- Alan Alda, McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers
This groundbreaking dramedy followed a group of army doctors during the Korean War, blending serious themes with comedic moments to create a unique viewing experience. The talented cast included Alan Alda as Captain Hawkeye Pierce, Loretta Swit as Major Margaret Houlihan, and Harry Morgan as Colonel Sherman Potter. Its 11-year run earned numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on television history.
More M*A*S*H- Dig Deeper...The Best 'M*A*S*H' Episodes That Are Worth Keeping On Your Radar
- #3 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #13 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt
Set in the cozy atmosphere of a Boston bar, this beloved sitcom captivated audiences with its witty humor and memorable ensemble cast, including Ted Danson as the charming bartender Sam Malone, Shelley Long as the intellectual waitress Diane Chambers, and Rhea Perlman as the feisty Carla Tortelli. The show's character-driven storylines and clever one-liners made it an instant hit, earning multiple award nominations and wins during its 11-season run. With guest appearances from prominent figures like Dick Cavett and Wade Boggs, this iconic series not only cemented its place in pop culture history but also launched successful spin-offs that continued to delight viewers for years.
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- #4 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley
A crime-solving ex-Navy SEAL with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts, Tom Selleck's Thomas Magnum charmed audiences in this iconic detective series. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, the show balanced action, drama, and comedy with memorable supporting characters like John Hillerman's Higgins and an unforgettable theme song that still resonates today.
More Magnum, P.I.- #9 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #12 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #69 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate
A sharp departure from the wholesome family sitcoms of the era, this ground-breaking comedy introduced viewers to the dysfunctional Bundy family. Ed O'Neill's portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable Al Bundy, Katey Sagal's sassy Peg Bundy, and their wise-cracking children Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino) challenged traditional family values while garnering a loyal fan base throughout its 11-season run.
- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Married... With Children' Seasons, Ranked
- #10 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #48 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross
Centered around the Keaton family during the Reagan era, this popular sitcom tackled various social issues while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Michael J. Fox rose to fame as Alex P. Keaton, a young conservative whose views often clashed with his liberal parents Elyse and Steven, played by Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross. The show's focus on family values resonated with viewers and contributed to its lasting popularity even decades after its conclusion.
More Family Ties- #29 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #36 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #66 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict
A thrilling mix of action-packed adventure and camaraderie among four Vietnam veterans turned mercenaries for hire propelled this exciting series into pop culture fame. With George Peppard as Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith leading Dirk Benedict's charming con man Faceman (Templeton Peck), Dwight Schultz's eccentric "Howling Mad" Murdock, and Mr. T's tough guy B.A Baracus, the show's high-octane stunts, and humor kept viewers riveted throughout its five-season run.
More The A-Team- #87 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #12 of 49 onThe Best Sitcoms From The '80s, Ranked
- #69 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
- Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley
Set in 1950s Milwaukee, this nostalgic sitcom starred Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham alongside Henry Winkler’s iconic portrayal of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli. With its catchy theme song “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets kicking off each episode, Happy Days delighted audiences with its wholesome storytelling while simultaneously making "The Fonz" a household name.
More Happy Days- Dig Deeper...The Best Happy Days Episodes
- #8 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #10 of 30 on30 Words And Phrases You Might Not Realize Originated From A Movie Or TV Show
- Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz
Jim Henson's colorful cast of Muppets entertained families in this innovative variety show which featured celebrity guest stars such as Steve Martin, Elton John, and Julie Andrews. Kermit the Frog led a group of eccentric characters including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo on a journey through skits and musical numbers that showcased their unique personalities while leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.
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- #32 of 193 on190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
- Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White
Four feisty women living together under one roof made for endless laughs in this groundbreaking sitcom which showcased the talents of Bea Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak, Betty White as Rose Nylund, Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux, and Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo. The witty banter among these strong female characters tackled topics often left untouched by television at that time while maintaining its comedic charm throughout its successful seven-season run.
