Welcome to the land of big hair, neon colors and awesome sitcoms! The 80s were a golden era for television comedy, producing some of the best sitcoms in the history of the genre. With so many classic shows to choose from, it’s not easy to narrow it down to just ten. But we’re up for the challenge.
Our Criteria
Before we dive into the list, it’s important to explain our selection process. We considered several factors, including:
- Popularity among audiences
- Critical acclaim
- Influence on pop culture
- Longevity and syndication
Without further ado, here are the top 10 80s sitcoms:
10. Full House
This beloved family sitcom premiered in 1987 and ran for eight seasons. Starring Bob Saget, John Stamos, and the Olsen Twins, Full House remains a fan favourite and has recently seen a resurgence in popularity thanks to its Netflix reboot, Fuller House
9. Cheers
Cheers is a classic sitcom that ran for 11 seasons from 1982 to 1993. Set in a Boston bar, the show revolves around the lives of the bar regulars and staff, including Sam, Diane, Carla, Norm, and Cliff. Cheers won multiple Emmys and Golden Globes over the years and is considered one of the best sitcoms of all time.
8. Night Court
The 1984 to 1992 sitcom Night Court is set mainly in New York’s Municipal Court, where the Judge, Harry Anderson, presided over the daily trials with humor and compassion. The cast was a quirky, lovable bunch, including assistant district attorney Dan Fielding played by John Larroquette, who won four consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his role.
7. Who’s the Boss?
Who’s the Boss? is a classic American sitcom that aired for eight seasons from 1984 to 1992. The show starred Tony Danza as Tony Micelli, a former baseball player turned housekeeper, and Judith Light as his boss, advertising executive Angela Bower. Who’s the Boss? was hugely popular in the 80s and even earned Judith Light two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.
6. Growing Pains
Growing Pains premiered in 1985 and ran until 1992. The show follows the Seaver family, led by Alan Thicke as Dr. Jason Seaver, a work-from-home psychiatrist, and Joanna Kerns as his wife Maggie, who returns to work as a journalist. The show was a huge success and is credited with launching the careers of Kirk Cameron and Leonardo DiCaprio.
5. The Golden Girls
The Golden Girls premiered in 1985 and ran until 1992. The series featured four women (Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty) who share a home in Miami. The show was a ratings hit and tackled important social issues such as aging, sexuality, and HIV/AIDS in a time when they were still taboo topics on television.
4. Family Ties
Family Ties is a family sitcom that premiered in 1982 and ran for seven seasons. Set in suburban Ohio, the show follows the Keaton family and their teenage son, Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox), a hard-line conservative. Family Ties was a huge hit and even earned Michael J. Fox three Emmy Awards for his role.
3. The Cosby Show
The Cosby Show premiered in 1984 and ran until 1992. The series starred Bill Cosby as Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, an obstetrician, and his wife Clair, a lawyer. The show was a ratings hit and broke new ground in terms of depicting a loving, affluent African American family on TV. The Cosby Show won multiple Emmy awards over the years and is still considered one of the best sitcoms of all time.
2. The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years is a much-loved coming-of-age sitcom that aired from 1988 to 1993. Set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, the show follows Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) as he navigates adolescence and family life. The show was praised for its nostalgic tone and won multiple Emmy awards over the years.
1. Cheers
And finally, we come to number one: Cheers! The show is a true sitcom classic that’s still popular today. Its influence can be felt in many shows that came after it, including Friends and How I Met Your Mother. Cheers will always have a place in the hearts of comedy lovers everywhere.
The Wrap Up
And that’s our list of the top 10 80s sitcoms. Did your favorite make the cut? What do you think of our rankings? Let us know in the comments!
In the meantime, why not celebrate the golden age of 80s sitcoms by re-watching some classic episodes? They’re sure to bring back memories of a simpler time and make you laugh out loud.
