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    Home/Browse/TV Shows/1980s TV Shows/1980s War & Politics TV Shows

    1980s War & Politics TV Shows

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

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    L.A. Law
    TMDB3.5

    L.A. Law

    1986

    country: United States

    L.A. Law is an American television legal drama series that ran for eight seasons on NBC from September 15, 1986, to May 19, 1994. Created by Steven Bochco and Terry Louise Fisher, it contained many of Bochco's trademark features including a large number of parallel storylines, social drama and off-the-wall humor. It reflected the social and cultural ideologies of the 1980s and early 1990s, and many of the cases featured on the show dealt with hot-topic issues such as abortion, racism, gay rights, homophobia, sexual harassment, AIDS, and domestic violence. The series often also reflected social tensions between the wealthy senior lawyer protagonists and their less well-paid junior staff. The show was popular with audiences and critics, and won 15 Emmy Awards throughout its run, four of which were for Outstanding Drama Series.

    Capitol
    TMDB3.1

    Capitol

    1982

    country: United States

    Capitol is an American soap opera which aired on CBS from March 29, 1982 to March 20, 1987 for 1,270 episodes. As its name suggests, the storyline usually revolves around the political intrigues of people whose lives intertwined in Washington, D.C.

    Tour of Duty
    TMDB4.1

    Tour of Duty

    1987

    country: United States

    The trials of a U.S. Army platoon serving in the field during the Vietnam War.

    Shōgun
    TMDB3.8

    Shōgun

    1980

    country: United States

    An English navigator becomes both a player and pawn in complex political games in feudal Japan.

    China Beach
    TMDB3.7

    China Beach

    1988

    country: United States

    Dateline: November 1967. Within klicks of Danang, Vietnam, sits a U.S. Army base, bar and hospital on China Beach filled with wounded soldiers and one very lovely but damaged Army Nurse Colleen McMurphy. Many heroes, dead and alive, try to make sense of life and death in between bourbon, bullets and battles.

    Oshin
    TMDB4.1

    Oshin

    1983

    country: Japan

    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.

    Blue Comet SPT Layzner
    TMDB4.3

    Blue Comet SPT Layzner

    1985

    country: Japan

    Blue Comet SPT Layzner, sometimes translated as Blue Meteor SPT Layzner, is an anime series produced by Sunrise and Tatsunoko Production between 1985 and 1986. Its original creator was Ryousuke Takahashi of Armored Trooper Votoms fame who served as the writer and wrote the scripts for such shows as Panzer World Galient, Tetsuwan Atom, Zero Tester, Fang of the Sun Dougram, Cyborg 009, Gasaraki and Blue Gender.

    Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
    TMDB3.6

    Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ

    1986

    country: Japan

    The year is Universal Century 0088. Directly after the end of the Gryps War, Haman Karn and her army of Zeon remnants on the asteroid Axis begin their quest of reviving the lost empire of the Zabi's, and proclaim themselves as the Neo-Zeon. With the Earth Federation as hapless as ever, only the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG) is able oppose the plans of Neo-Zeon. In need of all the help it can get after being decimated in the previous war and losing many of its key members, the AEUG ship Argama enlists the aid of a young junk collector from the Side 1 colony of Shangri-La named Judau Ashta to pilot its newest mobile suit, the ZZ Gundam.

    Jun-chan's Cheering Song
    TMDB3.5

    Jun-chan's Cheering Song

    1988

    country: Japan

    The year is 1947, August. Ono Junko's family is being evacuated to Wakayama and the father is going to war. A few years later, the father has returned from Manchuria but he also brought a boy that had been abandoned by his mother. The boy is Yuta and the family will adopt him.

    'Allo 'Allo!
    TMDB3.9

    'Allo 'Allo!

    1984

    country: United Kingdom

    The misadventures of hapless cafe owner René Artois and his escapades with the Resistance in occupied France.

