their children share an apartment." —IMDb Starring: Jane Curtin, Susan Saint James, Allison Smith, Frederick Koehler, Ari Meyers Fan Review: "LOVE this show. So many hilarious moments and real human moments. I love the moments when they let Jane Curtin loose a little." —LikeIsaidItsNothing What it's about: "About the antics between two twins, Kate and Allison. Allison was always the serious outgoing sister, while Kate was more fun and laid-back." —IMDb Fan Review: "I recorded it on VHS and watched it for years after it ended. My very favorite show for so long." —BaldPoodle What it's about: "Ricky Stratton is a spoiled rich kid who lives the life that many kids dream of, but he still suffers from the problems that many teens do." —IMDb Starring: Ricky Schroder, Joel Higgins, Franklyn Seales, Erin Gray, Leonard Lightfoot, Alfonso Ribeiro, Jason Bateman Fan Review: "I loved this show when I was little. It’s why I love Jason Bateman so much." —_A-Q What it's about: "Mama's Family originated with Thelma 'Mama' Harper, and her younger sister Fran living together in Mama's house." —IMDb Starring: Vicki Lawrence, Ken Berry, Dorothy Lyman, Beverly Archer, Allan Kayser Fan Review: "One of my top favorite shows of all time. Grew up on '90s reruns on TBS. It was a staple of my childhood, and I love it even more now! Currently on a binge watch!" —DynastyFan85 What it's about: "The adventures of a deranged police detective who always looks for the most violent solution to any problem." —IMDb Starring: David Rasche, Anne-Marie Martin, Harrison Page Fan Review: "Fucking great show! I loved when he would take buildings down." —ThisGuyRightHereSaid What it's about: "The trials and tribulations of two feuding families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, both oil-rich families in Denver, Colorado." —IMDb Starring: John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Joan Collins Fan Review: "Absolutely loved this show in the '80s! Now that it is showing on PlutoTV again, I appreciate the dialogue and how well the lines were delivered by John Forsyth, Linda Evans, and the rest of the cast. I still find this show riveting and amusing." —BravePoet3 What it's about: "Miami Vice follows undercover detectives Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they infiltrate and combat the drug trade and other criminal elements in South Florida." —IMDb Starring: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Edward James Olmos, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown, Michael Talbott, John Diehl Fan Review: "GFS: Great Fucking Show! The hippest cop show ever made. The boats, the cars, the villains, the women. Oh man, Vice was the shit! Great guest cameos and SLO-MO shootouts. Awesome! Castillo was one badass mother. Izzy was comic relief. And do not get me started on the music! Belongs in a time capsule. Vice? One for the ages." —Careful-Respect-5967 What it's about: "J. R. Ewing, a Texas oil baron, uses manipulation and blackmail to achieve his goals, both personal and professional. He frequently clashes with his brother Bobby, his arch-enemy Cliff Barnes, and his long-suffering wife Sue Ellen." —IMDb Starring: Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray, Barbara Bel Geddes, Donna Reed, Victoria Principal Fan Review: "OMG. Who wasn’t a fan. Good-looking people, tons of money. Deceit, debauchery. Just an average Saturday night." —PercentageMore3812 What it's about: "Professional writer and amateur sleuth Jessica Fletcher uses her intellect, charm, and persistence to get to the bottom of every crime she encounters." —IMDb Starring: Angela Lansbury, William Windom, Tom Bosley, Ron Masak Fan Review: "I have a deep love for Murder, She Wrote, a show I discovered right before the COVID pandemic. Astonishingly, this decades-old cozy mystery show has held a permanent weekly rotation in my house ever since. My S.O. and I watch at least one episode every Sunday. I think, above all, this illustrates the enduring charm of Jessica Fletcher. I genuinely love that one of the most beloved television characters is a small-town retired English teacher turned into a prolific author. I love her supporting cast (especially Seth and Mort), and I love that she never really gets a romantic subplot. There are a few episodes that touch on an old love from before her husband or have men pursuing her, but here is a fantastic female character defined instead by her intelligence and strong caliber of character." —IanZarbiVicki What it's about: "Ben Matlock is a very expensive criminal defense attorney, who charges one hundred thousand dollars to take a case. Fortunately, he's worth every penny, as he and his associates defend his clients by finding the real killer." —IMDb Starring: Andy Griffith, Nancy Stafford, Julie Sommars, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Kene Holliday Fan Review: "Loved this show. Made me want to be a lawyer (never did make it). I watched it with my mom when it was on prime time, and I'd watch reruns whenever I was sick and didn't go to school." —SPQR_Maximus What it's about: "An ex-model and a smart-aleck detective manage a private detective agency." —IMDb Starring: Cybill Shepherd, Bruce Willis Fan Review: "Watched every episode religiously. It's still in my top 10 favorite television shows of all time (even with the lackluster later seasons)." —SynapseDon What it's about: "Four ex-Army Special Forces soldiers become heroes for hire, after being branded as war criminals for a crime they didn't commit. After breaking out of prison, they end up helping the downtrodden while on the run from the Military Police." —IMDb Starring: George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict, Dwight Schultz Fan Review: "Yes! Fantastic! They