Image: Pee-wee Pictures
About This Quiz
When it comes to '80s nostalgia, we often think about the different toys that we had as children, the movies we saw in theaters and the music that defined our generation. But why is it that we so rarely think about the television shows that shaped the decade? After all, they were some of the most memorable shows available.
While we weren't able to binge watch them back then, we set our clocks to huddle in front of the television set at the same time every week. We needed to know what happened to our favorite characters and the only way to do that was to be at a certain place at a specific time. There was no way around it. Though we can find episodes of these amazing shows on the Internet these days, back then, it was all about scheduling. If we were lucky enough to have someone tape the show on their VCR, we might have been able to see it and skip the commercials but that was rare.
Let's face it, television in the '80s was nothing like it is now, and that means it had to be more memorable. Can you remember your favorite shows from that decade? Take this quiz to find out if you can identify them all!
Paramount Network Television
Can you identify this show set in a bar in Boston?
"Cheers"
"Cheers" (1982-1993) was about a former baseball player turned bar owner in Boston. He loved his town and his regulars. When strangers came in, they were usually mean people. However, everyone really watched the show to see the back and forth between Sam and his various romantic conquests.
"ALF"
"M*A*S*H"
"Moonlighting"
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Universal Television
Do you remember this show that was based on science?
"Quantum Leap"
While most action shows of the '80s were about detectives, "Quantum Leap" (1989-1993) broke the mold and made a scientist its hero. He was bold and wonderful, and he saved people without them even knowing it.
"M*A*S*H"
"Night Court"
"The Fall Guy"
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YouTube
Do you remember this cartoon based on a comic strip?
"Garfield and Friends"
What better way to show the incredible success of a comic strip about a cat who loves eating lasagna than to create a Saturday morning cartoon about it? That's how we got "Garfield and Friends" (1988-1994).
"The Muppet Show"
"Reading Rainbow"
"Count Duckula"
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Universal Television
What is the name of this show about a group of veterans?
"Miami Vice"
"M*A*S*H"
"The A-Team"
In the 1980s, there were many great shows that touched on the Vietnam War. "The A-Team" (1983-1987) was a show in which ex-special forces members were accused of a crime, so they drove around in a van helping others. It made sense back then; we swear it did.
"ALF"
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Universal Television
What is the name of this detective show starring Tom Selleck?
"Knight Rider"
"Night Court"
"Magnum P.I."
While many women watched "Magnum P.I." (1980-1988) for the cool, laid back detective that Tom Selleck played (Thomas Magnum), it was also a great crime drama set in Hawaii that involved excellent clothing and awesome cars.
"Murder, She Wrote"
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Bagdasarian Productions, Universal Animation Studios
What is the name of this cartoon that debuted in 1983?
"Alvin and the Chipmunks"
"Alvin and the Chipmunks" is still airing today ... and not only in syndication. This series, featuring adolescent chipmunks singing songs in fast-forward, has been a hit for nearly three generations.
"Clangers"
"Fraggle Rock"
"Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles"
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Universal Television
Can you name this drama series that starred Angela Lansbury?
"Murder, She Wrote"
Angela Lansbury played a middle-aged widow in "Murder, She Wrote" (1984-1996). In the show, she solved crimes, then wrote about them ... and there were a lot of murders in her small town. It was a goofy premise but a very successful series.
"Cagney & Lacey"
"The Fall Guy"
"The Greatest American Hero"
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Embassy Television
Which family show offended many rich people?
"Diff'rent Strokes"
"Airwolf"
"Who's the Boss?"
"Married... With Children"
"Married... With Children" (1987-1997) gave the average American viewer exactly what they wanted: a family that was like theirs. It showed the Bundys as a poor family whose members fought with each other and for each other.
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YouTube
Can you name this family series about adopted kids?
"Diff'rent Strokes"
Racial tension was still high in the 1980s, so a show like "Diff'rent Strokes" (1978-1986) wasn't thought to be popular. However, the comedy series really changed the way people started looking at the family dynamic.
"Growing Pains"
"Perfect Strangers"
"The Facts of Life"
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CBS
Do you remember what this show about female police officers was called?
"Moonlighting"
"The Fall Guy"
"Cagney & Lacey"
With all of the detective shows that aired in the 1980s, it was only a matter of time before one starred two strong women. "Cagney & Lacey" (1981-1989) was that show. These two intelligent women solved crimes and took on the social norms of their time.
