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    Home/Browse/TV Shows/1980s TV Shows/1980s Family TV Shows

    1980s Family TV Shows

    The 40 most popular 1980s family TV shows, ranked. Click any show for ratings, reviews, trailers, and where to watch.

    40shows
    1rated by members
    Top ratedJeopardy!5.0
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    Jeopardy!
    TMDB3.5
    FF5.0

    Jeopardy!

    1984 · US

    America's favorite quiz show where contestants are presented with general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in question form.

    Falcon Crest
    TMDB2.8

    Falcon Crest

    1981 · US

    Falcon Crest is an American primetime television soap opera which aired on the CBS network for nine seasons, from December 4, 1981 to May 17, 1990. A total of 227 episodes were produced. The series revolves around the feuding factions of the wealthy Gioberti/Channing family in the Californian wine industry. Jane Wyman starred as Angela Channing, the tyrannical matriarch of the Falcon Crest Winery, alongside Robert Foxworth as Chase Gioberti, Angela's nephew who returns to Falcon Crest following the death of his father. The series was set in the fictitious Tuscany Valley northeast of San Francisco.

    Remington Steele
    TMDB3.5

    Remington Steele

    1982 · US

    Laura Holt, a licensed private detective, opens a detective agency but finds that potential clients refuse to hire a woman, however qualified. To solve the problem, Laura invents a fictitious male superior whom she names Remington Steele. Through a series of events that unfold in the first episode, "License to Steele," a former thief and con man, whose real name is never revealed, assumes the identity of Remington Steele. Behind the scenes, Laura remains firmly in charge.

    Nature
    TMDB4.0

    Nature

    1982 · US

    Consistently stunning documentaries transport viewers to far-flung locations ranging from the torrid African plains to the chilly splendours of icy Antarctica. The show's primary focus is on animals and ecosystems around the world. A comic book based on the show, meant to be used an as educational tool for kids, was briefly distributed to museums and schools at no cost in the mid-2000s.

    Full House
    TMDB3.8

    Full House

    1987 · US

    After the death of his wife, Danny enlists his best friend and his brother-in-law to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle.

    SUPERKID
    TMDB4.0

    SUPERKID

    1983 · JP

    Mitsuo encountered Superman, an alien who is a part of a federation that tries to maintain peace in the galaxy. He then received a helmet (that also serves as a mask) that gives superhuman strength, a cape that enables the wearer to fly, and a badge that allows him to breathe underwater and communicate with his fellow comrades whom he met soon after he utilized these gifts. Superman made it clear to all Permans that their identity must be kept a secret or their brain will be destroyed should it ever be revealed and they are given a special doppelganger robot that can replace them while they are away to achieve this feat, although it is not entirely foolproof nor is it free from potential problems. These equipments then allowed them to be young Permans who try to maintain peace and help the people who are in need.

    The Cosby Show
    TMDB3.5

    The Cosby Show

    1984 · US

    The Cosby Show is an American television situation comedy starring Bill Cosby, which aired for eight seasons on NBC from September 20, 1984 until April 30, 1992. The show focuses on the Huxtable family, an upper middle-class African-American family living in Brooklyn, New York.

    Ninja Hattori-kun
    TMDB3.3

    Ninja Hattori-kun

    1981 · JP

    11-year-old Kenichi Mitsuba is an average kid who goes to secondary school and struggles with his studies, he is very stubborn and is very lazy and therefore always ends up frustrating his parents and teacher. He loves to find an easy way of things. He befriends Hattori Kanzo, a ninja from the Iga Clan, and he becomes part of the Mitsuba family along with his brother, Shinzo and his ninja dog, Shishimaru. Hattori helps Kenichi with his problems, and constantly keeps an eye on him, as a good friend. The main antagonist Kemumaki, a Koga ninja and his ninja cat, Kagechiyo always troubles Kenichi, mainly because of their feud over one girl, Yumeko. Kenichi asks Hattori to take revenge as a recurring storyline in many episodes. Although Hattori is a good friend, Kenichi sometimes fights with Hattori due to misunderstandings created by Kemumaki. Sometimes Jippou, Togejirou and Tsubame help him.

