Hello! It’s time for the nostalgia trip back to your childhood. (Or maybe your siblings’ or your parents’ childhood, depending on how old you are.) Can you identify these 80s TV shows? In this quiz, we’ll transport you back to when hair was big, shoulder pads were bigger, and TV shows were cheesier than a fondue party at the Playboy mansion. We’ll show you a series of screenshots from some of the most iconic TV shows of the 80s, and your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to name them all correctly. But be warned: if you weren’t born in the 80s, you might find yourself as lost as a pair of leg warmers in a modern-day gym.
So, grab a can of Tab, put on your favorite neon sweatband, and get ready to journey back in time. Are you a true 80s TV champion, or are you as clueless as a baby in a onesie? Can you name these 1980s TV shows? Let’s do this!
The most popular TV show of the 80s is a matter of debate, as there were several highly-rated and beloved shows during that decade. However, according to Nielsen ratings, the top-rated show of the entire decade was “The Cosby Show,” which aired from 1984 to 1992.
The show, starring Bill Cosby, was a cultural phenomenon that followed the lives of the Huxtables. The show received praise for its positive portrayal of African American family life and its ability to tackle social issues in a humorous and accessible way. Other popular shows of the 80s included “Cheers,” “Dynasty,” “Dallas,” “The Golden Girls,” and “Family Ties.”
Which Family Guy character are you?
The 1980s was a decade of great television, with many iconic shows still beloved by audiences today. Here are some of the most notable TV shows that came out in the 1980s:
This sitcom is set in a Boston bar and follows the lives of the bar’s employees and regular customers. The show was known for its witty writing and beloved cast of characters, including the charming bartender Sam Malone (played by Ted Danson) and the sarcastic waitress Carla Tortelli (played by Rhea Perlman).
This Miami-based police procedural drama centers on two undercover detectives named Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs as they hunt down drug dealers and other criminals. Fans loved Miami Vice for its stylish visuals, its use of popular music, and its influence on 80s fashion.
The wealthy and influential Carrington family, who resides in Denver, Colorado, is the subject of this iconic prime-time soap opera. The program was renowned for its excessive drama, catfights, and expensive sets and outfits.
We know if you’re a reality show material.
The primary heroes of this show are four former Special Forces soldiers who work as soldiers of fortune, helping people in need while evading the military police, who are chasing them for a crime they didn’t commit. High-octane action scenes, humor, and memorable characters were its main strengths.
This action-adventure series follows Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff), a high-tech crime fighter who fights crime and saves lives, along with his futuristic gadgets, sleek car designs, and catchy theme song.
The main character of this action-adventure series is the resourceful secret agent Angus MacGyver (played by Richard Dean Anderson), who uses his scientific knowledge and everyday objects to solve complex problems and fight crime. The show was known for its inventive solutions to problems and portrayal of a hero who relied on his wits rather than violence.
This sitcom focuses on Danny Tanner, a widowed father played by Bob Saget, who asks his closest friend and brother-in-law for assistance in raising his three young girls. The show was beloved for its sentimental moments, family-friendly humor, and memorable catchphrases.
These are just a few examples of the many famous and influential TV shows that aired during the 1980s. The decade saw the rise of many new genres and formats, including the sitcom, the police procedural, the action-adventure series, and the family drama.
And then there were the 90s. Are you an expert on 90s comedy movies?
There are several options for taking a trip down memory lane. Many streaming services offer TV shows from the 80s, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. If Netflix doesn’t have what you seek, check your local cable listings – some cable channels specialize in airing classic old shows.
Can you name these 1960s TV shows?
Some networks, such as CBS and NBC, have made episodes of their shows available for free on their websites. These episodes may be available for a limited time or require a cable login for access.
If that’s not enough, look for DVD sets of your favorite shows online or at retail stores. These sets often include special features and extras like director’s commentary, not available through streaming services or cable.
Do you know we have other quizzes?
The 80s called – they’re asking for their puffy hair and shoulder pads back! Can you identify these 80 TV shows? You won’t know it until you try!
