Can You Identify These Iconic TV Shows Of The ’80s?

By BrainFall Staff - Updated: April 2, 2024

Take out your leg warmers and prep your best Moonwalk, because we're about to take a tubular trip down memory lane. The '80s wasn't just about the rise of video games and the fall of disco—TV shows from this era were totally awesome to the max! From crime-fighting cars to family sitcoms that defined a generation, '80s television was a smorgasbord of radical storytelling that has left a neon-tinted legacy in pop culture.

We bet a bag of Cool Ranch Doritos that the mere mention of these shows will have you humming theme songs and recalling catchphrases like it was just yesterday. Were you glued to the screen when "Magnum, P.I." solved his latest case, or were you too busy learning life lessons from "The Facts of Life"? And who could forget the heartwarming ties that bound us to the Keatons on "Family Ties"? These series weren't just shows; they were our best buds, the backdrop of our juice-box breaks and snappy dinner discussions.

So are you ready to test your '80s TV cred? It's time to see if you're the ultimate couch potato or if you've been left in the pixelated dust.

Let's see how many of these gnarly shows you can identify without breaking a sweat—we're counting on you to do us proud!

Iconic Dramas and Crime Solvers

Buckle up, nostalgia addicts! We're about to cruise down memory lane, turbocharged with shoulder pads and synthesizer soundtracks. The '80s were a legendary era that gave us some of the most unforgettable TV dramas and crime solvers.

The Grit and Glam of Crime and Courtrooms

Remember when the streets of Miami were as sizzling as the fashion? Miami Vice didn't just rack up staggering ratings, it revolutionized the cop drama with its pastel suits and soundtrack that became as iconic as the show itself. Crockett and Tubbs weren't just partners in crime-fighting, they were our weekly dose of cool, straddling the line between law and chaos.

Then there was the raw authenticity of Hill Street Blues, an ensemble cast masterpiece that snagged the primetime drama crown with its ground-breaking blend of high-stakes storytelling and heart-wrenching moments. We were hooked on the lives and tribulations of the officers and detectives who became like family to us.

Family Dramas and the Ties That Bind

Speaking of family, who could forget the trials and triumphs of the Ewing clan in Dallas? Oil barons with more drama than a Thanksgiving dinner with your in-laws. The boardroom was their battlefield, and power plays were their speciality. This show wasn't just a hit; it was a phenomenon that defined an entire decade of television.

Then we had the heartfelt journeys of The Wonder Years, tugging at our heartstrings with a coming-of-age dramedy that made us feel like we were part of the Arnold family. Kev, Winnie, and Paul weren't just characters; they were our childhood friends, growing up alongside us.

There you have it, a glimpse into the rich tapestry of '80s television history, where each week brought us closer to the characters we cheered for, cried with, and ultimately, remembered as part of our own story.

Comedy, Cheers, and Late-Night Legends

Dive into a tub of buttery nostalgia, folks, 'cause we're about to time-travel back to a lively era where Cheers was the center of the sitcom universe and late-night TV was our national pastime. These were the beacons of '80s entertainment that still spark laughter and fond memories today.

Sitcoms and Laughter-Inducing Legacies

Remember the days when sitcoms weren't just shows, but were our go-to family members? We had The Golden Girls serving sass and wisdom, while The Cosby Show delivered heartwarming lessons amidst laughter. Roseanne was the tough, wise-cracking matriarch we all secretly wanted in our corner. And who could forget the extraterrestrial hijinks of ALF, or the unforgettable Keatons in Family Ties?

• The Jeffersons moved on up to become a classic, defining the triumphs and trials of '80s life.
• Cheers, with its catchy theme song and the lovable ensemble of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Rhea Perlman, became our beloved after-work hangout spot.
• Spin-offs were all the rage, with shows like Mork and Mindy bringing an alien touch to our earthly sense of humor.

Each sitcom brought something special, from quotable lines to unforgettable characters, firmly etching their place in our pop-culture palates.

The Evolution of Sketch and Variety Shows

As the sun set and the TV warmed up, it was time for Saturday Night Live to take center stage. Our late nights were filled with iconic skits, characters, and the kind of comedy that's best served live. It's where our favorite actors cut their comedic teeth, leaving us in stitches and making catchphrases part of our everyday slang.

• Sketch Shows: SNL wasn't alone; across the pond, Blackadder delivered British wit and puns sharper than a knife.
• Variety Shows: They gave us a mishmash of entertainment, mixing comedy with magical musical performances.

So, tighten those neon shoelaces and let's get quizzing to see if you're the ultimate '80s TV show maestro over at BrainFall. Can you match the actor to the iconic role or pick out the right punchline from a sea of snickers? Let's find out!