6 Underrated ’80s TV Shows That Deserve Classic Status

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It’s been over fifty years since the 1980s, and many great TV shows from that decade are fading from memory. These often-forgotten series really deserve recognition as classics. The ’80s were a creative period for television, as show creators started experimenting with different formats and styles.

While some ‘80s TV shows definitely look like they’re from the ’80s, a few still hold up well against today’s programs. Even if they seem a bit dated, that doesn’t make them any less enjoyable. In fact, these six shows are particularly great, and deserve a rewatch even if you’ve forgotten about them.

MacGyver (1985-1992)

By now, many people probably know the name “MacGruber” even if they’ve never heard of “MacGyver.” The parody character created by Will Forte on Saturday Night Live has become so popular, it’s almost as if he’s overshadowed the original character he was imitating. For anyone unfamiliar, MacGyver was the star of a TV show about a resourceful problem-solver who could fix anything with simple items like a paperclip.

The TV show MacGyver first aired on ABC in 1985 and continued for seven seasons. Richard Dean Anderson played Angus MacGyver, a government agent who used his impressive knowledge of science to fix complicated problems. A key feature of the show was that MacGyver never used guns – he always relied on his ingenuity instead.

Given the comedic take on the character in MacGruber, you might expect the original MacGyver to feel old-fashioned. However, the show’s action and clever problem-solving are still genuinely thrilling and make it worth watching. While the basic idea of improvising solutions with everyday objects is well-known, MacGyver also deserves recognition for its compelling stories.

Crime Story (1986-1988)

Michael Mann created Crime Story around the same time as the hugely popular 1980s series Miami Vice. Because Miami Vice was so successful, Crime Story hasn’t gotten as much attention, but it’s a strong, realistic drama that deserves to be recognized too.

Dennis Farina had a unique background – he was a real police officer before becoming a full-time actor. He first appeared on screen in Michael Mann’s 1981 film, Thief. Mann clearly remembered Farina, and five years later, he cast him in the leading role of Lt. Mike Torello in Crime Story, alongside Anthony Denison as Ray Luca.

Luca is a criminal, and Detective Torello is relentlessly determined to arrest him, sometimes bending the rules to do so. The show was groundbreaking for its time, telling one continuous story over an entire season instead of focusing on individual cases. It’s remembered for its intense emotions and often shocking violence.

Fraggle Rock (1983-1987)

Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock was a children’s musical show that lasted five seasons. It followed the lives of the adorable Fraggles, furry creatures who live in the colorful world of Fraggle Rock, which is also home to three other unique species. The Fraggles themselves are known for being playful, kind, and full of fun.

The world is also home to the Dozers, generally good-natured workers who dislike being disturbed; the Gorgs, furry human-like beings; and a pair of unusual space travelers – a man and his puppet dog.

As you’d expect from a Jim Henson production, Fraggle Rock is incredibly imaginative and built a surprisingly large world of spin-offs and related products. Despite all that, the show still doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. Even if you don’t want to become a fan, you have to admit the theme song is fantastic.

Sledge Hammer! (1986-1988)

The show Sledge Hammer! isn’t your typical police drama, especially with a character named Inspector Sledge Hammer. And knowing David Rasche plays the lead makes it clear: this two-season ABC series is all about playful, satirical humor.

Unlike shows like Columbo, Sledge Hammer! is more reminiscent of comedies starring Leslie Nielsen. The series centers on Inspector Sledge Hammer, a San Francisco detective who’s incredibly stubborn, often makes sexist remarks, and has old-fashioned views. He’s a firm believer in taking action immediately, preferring to shoot first and investigate later – he even loves guns so much he brings his everywhere, even to the shower and into bed!

This show is hilarious and surprisingly modern, even poking fun at clichés you still see in crime and police dramas. I was hoping Matthew Macfadyen’s success in Succession would bring more attention to it, but it still hasn’t gotten the recognition it deserves.

Only Fools And Horses (1981-2003)

Running for seven seasons with several special episodes continuing until 2003, Only Fools and Horses is a fantastic, yet often overlooked, British comedy. The show is set in the working-class neighborhood of Peckham, in southeast London, and follows the amusing adventures and misfortunes of the Trotter brothers.

David Jason stars as Del Boy Trotter, a somewhat hapless market seller who lives with his younger brother, Rodney (played by Nicholas Lyndhurst), and their grandfather (Lennard Pearce). Though they’re different ages, Del Boy and Rodney have a close bond and are always scheming to make a fast buck.

The show started with each episode telling a complete, separate story about a new get-rich-quick scheme. But as it progressed, a larger, ongoing plot emerged. We see the characters’ attempts at wealth and romance slowly pay off, and it’s all done with a clever, funny, and surprisingly insightful approach – definitely worth watching all at once!

Blackadder (1983-1989)

Blackadder is a comedy series with four seasons, each taking place in a different period of British history. Throughout the show, Rowan Atkinson plays Edmund Blackadder, a consistently unlucky character, whether he’s living in the 1500s or the 1900s.

Each installment of Blackadder features a character descended from the previous one. A running joke throughout the series is Blackadder constantly being saddled with a foolish upper-class companion who frequently gets him into trouble. The show is a distinctly British comedy that playfully mocks British customs and society.

Blackadder is a hilarious TV show from the 1980s that playfully looks at British history, often highlighting its funny mistakes. The show stars a fantastic cast including Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, and Miranda Richardson, along with many other well-known British actors. See if you can spot some familiar faces from the Harry Potter films!

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2025-10-26 20:40