could shoot 4,000 rounds of ammo and nobody ever died! HUUUUGGGEE explosions and '80s action. Nothing better." —SloWi-Fi What it's about: "The adventures of a Hawaii-based private investigator." —IMDb Starring: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley, Larry Manetti Fan Review: "The four main actors had such great chemistry. It had the perfect amount of action, comedy, and great writing!" —bruiser_blade What it's about: "Follows the adventures of lone crime-fighter, Michael Knight, who fights crime and battles criminals with the help of his virtually indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar, KITT (short for Knight Industries Two Thousand)." —IMDb Starring: David Hasselhoff, William Daniels Fan Review: "IT'S A GREAT SHOW!!! The first couple of seasons are very western-like, i.e., Michael and Kitt vs. the villains of the week. In later seasons, there's a lot of fun, hi-tech hijinks: remote-controlled cars, evil people in the Knight Foundation, and KARR AND GOLIATH!!! This show had a TON of spin-offs!" —Unknown-Apeman What it's about: "Kevin Arnold recalls growing up during the late '60s and early '70s; the turbulent social times make the transition from child to adult unusually interesting." —IMDb Starring: Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano Fan Review: "Absolutely love that show. Definitely in my top five all-time shows. I enjoy going back and rewatching some episodes here and there." —Embarrassed-Yak-1150 What it's about: "The trials of a weary nurse, her friends and colleagues in a Vietnam War field hospital." —IMDb Starring: Michael Boatman, Marg Helgenberger, Robert Picardo, Concetta Tomei, Brian Wimmer, Jeff Kober Fan Review: "I watched every damn episode of this amazing show as they aired and loved every minute of it. Outstanding series. Felt like I was leaving good friends after the last episode." —BurtRogain What it's about: "The saga of a Chicago police detective's efforts to stop a young hood's ruthless rise in the ranks of organized crime." —IMDb Starring: Dennis Farina, Anthony Denison, Bill Smitrovich, Stephen Lang, John Santucci, Steve Ryan, Bill Campbell, Paul Butler, Ted Levine, Joseph Wiseman Fan Review: "This show is one of my favs. Stellar cast, starting with Dennis Farina and Anthony Denison on opposite ends of the law, and their respective crews of cohorts, played by easily recognizable actors like Bill Smitrovich, Ted Levine, and Stephen Lang, to name a few. Not to mention one of the most badass opening sequences in TV history." —Director_Coulson What it's about: "A probationary angel, sent back to Earth, teams with an ex-cop to help people." —IMDb Fan Review: "I still watch this show. It's amazing. Very heart-warming. I cried during several episodes." —CleanrUpGrl What it's about: "The most powerful man in the universe, He-Man, goes against the evil forces of Skeletor to save the planet Eternia and to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull." —IMDb Starring: John Erwin, Alan Oppenheimer, Linda Gary, Lou Scheimer Fan Review: "There’s a reason it’s still remembered. The second season, they really hit the sweet spot. I wish it had continued instead of only doing She-Ra. Hindsight is always 20/20, but half She-Ra, then half more He-Man would have served them better. It’s literally pop art now; it’s so recognizable. It’s worth it alone for the iconic designs." —GeraldKeefer What it's about: "Follows a group of feline humanoids called the Thundercats, who have fled their destroyed home planet, Thundera, to seek refuge on the distant planet Third Earth (our Earth in the far future) as they make new friends and enemies." —IMDb Starring: Larry Kenney, Earle Hyman, Lynne Lipton, Peter Newman, Bob McFadden, Earl Hammond Fan Review: "I grew up on the series. The character designs are top-notch — I'll say better than G.I. Joe or Masters of the Universe. The series was the usual mix of good episodes, goofy episodes, and shoehorned-in morals. Nostalgia aside, the show is fun." —Jack-Pumpkinhead What it's about: "Two brothers with opposite personalities investigate crime." —IMDb Starring: Gerald McRaney, Jameson Parker Fan Review: "I love Simon & Simon. I used to watch it in reruns and eventually bought the series on DVD, and I still watch it that way. It's really underrated, in my opinion." —Thorn_Within What it's about: "A bumbling cyborg inspector outfitted with an array of bizarre gadgets pursues the criminal organization M.A.D., all while his precocious niece and dog do the real investigative work." —IMDb Starring: Don Adams, Cree Summer, Frank Welker Fan Review: "I recently rewatched this, and it still had me chuckling like it did when I was a kid." —Tom_FooIery What it's about: "The staff of a New York City taxicab company goes about their job while they dream of greater things." —IMDb Starring: Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza, Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd Fan Review: "One of the best TV shows of all time. It explored the lives of cab drivers as a conduit for the human experience: hopes, failures, drama, and tragedy. I love this show." —rufusarizona What it's about: "The Smurfs are tiny blue creatures that live in mushroom houses in a peaceful forest. They repeatedly try to outwit Gargamel, an evil sorcerer, his apprentice, Scruple, and his mangy cat, Azrael." —IMDb Starring: Don Messick, Lucille Bliss, Frank Welker, Danny Goldman, Paul Winchell Fan Review: "One of the all-time best cartoons: great characters, villains, and morals to the stories. Papa Smurf leading by example and dropping wisdom like a blue Gandalf three apples high. Hefty, Smurfette, Vanity, Jokey, and so many more. Amazing memories watching this as a little kid." —Vic_Nightingale