The 1980s gave us some of the most iconic TV shows in history—series that not only entertained but shaped pop culture and created loyal fan bases that endure today. From action-packed adventures to heartfelt family comedies, these shows captured the essence of the decade and left an indelible mark on entertainment.
1. The A-Team (1983–1987)
Synopsis: A team of ex-U.S. Army Special Forces fugitives helps people in need while evading the military police. Known for its mix of action, humor, and memorable one-liners, the show became a cultural phenomenon.
Opening Lines Of A-Team Show:
“In 1972, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn’t commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government they survive as soldiers of fortune. If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them….maybe you can hire The A-Team.”
Main Characters:
- Hannibal Smith (George Peppard): The team’s leader, famous for his catchphrase, “I love it when a plan comes together.”
- B.A. Baracus (Mr. T): The strongman with a fear of flying and a love for gold chains.
- Face (Dirk Benedict): The team’s charming conman and ladies’ man.
- Murdock (Dwight Schultz): The quirky pilot, often considered insane but highly capable.
Where Are They Now?
- Mr. T remains an enduring pop culture figure, appearing in commercials and charity events.
- Dirk Benedict occasionally acts but focuses on writing and directing.
- Dwight Schultz transitioned to voice acting in video games and animated series.
- George Peppard passed away in 1994.
2. ALF (1986–1990)
Synopsis: A wisecracking alien named ALF crash-lands in a suburban family’s garage and becomes a part of their household. The show blends comedy with heartfelt moments as ALF tries to adapt to Earth life.
Main Characters:
- ALF (voiced by Paul Fusco): The sarcastic alien from the planet Melmac.
- Willie Tanner (Max Wright): The head of the Tanner family.
- Kate Tanner (Anne Schedeen): Willie’s supportive wife.
- Lynn Tanner (Andrea Elson): The teenage daughter.
Where Are They Now?
- Paul Fusco continues to produce ALF-related content.
- Anne Schedeen retired from acting to focus on her family.
- Max Wright passed away in 2019.
3. Family Ties (1982–1989)
Synopsis: A comedic take on the generational gap between liberal parents and their conservative son during the Reagan era.
Main Characters:
- Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox): The ambitious, suit-wearing conservative son.
- Elyse Keaton (Meredith Baxter): The feminist mom.
- Steven Keaton (Michael Gross): The easygoing father.
- Mallory Keaton (Justine Bateman): The ditzy but lovable sister.
Where Are They Now?
- Michael J. Fox is a Parkinson’s disease advocate and occasional actor.
- Justine Bateman became a writer and director.
- Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross continue acting in film and TV.
4. Mork & Mindy (1978–1982)
Synopsis: A spin-off of Happy Days, the show follows Mork, an alien sent to study Earth, and his roommate Mindy.
Main Characters:
- Mork (Robin Williams): The quirky alien with a penchant for saying, “Nanu Nanu.”
- Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber): His down-to-earth friend and later wife.
Where Are They Now?
- Robin Williams became a legendary actor before his passing in 2014.
- Pam Dawber took a step back from acting but occasionally appears on TV.
5. Three’s Company (1977–1984)
Synopsis: A comedic romp about three roommates—two women and a man—who pretend the man is gay to appease their landlord.
Main Characters:
- Jack Tripper (John Ritter): The lovable klutz.
- Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt): The practical one.
- Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers): The ditzy blonde.
Where Are They Now?
- John Ritter passed away in 2003.
- Joyce DeWitt remains active in theater.
- Suzanne Somers became an author and entrepreneur.
6. MAS*H (1972–1983)
Synopsis: A comedy-drama about a team of doctors and support staff stationed at a mobile hospital during the Korean War.
Main Characters:
- Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda): The witty surgeon.
- Hot Lips Houlihan (Loretta Swit): The head nurse.
- Radar O’Reilly (Gary Burghoff): The naive but lovable clerk.
Where Are They Now?
- Alan Alda continues to act and advocate for science communication.
- Loretta Swit works in theater and supports animal rights.
- Gary Burghoff retired from acting.
7. Cheers (1982–1993)
Synopsis: Set in a Boston bar, the show focuses on the lives of its patrons and employees.
Main Characters:
- Sam Malone (Ted Danson): The charming bartender and former baseball player.
- Diane Chambers (Shelley Long): The intellectual waitress.
- Norm Peterson (George Wendt): The lovable bar regular.
Where Are They Now?
- Ted Danson continues to act in hit shows like The Good Place.
- Shelley Long shifted to smaller roles and theater.
- George Wendt makes guest appearances in film and TV.
8. Knight Rider (1982–1986)
Synopsis: A crime-fighting duo consisting of Michael Knight and his AI-powered car, KITT.
Main Characters:
- Michael Knight (David Hasselhoff): The charismatic hero.
- KITT (voiced by William Daniels): The intelligent, indestructible car.
Where Are They Now?
- David Hasselhoff remains a pop culture icon.
- William Daniels continues to act and voice characters.
9. Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)
Synopsis: A private investigator solves cases in Hawaii while living a life of luxury.
Main Characters:
- Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck): The mustachioed P.I.
- Higgins (John Hillerman): The uptight estate caretaker.
Where Are They Now?
- Tom Selleck stars in Blue Bloods.
- John Hillerman passed away in 2017.
10. The Golden Girls (1985–1992)
Synopsis: Four older women share a home in Miami, tackling life and relationships with humor.
Main Characters:
- Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur): The sarcastic leader.
- Rose Nylund (Betty White): The naive optimist.
- Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan): The sultry Southern belle.
- Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty): The sharp-tongued matriarch.
Where Are They Now?
- Betty White remained active in entertainment until her passing in 2021.
- Rue McClanahan, Bea Arthur, and Estelle Getty have all passed away.
These shows continue to resonate with audiences, proving the staying power of 1980s television. Whether you’re rewatching them for nostalgia or discovering them for the first time, these series capture the essence of a golden era in entertainment.