Last week, we took a stroll down nostalgia lane to celebrate some lesser-known TV treasures from the 1980s. Our readers remembered all the quirky classics, from Jennifer Slept Here to the beloved Square Pegs, and even reminded us of several other gems that had slipped our minds.
In this sequel, we’ve broadened our focus a bit, but we kept our core criteria intact: 1) The show must have aired in the ’80s; 2) It should evoke an excited reaction from anyone reminded of it—whether that’s a nostalgic “OH MY GOD, I LOVED THAT!” or a vehement “OH MY GOD, THAT SHOW WAS THE WORST!” or even just a spontaneous recitation of its theme song; and 3) It must not be one of the mainstream hits that everyone talks about when reminiscing about childhood TV. (While we adore Fantasy Island and Who’s the Boss?, they’re simply too well-known for our list.)
1. Madame’s Place (1982–83)
Wayland Flowers and his sassy puppet Madame thrilled me as a child! I was blissfully unaware of how many of Madame’s cheeky jokes went over my head. The concept of a puppet hosting a talk show was magical! I adored little Corey Feldman as Madame’s neighbor, oblivious to Wayland and Madame’s status as iconic figures in the LGBTQ+ community since the ’60s. All I knew was that I loved that wacky puppet!
2. It’s a Living (1980–82)
Before Ann Jillian starred as a ghost in Jennifer Slept Here, she was part of a hilarious group of waitresses at the upscale Above the Top restaurant in the Bonaventure Hotel, sporting a fabulous curly shag. They dealt with the antics of a sleazy pianist, and the glamorous hostess Nancy Beebe, played by Marian Mercer, was the epitome of elegance.
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. Although TV Guide labeled it one of the 50 Worst Shows, many of us found the idea of Crissy Snow as a law enforcer pure genius—even if it stretched credibility a bit!
4. The Edison Twins (1982–86)
While it may not have been as popular as Double Trouble, this Canadian series followed twins (not actual twins) who solved mysteries through science. Though a tad educational for my tastes, I was drawn to one of the male twins who resembled Christopher Atkins, leading me to keep watching.
5. The Greatest American Hero (1981–83)
You likely sang its theme song in music class, but did you actually catch the show? Few did. William Katt played a teacher granted superpowers by aliens, but he hilariously lost the instruction manual. The premise was outlandish yet oddly compelling, introducing concepts like ESP and telekinesis long before I saw Escape to Witch Mountain.
6. My Secret Identity (1988–1991)
Featuring a young Jerry O’Connell, this Canadian show was also centered around superpowers—specifically, a teen named Andrew Clements who gains the ability to fly after being struck by a photon beam. His only confidant is his friend, Dr. Jeffcoate. I’m ashamed to admit I only half-watched it.
7. Webster (1983–89)
The successor to Diff’rent Strokes, this series starred the charming Emmanuel Lewis as Webster, a little boy adopted by a white family. I always found it odd that he called his adoptive mother “Ma’am.”
8. Love, Sidney (1981–1983)
Reportedly the first show to depict a gay character, Sidney, played by Tony Randall, was a supportive friend and father figure to a single mother, played by Swoosie Kurtz. I always belted out the theme song along with the cast and felt a strong connection to the daughter character.
9. Valerie (1986–1991)
Jason Bateman was back in action after It’s Your Move! in this family comedy that changed its name multiple times. Originally starring Valerie Harper as a mother of three, the show shifted focus after her character was killed off, and Sandy Duncan stepped in as the new matriarch.
10. Archie Bunker’s Place (1979–83)
While I found the social commentary of All in the Family too intense, I enjoyed Archie Bunker’s Place, especially after the addition of Stephanie, played by Danielle Brisebois, a character I could relate to. Archie, who ran a bar in Queens, provided plenty of laughs, even if I missed the political undertones.
11. Down to Earth (1984–87)
This series featured Ethel, a maid who died in 1925 and returns to help a family after waiting decades to earn her wings. It encapsulated many ’80s TV tropes, including wise household staff and quirky family dynamics—and yes, it starred a young Kyle Richards, who later became a Real Housewife.
12. Benson (1979–86)
A spinoff of Soap, this show followed Robert Guillaume as the intelligent butler for a governor. He often outsmarted the politicians around him, eventually running for governor himself. I tuned in primarily for Missy Gold—sharing a nickname with her made me a fan!
13. Slim Goodbody: The Inside Story (1980)
Creepy yet fascinating, Slim Goodbody wore a skin-tight suit displaying all his organs and muscles. Despite the bizarre visuals, I enjoyed his educational songs about health, even if I was staring at a peculiar figure.
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In summary, the ’80s served up an eclectic mix of television shows that left a lasting impression on Gen-Xers. From quirky puppets to earnest family comedies, these programs have become cherished memories that remind us of simpler times.