13 Nostalgic TV Shows from the ’80s That Only True Gen-Xers Will Remember

Last week, we took a delightful stroll down memory lane, revisiting some of our favorite hidden TV treasures from the 1980s. Our readers chimed in with their memories, bringing up every show from “Jennifer Slept Here” to the beloved “Square Pegs,” and even reminding us of a few we had completely forgotten about.

The initial list featured shows that only lasted a single season or two at most. For this follow-up, we expanded our criteria a bit while retaining our core requirements: 1) The show must have aired in the ’80s; 2) It needs to evoke a strong emotional reaction, prompting viewers to exclaim “OH MY GOD I LOVED THAT!” or “OH MY GOD, THAT SHOW WAS THE WORST!” or even break into the theme song; and 3) It shouldn’t be the first show that comes to mind when Gen-Xers recall our childhood TV favorites. (We adore “Fantasy Island” and “Who’s the Boss?” too, but they’re just too mainstream for this nostalgic journey.)

1. Madame’s Place (1982–83)

I was absolutely enchanted by Wayland Flowers and his sassy puppet Madame! Sure, I missed a lot of Madame’s cheeky jokes, but I was just thrilled to see a puppet hosting her own talk show in prime time. Young Corey Feldman played Madame’s quirky neighbor, and I had no idea that this duo was iconic in the LGBTQ+ community since the ’60s. At eight years old, all I cared about was how fun it was to watch a puppet act like a crazy old lady!

2. It’s a Living (1980–82)

Before Ann Jillian became a ghost in “Jennifer Slept Here,” she starred alongside a hilarious group of waitresses at the posh Above the Top restaurant atop the Bonaventure Hotel. The dynamic between the ladies and a sleazy pianist, plus the glamorous hostess Nancy Beebe, played by Marian Mercer, created a delightful atmosphere that I adored.

3. She’s the Sheriff (1987–89)

Suzanne Somers took on her first role after “Three’s Company” as a sheriff in a small Nevada town. Though it was voted one of TV Guide’s 50 Worst Shows, I found the concept of Crissy Snow as a law enforcement officer utterly brilliant. Sure, it was a stretch to believe a widow could inherit her husband’s sheriff position, but what did I know? I was just a tween enjoying the ride.

4. The Edison Twins (1982–86)

While it wasn’t “Double Trouble,” this Canadian series featured twins who solved mysteries with the help of science. I found the male twin strikingly similar to Christopher Atkins, and despite its educational overtones, I kept tuning in for some reason.

5. The Greatest American Hero (1981–83)

You likely know the theme song from third-grade music class, but did you actually watch the show? Few did. William Katt played a teacher who receives a superpower suit from aliens but loses the instruction manual, leading to hilarious antics. I loved that someone thought this quirky concept was worthy of a series—it was pure genius!

6. My Secret Identity (1988–1991)

Featuring a young Jerry O’Connell, this Canadian series revolved around a teenager named Andrew who gains superpowers after being struck by a photon beam. His only confidant, the scientist Dr. Jeffcoate, witnessed his comic-book-inspired adventures. Honestly, it felt like a boys’ show to me, so I only watched it occasionally.

7. Webster (1983–89)

Following in the footsteps of “Diff’rent Strokes,” this show starred the adorable Emmanuel Lewis as a young boy adopted by a white family. I always found it amusing that Webster referred to his adoptive mother as “Ma’am.”

8. Love, Sidney (1981–1983)

Reportedly the first show to feature a gay character, Sidney, played by Tony Randall, became a surrogate dad to a single mother, played by Swoosie Kurtz, and her sweet daughter. The theme song sung by the trio always resonated with me; I would belt out my part with enthusiasm!

9. Valerie (1986–1991)

Jason Bateman made a comeback in this series that underwent four name changes. Initially a family comedy starring Valerie Harper, it transformed when the character was killed off, and Sandy Duncan stepped in, leading to titles like “Valerie’s Family” and “The Hogan Family.” I managed to keep up with it through all its iterations!

10. Archie Bunker’s Place (1979–83)

Though I was too young to grasp the sharp social commentary of “All in the Family,” I loved “Archie Bunker’s Place,” particularly because of Stephanie, a 10-year-old girl played by Danielle Brisebois. Archie owned a bar in Queens, and I could relate to his interactions with his friends, even if I didn’t fully understand the humor.

11. Down to Earth (1984–87)

This series featured Ethel, a maid who returned from the afterlife to help a widow and his children. The show embodied classic ‘80s tropes, featuring a secretive main character, and introduced a young Kyle Richards, who would later become a “Real Housewife.”

12. Benson (1979–86)

A spinoff of “Soap,” this sitcom starred Robert Guillaume as the intelligent butler of a governor’s family. As he navigated political shenanigans, I was particularly enchanted by Missy Gold, as I shared her name and was captivated by her charm.

13. Slim Goodbody: The Inside Story (1980)

This character was undeniably strange, donning a tight flesh-colored suit that revealed his organs and muscles. Despite the bizarre visual, I found his songs entertaining; I even sang along to “Food is the fuel that will keep us alive!”

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In summary, the ’80s was a treasure trove of quirky and memorable television shows that have since faded from mainstream memory, yet still hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up during that time.