Classic Sitcoms From The 1980s That Still Make Us Laugh
By Sophia Maddox | February 23, 2024
The Golden Girls
The 1980s provided homes all around the globe with some of the most memorable TV sitcoms in history. These timeless shows not only brought laughter into living rooms but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. If you doubt the impact that many '80s sitcoms continue to have on the world around you, consider how many times you hear a retro theme song used in a modern commercial, how many reboots and spinoffs you see today, and how often you hear people quoting signature catchphrases.
Family dynamics and workplace escapades took center stage in '80s sitcoms. Meanwhile, the characters became our extended family, and their catchphrases echoed in our daily conversations. Let's take a trip down memory lane as we revisit some of the standout '80s sitcoms that have left an enduring legacy, proving that laughter truly knows no expiration date.
Premiering in 1985, it is another example of a show that has stood the test of time. The refreshing blend of humor, heart, and lasting friendship continues to offer a source of joy for people all around the world. The show revolved around a stellar cast that included Bea Arthur (Dorothy), Betty White (Rose), Estelle Getty (Sophia), and Rue McClanahan (Blanche), who played four older ladies who, through a variety of reasons, found themselves single and sharing a roof.
In addition to being comedy gold, “The Golden Girls” also tackled some major societal issues that continue to be prevalent in our modern world, nearly 40 years after its debut. Whether it was Rose’s AIDS scare, Blanche grappling with her own unrecognized homophobia, or the underlying theme of ageism, “The Golden Girls” makes you want to look at someone you love and thank them for being a friend.
Family Ties
While it’s difficult to turn on the TV without seeing something about the growing political divide between the right and the left, the first bold leap into this realm was “Family Ties,” a 1982 sitcom created by Gary David Goldberg. While the show tackled plenty of difficult topics, it largely revolved around Alex P. Keaton, played by a young Michael J. Fox, a conservative young Republican with lofty aspirations, and his interactions with his left-leaning, liberal family. The show was largely set in the Reagan era and took a tasteful yet hilarious approach to the ideological differences that are still prevalent in our world today. Steven Keaton, played by Michael Gross, and his wife Elyse, played by Meredith Baxter, were also parents to Mallory and Jennifer. However, it was Fox who truly stole the show with his portrayal of Alex.
Cheers
Sometimes, you want to go where everybody knows your name, and creators James Burrows and Glen Charles made that possible when they brought the colorful ensemble of bartenders and patrons from "Cheers" into our living rooms. The show’s star, Ted Danson, played Sam Malone, a charming ex-baseball player turned bartender, whose charisma ultimately set the tone for the series.
However, a show about a baseball player-turned-bartender wouldn’t be enough to form a lasting impact on its own. That’s where the cast of "Cheers" comes into play. The show is still a legendary example of '80s sitcom history thanks in large part to the interactions between the customers who frequented the bar and the staff that worked there. Whether it’s the intellectual musings of Cliff Clavin or the marital complaints of Norm Peterson, the relatable characters found on “Cheers” cemented this show’s position in pop culture history.
The Cosby Show
“The Cosby Show” was a groundbreaking sitcom from the 1980s that focused on a successful African American family, the Huxtables, and their jobs, educations, love lives, and more. Created by Michael Leeson and Ed Weinberger, the show starred Bill Cosby, who played Doctor Heathcliff Huxtable. His unique sweaters, one of which you can see in this photo, became a visual trademark for this show that ran from 1984 until 1992. Phylicia Rashad played Clair Huxtable, a successful attorney, and largely focused on how the two parents raised their five children, with Dr. Huxtable often encouraging his children to grow up and move out of the family home.
When “The Cosby Show” debuted, there were plenty of stereotypes revolving around African American families, and a sitcom that took a humorous, yet profound, look at those things was revolutionary. As the show went on, the Huxtable children started dating, got married, and started families of their own, further extending the appeal of this show to its audience.
Square Pegs
“Square Pegs” didn’t have the longevity that some of the other shows on this list enjoyed, but this short-lived series left an indelible mark on viewers, thanks largely to its humorous approach to the trials and tribulations of high school life. Created by Anne Beats, the show focused on Weemawee High School, particularly the two students in this image, Patty Greene and Lauren Hutchinson. Of course, Patty Greene was played by a young Sarah Jessica Parker, who went on to make her mark in countless movies and TV shows, most notably, “Sex and the City.”
There had certainly been shows about high school before, but “Square Pegs” took a fresh approach by ditching many of the traditional high school stereotypes that other shows embraced. That’s why the show’s quirky humor made it a hit with fans. While the show only aired on CBS for the 1982-83 season, it remains a nostalgic source of joy for millions.
Growing Pains
Airing from 1985 until 1992, “Growing Pains” is one of the most beloved '80s sitcoms of all time. Thanks to the loveable Seaver family shown in this image, the show is still considered a quintessential example of classic sitcoms. Created by Neal Marlens, the show revolves around psychiatrist Dr. Jason Seaver, played by Alan Thicke, and his wife, Maggie, played by Joanna Kerns. The couple is raising their three children, Mike, Carol, and Ben. Mike, the oldest son, quickly became the standout star of the series, thanks in large part to the charisma of a young Kirk Cameron.
