The 1980s is one of the best decades for television. For those who love sitcoms, dramas, sci-fi, and animated fare, this decade has it all. Plenty of shows from the ‘80s, in fact, have returned in some fashion today through remakes, sequels, and spin-offs. But sometimes, it’s nice to go back to the original.
There are plenty of ‘80s shows that have great rewatch value, for varying reasons. In some cases, it might be worthwhile simply because so many decades have passed since they originally aired, so there are plenty of moments easily forgotten.
10
‘Unsolved Mysteries’ (1987–2010)
Created by John Cosgrove and Terry Dunn Meurer
Revived several times over the years by Lifetime, Spike, and now Netflix, the original Unsolved Mysteries aired in the late ‘80s, through the ‘90s. While Raymond Burr and Karl Malden served as presenters, Robert Stack is the man who has become synonymous with the show, his ominous voice and signature peacoat engrained as part of the series. Each episode looks into a specific unsolved mystery, from kidnappings to murders, missing persons to even paranormal experiences.
Unsolved Mysteries is not only a must-watch for true crime fans, it has also helped capture criminals and solve cold cases. As recently as this year, a young boy was found safe and sound after his case was featured on Netflix’s version of Unsolved Mysteries. The best part about the show is the option to pick and choose episodes based on synopses, each one more gripping than the next.
9
‘DuckTales’ (1987–1989)
Created by Jymn Magon, Tedd Anasti, and Patsy Cameron
Anyone who grew up in the ‘80s recalls fondly coming home from school to watch DuckTales. The animated series based on Carl Banks’ Uncle Scrooge and characters from Disney’s the Duck universe, centers around Scrooge McDuck and his grandnephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The kids often get up to various shenanigans while Scrooge is always fighting off villains looking to steal his fortune.
Spawning an entire franchise of video games, merchandise, comic books, and more, DuckTales is one of those series fans would love to relive and introduce a new generation of kids to so they can enjoy it as well.
8
‘Pee-wee’s Playhouse’ (1986–1990)
Created by Paul Reubens
Sadly, creator and star Paul Reubens passed away in 2023, but he will forever be remembered as the character Pee-wee Herman, who starred in this comedy children’s show along with various movies. Both educational and entertaining with a healthy helping of silly and absurd, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse delighted fans of all ages.
Colorful, filled with adventure, and nostalgic, Pee-Wee’s Playhouse is like living in a kid’s dream, a home filled with toys, gadgets, puppets, furniture that talks, and even a magic genie. Combined with human characters as well, the show features regular cast members like S. Epatha Merkerson, the late Phil Hartman, and Laurence Fishburne.
7
‘Full House’ (1987–1995)
Created by Jeff Franklin
Before diving into the sequel series Fuller House, or even after, rewatch Full House, the sitcom that started it all. While it’s dated in its look and some storylines, Full House is one of those shows that still holds up today. Every episode sets out to teach viewers a moral lesson of some kind about acceptance, perseverance, owning up to mistakes, and more.
Along with remembering the late Bob Saget, who played patriarch Danny Tanner on the show, Full House has so many memorable moments from its best episodes, and characters that are even funnier or more endearing the second (or third) time around.
6
‘The Simpsons’ (1989–)
Created by Matt Groening
While The Simpsons is still on the air, delivering new episodes and seasons decades after it began, it’s one of the most rewatchable shows from the ‘80s as well. One reason is that the family never ages, so the stories don’t follow any type of chronology. An episode from 1989 is just as relevant today as it was back then.
With that said, The Simpsons, while appealing to kids, is also a sardonic show that touches on current issues in a way only parents and adults would understand. Plus, The Simpsons is known for predicting the future through many of its past storylines. It would be fun to re-watch and catch some of those moments, calling things that happened in real life long before they actually did.
5
‘Married… With Children’ (1987–1996)
Created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt
Some believe a show like Married…With Children could never exist in today’s climate. That’s partially true, considering it’s about a surly shoe salesman who insults his heavyset customers in almost every episode and a woman who fits the lazy housewife stereotype to a tee. Let’s not forget the stereotypically ditzy teenage daughter and the nerdy outcast son who is constantly mocked, often by his own parents. But Married…With Children has to be taken for what it is. Accepting that, the show is downright hilarious.
Ed O’Neill and Katey Sagal are a formidable pair, a couple who clearly love one another but also can’t stand each other. It’s also the show that made Christina Applegate a star. For mindless fun, rewatching some of the most memorable older episodes is a great way to unwind.
4
‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
It’s a testament to Seinfeld that, decades after the show ended, it’s still often quoted to this day. Seinfeld has some of the best one-liners and instances that have become part of common vernacular. Think about everything from “Master of Your Domain” to “No Soup For You!”, “Man Hands,” and more.
It goes without saying that the episodes that contain some of the popular phrases and storylines, like Moviefone, the Puffy Shirt, and “Serenity Now!” are funnier and funnier after every watch. Rewatching the entire series, or just the funniest Seinfeld episodes, fans are bound to catch other humorous moments that totally slipped the mind, too.
3
‘The Golden Girls’ (1985–1992)
Created by Susan Harris
The Golden Girls is about as timeless as it gets when it comes to sitcoms. Sure, it’s dated, but the story of four later-in-life women navigating the single life in Miami while living together in a shared home never gets old. From the witty banter to the fun and sometimes even heartbreaking storylines, the show has it all.
While the entire cast has passed on, including Beatrice Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty, fans can relive their impeccable comedic timing in this sitcom that aired for seven solid seasons.
2
‘Magnum P.I.’ (1980–1988)
Created by Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson
Remade in 2018, nothing compares to the original Magnum P.I. Tom Selleck stars as the titular character Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Hawaii. He resides in the guesthouse of his wealthy boss for whom he handles security while also taking on cases when it suits him.
From the gorgeous backdrop of Hawaii to Magnum’s easygoing style as he travels in his boss’ Ferrari, and the high action, Magnum P.I. is plenty of fun. While the remake modernizes the stories, the original is worth a rewatch, too.
1
‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)
Created by Gene Roddenberry
Considered by many die-hard Star Trek fans to be the best series in this massive franchise, Star Trek: The Next Generation has a fantastic cast led by Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, who travels with his team aboard the Starfleet starship USS Enterprise as they explore the galaxy.
Star Trek: The Next Generation features so much futuristic technology that has since come to fruition. Arguably way ahead of its time, it’s interesting to look back at what was considered high-tech back then. It’s also intriguing to see how the show, the third in the sci-fi series, brought forth some of the most compelling and groundbreaking storylines.
