Back in Time Today
The 1980s was a decade filled with colorful leg warmers, big hair, and television shows that often left audiences scratching their heads. While some shows became timeless classics, others are remembered for their outrageous premises and quirky characters. Here, we explore 15 prime time ’80s shows that continue to baffle viewers, making them wonder how these concepts ever made it to air.
1. Jennifer Slept Here (1983–1984)
Imagine your home haunted by a glamorous ghost who once graced Hollywood’s silver screens. Jennifer Slept Here follows a teenage boy as he navigates life with an unexpected spectral housemate. The ghost, a charming starlet, brought a mix of humor and chaos to his everyday experiences. This sitcom’s unusual blend of paranormal comedy and suburban life made for delightful, albeit confusing viewing. Although it only lasted one season, its quirky concept and the charm of its ghostly protagonist ensured it a place in the pantheon of ‘80s eccentric television endeavors.
2. Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982–1983)
Adventure awaits in Tales of the Gold Monkey, a series inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark. Set in a 1930s-like era, it follows a daring pilot navigating islands fraught with peril and intrigue. The show embraced classic adventure tropes—hidden treasures, villainous Nazis, and heart-pounding escapades. While it lacked cinematic polish, its spirit of adventure captivated audiences eager for high-flying thrills. Though short-lived, it remains a beloved example of ‘80s television paying homage to classic serials, delivering excitement and nostalgia in equal measure.
3. Manimal (1983)
A man with the power to morph into any animal to combat crime—sounds wild, doesn’t it? NBC’s short-lived series, Manimal, captivated with its high concept yet baffling execution. Lasting a mere eight episodes, audiences were treated to scenes where the protagonist would dramatically transform into creatures like eagles or panthers to thwart villains. The special effects, charmingly retro by today’s standards, were a spectacle of early ‘80s television ambition. This curious concoction of fantasy and cop drama remains etched in viewers’ minds, an odd relic of an era unafraid to venture into the bizarre.
4. Automan (1983–1984)
Automan dazzled with its neon glow and digital flair, a show where technology met law enforcement in the most literal sense. The titular character, a computer-generated “automatic man,” assisted a police detective in solving cases. Inspired by the Tron aesthetic, Automan could become various vehicles, providing a visually dynamic yet utterly perplexing viewing experience. While it shone bright with its innovative imagery, the storyline often left viewers puzzled. Lasting just one season, Automan remains a curious artifact of early digital effects that tried to merge the virtual with the real.
5. Small Wonder (1985–1989)
Imagine discovering your little sister is actually a robot! Small Wonder brought this odd premise to life, following the story of Vicki, a child robot living with a suburban family. The show’s charm lay in its absurdity, with Vicki’s monotone voice and mechanical movements adding to the surreal humor. Despite its wooden acting and repetitive gags, it defied the odds, running for four seasons. This syndicated show remains a staple of ‘80s nostalgia, a reminder of a time when even robots could be part of a family sitcom, sparking both laughter and bewilderment.
6. Misfits of Science (1985–1986)
Superheroes, but not as you know them. Misfits of Science assembled an offbeat team with bizarre abilities—think a woman who could shrink and a man capable of shooting lightning. This group of oddballs took on wacky villains with humor and heart. Though it introduced a young Courteney Cox to audiences, the series struggled with coherence. Like a comic book come to life, its campy charm was both its strength and undoing. Lasting only a single season, it remains a nostalgic gem for those who appreciate superhero stories with a twist of the ridiculous.
7. My Mother the Car (rerun in syndication)
Reincarnation takes a peculiar turn in My Mother the Car. Originally aired in 1965, this show found new life in ‘80s syndication, introducing a fresh audience to its oddball premise. The plot follows a man whose deceased mother communicates with him through a 1928 Porter automobile. This comedic concept, with its talking car dispensing motherly advice, was both endearing and strange. Despite its head-scratching hilarity, it remains a cult classic, a time capsule of television daring to explore the surreal intersection of family dynamics and vehicular reincarnation.
