13 TV Shows From The '80s-'90s That Are Still Just As Worthy Of Your Watch Time Today
The Golden Girls was truly ahead of its time.
Everything about the '80s was the opposite of minimalism—the decade provided us with everything big in pop culture and the entertainment industry, whether it was fashion, beauty trends, music, movies, or TV shows. Fancy houses were the norm, and the most glamorous celebrities were the highlight of any iconic '80s show.
The '80s were also a time when consumerism and materialism were somewhat romanticized; cheap products became available for everyone, fast fashion boomed (with all the neon and funky outfits leading the way), and loud music was loved by almost everyone. However, one thing that truly made this decade iconic was the TV shows that aired during that time. Let's face it: even with the numerous shows that have come out decade after decade, nothing really beats the ones made in the '80s!
Back when smartphones weren't yet a thing, TVs were what people turned to for entertainment on a boring day, and the industry certainly did not disappoint. With a wide range of TV shows airing, nobody was complaining about what to watch.
Now, lo and behold, here are some of our favorite shows from the '80s (and early '90s) that are still worth watching today:
1. Facts of Life
A lot of lessons were embedded in this particular series, which shed light on many controversial topics. It aired for nine seasons and centered around a group of four young women: Blair, the wealthy and spoiled one; Tootie, always up for gossip; Natalie, the agreeable one; and Jo, the tough one.
NBC2. The Wonder Years
This show may have been released in the late 1980s, but it was set in the late '60s to early '70s, featuring the protagonist Kevin Arnold. The story is narrated by the adult Kevin, who reflects on his life as he faces various challenges.
ABC3. The Cosby Show
Did anyone else wish their families would spontaneously break into song at home? The Cosby Show was definitely a special one!
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4. Webster
Webster aired from 1983 to 1987 and was quite similar to Diff'rent Strokes—it revolves around an African-American boy adopted by a white family.
5. Married With Children
The show focused on a Chicago family, the Bundys, who are the stereotypical American family: a mother addicted to shopping, a misogynistic father, a teenage daughter who is attractive but not very bright, and a teenage son obsessed with looks, girls, and popularity.
6. The Jeffersons
The Jeffersons revolved around a family that had just moved up in status. This show was the longest-running sitcom with a predominantly African-American cast in the history of American television.
7. Three's Company
This hit sitcom ran from 1977 to 1984 and revolved around roommates Janet Wood, Jack Tripper, and Chrissy Wood, who share Apartment 201 in Santa Monica, California.
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8. Who's the Boss?
From 1984 to 1992, this sitcom aired on ABC, starring Tony Danza as a retired baseball player who relocated to Fairfield, Connecticut, to work as a housekeeper for a recently divorced advertising executive.
9. Diff'rent Strokes
This show starred Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges, revolving around the story of two African-American boys adopted by a wealthy white businessman.
10. The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls never gets old—even though it ironically centers on four older women living together in Miami, Florida.
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11. Silver Spoons
This show focused on the Stratton family, who were extremely wealthy. It ran from 1982 to 1986 on NBC.
12. Full House
Full House was definitely THAT show—it's a family-friendly series that revolves around the Tanner family. It remains a show that everyone still longs for today.
13. Punky Brewster
With a protagonist of the same name, this show was definitely a favorite for many. Fun fact: the show was named after former NBC executive Brandon Tartikoff's childhood crush.
The '80s didn't leave much room for disappointment, and even decades later, we're still not complaining! Thanks to popular shows today centered on the 1980s, we have all become nostalgic—even those born later!
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