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- And Deeper...18 Gifts All 'Golden Girls' Fans Simply Must Have
- #6 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll
Taking place in a zany Manhattan courtroom after hours, this quirky sitcom featured Harry Anderson as Judge Harry Stone presiding over an eclectic cast of characters including prosecutor Dan Fielding (John Larroquette) and public defender Christine Sullivan (Markie Post). With its offbeat humor and memorable catchphrases, the show entertained audiences for nine seasons.
More Night Court- #32 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #27 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- #4 of 49 onThe Best Sitcoms From The '80s, Ranked
- Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill
Resourceful secret agent Angus MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, won over viewers with his unique ability to use everyday objects to solve complex problems in this thrilling adventure series. The show's blend of action and intelligence led to a dedicated following that still resonates today.
More MacGyver- #38 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
- #21 of 95 onThe Best ABC Shows of All Time
- #10 of 60 onThe Best 1980s Primetime TV Shows
- Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach
This classic action-comedy series followed cousins Bo (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat) as they navigated Hazzard County while evading the corrupt Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) and his bumbling sidekick Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best). Their iconic vehicle, the General Lee – a 1969 Dodge Charger – left an indelible mark on pop culture as it soared through countless jumps and high-speed chases during the show's seven-season run.
More The Dukes of Hazzard- #76 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #25 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #12 of 60 onThe Best 1980s Primetime TV Shows
- Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Dennis Wolfberg
Scott Bakula’s Dr. Sam Beckett took audiences on a time-traveling journey as he "leaped" into various historical figures' bodies to right past wrongs in this unique science fiction drama. Co-starring Dean Stockwell as Al Calavicci, Sam’s holographic sidekick from the future, the show brilliantly combined elements of history, science fiction, and human emotion during its five-season run.
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- #156 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #22 of 281 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- Robin Williams, Pam Dawber, Jonathan Winters
This zany sitcom brought Robin Williams to fame with his portrayal of Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, who befriends and moves in with Mindy (Pam Dawber), a young woman from Boulder, Colorado. The show's blend of slapstick humor, touching moments, and Williams' iconic catchphrase "Nanu Nanu" made it a hit throughout its four-season run.
More Mork & Mindy- #64 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #34 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #44 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo
This futuristic animated sitcom showcased the lives of George Jetson and his space-age family while providing social commentary on technology's impact on daily life. With memorable characters like George's wife Jane, their children Judy and Elroy, their robot maid Rosie, and their dog Astro, the show maintained its popularity even after its initial 1960s run with a successful revival in the 1980s.
More The Jetsons- #59 of 539 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #7 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- #17 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers
Set in sunny Santa Monica, this classic sitcom focused on the misadventures of roommates Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). The show's clever use of physical comedy and entertaining misunderstandings kept viewers laughing during its eight-season run.
More Three's Company- Dig Deeper...The Best Three's Company Episodes of All Time
- #31 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #50 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- Bruce Willis, Charles Aidman, Robin Ward
This anthology series delved into the realm of science fiction, fantasy, and suspense with its collection of thought-provoking stories created by Rod Serling. Despite being originally produced in the 1950s-1960s, the show experienced a successful revival in the 1980s due to its timeless exploration of human nature and social issues.
More The Twilight Zone- #40 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #11 of 82 onThe Best TV Reboots & Revivals
- #38 of 298 on285+ Smart TV Shows That Only Intellectuals Appreciate
- David Hasselhoff, Edward Mulhare, Patricia McPherson
A man and his technologically advanced car teamed up to fight crime in this thrilling action series. Starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and featuring KITT - an artificially intelligent Pontiac Firebird Trans Am voiced by William Daniels - this dynamic duo captured imaginations while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout its four-season run.
More Knight Rider- #85 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #111 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #99 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
- Frank Welker, Lou Scheimer
This animated comedy featured everyone's favorite cat-and-mouse duo engaging in their classic game of chase while also showcasing fresh storylines and new characters. The show's clever blend of slapstick humor and timeless charm kept audiences entertained during its two-season run.
- Fred Savage, Jason Hervey, Olivia d'Abo
A coming-of-age story set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this nostalgic dramedy followed the life of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) as he faced the challenges of adolescence with his family, friends, and first love. Narrated by an adult Kevin (Daniel Stern), the show offered relatable stories that resonated with audiences throughout its six-season run.
