The 28 Best ’80s TV Shows, Ranked
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We’ve already expanded our streaming queue with travel shows and comic relief, but it’s still missing a little…nostalgia. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane with the 28 best ’80s TV shows, ranked from binge-worthy to sensational.
All of the series are available to watch on streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu. Plus, the options range from comedy classics that started in the '80s like Seinfeld to family dramas that dominated the decade like Dynasty.
28. Perfect Strangers
Who's in it: Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn-Baker, Melanie Wilson, Rebeca Arthur, Belita Moreno
When did it run: 1986 to 1993
Original network: ABC
Larry Appleton is thrilled to move into his first apartment in Chicago. Everything changes when his long-lost cousin arrives and suggests they become roommates.
27. Who’s the Boss?
ABC Television/Fotos International/Getty Images
Who's in it: Tony Danza, Judith Light, Alyssa Milano
When did it run: 1984 to 1992
Original network: ABC
It's about a widower and former professional baseball player who takes a job as a housekeeper. The catch? He and his daughter must move into the family’s residence. The will-they-won't-they romantic tension between Angela and Tony will have you on the edge of your seat.
26. LA Law
Who's in it: Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins
When did it run: 1986 to 1994
Original network: NBC
The series follows the attorneys at a powerful law firm called McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. It also focuses on co-worker relationships and romances, so prepare for loads of drama.
25. Diff’rent Strokes
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Who's in it: Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Conrad Bain
When did it run: 1978 to 1986
Original network: NBC, ABC
The plot centers around a wealthy businessman who adopts two children after their mother passes away. Together, they take on life’s most valuable lessons—and give us some of the most iconic catchphrases.
24. Night Court
Who's in it: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Markie Post, Charles Robinson
When did it run: 1984 to 1992
Original network: NBC
Harry T. Stone is a judge who approaches his cases with an open mind. With assistance from his courtroom guard, Bull, he tackles a variety of silly cases that arise in night court. (Once you’ve finished the original, be sure to check out the remake, which airs on NBC.)
23. Alf
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Who's in it: Paul Fusco, Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson, Benji Gregory
When did it run: 1986 to 1990
Original network: NBC
ALF (aka Alien Life Form) is an extraterrestrial creature who befriends a family after crash-landing in their garage. The question is: Can he learn to live with the Tanner family?
22. EastEnders
Who's in it: Adam Woodyatt, Steve McFadden, Letitia Dean, June Brown, Pam St. Clement
When did it run: 1985 to present-day
Original network: BBC One
EastEnders is one of the longest-running soap operas, and it’s still producing new episodes to this day. The story follows the residents of Albert Square, which is located in London’s East End. They establish a supportive community as they encourage each other through life and loss.
21. Miami Vice
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Who's in it: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
When did it run: 1984 to 1989
Original network: NBC
These two Miami detectives aren’t afraid to turn to violence if it means getting one step closer to ridding the streets of drugs and crime. Plot aside, the soundtrack and stylish fashion can’t be beat.
20. 227
Who's in it: Marla Gibbs, Helen Martin, Hall Williams, Jackée Harry
When did it run: 1985 to 1990
Original network: NBC
If you loved Friends, you need to watch 227. The series follows a group of four people living in an apartment building—this includes Mary Jenkins, the building’s resident gossiper.
19. Growing Pains
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Who's in it: Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Jeremy Miller
When did it run: 1985 to 1992
Original network: ABC
Dr. Jason Seaver is a psychiatrist who works out of his home while his wife pursues a career of her own. Comedy—and plenty of drama—ensues.
18. MacGyver
Who's in it: Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill, Robin Mossley
When did it run: 1985 to 1992
Original network: ABC
Meet MacGyver, a top agent for an agency that protects the world against evil. However, he’s very different than his coworkers. Not only does he refuse to use a weapon, but he also uses everyday objects—like duct tape—to do his job.
17. Family Ties
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Who's in it: Michael J. Fox, Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers
When did it run: 1982 to 1989
Original network: NBC
The Keaton family consists of two liberal parents and their children, notably their conservative eldest. Cue the awkward tension.
16. Designing Women
Who's in it: Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Meshach Taylor, Jean Smart, Delta Burke
When did it run: 1986 to 1993
Original network: CBS
Julia Sugarbaker and her sister, Suzanne, open a design firm and hire their two best friends. The show is funny, feminist and includes plenty of iconic speeches.
