5 Perfect ’80s Shows Nobody Remembers

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The 1980s hold a special place in many people’s hearts, and revisiting old TV shows from that era is often a trip down memory lane. The decade produced a lot of memorable series across all kinds of genres, from beloved comedies like Cheers to the original MacGyver action series. The big hairstyles, bold personalities, and ambitious stories that defined the ’80s weren’t limited to real life – they were also a major part of the entertainment we enjoyed.

Many TV shows from the 1980s aren’t well-remembered today, and some have been completely forgotten. Despite having good stories, interesting characters, and funny moments, these shows struggled with low viewership, short runs, or tough competition. While they might not be popular now, they’re worth revisiting to appreciate what they offered television at the time.

The Greatest American Hero’s Cancellation Left Unaired Episodes

Before Batman and Superman became popular on TV, there was Ralph Hinkley (played by William Katt). In the show The Great American Hero, Ralph receives a super suit from aliens, but it doesn’t come with a user manual. The series follows Ralph as he tries to figure out how to use his powers while also fighting crime.

Despite being popular in the early 1980s for its fun story, catchy theme song, and uniquely endearing main character, The Greatest American Hero was canceled after three seasons because fewer people were watching. Five episodes were never even shown. The show’s appeal stemmed from its relatable hero, Ralph, an average guy who had to learn how to use his newfound abilities, making him easy to support even when he messed up.

Perfect Strangers Is a Perfect ’80s Sitcom

Though it originally aired in the 1990s, Perfect Strangers is a sitcom worth remembering. The show follows the funny experiences of cousins Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker) and Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot) as they share a home. Balki, who comes to Chicago from Greece, spends the series discovering American culture, while Larry learns to relax and enjoy life a little more.

Despite finishing in the 1990s because fewer people were watching, Perfect Strangers had a great eight-season run and remains a truly special show. It’s full of genuinely funny scenes that still hold up today. The chemistry between Larry and Balki is fantastic, and beyond the comedy, they share some surprisingly touching and heartfelt moments.

Automan Tried to Replicate Tron’s Special Effects

Automan is a fantastic but often overlooked TV show from the 1980s. It was a daring attempt to follow in the footsteps of Knight Rider (which debuted in 1982). The series stars Desi Arnaz Jr. as Walter Nebicher, a police officer who uses artificial intelligence to help him solve crimes. At night, the AI transforms into Automan, a glowing superhero played by Chuck Wagner. Throughout the series, Walter and Automan work together to crack cases while keeping their methods a secret.

Despite its innovative concept and impressive visuals, Automan was canceled quickly due to low ratings and the high cost of its special effects. While the individual episodes weren’t groundbreaking, they were fun and easy to enjoy. Even today, Automan’s bright blue costume and the Autocar vehicle still look remarkably creative and advanced.

Misfits of Science Starred a Young Courteney Cox

Misfits of Science was a short-lived ’80s TV show, cancelled by NBC after just four months. The series followed a team of people with special abilities who were brought together by Dr. Billy Hayes (played by Dean Paul Martin) to fight crime and investigate strange occurrences. Despite their individual flaws – or weaknesses, as the show playfully called them – the team and Dr. Hayes constantly learned to work together and overcome challenges.

While Misfits of Science had a promising concept, it didn’t quite gain the traction needed to compete with other popular ’80s sci-fi shows and movies. The show’s pacing is a little uneven, particularly after the initial episodes, but the characters are likable, the storylines are straightforward, and their superpowers feel fresh. Marcia Wallace’s performance as Gloria Dinallo is a definite highlight, and will appeal to fans of Friends.

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2026-01-07 05:06