Discover the 25 Must-Watch 80s Shows on Netflix That Will Take You Back in Time!

The 1980s were a golden era for TV, introducing us to some timeless and captivating shows that continue to be popular even today. Whether you saw them when they first aired, two decades ago, or are just discovering them now, these classic shows remain unforgettable.

In the 1980s, there was an abundance of great detective series and sitcoms that became household names. Here’s a rundown of the top 25 ’80s shows available on Netflix that you shouldn’t miss.

From mystery-filled detective series to iconic sitcoms, the 1980s had a wealth of entertaining programs to offer. This list highlights the 25 best ’80s shows currently streaming on Netflix that you absolutely need to watch.

1. Seinfeld (1989 – 1998)

The series, often referred to as a show about nothing, truly lives up to its name, lacking a conventional plot description. Yet, despite this apparent lack of structure, it remains one of the most cherished sitcoms, set in the bustling cityscape of New York City, where it explores common, everyday situations.

Jerry is a sarcastic fellow who’s never at a loss for words, Elaine being his former girlfriend and closest confidant, George another close friend who’s consistently unhappy with his career and romantic affairs, and Kramer, their offbeat neighbor. The 20-minute episode revolves around their discussions on diverse topics, stemming from a predicament they encounter together.

2. The Simpsons (1989 – )

One enduring TV show, known for its educational, audacious, and contentious nature, is an animated series depicting a lively family of five residing in Springfield, Missouri. Since its debut, it has tackled significant American and global issues, earning criticism for being overly bold and offensive at times.

As a devoted cinephile, I reside alongside my cherished spouse Marge and our trio of extraordinary offspring – the wise and gifted Maggie, the mischievous rebel Bart, and sweet little Lisa – in a humble suburban abode. Life with this brood never fails to present an assortment of everyday and unusual challenges befitting a hardworking family like ours.

3. Cheers (1982-1991)

Among the shows that primarily unfold within a handful of rooms, it’s hard not to instantly think of Cheers when reminiscing. Nestled beneath the cityscape of Boston lies an enchanting sitcom, brimming with vivacity and joviality. Yet, it skillfully navigates through profound themes like divorce and anxiety, making it a compelling watch.

The story unfolds around several ordinary individuals, who frequent this establishment for a beverage or two, often confiding in its engaging bartenders about their emotions, opinions, and concerns. Among them are Sam, the café supervisor, Carla, the candid waitress known for her frankness, and Woody, a young, inexperienced bartender who enjoys widespread popularity.

4. Miami Vice (1984 – 1989)

In this timeless crime drama based in Miami, Florida, Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas take the spotlight as key characters. Don Johnson portrays Detective Crockett, a man who calls a sailboat home and protects it with his pet alligator Elvis. His brother, Tubbs, is played by Thomas – he’s an African-American police officer from New York City, relentlessly pursuing the murderer of his sibling.

For a span of five years, this show held significant sway, boasting an infectious soundtrack, breathtaking urban and coastal backdrops, and fashion and interior design trends that resonated strongly with audiences everywhere.

5. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 – 1994)

In the realm of science fiction, one highly acclaimed and cherished Star Trek series spans across seven seasons, offering an exciting voyage through space that takes place in the 24th century, roughly seven to eight decades following the exploits of the initial crew aboard the starship Enterprise.

This spacecraft is led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard, with its mission being the exploration of distant worlds. The team aboard are seeking out new civilizations, guided by their motto: “To boldly go where no one has gone before.

6. Dragon Ball Z (1989 – 1996)

This cartoon series blends various styles, ranging from science fiction to fantasy to suspense. The narrative follows Son Goku, an exceptionally strong warrior and defender of justice, as he takes on the challenge of safeguarding Earth from the Saiyan warriors.

In order to protect not just those dear to him, but humanity as a whole, Goku must join forces with his old foe Piccolo. They face an array of uncertain perils as they confront a formidable space tyrant named Frieza who commands a group of powerful warriors.

7. The Golden Girls (1985 – 1992)

In this humorous television series, we find ourselves laughing along as we delve into the daily lives of four elderly female roommates residing in a Florida apartment. Some have experienced divorce while others are widowed. Through their shared experiences, we glimpse into their views on love, friendship, and life’s broader aspects.

As a cinephile, I’m deeply invested in the characters of Dorothy, Rose, and Blanche from “The Golden Girls.” While Dorothy often frets about the people she encounters, her ultimate aim is to discover someone who truly grasps her, much like a missing piece to a puzzle. Her mother, on the other hand, never fails to provide a witty or humorous commentary that serves to highlight and, at times, alleviate Dorothy’s insecurities and worries.

Rose, though occasionally corny, is a character that endears herself to us. Blanche, however, is the charismatic flirt who seems to always have a new admirer on her radar. Each of these women brings a unique charm and depth to the show, making it an enjoyable journey as we navigate their lives together.