15. Dallas
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Who's in it: Larry Hagman, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray
When did it run: 1978 to 1991
Original network: CBS
Get to know the Ewing family and their massive oil empire, which financially supports their lavish lifestyle. Before long, you’ll be asking the age-old question: Who shot J.R.?
14. Star Trek: The Next Generation
Who's in it: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis
When did it run: 1987 to 1994
Original network: Paramount
Inspired by Star Trek: The Original Series, the show takes place 78 years after Captain Kirk’s original mission. It documents a new generation of Starfleet officers as they embark on another space journey.
13. Magnum, P.I.
Silver Screen Collection/Archive Photos/Getty Images
Who's in it: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley
When did it run: 1980 to 1988
Original network: CBS
Meet Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Oahu, Hawaii. The show is the perfect escape, if you ask us.
12. Quantum Leap
Who's in it: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Dennis Wolfberg
When did it run: 1989 to 1993
Original network: NBC
Dr. Ben Song is a physicist who runs a top-secret time-travel program called Quantum Leap. When he secretly travels back in time to rewrite his past, he soon realizes that he’ll need his team to help him return to the present-day.
11. The Facts of Life
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Who's in it: Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Nancy McKeon, Mindy Cohn, Charlotte Rae
When did it run: 1979 to 1988
Original network: NBC
Mrs. Edna Garrett is the Drummonds’ former housekeeper (yup, it’s a Diff’rent Strokes spinoff). The series documents her journey to become a housemother at a girls’ boarding school.
10. Punky Brewster
Who's in it: Soleil Moon Frye, George Gaynes, Cherie Johnson
When did it run: 1984 to 1988
Original network: NBC
When Punky Brewster is abandoned by her family, she’s taken in by a cranky photographer, Henry Warnimont, who soon becomes her foster parent. She uses her silly antics to show Henry how to live life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances.
9. Dynasty
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Who's in it: John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Joan Collins, Gordon Thomson
When did it run: 1981 to 1989
Original network: ABC
The Carrington and Colby families are two notoriously wealthy clans who have been feuding for years. This is their story.
8. Teen Wolf
Who's in it: Townsend Coleman, James Hampton, Don Most, Jeannie Elias, June Foray
When did it run: 1986 to 1987
Original network: CBS
If you loved the 1985 movie, then you need to watch this ’80s animated series, which is known in the U.K. as The Cartoon Adventures of Teen Wolf. The story is about a young boy who's hiding a dark secret: he and his family are werewolves.
7. The Wonder Years
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Who's in it: Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Dan Lauria and Daniel Stern
When did it run: 1988 to 1993
Original network: ABC
It documents the childhood of Kevin Arnold. Narrated by his adult self, the series is a coming-of-age story that never gets old.
6. Married…with Children
Who's in it: Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino
When did it run: 1987 to 1997
Original network: Fox
Meet the Bundys, a suburban family who’s living in Chicago. They aren’t the kindest to one another, and they often bicker over money, intimacy and housework. Sounds right up our alley.
5. Saved by the Bell
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Who's in it: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Dennis Haskins
When did it run: 1989 to 1992
Original network: NBC
The story focuses on the students of Bayside High School. The series follows Zack Morris and his friends, who are simply trying to escape the wrath of their principal, Mr. Belding.
4. M*A*S*H
Who's in it: Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, William Christopher
When did it run: 1972 to 1983
Original network: CBS
The drama takes place during the Korean War and follows members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Together, they care for patients and use humor to escape the horror they see on a daily basis.
3. The Golden Girls
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Who's in it: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty
When did it run: 1985 to 1992
Original network: NBC
Join four mature women who are living in Miami Beach, Florida. Their biting wit and Rose’s St. Olaf stories make this classic a must-binge.
2. Seinfeld
Who's in it: Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
When did it run: 1989 to 1998
Original network: NBC
Seinfeld premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons, but it’s still considered an ’80s show in our book. The series documents the lives of four single friends who are living in New York City and navigating adulthood. *Cue the canned laughter*
1. Cheers
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Who's in it: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
When did it run: 1982 to 1993
Original network: NBC
It centers around a bar called Cheers, where everybody knows your name. After a few episodes, you might even consider yourself a regular.