Totally Rad 80s TV Shows You Need To Rewatch!
Hey guys! Ready to take a righteous trip down memory lane? The 1980s were, like, totally awesome for TV. We're talking big hair, neon colors, and some of the most unforgettable shows ever made. So, grab your Rubik's Cubes and let's dive into some of the most iconic 80s shows that you absolutely need to rewatch. Trust me, it's going to be radical!
Why 80s TV Shows Still Rock
Why do 80s TV shows still rock after all these years? Well, first off, the 80s were a time of huge cultural shifts, and TV reflected that in a major way. Shows started tackling more complex issues, but they did it with a sense of fun and optimism that's hard to find today. Plus, the fashion, the music, and the overall vibe of the 80s are just so unique and recognizable. It's like stepping into a time capsule every time you watch one of these shows.
Another reason these shows endure is the characters. Think about it: from the cool confidence of Magnum, P.I. to the quirky charm of the Keaton family in Family Ties, these characters felt like real people. They had flaws, they made mistakes, but they always learned something along the way. That's something that resonates with audiences, no matter what decade it is. And let's not forget the theme songs! Seriously, who can resist singing along to the Miami Vice theme or the Cheers theme? These songs are instant earworms that transport you right back to the 80s.
And beyond the nostalgia, many 80s shows were genuinely groundbreaking. They pushed boundaries, challenged norms, and introduced us to new ideas and perspectives. Shows like Hill Street Blues revolutionized the way police dramas were made, while The Cosby Show offered a positive and relatable portrayal of a Black family. These shows weren't just entertaining; they were important cultural touchstones that helped shape the world we live in today. So, yeah, 80s TV shows totally rock, and they deserve all the love and attention they get!
Must-Watch 80s TV Shows
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. What are the must-watch 80s TV shows that you need to add to your rewatch list? Here are a few absolute classics that you can't miss:
Miami Vice
Miami Vice was the epitome of 80s cool. With its stylish visuals, pulsating soundtrack, and gritty storylines, this show redefined the police procedural. Detectives Sonny Crockett (Don Johnson) and Ricardo Tubbs (Philip Michael Thomas) cruised the streets of Miami in their Ferrari Testarossa, fighting crime and looking effortlessly fashionable. Seriously, the fashion alone is worth watching for! Think pastel suits, rolled-up sleeves, and sunglasses at night. It was a groundbreaking show that influenced everything from music videos to fashion trends.
But Miami Vice was more than just style. The show tackled serious issues like drug trafficking, gun violence, and corruption with a realism that was rare for the time. It wasn't afraid to get dark and gritty, and it often left viewers questioning the morality of the characters and the world they inhabited. Plus, the guest stars were incredible! Everyone from musicians like Phil Collins and Glenn Frey to actors like Liam Neeson and Bruce Willis made appearances on the show. Miami Vice was a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of the 80s like no other show.
And let's talk about the music! The Miami Vice soundtrack was a huge part of the show's appeal. Featuring artists like Jan Hammer, Phil Collins, and Tina Turner, the music perfectly complemented the show's visuals and storylines. The iconic theme song, composed by Jan Hammer, is still instantly recognizable today. Miami Vice wasn't just a TV show; it was a multimedia experience that combined fashion, music, and storytelling in a way that had never been done before. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out on a true 80s classic.
The A-Team
If you love action and adventure, The A-Team is the show for you. This series followed a group of ex-Special Forces soldiers who were framed for a crime they didn't commit. Now, they work as mercenaries, helping people in need and staying one step ahead of the law. Led by the charismatic Hannibal Smith (George Peppard), the A-Team was a force to be reckoned with. With their unique skills and over-the-top tactics, they always found a way to get the job done. I love it when a plan comes together!
Each member of the A-Team brought something special to the table. There was B.A. Baracus (Mr. T), the tough-talking mechanic who hated flying; Face (Dirk Benedict), the smooth-talking con man who could get his hands on anything; and Murdock (Dwight Schultz), the eccentric pilot who was always a few screws loose. Together, they formed an unstoppable team that could take on any challenge. The show was known for its over-the-top action sequences, ridiculous stunts, and cheesy dialogue. But that's all part of its charm! The A-Team was pure escapist fun that never took itself too seriously.
