PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.
We’ve already expanded our streaming queue with travel shows and comic relief, but it’s still missing a little…nostalgia. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane with the 28 best ’80s TV shows, ranked from binge-worthy to sensational.
All of the series are available to watch on streaming services, including Netflix, Prime Video and Hulu. Plus, the options range from comedy classics that started in the '80s like Seinfeld to family dramas that dominated the decade like Dynasty.
Larry Appleton is thrilled to move into his first apartment in Chicago. Everything changes when his long-lost cousin arrives and suggests they become roommates.
27. Who’s the Boss?
It's about a widower and former professional baseball player who takes a job as a housekeeper. The catch? He and his daughter must move into the family’s residence. The will-they-won't-they romantic tension between Angela and Tony will have you on the edge of your seat.
26. LA Law
The series follows the attorneys at a powerful law firm called McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. It also focuses on co-worker relationships and romances, so prepare for loads of drama.
The plot centers around a wealthy businessman who adopts two children after their mother passes away. Together, they take on life’s most valuable lessons—and give us some of the most iconic catchphrases.
24. Night Court
Harry T. Stone is a judge who approaches his cases with an open mind. With assistance from his courtroom guard, Bull, he tackles a variety of silly cases that arise in night court. (Once you’ve finished the original, be sure to check out the remake, which airs on NBC.)
23. Alf
ALF (aka Alien Life Form) is an extraterrestrial creature who befriends a family after crash-landing in their garage. The question is: Can he learn to live with the Tanner family?
22. EastEnders
EastEnders is one of the longest-running soap operas, and it’s still producing new episodes to this day. The story follows the residents of Albert Square, which is located in London’s East End. They establish a supportive community as they encourage each other through life and loss.
21. Miami Vice
These two Miami detectives aren’t afraid to turn to violence if it means getting one step closer to ridding the streets of drugs and crime. Plot aside, the soundtrack and stylish fashion can’t be beat.
20. 227
If you loved Friends, you need to watch 227. The series follows a group of four people living in an apartment building—this includes Mary Jenkins, the building’s resident gossiper.
19. Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver is a psychiatrist who works out of his home while his wife pursues a career of her own. Comedy—and plenty of drama—ensues.
18. MacGyver
Meet MacGyver, a top agent for an agency that protects the world against evil. However, he’s very different than his coworkers. Not only does he refuse to use a weapon, but he also uses everyday objects—like duct tape—to do his job.
17. Family Ties
The Keaton family consists of two liberal parents and their children, notably their conservative eldest. Cue the awkward tension.
16. Designing Women
Julia Sugarbaker and her sister, Suzanne, open a design firm and hire their two best friends. The show is funny, feminist and includes plenty of iconic speeches.
15. Dallas
Get to know the Ewing family and their massive oil empire, which financially supports their lavish lifestyle. Before long, you’ll be asking the age-old question: Who shot J.R.?
14. Star Trek: The Next Generation
Inspired by Star Trek: The Original Series, the show takes place 78 years after Captain Kirk’s original mission. It documents a new generation of Starfleet officers as they embark on another space journey.
13. Magnum, P.I.
Meet Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Oahu, Hawaii. The show is the perfect escape, if you ask us.
12. Quantum Leap
Dr. Ben Song is a physicist who runs a top-secret time-travel program called Quantum Leap. When he secretly travels back in time to rewrite his past, he soon realizes that he’ll need his team to help him return to the present-day.
Mrs. Edna Garrett is the Drummonds’ former housekeeper (yup, it’s a Diff’rent Strokes spinoff). The series documents her journey to become a housemother at a girls’ boarding school.
10. Punky Brewster
When Punky Brewster is abandoned by her family, she’s taken in by a cranky photographer, Henry Warnimont, who soon becomes her foster parent. She uses her silly antics to show Henry how to live life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances.
9. Dynasty
The Carrington and Colby families are two notoriously wealthy clans who have been feuding for years. This is their story.
8. Teen Wolf
If you loved the 1985 movie, then you need to watch this ’80s animated series, which is known in the U.K. as The Cartoon Adventures of Teen Wolf. The story is about a young boy who's hiding a dark secret: he and his family are werewolves.
It documents the childhood of Kevin Arnold. Narrated by his adult self, the series is a coming-of-age story that never gets old.
Meet the Bundys, a suburban family who’s living in Chicago. They aren’t the kindest to one another, and they often bicker over money, intimacy and housework. Sounds right up our alley.
The story focuses on the students of Bayside High School. The series follows Zack Morris and his friends, who are simply trying to escape the wrath of their principal, Mr. Belding.
4. M*A*S*H
The drama takes place during the Korean War and follows members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Together, they care for patients and use humor to escape the horror they see on a daily basis.
Join four mature women who are living in Miami Beach, Florida. Their biting wit and Rose’s St. Olaf stories make this classic a must-binge.
2. Seinfeld
Seinfeld premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons, but it’s still considered an ’80s show in our book. The series documents the lives of four single friends who are living in New York City and navigating adulthood. *Cue the canned laughter*
1. Cheers
It centers around a bar called Cheers, where everybody knows your name. After a few episodes, you might even consider yourself a regular.
