12 Classic TV Shows From the 80s for a Little Nostalgia

Pop culture will never forget the iconic television shows of the 1980s. People recently shared T.V. series that epitomized the 1980s and still makes people feel nostalgic on an internet platform. These shows, which ranged from heartwarming sitcoms to thrilling mysteries and action-packed adventures, captivated audiences during a seismic decade.

1. The A-Team (1983-1987)

The A-Team 1983 Mr. T Boy George
Image Credit: NBC.

The show centers on a gang of ex-Special Forces troops who become mercenaries and use their special abilities to aid individuals in need while avoiding military capture. The A-Team became a beloved element of 80s television culture thanks to its unique blend of humor, friendship, and thrilling escapades.

2. Knight Rider (1982-1986)

Knight Rider 1982 David Hasselhoff
Image Credit: NBC.

With the legendary crime-fighting team of Michael Knight and his talking vehicle named KITT, Knight Rider transported viewers on an incredible journey. The program’s protagonist is Knight, a former police officer who uses cutting-edge technology and his slick, high-tech vehicle to battle injustice. 

3. Cheers (1982-1993)

Cheers One More for the Road
Image Credit: CBS Television.

One of the most beloved and enduring sitcoms from the 1980s is Cheers. The program is set at a Boston bar and centers on regular customers and workers. Viewers felt as if they were a part of the Cheers family thanks to the clever humor, enduring characters, and distinctive theme tune. 

4. Alf (1986-1990)

ALF 1986
Image Credit: NBCUniversal, Inc.

Alf introduced viewers to Gordon Shumway, an extraterrestrial life form that goes by the name of Alf. Alf, who crash-lands on Earth and moves in with the Tanner family, is the sitcom’s main character. While attempting to elude federal agents, this adorable and cheeky alien brought havoc and fun into their life. 

5. Family Ties (1982-1989)

Family Ties Michael J Fox
Image Credit: Shutterstock.

Through the life of the Keaton family, Family Ties examines the generational divide. The show contrasts the liberal beliefs of Steven and Elyse Keaton, played by Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter, with the conservative viewpoints of their son Alex P. Keaton, played by Michael J. Fox.

6. Miami Vice (1984-1989)

Miami Vice 1984
Image Credit: NBC.

Miami Vice gave the crime drama genre a new, chic spin. The series, which was set against the colorful backdrop of Miami, followed two vice detectives named Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs and James “Sonny” Crockett as they fought drug lords and other criminals. 

7. Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)

Murder She Wrote
Image Credit: Universal Television.

Murder, She Wrote enthralled viewers with its deft blending of mystery, detective work, and Angela Lansbury’s magnetic performance as Jessica Fletcher. The program centers around Jessica, a successful mystery author who is involved in homicide investigations. 

8. The Golden Girls (1985-1992)

The Golden Girls
Image Credit: NBC.

The Golden Girls changed the 80s television scene by bringing friendship, levity, and timeless humor. Blanche, Dorothy, Rose, and Sophia are the four women at the center of the sitcom. They share a home in Miami. The Golden Girls explored the complications of aging and the enduring strength of friendship while tackling some social topics through their clever banter, engaging personalities, and uplifting moments.

9. Magnum, P.I. (1980-1988)

Magnum, P.I. 1984
Image Credit: CBS.

Tom Selleck’s flamboyant private investigator Thomas Magnum was first presented to audiences in the television series Magnum, P.I. The Hawaii-based program centers on Magnum as he solves problems with the aid of his friends and other Vietnam War veterans.

10. China Beach (1988-1991)

China Beach 1988
Image Credit: ABC.

By examining the lives of several people stationed at a hospital for evacuation in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, China Beach transports viewers to that time. In a country that was devastated by war, the series dives into the personal and emotional experiences of nurses, doctors, soldiers, and civilians.

11. Thirtysomething (1987-1991)

Thirtysomething 1987
Image Credit: ABC.

Thirtysomething dives at the struggles and difficulties of adulthood, job aspirations, relationships, and children for a group of baby boomers in their thirties. The program captures the hardships and goals of those attempting to combine their personal and professional lives, offering a reflective and accurate representation of the generation’s realities. 

12. Moonlighting (1985-1989)

Moonlighting 1985
Image Credit: ABC.

Audiences were enchanted by Moonlighting’s distinctive fusion of romance, humor, and detective work. Private investigators David Addison, played by Bruce Willis, and Maddie Hayes, played by Cybill Shepherd, are the center of the comedy-drama series. Moonlighting shattered the fourth wall and gained recognition for its creative storytelling tactics thanks to its clever banter, flirtatious chemistry between the protagonists, and frequent meta-references.

25 Fan Voted Greatest Television Episodes of All Time, Do You Agree?

The Twilight Zone
Image Credit: United Paramount Network .

With thousands upon thousands of television episodes over the decades, it is difficult to narrow down the best. However, one entertainment forum tried to do just that. Do you agree with their picks?

15 of the Worst Series Finales of Your Favorite Shows on Television

How I Met Your Mother
Image Credit: 20th Century Fox Television.

Have you ever been disappointed with a TV series finale? You’re not alone. After someone asked a popular online entertainment forum what the worst series finales are, here is what they had to say. Do you agree?

15 Beloved Fictional Characters Who Are Terrible and Have No Business Being Glorified

Indiana Jones
Image Credit: Paramount Pictures.

Are there any fictional characters people love and revere that you can’t stand? I think you can rip apart just about any cast on a sitcom. I’m looking at you How I Met Your MotherSeinfeld, and The Big Bang Theory. After someone asked an online forum for examples of terrible fictional characters that people love, here are their most interesting responses.

10 Magnificent Performances That Tricked Us Into Loving Terrible Movies

Tombstone
Image Credit: Buena Vista Pictures.

Ready for some controversy? First, let me preface that I do NOT agree with several of the films listed on this list. Recently, an online film forum member asked about amazing performances in terrible films. Again, don’t hate the reporter. These are not my picks.

10 Boring Movies That Film Fans Are Warning You To Avoid At All Costs

Lorenzo's Oil
Image Credit: Universal Pictures.

Have you ever sat down to excitedly watch a film only to be bored into oblivion? You’re not alone. Recently, someone took to a popular online film forum to ask for the most certifiably boring films of all time. Here are their responses.

Source: Reddit.