1980s TV

Ah, the '80s. While some parents might like to put that decade far behind them, others might want to relive the glory days by introducing kids to the fun of the Smurfs, He-Man, and the timeless rivalry between Blair and Jo. But before diving into nostalgia-land, refresh your memory on the content of these old chestnuts. Some might have elements that you've forgotten, and your kids might not be ready to see. For more ways to go back in TV time, check out our roundup of the Best '80s Movies and our '90s TV Flashback list.

The Smurfs Poster Image
TV

The Smurfs

age 4+

Little blue gnomes share, care, and learn.

Network: Boomerang (1981)
DuckTales Poster Image
TV

DuckTales

age 5+

Fun globetrotting '80s cartoon can spark kids' curiosity.

Network: Disney Channel (1987)
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe Poster Image
TV

He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

age 7+

'80s classic still holds strong messages for today's kids.

Network: qubo, Syndicated (1983)
The Real Ghostbusters Poster Image
TV

The Real Ghostbusters

age 7+

Animated series expands on the beloved '80s comedy.

Network: Netflix (1986)
Laverne & Shirley Poster Image
TV

Laverne & Shirley

age 7+

Classic sitcom duo is still doing it their way.

ALF Poster Image
TV

ALF

age 8+

Broad '80s sitcom boasts sci-fi elements and sarcasm.

Network: Discovery Family Channel (1986)
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TV

Growing Pains

age 8+

'80s favorite offers laughs and life lessons.

Network: ION, Nickelodeon, Syndicated (1985)
Who's the Boss? Poster Image
TV

Who's the Boss?

age 8+

Classic '80s sitcom about a blended family.

Network: Nickelodeon (1984)
Diff'rent Strokes Poster Image
TV

Diff'rent Strokes

age 10+

Classic series with a sense of humor tackles racial issues.

Network: NBC, ABC (1978)
The Dukes of Hazzard Poster Image
TV

The Dukes of Hazzard

age 10+

Yee haw! Original Dukes leap the generation gap.

Network: CMT (1979)
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TV

The Facts of Life

age 11+

Wholesome '80s coming-of-age sitcom tackles serious issues.

Network: NBC (1979)
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TV

Family Ties

age 11+

Classic 1980s sitcom's messages still ring true today.

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TV

The Jeffersons

age 11+

Barrier-breaking sitcom mixes humor, stereotypes.

Network: Syndicated, TV Land (1975)
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TV

Silver Spoons

age 10+

Cute '80s comedy sometimes touches on serious issues.

Network: NBC, Syndicated (1982)
The Greatest American Hero Poster Image
TV

The Greatest American Hero

age 11+

'80s series is more comedy than drama but has heart, too.

Network: ABC (1981)
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TV

Magnum, P.I.

age 11+

1980s heartthrob solves cases in Hawaii.

Network: Syndicated (1980)
Cheers Poster Image
TV

Cheers

age 13+

Laughs are on tap in this classic sitcom.

Network: Syndicated, TV Land (1982)
The Golden Girls Poster Image
TV

The Golden Girls

age 13+

Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.

Network: Lifetime Television (1985)
M*A*S*H Poster Image
TV

M*A*S*H

age 13+

Stellar war dramedy classic mixes humor, pathos.

Network: Hallmark Channel, Syndicated (1972)