    Family Matters
    TMDB3.4

    Family Matters

    1989 · US

    A long-running dramedy centering on the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago, and their pesky next-door neighbor, ultra-nerd Steve Urkel. A spin-off of Perfect Strangers.

    The Smurfs
    TMDB3.5

    The Smurfs

    1981 · US

    Classic Saturday-morning cartoon series featuring magical blue elf-like creatures called Smurfs. The Smurfs, named for their personalities, inhabit a village of mushroom houses in an enchanted forest. These loveable creatures are led by Papa Smurf and live carefree... except for one major threat to their existance: Gargamel, an evil but inept wizard who lives in a stone-built house in the forest; and his feline companion, the equally nasty Azrael.

    Neighbours
    TMDB3.0

    Neighbours

    1985 · AU

    Neighbours is an Australian television soap opera. The show's storylines concern the domestic and professional lives of the people who live and work in Erinsborough, a fictional suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. The series primarily centres around the residents of Ramsay Street, a short cul-de-sac, and its neighbouring areas, the Lassiters complex, which includes a bar, hotel, cafe, news office and park. Neighbours began with three families created by Watson – the Ramsays, the Robinsons and the Clarkes. Watson said that he wanted to show three families who are friends living in a small street. The Robinsons and the Ramsays had a long history and were involved in an ongoing rivalry.

    The Wonder Years
    TMDB4.2

    The Wonder Years

    1988 · US

    The story of Kevin Arnold facing the trials and tribulations of youth while growing up during the 1960s and 70s. Told through narration from an adult Kevin, Kevin faces the difficulties of maintaining relationships and friendships on his enthralling journey into adulthood.

    Xou da Xuxa
    TMDB3.5

    Xou da Xuxa

    1986 · BR

    Airing weekday mornings, the show featured segments of games (mainly competitions and musical numbers) interspersed with cartoons. Despite the consistently negative reactions from intellectuals and specialized critics, Xou da Xuxa quickly became the most successful children's program in the history of Brazilian television, transforming its presenter into a phenomenon from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s.

    Family Ties
    TMDB3.6

    Family Ties

    1982 · US

    Former 1960s flower children Steven and Elyse Keaton raise their conservative son Alex, daughters Mallory and Jennifer, and later, youngest child Andrew.

    A Different World
    TMDB3.6

    A Different World

    1987 · US

    A Different World is a spin-off series from The Cosby Show and originally centered on Denise Huxtable and the life of students at Hillman College, a fictional mixed but historically black college in the state of Virginia. After Bonet's departure in the first season, the remainder of the series primarily focused more on Southern belle Whitley Gilbert and mathematics whiz Dwayne Wayne. The series frequently depicted members of the major historically black fraternities and sororities.

    Oshin
    TMDB4.1

    Oshin

    1983 · JP

    Oshin is a Japanese serialized morning television drama, which aired on broadcaster NHK from April 4, 1983 to March 31, 1984. The series follows the life of Shin Tanokura during the Meiji period up to the early 1980s. Shin was called "Oshin", which is an archaic Japanese cognomen.

    Highway to Heaven
    TMDB3.7

    Highway to Heaven

    1984 · US

    A probationary angel is sent back to Earth to team up with an ex-cop and help people.

    Forsthaus Falkenau
    TMDB3.0

    Forsthaus Falkenau

    1989 · DE

    Forsthaus Falkenau is a German television series.

    ALF
    TMDB3.8

    ALF

    1986 · US

    A furry alien wiseguy comes to live with a terran family after crashing into their garage.

    Wheel of Fortune
    TMDB3.4

    Wheel of Fortune

    1983 · US

    This game show sees contestants solve word puzzles, similar to those used in Hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel.

