The Best TV Shows Of The '80s, Ranked
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The Best TV Shows Of The '80s, Ranked

Ranker TV
Updated April 27, 2024 697.4K views 249 items
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343.1K votes
15.2K voters
27 reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up the best TV series based on the episodes that aired between 1980 and 1989.

Step back in time with us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of 1980s television, a decade rich with iconic series that shaped the landscape of pop culture. This carefully curated collection isn't just any rundown of '80s TV shows; it's a tribute to the era's most outstanding programs, passionately ranked by true TV connoisseurs.

The '80s was a time when sitcoms reigned supreme, capturing the hearts of viewers every week. Classics like Cheers, The Cosby Show, Murphy Brown, and The Golden Girls weren't just shows, they were shared experiences that sparked discussions at every office water cooler. Family-centered hits such as Family Ties, The Wonder Years, The Facts of Life, and Who's the Boss mirrored the joys and trials of the decade's typical households.

But it wasn't all about the laughs; the '80s were also a playground for procedural crime dramas and action-packed adventures. Series like Miami Vice, Knight Rider, and Remington Steele combined heart-thumping stories with a heavy dose of unmistakable '80s flair — think fabulous hair and fashion trends that have since become legendary.

This period also gave birth to the primetime soap opera craze, with the dramatic escapades of Dynasty and Dallas ensuring audiences were perpetually on the edge of their seats. Whether they stretched into the '90s or were fleeting gems like Max Headroom and The Greatest American Hero, the decade's shows left an indelible mark on television history.

We invite you to dive into this list and rediscover the greatest '80s shows, those that not only defined a decade but also stood the test of time. Perhaps it's time to unearth your old Betamax tapes and relive the moments that made these series truly special. And for an extra dash of nostalgia, don't miss the best series set in the unmistakable milieu of the 1980s.

Most divisive: Hill Street Blues
Over 15.2K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best TV Shows Of The '80s, Ranked