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    Home/Browse/TV Shows/1980s TV Shows/1980s Kids TV Shows

    1980s Kids TV Shows

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

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    Garfield and Friends
    TMDB3.6

    Garfield and Friends

    1988 · US

    The animated stories of Garfield the cat, Odie the dog, their owner Jon and the trouble they get into. And also Orson the Pig and his adventures on a farm with his fellow farm animals.

    Thomas & Friends
    TMDB3.4

    Thomas & Friends

    1984 · UK

    Thomas & Friends is a British children's television series, which had its first broadcast on the ITV network on 4 September 1984. It is based on The Railway Series of books by the Reverend Wilbert Awdry and his son, Christopher Awdry. These books deal with the adventures of a group of anthropomorphised locomotives and road vehicles who live on the fictional Island of Sodor. The books were based on stories Wilbert told to entertain his son, Christopher during his recovery from measles. From Series one to four, many of the stories are based on events from Awdry's personal experience.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Obake no Q-tarō
    TMDB4.0

    Obake no Q-tarō

    1985 · JP

    Q-taro, a monster, is living with the Ohara family. He can fly and make his body transparent, but he cannot turn his body into other things like other monsters do. He is a scattered mind, and he always makes mistakes and causes trouble. Sequel of Shin Obake no Q-tarou.

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
    TMDB3.9

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

    1987 · US

    Four turtles fall into the sewers and are befriended by Hamato Yoshi a Japanese man sent to New York who was forced to live in the sewers. One day he sees a strange green glow which transforms the four turtles into human-like creatures. Hamato (now Master Splinter) changes into a giant rat from the green glow and teaches the turtles the skills of the ninja as they team up with news reporter April O'Neil to battle against Yoshi's arch enemy Shredder and Krang, an alien warlord from Dimension X.

    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.

    The Transformers
    TMDB3.9

    The Transformers

    1984 · US

    The Transformers is the first animated television series in the Transformers franchise. The series depicts a war among giant robots that can transform into vehicles and other objects.

    DuckTales
    TMDB3.8

    DuckTales

    1987 · US

    Scrooge McDuck finds his hands full at home when nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie move to Duckburg. Joined by their loyal pals Launchpad McQuack, Gyro Gearloose and Mrs. Beakley, the DuckTales gang never fails to deliver a wealth of adventure. Get ready for a fortune of fun with DuckTales!

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold
    TMDB3.9

    The Mysterious Cities of Gold

    1982 · JP

    The adventures of a young Spanish boy named Esteban who joins a voyage to the New World in search of the lost Cities of Gold and his father.

    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.

    G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero
    TMDB3.8

    G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

    1983 · US

    An elite team of soldiers thwart the evil Cobra organization's desire for world domination at every turn, cleverly stopping them from controlling the weather, creating unstoppable weapons, and genetically engineering super-warriors.

    Mashin Hero Wataru
    TMDB3.7

    Mashin Hero Wataru

    1988 · JP

    Mashin Hero Wataru is a comedy/adventure Super Robot multimedia franchise originally consisting of 45 episode anime series created by Sunrise first aired on April 15, 1988. Sunrise credited "Hajime Yatate" for the storyline and Shuji Iuchi directed the series. The series employs a kinetic visual gag style, often employing characters running with their feet over their shoulders derived from Sunrise's previous Super Robot anime series Choriki Robo Galatt.

    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!

    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.

    ThunderCats
    TMDB4.1

    ThunderCats

    1985 · US

    The inhabitants of the planet Thundera evacuate just before it is destroyed. They were pursued by a band of mutants. All but one of their escape ships was destroyed. Only a small group of Thunderians (Thundercats) remained. With only half engine power, the group, which was led by Jaga, had to set a course for the nearest planet. Jaga commanded their ship while the other seven were in their stasis tubes. Jaga died on their journey to Third Earth and their ship crashed there. Soon they made friends with various groups in the area and they designed a fortress. Mumm-Ra the centuries-old embodiment of evil, along with the mutants that destroyed the rest of the Thunderians are a constant threat. But Lion-O, the new leader of the Thundercats, with his weapon the "Sword of Omens" will help the Thundercats to have a standing chance.