    KVN Major League
    TMDB3.5

    KVN Major League

    1986 · RU

    KVN is a Russian humour TV show and competition where teams compete by giving funny answers to questions and showing prepared sketches. The programme was first aired by the First Soviet Channel on November 8, 1961. Eleven years later, in 1972, when few programmes were being broadcast live, Soviet censors found the students' impromptu jokes offensive and anti-Soviet and banned KVN. The show was revived fourteen years later during the Perestroika era in 1986, with Alexander Maslyakov as its host. It is one of the longest-running TV programmes on Russian Television. It also has its own holiday on November 8, the birthday of the game, which KVN players celebrate every year since it was announced and widely celebrated for the first time in 2001.

    Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears
    TMDB3.7

    Disney's Adventures of the Gummi Bears

    1985 · US

    Join the world’s sweetest heroes for high adventure in a mystical land of giants and wizards, ogres and dragons, and wondrous creatures both good and evil. Meet Gruffi, Zummi, Cubbi, Grammi, Tummi, Sunni, and all the legendary Gummis as they laugh, play, foil dastardly plots, and fight for what's right.

    Sale of the Century
    TMDB2.4

    Sale of the Century

    1980 · AU

    $ale of the Century was an Australian game show that aired on the Nine Network from 14 July 1980 – 29 November 2001. Tony Barber hosted a game show with essentially the same format under the title Temptation from 1970 to 1976, and was also the initial host of Sale for over a decade before being replaced by Glenn Ridge in 1991. Hostesses over the years have included Victoria Nicholls, Delvene Delaney, Alyce Platt, Jo Bailey, Nicky Buckley and Karina Brown. Pete Smith was Sale's announcer for the majority of its run. Ron Neate was announcer for only the first ten episodes in 1980 before Smith took over. From 30 May 2005 – 23 January 2009, the series was revived under its original Australian title, Temptation. The Sale of the Century format has been used internationally.

    The Real Ghostbusters
    TMDB3.9

    The Real Ghostbusters

    1986 · US

    The continuing adventures of paranormal investigators Dr. Peter Venkman, Dr. Egon Spengler, Dr. Ray Stantz, Winston Zeddemore, their secretary Janine Melnitz and their mascot ghost Slimer.

    My Little Pony
    TMDB3.3

    My Little Pony

    1986 · JP

    Ponyland is the home of all your favorite classic Little Ponies. Together, they live a life of games, songs and harmony with allies like the Bushwoolies and Furbobs. But, occasionally, there are problems in Ponyland and the Little Ponies of Paradise Estate must face evil witches, goblins, Stone Backs, Grundles and more!

    Das Traumschiff
    TMDB2.5

    Das Traumschiff

    1981 · DE

    The series is about a cruise ship that travels to places around the world.

    Chespirito
    TMDB4.1

    Chespirito

    1980 · MX

    No overview available

    Fireman Sam
    TMDB3.0

    Fireman Sam

    1987 · UK

    Follow the adventures of fireman Sam and his colleagues as they protect the citizens of the Welsh town of Pontypandy. Whenever the alarm sounds, brave Sam and his co-workers can be counted on to jump into a fire engine, hop onto a helicopter, or even launch an inflatable lifeboat to battle blazes, mount rescue missions, or provide medical attention to those in need.

    The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
    TMDB3.9

    The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh

    1988 · US

    An American animated children's television series inspired by A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh stories.

    Alvin and the Chipmunks
    TMDB3.4

    Alvin and the Chipmunks

    1983 · US

    Three chipmunk brothers, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore are adopted by human, Dave.

    Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers
    TMDB3.8

    Chip 'n' Dale Rescue Rangers

    1989 · US

    Chip and Dale head a small, eccentric group of animal characters who monitor not only the human world, but the animal community as well, solving mysteries wherever they may be. The "Rescue Rangers" take the cases that fall through the cracks.

    Our People
    TMDB4.1

    Our People

    1989 · TR

    Bizimkiler (Ours, Our People) was a Turkish drama, represented the lives of the people shared the same neighborhood. It is one of the longest-running series in Turkish television drama history.