"Muder, She Wrote"
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YouTube
What is the name of this TV show about a ship?
"Perfect Strangers"
"The Love Boat"
If you don't remember any scenes from the show, you might remember the opening credits. This song is probably already stuck in your head, and we don't have to write a single lyric. You're welcome.
"The Jeffersons"
"Roseanne"
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ABC
What is this show that starred Bruce Willis?
"Moonlighting"
"Moonlighting" was a show that began airing in 1985. It was yet another detective show of the 1980s. While the show had some grit to it, it was more about the snarky lead characters and their interesting love affair than it was about solving crimes.
"Cheers"
"Hill Street Blues"
"Night Court"
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Paramount Network Television
Which show involved a man who had to create stuff to get out of sticky situations?
"L.A. Law"
"MacGyver"
"MacGyver" (1985-1992) was a show about an agent who could pretty much do anything. Need a car? All MacGyver really needs is a ballpoint pen and three wheels. It was over the top, but it was exciting for audiences of the time.
"Murphy Brown"
"Perfect Strangers"
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YouTube
Do you remember this show about some good old boys and an awesome car?
"Night Court"
"Dynasty"
"Perfect Strangers"
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
Bo and Luke Duke (yes, that was the character's real name) often find themselves narrowly escaping the long arm of the law. How do they do it? Their awesome car, of course.
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MTM Enterprises
What is the name of this detective show starring Pierce Brosnan?
"The Love Boat"
"Remington Steele"
As the women's rights movement came to an end, many found themselves with the same problem: they weren't taken seriously. The answer to that was to make a detective show that shows a woman making up a fictitious character to become a respected private investigator. This show wouldn't have made it for modern audiences.
"Murphy Brown"
"WKRP in Cincinnati"
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YouTube
What was this show about little blue creatures?
"The Smurfs"
"The Smurfs" (1981-1989) was about little creatures that lived in mushrooms and replaced very common words with the word "smurf," because ... well, there really wasn't a reason they didn't like English.
"ALF"
"Fraggle Rock"
"Muppet Babies"
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Filmation Associates /Mattel
Can you identify this children's cartoon that was based off a toy?
"He Man & Masters of the Universe"
"He Man & Masters of the Universe" (1983-1985) was all about how young boys could take back the power in their lives. All they had to do was become an incredibly muscular god figure and wield a sword.
"Fraggle Rock"
"DuckTales"
"Knightmare"
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CBS
This family was all about moving up. What show were they on?
"The Jeffersons"
Though "The Jeffersons" first aired in 1975, the sitcom had a long life and ended in 1985. This "All in the Family" spinoff was all about how the African-American community could live better lives. Yes, in the not so distant past, people needed to be reminded of this.
"Roseanne"
"Dynasty"
"Perfect Strangers"
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ABC
What is the name of this throwback show?
"Family Ties"
"Married... With Children"
"The Wonder Years"
While we now crave shows about the 1980s, in the 1980s, people craved shows about growing up in the 1960s. "The Wonder Years" gave the older generation a taste of nostalgia while it helped the younger generation feel more normal about the changes the were going through.
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
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DiC Audiovisuel
Can you name this show which completely denied the intelligence of the hero's daughter?
"Dungeons & Dragons"
"Inspector Gadget"
"Inspector Gadget" (1982-1986) followed an accident-prone detective around while his daughter and her dog solved crimes and saved his life over and over again. Yet, no one seemed to remember Penny and the great things she did.
"The Trap Door"
"The Care Bears"
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Universal Television
Do you remember this show with a talking car?
"Knight Rider"
"Knight Rider" (1982-1986) starred David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight ... a man who was shot in the face and ended up with a car named KITT. It was intense drama and action for a television show back then.
"Miami Vice"
"Dallas"
"Dynasty"
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Pee-wee Pictures
What is the name of this show that eventually spawned movies?
"Pee-wee's Playhouse"
Any child of the '80s will tell you that they wanted nothing more than to have a playhouse that mirrored Pee-wee's. This playhouse had talking fish, a talking chair and talking everything. It even had Laurence Fishburne as Cowboy Curtis.
"Rainbow Brite"
"The Raggy Dolls"
"Reading Rainbow"
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Hanna-Barbera Productions/Screen Gems/Warner Bros/ABC
Can you identify this children's show about a space family?