    Legend of the Galactic Heroes
    TMDB4.3

    Legend of the Galactic Heroes

    1988

    country: Japan

    War rages between the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance. With two new brilliant young leaders at the helm, anything can happen in this military space opera.

    North and South
    TMDB3.8

    North and South

    1985

    country: United States

    The story of the enduring friendship between Orry Main of South Carolina and George Hazard of Pennsylvania, who become best friends while attending the United States Military Academy at West Point but later find themselves and their families on opposite sides of the American Civil War.

    Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty
    TMDB5.0

    Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty

    1987

    country: Hong Kong

    No overview available

    Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
    TMDB4.0

    Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

    1985

    country: Japan

    Universal Century 0087, 7 years have passed since the end of the One Year War between the Earth Federation and the Principality of Zeon. The Earth Federation has created an elite task force, known as the Titans, who are responsible for hunting the remaining Zeon forces. However, the power-hungry Titans have spurred the creation of a rebellious faction called the Anti-Earth Union Group (AEUG).

    This Week
    TMDB4.5

    This Week

    1981

    country: United States

    ABC's Sunday morning political affairs program, currently hosted by George Stephanopoulos.

    Sensacje XX wieku
    TMDB3.8

    Sensacje XX wieku

    1983

    country: Poland

    No overview available

    Gunbuster
    TMDB3.9

    Gunbuster

    1988

    country: Japan

    In the near future, humanity has taken its first steps towards journeying into the far reaches of the galaxy. Upon doing so they discover a huge race of insectoid aliens known as "Space Monsters." These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of mankind as they near closer and closer to discovering Earth. In response, humanity develops giant fighting robots piloted by hand-picked youth from around the world. Shortly after the discovery of the aliens, Noriko Takaya, the daughter of a famous deceased space captain, enters a training school despite her questionable talents as a pilot. There, she meets her polar opposite, the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, and is unexpectedly made to work together with her as they attempt to overcome the trauma of war as well as their own emotions.

    War and Remembrance
    TMDB3.9

    War and Remembrance

    1988

    country: United States

    Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the extended Henry and Jastrow families navigate the personal, social and political impacts of World War II, including the Holocaust, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Pacific theater.

    Masamune Shogun
    TMDB4.5

    Masamune Shogun

    1987

    country: Japan

    Broadcast TV drama NHK broadcast on January 4 to December 13, 1987 (Showa 62). In the questionnaire survey conducted by NHK, it is shining in the most favorite river drama. The original is Yamaka Sosaichi's novel "Date Masamune", the biggest drama on the theme of the Date house was the first time in 17 years since the "Shinnogi remained" (1970), which painted Datejo in the Edo period. It depicts the life of Matsudo Date of Sengoku warrior · Date Masamune who built the foundation of Sendai clan 620,000 stones in his generation as a result of my own wisdom and talent.

    The Return of the Condor Heroes
    TMDB3.8

    The Return of the Condor Heroes

    1983

    country: Hong Kong

    The Return of the Condor Heroes is a Hong Kong television series adapted from Louis Cha's novel of the same title. It was first broadcast on TVB Jade from 31 October 1983 to 6 January 1984 in Hong Kong.

    Tenko
    TMDB4.2

    Tenko

    1981

    country: Australia

    Based on real-life experiences, Tenko remains one of the most fondly remembered and acclaimed BBC dramas of the early 1980s. It follows a group of women, formerly comfortably well-off ex-pats living in Singapore, as they are captured by the Japanese during World War II.

    The Winds of War
    TMDB3.6

    The Winds of War

    1983

    country: United States

    Against the backdrop of world events that led to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Victor 'Pug' Henry is a career naval officer who, along with his family, learns to navigate the waters of his dangerous times in the late 1930s.