More The Wonder Years- Dig Deeper...What Happened To The Cast Of The Wonder Years?
- #29 of 120 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #75 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Edward James Olmos
With its stylish blend of action, drama, and fashion, this iconic crime series became synonymous with 1980s pop culture. Starring Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs, the pair of Miami detectives tackled drug lords and other criminals while sporting pastel-colored suits and driving flashy sports cars to a pulsating soundtrack.
More Miami Vice- #23 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #104 of 657 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- #14 of 60 onThe Best 1980s Primetime TV Shows
- Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron
Chronicling the ups and downs of the Seaver family, this heartwarming sitcom starred Alan Thicke as Dr. Jason Seaver, Joanna Kerns as his wife Maggie, Kirk Cameron as troublemaking son Mike, and Tracey Gold as overachieving daughter Carol. Its relatable storylines about family life made it a staple in households across America throughout its seven-season run.
More Growing Pains- Dig Deeper...Wholesome TV Dads Who Turned Out To Be Unwholesome In Real Life
- #67 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #97 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson
Set within an eccentric radio station in Cincinnati, this workplace comedy featured Gary Sandy as program director Andy Travis navigating a cast of quirky characters including DJ Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman), newsman Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), and receptionist Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson). The ensemble's hilarious antics and offbeat humor kept viewers tuning in for four seasons.
More WKRP in Cincinnati- #51 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #55 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #61 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
Groundbreaking in its time, this long-running animated series has captured the hearts of multiple generations with its satirical depiction of American family life. Centering around the dysfunctional yet lovable Simpson family – including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie – the show's wit and humor have earned it countless accolades and a dedicated fan base that continues to grow even today.
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- #8 of 539 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton
Set in the 24th century, this sci-fi series continued Gene Roddenberry's original vision with new adventures aboard the USS Enterprise-D. Featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard leading a diverse ensemble cast that included characters such as Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and android Data (Brent Spiner), this installment of Star Trek expanded upon its rich universe while entertaining fans during its seven-season run.
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner
Focusing on the lives of working-class father Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), and their adult children Gloria (Sally Struthers) and Mike "Meathead" Stivic (Rob Reiner), this groundbreaking sitcom tackled controversial issues such as racism, sexism, and political strife with humor and humanity over its nine-season run.
More All in the Family- #9 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #57 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #6 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- Judith Light, Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano
Tony Danza starred as Tony Micelli in this popular sitcom about a former baseball player-turned-housekeeper who moves in with a high-powered advertising executive, Angela Bower (Judith Light), and her son Jonathan (Danny Pintauro). The unlikely duo's chemistry and comedic timing made this heartwarming show a hit during its eight-season run.
More Who's the Boss?- #58 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #118 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #79 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- Alan Young, Russi Taylor, Chuck McCann
Adventures abounded in this animated adaptation of Carl Barks' beloved comic book series featuring Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The show's globetrotting treasure hunts, catchy theme song, and colorful cast of characters captured the hearts of viewers throughout its four-season run.
More DuckTales- #16 of 539 onThe 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked
- #5 of 420 onThe 385 Popular Children Cartoons
- #36 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- Robert Stack, Dennis Farina, Keely Shaye Smith
The mysterious world of unsolved crimes captivated viewers in this chilling documentary series. Hosted by Robert Stack, each episode recounted real-life cases ranging from missing persons to paranormal events through reenactments and interviews. Its eerie theme song and suspenseful storytelling left a lasting impact on pop culture.
More Unsolved Mysteries- #129 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #110 of 225 onThe Best TV Shows To Rewatch
- #3 of 71 onThe Creepiest Shows In TV History
- Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin
Bill Bixby portrayed Dr. David Banner in this gripping TV adaptation of Marvel Comics' green-skinned superhero. With Lou Ferrigno as his hulking alter-ego, the show balanced action and drama as Banner searched for a cure to his gamma-induced affliction while evading the relentless reporter Jack McGee (Jack Colvin). The series' memorable theme music and catchphrases resonated with fans even after its five-season run.
More The Incredible Hulk- #51 of 144 onThe Best Comic Book And Superhero Shows Of All Time
- #151 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- #41 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows