1980s TV

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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.

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The Smurfs Poster Image

TV

The Smurfs

age 4+

Little blue gnomes share, care, and learn.

Boomerang Kids' Animation (1981)

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DuckTales Poster Image

TV

DuckTales

age 5+

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

Disney Channel Kids' Animation (1987)

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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.

qubo , Syndicated Kids' Animation (1983)

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Laverne & Shirley Poster Image

TV

Laverne & Shirley

age 7+

Classic sitcom duo is still doing it their way.

Syndicated , Discovery Family Channel Comedy (1976)

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The Real Ghostbusters Poster Image

TV

The Real Ghostbusters

age 7+

Animated series expands on the beloved '80s comedy.

Netflix Kids' Animation (1986)

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ALF Poster Image

TV

ALF

age 8+

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

Discovery Family Channel Comedy (1986)

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Growing Pains Poster Image

TV

Growing Pains

age 8+

'80s favorite offers laughs and life lessons.

ION , Nickelodeon , Syndicated Comedy (1985)

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Who's the Boss? Poster Image

TV

Who's the Boss?

age 8+

Classic '80s sitcom about a blended family.

Nickelodeon Comedy (1984)

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Diff'rent Strokes Poster Image

TV

Diff'rent Strokes

age 10+

Classic series with a sense of humor tackles racial issues.

NBC , ABC Comedy (1978)

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Silver Spoons Poster Image

TV

Silver Spoons

age 10+

Cute '80s comedy sometimes touches on serious issues.

NBC , Syndicated Comedy (1982)

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The Dukes of Hazzard Poster Image

TV

The Dukes of Hazzard

age 10+

Yee haw! Original Dukes leap the generation gap.

CMT Comedy (1979)

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Family Ties Poster Image

TV

Family Ties

age 11+

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

Syndicated , Discovery Family Channel Comedy (1982)

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Magnum, P.I. Poster Image

TV

Magnum, P.I.

age 11+

1980s heartthrob solves cases in Hawaii.

Syndicated Drama (1980)

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The Facts of Life Poster Image

TV

The Facts of Life

age 11+

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

NBC Comedy (1979)

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The Greatest American Hero Poster Image

TV

The Greatest American Hero

age 11+

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

ABC Comedy (1981)

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The Jeffersons Poster Image

TV

The Jeffersons

age 11+

Barrier-breaking sitcom mixes humor, stereotypes.

Syndicated , TV Land Comedy (1975)

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Cheers Poster Image

TV

Cheers

age 13+

Laughs are on tap in this classic sitcom.

Syndicated , TV Land Comedy (1982)

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M*A*S*H Poster Image

TV

MAS*H

age 13+

Stellar war dramedy classic mixes humor, pathos.

Hallmark Channel , Syndicated Comedy (1972)

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The Golden Girls Poster Image

TV

The Golden Girls

age 13+

Funny senior housemates crack wise; teens and up.

Lifetime Television Comedy (1985)

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