In addition to the comedic timing and humor that made the show a hit, writers were also able to skillfully weave together realistic looks at the ups and downs of a family growing up together with some unforgettable moments of humor. If you were asked to name the quintessential '80s sitcom, “Growing Pains” would have to be somewhere near the top of your list.
Diff'rent Strokes
Columbia Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
In a technical sense, “Diff’rent Strokes” could be considered a 1970s sitcom, having premiered in 1978. However, the show continued into the '80s and has had people asking Willis what he’s talking about ever since. On the surface, the show provides hilarious moments between the non-traditional family in this photograph. However, when you peel back the layers, you quickly see that this show is part of a beautiful social commentary that focuses on race, class, and family dynamics.
The show revolves around wealthy businessman Philip Drummond, played by Conrad Bain, who adopts two African American sons, Arnold and Willis. Of course, Arnold was played by comedic legend Gary Coleman while Todd Bridges assumed the role of Willis. The willingness of this show to tackle societal issues becomes even more impressive when you take a hard look at the years in which it ran, earning its spot on this list of memorable '80s sitcoms.
The Facts of Life
This photograph depicts the main cast of “The Facts of Life,” a memorable '80s sitcom that is a spinoff of "Diff’rent Strokes." While the show that served as its launching pad tackled conversations that revolved around racial balance within an adoptive family, “The Facts of Life” was revolutionary in its own right. The all-female leading cast was certainly a big step, but so, too, were the ages of the females represented. Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and Jo not only transcended racial lines, but they also represented different socioeconomic classes, all under the watchful eye of Mrs. Edna Garrett, who ran the boarding school that the girls were enrolled in.
As is the case with some of the other shows on this list, “The Facts of Life” did a masterful job of blending side-splitting comedy with deep societal issues. Over the course of nine seasons and more than 200 episodes, the girls from Eastland School made their mark on entertainment and culture.
ALF
Between 1986 and 1990, creators Paul Fusco, Tom Patchett, and Bernie Brillstein managed to do the seemingly impossible when they made millions of fans fall in love with ALF, an alien from the planet Melmac. Unlike the other shows on our list of the best '80s sitcoms, the lead character on "ALF" was a puppet. Of course, "ALF" was more of a monicker, and the extraterrestrial star of this show’s name was Gordon Shumway. An interesting note, Paul Fusco, one of the creators of the show, actually served as the voice of ALF, which stood for “Alien Life Form.”
Much of this show, which spawned its own animated spinoff in the '90s, revolved around ALF’s humorous attempts to adapt to life on Earth, adjust to customs, and resist the temptation to eat the family’s pet cat.
Night Court
If you’ve turned on your TV recently, you may have run across the “Night Court” reboot that NBC launched in 2023. The show is the revival of this classic that ran from 1984 until 1992 and provided a beautiful mix of courtroom TV with hysterical laughter. Set in the New York City courtroom of Judge Harry Stone, “Night Court” focused on not only the staff who worked with Harry but also the colorful cast of alleged criminals who got picked up for violating the law after hours.
There aren’t a ton of deep, societal issues tackled on this show, and that’s OK. Instead, it’s a steady stream of constant laughter in one of the most unique settings of any '80s sitcom.
Newhart
CBS/Courtesy Everett Collection
Decades before the “Lost” finale confused viewers and “How I Met Your Mother” put one of the most polarizing finales in TV history on the air, Bob Newhart did something that had never been done before. Following the critical acclaim and widespread love for “The Bob Newhart” show, “Newhart” served as the return to the small screen for Bob Newhart, a comedy icon.
Throughout the series, they not only deal with a variety of guests, but they also get to deal with the staff who help them run the place. Perhaps the most famous of the eccentric visitors to the inn were the trio of brothers Larry, his brother Darryl, and his other brother Darryl. The series ended dramatically - SPOILER ALERT - when Newhart woke up beside his wife from his previous show and realized that he had dreamed everything that occurred on "Newhart."
Mama's Family
In this photo, you see some of the cast of “Mama’s Family.” This TV show began as a comedy sketch on “The Carol Burnett Show.” Thelma Harper, the lead in this show, was played by comedy legend Vicki Lawrence. Lawrence, who has long been famous for her perfect timing and impeccable delivery, dawned the blue-tinged wig, support hose, and glasses and brought Thelma Harper to life. The show largely focused on Thelma interacting with her family who lived with her, including her son, daughter-in-law, and her young adult grandson. Thelma’s best friend, Iola Boylen, was played by Beverly Archer and was a perfect addition to the ensemble.
Between 1983 and 1990, Thelma and the rest of her family brought Rayton into the living rooms of millions. Thelma’s willingness to use coarse language and her affinity for a cold beer set her apart from the traditional grandmas who were seen on television and cemented this show’s spot as an '80s phenomenon.