Beyond the action, The A-Team also had a strong message about justice and standing up for what's right. The team always helped those who couldn't help themselves, and they never backed down from a fight. They were heroes in their own way, even if they were technically outlaws. The A-Team was a cultural phenomenon that captured the imagination of audiences around the world. Its popularity led to merchandise, comic books, and even a movie adaptation. If you're looking for a fun and action-packed show that will take you back to the 80s, The A-Team is a must-watch.
Cheers
Looking for something a little more mellow? Then Cheers is the perfect show for you. This sitcom, set in a Boston bar, was a masterclass in character-driven comedy. The show revolved around the lives of the bar's owner, Sam Malone (Ted Danson), and its colorful cast of regulars. From the witty Diane Chambers (Shelley Long) to the lovable Norm Peterson (George Wendt), each character brought something unique to the table. Cheers was a show about friendship, love, and the importance of having a place where everybody knows your name.
The writing on Cheers was sharp and insightful, and the show tackled a wide range of topics, from relationships and careers to politics and social issues. But what really made Cheers special was its ability to find humor in everyday situations. The show was full of memorable moments, from Sam and Diane's on-again, off-again romance to Norm's endless bar tab. Cheers was a show that made you laugh, made you think, and made you feel like you were part of the gang. It was a true ensemble comedy that set the standard for sitcoms to come.
Cheers was also a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and consistently ranking among the top-rated shows on television. Its popularity led to spin-offs like Frasier, which was also a huge hit. Cheers was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the hearts of audiences around the world. If you're looking for a smart, funny, and heartwarming show that will stand the test of time, Cheers is a must-watch.
Family Ties
Family Ties was a sitcom that perfectly captured the generational divide of the 1980s. The show revolved around the Keaton family, headed by parents Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse (Meredith Baxter-Birney), who were former hippies raising their three children in suburban Ohio. The clash between the parents' liberal values and their eldest son Alex's (Michael J. Fox) conservative beliefs was the central conflict of the show. Family Ties was a show about family, values, and the challenges of raising children in a changing world.
Michael J. Fox's portrayal of Alex P. Keaton was a breakout performance that made him a star. Alex was a young Republican who idolized Ronald Reagan and dreamed of becoming a Wall Street tycoon. His conservative views often clashed with his parents' liberal beliefs, leading to hilarious and thought-provoking debates. But despite their differences, the Keatons always loved and supported each other. Family Ties was a show that celebrated family values while also acknowledging the challenges of navigating different viewpoints. It was a show that was both funny and heartwarming, and it resonated with audiences of all ages.
Family Ties was also a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards and consistently ranking among the top-rated shows on television. Michael J. Fox's popularity led to a successful film career, and he became one of the biggest stars of the 1980s. Family Ties was more than just a TV show; it was a cultural phenomenon that captured the spirit of the decade. If you're looking for a funny, heartwarming, and thought-provoking show that will take you back to the 80s, Family Ties is a must-watch.
Honorable Mentions
Of course, no list of 80s TV shows would be complete without mentioning a few honorable mentions. These are shows that may not have been as iconic as the ones listed above, but they were still popular and influential in their own right. Shows like Knight Rider, Magnum, P.I., The Cosby Show, Golden Girls, and Hill Street Blues all deserve a spot on any 80s TV show watchlist. These shows offered something unique and contributed to the diverse landscape of 80s television.
So, fire up your VCRs (or streaming services)!
So there you have it, dudes and dudettes! A totally tubular list of 80s TV shows that you need to rewatch. Whether you're in the mood for action, comedy, or drama, there's something on this list for everyone. So, grab your popcorn, fire up your VCRs (or streaming services), and get ready to travel back to the raddest decade of all time. These shows are guaranteed to bring back some awesome memories and introduce you to some new favorites. Happy watching!