    Snorks
    TMDB3.4

    Snorks

    1984 · US

    The Snorks is an animated television series produced by Hanna-Barbera which ran on NBC from September 15, 1984, to May 13, 1989. Although not as popular as the animated series The Smurfs, the program continued to be available in syndication from 1986 to 1989 as part of The Funtastic World of Hanna-Barbera's 3rd season, on USA Network in the late-1980s and early-1990s, on the BBC in the late 1990s, and from 2009–2011 and again from 2012–Present on Boomerang.

    Saved by the Bell
    TMDB3.9

    Saved by the Bell

    1989 · US

    Lovable schemer Zack Morris leads his pals on adventures at California's Bayside High School. The friends navigate relationships, final exams, school dances, breakups and more while frequently frustrating their principal, Mr. Richard Belding, who does his best to keep them in check.

    WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
    TMDB4.2

    WWE Saturday Night's Main Event

    1985 · US

    A professional wrestling television program produced by the World Wrestling Federation banner on NBC airing in place of Saturday Night Live. The series was made up entirely of star vs. star bouts in a time when weekly programming consisted primarily of established stars dominating enhancement talent.

    Empty Nest
    TMDB3.0

    Empty Nest

    1988 · US

    Widowed pediatrician Harry Weston is a miracle worker when it comes to dealing with his young patients, but he's more challenged by the other people surrounding him: daughters Barbara and Carol; his wisecracking office assistant, nurse LaVerne Todd; and obnoxious neighborhood mooch Charley Dietz. Thank goodness he always finds a friendly shoulder (and a warm, wet tongue) in Dreyfuss, his enormous dog.

    Löwenzahn
    TMDB3.9

    Löwenzahn

    1981 · DE

    Each 30 minute episode is dedicated to a separate issue or theme and consists mainly of related short featurettes, which explain, explore and educate how things of everyday life and even complex systems work. It spans a wide variety of topics from technology and industry to something as mundane as how the postal service works.

    Amazing Stories
    TMDB3.8

    Amazing Stories

    1985 · US

    A truly amazing, fantastical, science fiction, funny and odd, and sometimes scary, sad and endearing anthology series presented by Steven Spielberg with guest appearances by many famous actors, actresses, and directors.

    Life Goes On
    TMDB3.4

    Life Goes On

    1989 · US

    Life Goes On is a television series that aired on ABC from September 12, 1989, to May 23, 1993. The show centers on the Thatcher family living in suburban Chicago: Drew, his wife Elizabeth, and their children Paige, Rebecca, and Charles, who is known as Corky. Life Goes On was the first television series to have a major character with Down syndrome.

    Fraggle Rock
    TMDB3.7

    Fraggle Rock

    1983 · US

    The Fraggles are a fun-loving community of creatures who live in a subterranean fantasy land where they love to play, sing and dance their cares away, sharing their world with the tiny Doozers and the giant Gorgs. The series teaches empathy and tolerance and encourages children to understand people different from themselves.

    About 1980s Family TV Shows

    The 1980s

    1980s television saw the serialized primetime drama take hold and cable begin to fragment the audience that networks had held uncontested for thirty years.

    Family

    Family television is built for co-viewing, balancing what works for a child with what keeps an adult in the room. The durable shows manage genuine warmth without condescending to either.

    In this list

    Best reviewed
    The Wonder Years (8.4)
    Often also
    Comedy, Kids, Drama
    Longest run
    45 seasons

    Common questions

    What are the best 1980s family TV shows?
    By popularity across Flickfolio and TMDB, the top picks right now are Jeopardy!, Falcon Crest, and Remington Steele. The full ranked list of 40 sits above — open any show for ratings, reviews, and streaming availability.
    How is this list ranked?
    1980s family TV shows are ordered by overall popularity, which blends how often a title is viewed, searched, and logged. It updates as viewing habits shift, so the list reflects what people are actually watching rather than a fixed critical canon.
    Where can I watch these TV shows?
    Every show page lists current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region, alongside community ratings and reviews from Flickfolio members.

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