8. Roseanne (1988 – 2018)

In the 1980s, a widely appreciated theme was the daily life of a typical working-class family, and one of the shows that excelled at depicting it was “Roseanne”. This sitcom was filled with amusing everyday scenarios involving a regular five-member family as they navigated the fundamental challenges of their lives such as childrearing, marital issues, employment, and financial struggles.

In a household shared with her spouse Dan and their trio of children – Becky, Darlene, and J.D., each grappling with individual issues – Roseanne occasionally receives aid from her sibling Jackie, a single woman, as well as an assortment of friends who make occasional appearances.

9. Red Dwarf (1988 – )

One standout sitcom is a witty British sci-fi series that revolves around the crew of a far-off mining vessel, Red Dwarf, stranded an impressive three million years in deep space. Among them is Lister, a laid-back Liverpudlian who finds himself awakened from a sophisticated stasis chamber onboard Red Dwarf.

One person could be the last human left in existence, facing situations none were trained for. The spacecraft Red Dwarf is drifting aimlessly, housing a melancholic team comprising Lister, a holographic character named Rimmer, a robot called Kryten, Holly who’s the ship’s computer, and Cat – a humanoid cat descendant of Lister’s pet Frankenstein.

10. Alf (1986 – 1990)

In the 1980s, Alf was well-known for being one of the beloved alien characters, known for his humorous quips. He’s a furry extraterrestrial who made a landing on Earth, right into the abode of an average working-class American family. Originating from the planet Melmac, Alf wasn’t quite certain about his mission here, so he chose to remain as a temporary resident in the Tanner household.

They call him ALF – the Alien Life Form, and decide to protect him secretly unless he discloses his existence. However, hosting him isn’t simple due to his arrogance, boisterous nature, and tendency to express himself without considering others’ sensitivities.

11. Perfect Strangers (1986 – 1993)

Balki Bartokomous and Larry Appleton are renowned for their comedic partnership, portraying supposedly distant relatives in a popular sitcom. While Balki claims they share familial ties, he is actually a shepherd hailing from the quaint Greek island of Mypos, embarking on an American journey to locate his kin.

He encounters Larry, who appears to be one of his cousins, and is now compelled to cohabit with this unconventional European. These two individuals couldn’t be more dissimilar. Larry is a frenzied businessman who has managed to free himself from his large family, seeking tranquility in his apartment, while Balki is chatty and carefree, always conversing without end.

12. Murder, She Wrote (1984 – 1996)

Angela Lansbury plays the role of Jessica Fletcher, a skilled author and occasional detective, who finds herself inexplicably entangled in various criminal investigations that require resolution. It appears that these mysterious occurrences have a knack for pursuing her, much like a former high school English teacher with an uncanny ability to unravel secrets.

Jess frequently resolves issues by leveraging her charm, wisdom, accumulated experience, and quick thinking, with occasional assistance from her friend Dr. Seth Hazlitt or the town’s Sheriff, later replaced by Mort Metzger. In some seasons, Jessica serves as the storyteller. Towards the end, she relocates to Manhattan University to teach criminology.

13. Married…With Children (1987 – 1997)

Straight from its debut, this sitcom, known for its humor and contentiousness, swiftly earned a devoted fanbase, cementing its status as a cult classic. The narrative revolves around a working-class family residing in the Chicago suburbs. The central character is Al Bundy, an unsatisfied shoe salesman who frequently voices his discontent about his job, neighbors, and essentially everything and everyone in his vicinity.

He resides with his spouse Peggy, who primarily spends her time watching TV and chatting, while not typically engaging in household chores. Alongside them are their two kids, Bud, who is quite intelligent yet immature, and the attractive but intellectually less-developed Kelly, both of whom encounter personal struggles in their lives.

14. Quantum Leap (1989 – 1993)

The intriguing subject of time travel is frequently explored in science fiction films and series, and this is certainly among the finest examples in its category. It revolves around the Quantum Leap Accelerator, a device that transports you to different points in the past.

In essence, Dr. Sam Beckett got stranded in different points in time and was compelled by an enigmatic power to alter history positively. Stranded without a clue about the era he found himself in, Beckett’s sole assistance comes from Al, a hologram from his own time that is visible only to him.

15. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 – 1996)

This is the cherished tale of four heroic mutants who reside within the sewers of New York City. Four tiny turtles underwent a transformation into humanoids due to an unusual ooze. They were schooled in martial arts by a human martial arts master named Hamato Yoshi, who himself was transformed into a large rat known as Splinter.

They employ their abilities to combat a variety of criminal activities and dangers globally. They operate under the aliases of four renowned Italian artists: Michelangelo, Donatello, Raphael, and Leonardo.

16. Night Court (1984 – 1992)

In this humorous show, Judge Harold T. Stone oversees the courtroom of “Night Court,” handling minor offenses that often present unusual circumstances. What makes it more entertaining is that Judge Stone himself is an unconventional judge.

He’s aided by a team of clerks and district attorneys, whose chaos sometimes rivals, if not surpasses, that of the defendants they prosecute in court.