The Jeffersons
“The Jeffersons” is another sitcom that got its start in the '70s (1975, to be exact), but the show had the staying power to run through 1985. A spinoff of the Norman Lear-created classic “All in the Family,” "The Jeffersons" focused on successful entrepreneur George Jefferson, played by Sherman Helmsley. George and his wife, Louise, played by Isabel Sanford, had moved into a nicer apartment thanks to the success of George’s laundromat. Perhaps their greatest sign of success, their maid, Florence (played by Marla Gibbs), played a perfect foil to George.
The show was both legendary for its comedy and its groundbreaking story arc. When the show premiered, there were very few affluent African American families on TV, and George and Louise’s success that allowed them to “move on up” to the Eastside told a beautiful story of grit, determination, and love, with a healthy dose of humor mixed in. This photo is a great depiction of the diverse cast present on this show.
Full House
This image is a photo of the cast from the first season of “Full House.” Unlike some of the other titles on this list, “Full House” spent most of its time in the '90s, having run from 1987 until 1995. The show has not only become one of the most beloved '80s sitcoms of all time, but it sparked its own reboot in 2016, when “Fuller House” was greenlit by Netflix. The show revolved around a widower, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), who became a single father. Shortly thereafter, his late wife’s brother, Jesse (John Stamos), and their friend Joey (Dave Coulier), moved into the house to help him.
Joey was a comedian, Jesse was an aspiring rockstar, and Danny hosted a morning talk show. Their blend of personalities, along with the presence of the children, made this show an iconic family sitcom. Not only did it launch the careers of the Olsen twins, who played Michelle, but it also put Jodie Sweetin and Candice Cameron Bure on the map for their portrayals of Stephanie and DJ.
Who's The Boss?
What happens when a former professional baseball player with a child ends up down on his luck and looking for work? He becomes a live-in housekeeper and nanny for a successful marketing executive. That was the plot line for “Who’s the Boss?”, a sitcom starring Tony Danza and Judith Light. Tony Micelli (Danza) and his daughter Sam (Alyssa Milano) wind up living with Angela Bower (Light) and her son Jonathan. The presence of Angela’s mother, Mona (Katherine Helmond), added the perfect touch to this TV classic.
In addition to the “will they/won’t they” romance that was always brewing between Angela and Tony, the show also tackled some serious issues, with traditional gender roles being at the forefront. The show’s enduring popularity is still strong thanks to the millions of fans “Who’s the Boss?” picked up over the years.
Married... with Children
When Ed O’Neill brought Al Bundy of "Married... with Children" into living rooms across the country, he did so with a level of irreverent humor that has hardly been matched. Katie Segal played Peggy Bundy, Al’s wife. The two were parents to Bud (David Faustino) and Kelly (Christina Applegate). From 1987 through 1997, the Bundy family became a part of pop culture by taking an approach to family comedy like no one had tried before. They were rude to one another, Al was often misogynistic, and Bud and Kelly sniped at one another in a way that most siblings could only dream of. The result was an iconic show that’s still making people laugh.
Perfect Strangers
From 1986 to 1993, “Perfect Strangers” captivated audiences with its comedic yet endearing take on what happens when cultures collide. Created by Dale McRaven, “Perfect Strangers” followed the relationship between distant cousins Larry Appleton (Mark Linn-Baker), a staunch conservative, and Balki Bartokomous (Bronson Pinchot), an optimistic immigrant from the fictional island of Mypos.
For eight seasons, fans watched Balki try to adjust to life in the United States while Larry was often led standing idly by watching the fallout. The show provided a humorous look into the relationship between immigrants and US citizens and managed to do so with great taste and touch.
Punky Brewster
“Punky Brewster” produced more than just a catchy theme song that is sure to get stuck in your head. It also introduced the world to a young Soleil Moon Frye, who assumed the lead in this show based on Punky Brewster, an often-mischievous orphan who finds herself living with a new family under the watchful eye of their contrarian building manager, Henry Warnimont.
The charm of this show is found in Punky’s unbreakable spirit as she navigates a unique set of circumstances. In addition to finding humor in the situations that Punky often found herself in, young Brewster also taught viewers a lot about love, friendship, family relationships, and more.
Mr. Belvedere
ABC Photo Archives/Getty Images
From 1985 to 1990, “Mr. Belvedere” entertained audiences by telling the story of a refined British butler who finds himself as the housekeeper for the Owens family, with a special focus on his relationship with their misbehaving children. The titular character was played by Christopher Hewitt, who received plenty of acclaim for his work on the series. Most notably, the dry wit that Hewitt showed in his playing of the character was a hit with audiences and critics alike.
In addition to the wildly humorous moments that were common throughout the series, “Mr. Belvedere” also delivered plenty of heartwarming moments and life lessons. Perhaps that is what helps this show continue to be such an iconic name on the list of great '80s sitcoms.
It's Gary Shandling's Show
“It’s Gary Shandling’s Show” was groundbreaking in that it consistently shirked traditional sitcom conventions, choosing instead to embrace self-awareness and meta-humor. The show was created by Gary Shandling, the late comedian who also served as the star. From 1986 until 1990, fans got to watch Shandling play the role of himself, a stand-up comedian who was living in a surreal reality that he knew was a television show. The show has long been considered a cult classic thanks to its dry wit and reputation for pushing the boundaries of TV sitcoms in the '80s.