8. Out of This World (1987–1991)
What if you could stop time with just a touch? Out of This World explored this fantastical question through the eyes of Evie, a teen who discovers her half-alien lineage. Her alien father communicated via a glowing cube, guiding her through adolescent dilemmas with a cosmic twist. The intrigue lay in Evie’s struggle to balance normal teenage life with her extraordinary powers. Although it rarely took itself seriously, the show’s blend of sci-fi and coming-of-age tales resonated with audiences, etching itself into the quirky fabric of ‘80s family entertainment.
9. The Powers of Matthew Star (1982–1983)
High school is challenging enough without being an alien prince. The Powers of Matthew Star chronicled the story of a young royal hiding on Earth, grappling with everyday teenage life while harboring extraordinary abilities. Despite its engaging premise and a promising lead, the series faltered due to lackluster writing. However, the notion of interstellar royalty mingling with earthlings captured imaginations. It’s a tale of potential unfulfilled, yet remains a fascinating glimpse into ‘80s television’s tendency to blend ordinary settings with the cosmic, creating a unique narrative tapestry.
10. She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989)
What happens when a small town gets a new sheriff and she’s a woman? She’s the Sheriff, starring Suzanne Somers, tackled this question with humor and a touch of charm. The series depicted her character’s journey, breaking stereotypes and handling law enforcement with a blend of wit and warmth. While the show leaned heavily on Somers’ star power, it offered a unique take on the traditional cop drama, adding a comedic twist. Lasting two seasons, it’s remembered for its lighthearted approach to gender roles in a male-dominated profession.
11. We Got It Made (1983–1984, 1987–1988)
Life gets interesting when two bachelors hire a vivacious live-in maid. We Got It Made presented this comedic setup, resulting in a series full of playful interactions and humorous misunderstandings. The show’s initial run was short-lived, but its quirky charm led to a brief revival. Despite its reliance on conventional comedy tropes, it provided a snapshot of ‘80s sitcom culture, where light-hearted humor and romantic tension were the order of the day. It’s a testament to television’s ability to recycle ideas, sometimes finding new audiences in the process.
12. The Charmings (1987–1988)
What if fairy tale characters lived next door? The Charmings posed this whimsical question, introducing Snow White and Prince Charming to 1980s suburban America. The series cleverly juxtaposed enchanted relics with modern conveniences, creating comedic scenarios that highlighted the cultural clash. Although it struggled to maintain continuity, its playful take on classic tales was both enchanting and humorous. The Charmings serves as a unique example of ‘80s television daring to blend the fantastical with the mundane, offering viewers a chance to see beloved characters in a whole new light.
13. Supertrain (1979–1980, reruns into early ’80s)
A nuclear-powered luxury train racing through the landscape—Supertrain was as grandiose as it was doomed. This NBC venture promised weekly murder mysteries with a side of opulence. Despite its imaginative setting and ambitious production, the show faced mechanical failures both on and off-screen. Its lavish budget couldn’t save it from derailing, yet it remains an intriguing footnote in television history. The allure of solving crimes while speeding across the country captivated a niche audience, offering a glimpse of what could have been a thrilling ride.
14. Riptide (1984–1986)
Crime-solving from a boat, anyone? Riptide followed a trio of detectives navigating mysteries from their vessel, aided by a nerdy friend and a quirky robot named Roboz. The show’s charm lay in its combination of traditional detective work with unconventional elements. While it never reached Magnum P.I. levels of fame, it carved out its niche, appealing to viewers who enjoyed a blend of action and humor. The interplay between the characters and their unusual circumstances made it a memorable part of ‘80s crime television, adding a nautical twist to the genre.
15. Outlaws (1986–1987)
Time-traveling cowboys—an unlikely premise, yet Outlaws made it work. A group of 19th-century outlaws finds themselves in 1980s Houston, reinventing themselves as bounty hunters. The show cleverly explored the culture shock and comedic elements of such a drastic time shift. Despite its short run, it offered viewers a unique blend of Western ruggedness with modern action. The juxtaposition of eras provided fertile ground for storytelling, making Outlaws a standout example of creative television willing to take bold risks.