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14 September 2026

Discovering the best tv series of the 1980s

From the keatons to the cosby show, the 1980s was a decade that brought us many iconic tv shows that we still love today

Discovering the best tv series of the 1980s

The 1980s was a great decade for tv, with many iconic shows that still hold up today. From family sitcoms like Family Ties and The Cosby Show to sci-fi series like Star Trek: The Next Generation there was something for everyone. One of the most iconic shows of the decade was Cheers which followed the lives of the staff and regulars at a boston bar.

Another popular show was Hill Street Blues which was a police drama that followed the lives of the officers at a police station in an unspecified city. The show was known for its gritty realism and its ensemble cast which included Daniel J. Travanti and Veronica Hamel.

The rise of sci-fi and fantasy

The 1980s also saw the rise of sci-fi and fantasy shows, with series like Star Trek: The Next Generation and Quantum Leap becoming incredibly popular. Star Trek: The Next Generation followed the crew of the uss enterprise as they explored the galaxy and encountered new civilizations, while Quantum Leap followed the adventures of Dr. Sam Beckett a scientist who became trapped in a time loop and had to leap into the bodies of people from different time periods to put right what once went wrong.

Family sitcoms

Family sitcoms were also incredibly popular in the 1980s, with shows like Family Ties and The Cosby Show dominating the airwaves. Family Ties followed the lives of the keaton family, a liberal family living in columbus, ohio, while The Cosby Show followed the lives of the huxtable family, an affluent african american family living in new york city. Both shows were known for their witty dialogue and their relatable characters and they remain popular to this day.

The impact of tv on society

The tv shows of the 1980s had a significant impact on society, with many shows tackling social issues like racism, sexism, and homophobia. Shows like The Cosby Show and Family Ties helped to break down barriers and challenge social norms while shows like Hill Street Blues and Star Trek: The Next Generation helped to raise awareness about important issues like police brutality and social justice.

Author

Staff