    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.

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
    TMDB3.7

    He-Man and the Masters of the Universe

    1983 · US

    When Adam, Prince of the planet Eternia, raises his magic sword he transforms into He-Man (the most powerful man in the universe). With his allies and friends, he battles the evil Skeletor and his minions to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull.

    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.

    Mrs. Pepper Pot
    TMDB4.0

    Mrs. Pepper Pot

    1983 · JP

    Mrs. Pepper Pot lives in a small village with her husband, and enjoys a unique life because she has a small magic spoon that helps her reduce her size, and during that, Mrs. Pepper Pot embarks on a series of adventures during which she communicates with animals easily.

    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.

    Reading Rainbow
    TMDB4.2

    Reading Rainbow

    1983 · US

    Journey to exciting places and build a lasting connection with your favorite books. Each episode centers on a theme from a book, or other children's literature, which is explored through a number of segments or stories.

    Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats
    TMDB3.2

    Heathcliff and the Catillac Cats

    1984 · CA

    Heathcliff knows he is the best cat around! Never have we seen such self-confidence topped off with a heavy dose of vanity, cunning, ruthlessness, and a mischievous love of gags. He cruises and struts down the street and watch out any person, cat, or dog who gets in his way! Although he may terrorize the neighborhood, let an outsider try to push anyone around and he is a veritable tiger of defense. On the other side of town are The Catillac Cats, which typically revolve around leader Riff-Raff's get-rich-quick schemes or searches for food.

    Punky Brewster
    TMDB3.6

    Punky Brewster

    1984 · US

    An abandoned waif and her dog are taken in by a cranky apartment manager who becomes her guardian in this family-friendly sitcom.

    Square One Television
    TMDB2.8

    Square One Television

    1987 · US

    Square One Television is an American children's television program produced by the Children's Television Workshop to teach mathematics and abstract mathematical concepts to young viewers. Created and broadcast by PBS in the United States from January 26, 1987 to November 6, 1992, the show was intended to address the math crisis among American schoolchildren. After the last episode aired, the show went into reruns until May 6, 1994. The show was revived for the 1995–1996 PBS season as a teacher instruction program, Square One TV Math Talk. Square One was also shown on the U.S. cable television channel Noggin in syndication beginning in 1999, but was removed from its lineup along with other Sesame Workshop shows on May 26, 2003.

    The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
    TMDB3.6

    The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!

    1989 · US

    In 1989 the two most famous plumbers from Brooklyn burst out of the Nintendo game world and onto television screens across America. The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! aired weekday afternoons and brought Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool and King Koopa more thrilling adventures as cartoon characters. And if that weren't enough, each episode also contained live-action segments featuring Mario and Luigi running their Brooklyn plumbing shop - all before they were flushed down a drainpipe into the Mushroom World.

    Pro Golfer Saru
    TMDB2.1

    Pro Golfer Saru

    1985 · JP

    A series of fantastical tournaments in which players uses absurd powers and Saru remains determined to triumph. Amid kung-fu masters and fairway fairies, his opponents include Death himself.

    The Care Bears
    TMDB3.0

    The Care Bears

    1985 · CA

    The Care Bears live in a faraway place up in the clouds called Care-a-Lot. They travel around the world on Missions in Caring, whilst evil villains such as Professor Coldheart and Lord No Heart, try to thwart their plans.

    Inspector Gadget
    TMDB3.5

    Inspector Gadget

    1983 · US

    Inspector Gadget is a clumsy, dim-witted human cyborg detective with various bionic gadgets built into his body. Gadget stumbles around working the cases while his niece and dog do most of the investigating. Gadget's arch-nemesis is Dr. Claw, the leader of an evil organisation, known as "M.A.D."