    Löwengrube
    TMDB4.0

    Löwengrube

    1989

    country: Germany

    "Löwengrube – Die Grandauers und ihre Zeit" is a German television series first aired between 1989 and 1992, created by Willy Purucker and directed by Rainer Wolffhardt. It is set in Munich and follows the lives of Ludwig Grandauer and his son Karl, both policemen, covering the years from 1897 to 1954. The TV show is based on Purucker's radio play series Die Grandauers und ihre Zeit (‘The Grandauers and their time’). The series’ main title "Löwengrube", meaning ‘Lions’ Den’, refers to the address of the Munich Police Headquarters inaugurated in 1913.

    Yes Minister
    TMDB4.2

    Yes Minister

    1980

    country: United Kingdom

    Satirical sitcom set in the office of a UK Cabinet minister, Jim Hacker MP, who struggles with Civil Service bureaucracy and political machinations as he tries to get on with government business.

    Super Dimension Fortress Macross
    TMDB3.9

    Super Dimension Fortress Macross

    1982

    country: Japan

    After a mysterious spaceship crashes on Earth a fleet of spaceships belonging to a race of aliens known as the Zentradi descend upon Earth sparking an intergalactic war.

    Eu Prometo
    TMDB4.0

    Eu Prometo

    1983

    country: Brazil

    No overview available

    Yes, Prime Minister
    TMDB4.2

    Yes, Prime Minister

    1986

    country: United Kingdom

    James Hacker MP the Government's bumbling minister for Administrative Affairs is propelled along the corridors of power to the very pinnacle of politics - No. 10. Could this have possibly have been managed by his trusted Permanent Private Secretary, the formidably political Sir Humphrey Appleby who must move to the “Top Job” in Downing Street to support him, together with his much put upon PPS Bernard Wolley. What could possibly go wrong?

    Metal Armor Dragonar
    TMDB4.0

    Metal Armor Dragonar

    1987

    country: Japan

    A.D. 2087 - the United Lunar Empire Giganos wages war on the Earth Federation Military to take control of the planet and establish a "rebirth" of the human race. During an invasion of a colony by Giganos' forces, three civilian men stumble upon a trio of top-secret Metal Armor units called "Dragonars" and pilot them to combat the enemy forces.

    Raafat Al Haggan
    TMDB3.9

    Raafat Al Haggan

    1988

    country: Egypt

    Based on the true story of Egyptian spy Refaat Al-Gammal, Raafat Al Haggan follows a young Egyptian Muslim recruited by intelligence to assume a false Jewish identity and embed himself deep within Israeli society for over a decade. Starring Mahmoud Abdel Aziz and Yusra, the series charts his dangerous double life, his sacrifices, and his pivotal role in gathering intelligence ahead of the 1973 October War.

    Aura Battler Dunbine
    TMDB3.6

    Aura Battler Dunbine

    1983

    country: Japan

    After a motocross accident, Sho Zama was pulled from Japan into the mystical world of Byston Well, where he and others from Earth were reicruited by Lord Drake Luft to pilot his newest weapons, the Aura Battlers, a combination of Byston Well magic and Earthien technology. However, in the heat of battle, Sho is approached by Marvel, a woman from Earth, who convinces him of Luft's sinister intentions.

    Shaka Zulu
    TMDB3.6

    Shaka Zulu

    1986

    country: South Africa

    South Africa, 1823. The Zulu Empire, headed by King Shaka, a brilliant but ruthless military strategist, begin to encroach on the British colony of Cape Town. A volunteer cadre of explorers, mercenaries and professional soldiers are sent to Zululand to try to make contact with Shaka and assess the real threat of his army.

    Private Schulz
    TMDB2.7

    Private Schulz

    1981

    country: Australia

    Private Schulz is a six-part 1981 television comedy-drama serial written by Jack Pulman and produced for BBC Two. It stars Michael Elphick in the title role, with Ian Richardson, Tony Caunter, Billie Whitelaw, Billy Murray, and Mark Wingett. Set primarily in Germany, during and immediately following World War II, fraudster and petty criminal Gerhard Schulz is forced to serve in the SS. In a story based on the real, though unrealised, plot by the Germans known as Operation Bernhard, Schulz tricks the Nazis into making counterfeit British £5 notes, millions of which will be used to destroy the British economy.

