Hold on to your leg warmers! The 1980s were a goldmine of TV treasures, but some absolute gems have been tragically lost to time. We're talking about shows so good, so unique, that they deserve a second chance to shine in today's reboot-hungry landscape.
The 1980s! A decade defined by big hair, even bigger shoulder pads, and an explosion of creativity across movies, music, and, yes, television. While iconic films and unforgettable tunes often steal the spotlight when we reminisce about the '80s, the decade's TV scene was brimming with imaginative stories and unforgettable characters. Many of the best TV shows of the 1980s etched themselves into our collective pop culture memory. But here's the thing: not all shows achieve lasting fame. Many fantastic '80s TV shows have faded from public consciousness, gathering dust in the archives of television history.
But don't despair! There's still hope. Several awesome, yet sadly forgotten, TV shows from the 1980s possess undeniable appeal for modern audiences. The decade was a playground for outlandish and truly unique concepts, and some of them still hold clear appeal decades later. The question is: Should these underrated shows from the '80s be given a reboot? The answer, we believe, is a resounding YES! With the right approach, these shows could find a whole new generation of viewers in today's diverse and ever-evolving television landscape.
Let's dive in and explore seven '80s TV shows that are ripe for a reboot:
7) The Highwayman (1987-1988)
This show was a hidden gem! The Highwayman is a severely underrated show from the 1980s that could still captivate audiences today. It aired for a brief 10 episodes, but its premise was pure genius: a cross between Mad Max and Knight Rider. Imagine a crime-fighting driver navigating a lawless, near-future world in a high-tech truck. The truck itself was a character, boasting a detachable helicopter, a concealed sports car, and an arsenal of gadgets and weapons. To make a modern reboot work, The Highwayman would need to fully embrace its inherent absurdity and amp up the over-the-top action. Think self-aware, tongue-in-cheek, and ready to deliver pure, unadulterated fun.
6) Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990)
Before fantasy TV was a dominant force, there was Beauty and the Beast. This show was undeniably ahead of its time. Blending the classic fairy tale with the gritty realities of 1980s New York City, Beauty and the Beast explored the hidden existence of a utopian subterranean community. It also delved into the complex and moving love story between its two leads, Catherine (played by Linda Hamilton) and Vincent (played by Ron Perlman). The concept of reimagining fairy tales within a modern context later found massive success in shows like Once Upon a Time. So, it's easy to see how a reboot of Beauty and the Beast could resonate with today's audiences, particularly if it leaned into the darker, more mature aspects of the story.
5) Out of This World (1987-1991)
Okay, Out of This World might not be the first sci-fi show that pops into your head when you think of the '80s. But it's an underrated gem that could still find an audience today. The premise is simple and appealing: a sitcom centered on a teenage girl who discovers she's half-alien and possesses supernatural powers. While the original show didn't leave a lasting mark, a modern reboot with updated special effects and a fresh comedic sensibility could easily appeal to pre-teen and young teen audiences. Imagine a Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets My So-Called Life vibe – the possibilities are endless!
4) Sledge Hammer! (1986-1988)
There's always room for a great comedy on TV, and Sledge Hammer! was one of the 1980s' funniest sitcoms. Sadly, it's become severely underrated in the years since it ended. The show follows Inspector Sledge Hammer, a detective in the San Francisco Police Department known for his excessive force and love of his .44 Magnum. Sledge Hammer! was a satirical masterpiece, way ahead of its time, with its self-aware humor and sharp wit. A modern reboot has immense potential, especially since the tropes it poked fun at remain largely unchanged in the world of action and police procedurals. But here's where it gets controversial... Could a show glorifying violence, even satirically, find an audience today?
3) Airwolf (1984-1987)
Airwolf is a show fondly remembered by a dedicated fanbase, but largely forgotten by everyone else. This action military drama centered on the titular high-tech attack helicopter and its crew, who were tasked with undertaking dangerous missions, often involving espionage. While Airwolf might seem like a product of its time, a modern facelift and clever writing could breathe new life into the series. And this is the part most people miss... The show was about more than just a cool helicopter. It was about the psychological toll of war and the moral compromises made in the name of national security. A reboot could explore these themes with greater depth and nuance.
2) The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)
While countless sci-fi TV shows are begging for reboots, The Greatest American Hero stands out as having particular potential. This comedy-drama follows Ralph Hinkley, a teacher from Los Angeles who receives an extraterrestrial suit that grants him superpowers. The catch? He immediately loses the instruction manual! Considering modern audiences' insatiable appetite for superhero stories, a reboot of The Greatest American Hero could be a smash hit, particularly given its comedic tone and enduring cult following. The key would be to embrace the show's inherent silliness and focus on the relatable struggles of an ordinary person suddenly thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
1) Dungeons & Dragons (1983-1985)
While it might not be considered one of the best fantasy TV shows of all time, the animated Dungeons & Dragons series still holds a special place in the hearts of many. This fantasy adventure series helped introduce the Dungeons & Dragons franchise to a whole new audience, and the game's continued popularity practically guarantees the success of a modern reboot. Given the relatively low cost of animation and the vast wealth of source material, a new Dungeons & Dragons TV show seems like an absolute no-brainer. But here's the controversial part... Should the reboot stick to the lighthearted tone of the original animated series, or should it embrace the darker, more complex themes of the tabletop game?
So, there you have it – seven underrated '80s TV shows that deserve a second chance. What do you think? Which of these shows would you most like to see rebooted? Are there any other forgotten '80s gems that we missed? Leave a comment below and join the conversation now!