    She-Ra: Princess of Power
    TMDB3.8

    She-Ra: Princess of Power

    1985 · US

    She-Ra, He-Man's twin sister, is leading a group of freedom fighters known as the Great Rebellion in the hope of freeing their homeworld of Etheria from the tyrannical rule of Hordak and the Evil Horde.

    Mami the Psychic
    TMDB2.5

    Mami the Psychic

    1987 · JP

    Mami Sakura used to be a normal junior high school student, but she happened to acquire supernatural powers. Using her powers and with the help of her childhood friend, Kazuo Takahata, she solves mysterious occurrences. She then saves people in trouble with her psychic powers, such as telekinesis and telepathy. When she senses someone needs help, she uses the "Teleportation Gun" (a heart-shaped brooch Takahata designs) and transports herself there. Mami's teleportation is only triggered when a projectile is flying toward her, and this locket that shoots out tiny marbles is a portable gadget for teleporting in a controlled way, rather than by chance. Her telekinesis can be precise to a cellular level, which enables her to transport cancerous cells out of one of her father's art critics. Her telepathy allows her to access people's thoughts and dreams.

    Magical Princess Minky Momo
    TMDB3.3

    Magical Princess Minky Momo

    1982 · JP

    The land of dreams, Fenarinarsa, was once a kingdom on Earth, but the kingdom gradually drifted away as humanity's belief in dreams waned. To save the kingdom, the king sends his only daughter, Minky Momo, on a mission to restore humanity's dreams. After establishing herself as the daughter of a childless couple, Momo strives to transform Earth into a planet rich with dreams once more. Armed with the power to transform into an adult with the proper skills to handle any situation, and accompanied by her animal companions, Momo vows to succeed in her quest by any means necessary.

    Muppet Babies
    TMDB4.0

    Muppet Babies

    1984 · US

    The Muppet Babies (Kermit, Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzy and company) live in a large nursery watched over by Nanny. The babies have active imaginations, and often embark upon adventures into imaginary worlds.

    The Flintstone Comedy Show
    TMDB3.7

    The Flintstone Comedy Show

    1980 · US

    The Flintstone Comedy Show is a 90-minute Saturday morning animated series revival of The Flintstones produced by Hanna-Barbera and aired from November 22, 1980 to September 11, 1982 on NBC. Outside North America, the show was released under title of Flintstone Frolics. The show contained six segments: The Flintstone Family Adventures, Bedrock Cops, Pebbles, Dino and Bamm-Bamm, Captain Caveman, Dino and Cavemouse, and The Frankenstones.

    Telecat
    TMDB4.0

    Telecat

    1983 · BE

    Created by French surrealist artist Roland Topor and director Henri Xhonneux, Telecat is a news show parody hosted by a tomcat named Groucha (who always had his arm in plaster) and an ostrich named Lola. It featured a variety of sentient objects and revolved around the idea that the real-life elementary particles known as gluons were “the souls of objects”.

    Ultra B
    TMDB5.0

    Ultra B

    1987 · JP

    One night, Michio chases a UFO to see where it lands. He is taken inside it and encounters a mysterious baby, Ultra B. Soon reveals that he has superpowers when he moves in with Michio's family.

    Hey! Bumboo
    TMDB2.6

    Hey! Bumboo

    1985 · JP

    Bumboo is a talking car, innocent in many ways, Bumboo searches for her mother throughout many adventures and dangers, battling villains and stopping thieves while discovering that she may not be the only talking car of her kind in the world.

    About 1980s Kids 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.

    Kids

    Children's television is a craft of its own — pacing, repetition, and emotional clarity tuned to a developing audience. The best of it has a visual and musical identity kids remember for life.

    In this list

    Best reviewed
    ThunderCats (8.3)
    Often also
    Animation, Comedy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
    Longest run
    24 seasons

    Common questions

    What are the best 1980s kids TV shows?
    By popularity across Flickfolio and TMDB, the top picks right now are Garfield and Friends, Thomas & Friends, and SUPERKID. The full ranked list of 40 sits above — open any show for ratings, reviews, and streaming availability.
    How is this list ranked?
    1980s kids 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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