    Das Boot
    TMDB4.3

    Das Boot

    1985

    country: Germany

    Based on an autobiographical novel by German World War II photographer Lothar-Guenther Buchheim, Das Boot follows the lives of a fearless U-Boat captain (Jurgen Prochnow) and his inexperienced crew as they patrol the Atlantic and Mediterranean in search of Allied vessels, taking turns as hunter and prey.

    Takeda Shingen
    TMDB3.8

    Takeda Shingen

    1988

    country: Japan

    There was a very turbulent time in the warring period in the history, and Takeda Shingen is consider one of the great warlord among many other.

    Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket
    TMDB4.0

    Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket

    1989

    country: Japan

    In the final days of the One Year War, a Zeon special forces group infiltrates a colony to gather information on a new Gundam unit. Alfred Izuhara, a 10-year-old student, befriends Zeon rookie pilot Bernie Wiseman during a brief mobile suit combat. Meanwhile, Al meets up with Christina MacKenzie, his former neighbor and babysitter. Little does he know that not only is Christina a member of the Earth Federation, she's the test pilot of the new Gundam NT-4 prototype.

    Tanner '88
    TMDB3.5

    Tanner '88

    1988

    country: United States

    In 1988, renegade filmmaker Robert Altman and Pulitzer Prize–winning Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau created a presidential candidate, ran him alongside the other hopefuls during the primary season, and presented their media campaign as a cross between a soap opera and TV news. The result was the groundbreaking Tanner ’88, a piercing satire of media-age American politics.

    Combat Mecha Xabungle
    TMDB2.9

    Combat Mecha Xabungle

    1982

    country: Japan

    Combat Mecha Xabungle, infrequently called Blue Gale Xabungle, is a mecha anime television series by Sunrise, and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino. It was broadcast on the Nagoya TV and TV Asahi networks at 5:30 PM each Saturday from February 6, 1982 through January 29, 1983. Promotional toys were produced by Clover. It also had a compilation movie called Xabungle Graffiti, which added a few minutes and a whole-new ending to the series.

    Raudonmedžio Rojus
    TMDB2.3

    Raudonmedžio Rojus

    1980

    country: SU

    A five part mini-series based on the novel by the same name.

    Fair Stood the Wind for France
    TMDB3.5

    Fair Stood the Wind for France

    1980

    country: United Kingdom

    When John Franklin crash-lands his Wellington bomber in occupied France at the height of the Second World War, he is concerned for the safety of his crew and worried about his own badly injured arm. His crew escapes, but the family of a mill owner risk their lives to hide Franklin in their home until he regains his health. During the following balmy summer months, the pilot's situation is further complicated by his feelings for Francoise, the daughter of the house, but as German patrols move in, his only chance of survival is to flee from France.

    Space Runaway Ideon
    TMDB3.0

    Space Runaway Ideon

    1980

    country: Japan

    From the continuing reclamation of the ruins of the planet Solo, mysterious mechas are excavated. But suddenly, an alien called Baff Kuun attacks seeking the limitless energy “Ide.” The earthlings are backed into a corner, when the three mechas piloted by the earth boy Yuki Cosmo and others fuse together. Becoming the giant robot Ideon, they use their incredible power to fight back against Baff Kuun.

    About 1980s War & Politics 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.

    War & Politics

    War and political series use serial length to show process: campaigns, negotiations, and institutions grinding forward. The genre works best when it's interested in systems rather than just speeches.

    In this list

    Best reviewed
    'Allo 'Allo! (7.8)
    Often also
    Drama, Action & Adventure, Animation
    Longest run
    9 seasons

    Common questions

    What are the best 1980s war & politics TV shows?
    By popularity across Flickfolio and TMDB, the top picks right now are L.A. Law, Capitol, and Tour of Duty. The full ranked list of 40 sits above — open any show for ratings, reviews, and streaming availability.
    How is this list ranked?
    1980s war & politics 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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