17. Mister T (1983 – 1985)

In this series, we follow the adventures of Mr. T, who leads a dynamic gymnastics squad comprised of exceptionally gifted teens. As they journey towards a competition, they encounter a variety of nefarious characters, prompting them to delve into investigations surrounding these individuals and their connected criminal cases.

It won’t take long for crooks to realize they should fear a fresh team of detectives – a blend of children’s agility and the might of Mr. T.

18. V (1984 – 1985)

In this futuristic tale, the story unfolds a year after the Liberation Day, an event marked by the arrival of reptilian alien beings on Earth. Contrary to their friendly facade, these creatures harbor sinister intentions. Leading the human resistance is Nathan Bates, who oversees a biological weapon that was instrumental in thwarting their initial attack, as depicted in the mini-series which paved the way for this series.

Currently, he’s eager to acquire extraterrestrial technology for financial gain, so he strikes a bargain with the leader, Diana. However, rebellious figures question her intentions and are persistently probing to uncover her plans.

19. Guest From the Future (1984)

In this reimagined account, a Soviet Union science fiction miniseries follows the tale of sixth-grader Kolya Gerasimov. After stumbling upon a time machine hidden within an antique Moscow house’s cellar, he unexpectedly travels to the 21st century. Here, he encounters two space pirates who have journeyed from Saturn and are attempting to swipe a device capable of deciphering thoughts.

He successfully retrieves the artifact from the pirates and brings it to the 20th century, however, he’s not the only one involved as the pirates and Alisa, the girl who was targeted for the device, also reappear. Alisa can provide a clue about his whereabouts but doesn’t recognize him, while the pirates have seen him but don’t know anything substantial about him.

20. Lonesome Dove (1989)

In simpler terms, we can say that Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones played characters who were once Texas Rangers. Their story takes place in the past as they embark on a cattle drive journey across to the Montana Territory. Alongside them are fellow residents from their quaint Texas hometown.

This captivating miniseries narrates an epic tale of these two resilient park rangers, willing to conquer mountains to achieve their objective, encountering many perilous journeys along the way, regrettably resulting in a high toll of casualties at times.

21. Cops (1989 – 2022)

This long-running reality TV series, spanning over 33 years, is one of the most enduring of its kind. It’s an action-packed crime drama that offers a gripping glimpse into the lives of police officers as they go about their daily duties, all under the watchful eye of a camera. The viewers are given a unique insight into the world of policing.

These police officers carry cameras as their sole weapon, enabling them to record their actions. We’re tracking several law enforcement personnel from diverse departments, districts, and regions across the United States.

22. Inspector Morse (1987 – 2000)

Among the pioneering British detective series that served as inspiration for numerous follow-ups is a crime drama centered around Chief Inspector Morse, a seasoned detective working within the Criminal Investigation Division of the Oxford City Police force.

In simpler terms, he plays a key role in investigating and resolving serious crimes not just in Oxford but its surrounding areas. He works alongside Detective Sergeant Robert Lewis, and despite their contrasting personalities – Morse being somewhat grumpy and stern while Lewis is more sincere and kind-hearted – they make an effective team. Sometimes, Lewis’s overly enthusiastic remarks can even ruffle Morse’s feathers.

23. Unsolved Mysteries (1987 – 2010)

As a dedicated cinephile, let me share my thoughts on this captivating crime-drama documentary. It masterfully intertwines reenactments and insightful interviews about a myriad of fascinating, unresolved mysteries. The enigmatic Robert Stack serves as the charismatic host for this intriguing series that delves into topics ranging from unexplained UFO sightings to chilling murders.

The audience is given access to all available details regarding the case, and they’re encouraged to reach out to the shoe manufacturers if they have personal knowledge of the matter or discover any other intriguing facts related to it.

24. The A-Team (1983 – 1987)

In this popular and adored adventure-crime series, George Peppard and Mr. T portray characters: Colonel John Smith and his squad, falsely accused of robbing the Bank of Hanoi and incarcerated. After contriving an escape, they were relentlessly chased by multiple other Colonels.

As fugitives, they transformed into national idols, assisting people in distress or peril. Comprising a talented quartet, they were part of the A-Team: their commander Hannibal, the cunning schemer Templeton, the stalwart Baracus, the mechanical whiz, and H.M. Murdoch, an eccentric genius they’d rescue from mental institutions for each mission.

25. Saved By the Bell (1989 – 1992)

This was a widely popular TV series centered around a high school clique from Bayside High, featuring their diverse array of escapades. The characters we encounter, although distinct in their individualities, work harmoniously together, showcasing their strong bond despite their differences.

AC Slater is the athletic guy with a generous spirit; Screech Powers is the comical, intelligent nerd; Kelly Kapowski is one of the most attractive girls in school and Zack Morris’ infatuation; Lisa Turtle has an eye for fashion and enjoys spreading news, while Jessie Spano is the academically-inclined feminist.

2025-05-22 23:18