"The Jetsons"
"The Jetsons" first aired in 1962, but its popularity in the 1980s was unparalleled. The show lived through some fierce competition in its Saturday morning time slot and was eventually canceled in 1987.
"The Flintstones"
"Reading Rainbow"
"Family Ties"
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Universal Television
Do you remember this dark crime drama with brightly colored outfits?
"Hill Street Blues"
"Miami Vice"
"Miami Vice" aired between 1984 and 1990, spawned an interesting movie and an attempt at a reboot. It was about two well-dressed detectives in Miami and focused on the cocaine situation in that city in the 1980s.
"Knight Rider"
"The A-Team"
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ABC
This show was about a Hollywood stuntman. Can you identify it?
"The Fall Guy"
What better way to capture audiences than to have a Hollywood stuntman turn into a bounty hunter? Alright, he wasn't really a bounty hunter, he just stopped people from running from their court dates.
"Quantum Leap"
"Airwolf"
"ALF"
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Warner Bros. Television
What is the name of this '80s sitcom with a character named Bull?
"Three's Company"
"Growing Pains"
"Knight Rider"
"Night Court"
While the crime dramas of the '80s took over the airwaves, a hilarious sitcom decided to break that mold. Not only did "Night Court" (1984-1992) give us a little bit of drama, it also gave us a lot of laughs and fun characters.
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ABC
What is the name of this show about two families?
"Murder, She Wrote"
"Three's Company"
"Dynasty"
"Dynasty" (1981-1989) showed the average American viewer what it was like to live in high society. The Carringtons and Colbys were two families that interacted with each other in some fabulous ways while wearing some fabulous shoulder pads.
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
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CBS
What is the name of this sitcom that had the Sugarbaker women?
"Designing Women"
"Designing Women" (1986-1993) starred Delta Burke and Dixie Carter as quick-witted sisters with sharp tongues. While the concept of strong women was nothing new at the time, this show really put it over the top.
"Happy Days"
"WKRP in Cincinnati"
"Bosom Buddies"
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MGM Television
Can you name this TV show about cops on motorcycles?
"Magnum P.I."
"Hill Street Blues"
"CHiPs"
"CHiPs" (1977-1983) was about two motorcycle officers working for the California Highway Patrol. Ponch and Baker don't just give tickets; they solve major crimes from the back of their bikes.
"Dallas"
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Metromedia Video Productions
Can you identify this family sitcom about a robot?
"Small Wonder"
"Small Wonder (1985-1989) followed a young family of intelligent people. They worked hard to hide the fact that their daughter was a robot, but Vicki always made it a fun time.
"Growing Pains"
"Perfect Strangers"
"Family Ties"
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20th Century Fox Television
Do you remember this show about young detectives, starring Johnny Depp?
"21 Jump Street"
The 1980s were the time when the war on drugs was really trying to make a name for itself, so why not make a show about young cops who pose as teens? It would sure help scare those high schoolers who are into the heavy stuff.
"Remington Steele"
"L.A. Law"
"Saved by the Bell"
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YouTube
Can you identify this gritty crime drama?
"L.A. Law"
"Hill Street Blues"
Of all of the crime dramas to come after it, only "The Shield" (2002-2008) may have come close to the realism of "Hill Street Blues" (1981-1987), but "The Shield" had a little more to work with, being on basic cable and all. "Hill Street Blues" was such an intense show, that most parents didn't allow their children to watch it.
"Night Court"
"Knight Rider"
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Columbia Pictures Television
What is the name of this family with a male housekeeper?
"Who's the Boss?"
Even though he was a male housekeeper, Tony had a lot to learn about sexism and social norms. "Who's the Boss?" (1984-1992) taught everyone important lessons on what it means to destroy the social dynamics people think are right.
"Family Ties"
"Growing Pains"
"Mr. Belvidere"
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HBO
What is the name of this Jim Henson show?
"Fraggle Rock"
"Fraggle Rock" (1983-1987) was created by the fabulous imagination of Jim Henson. These little creatures loved to sing and dance, and they were prone to asking a pile of garbage for advice. It may have been an environmental commentary.
"The Muppet Show"
"Mighty Mouse"
"DuckTales"
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MTM Enterprises
Can you name this medical drama?
"E.R."
"St. Elsewhere"
Before "E.R." (1994-2009), there was another gritty hospital show that made waves. "St. Elsewhere" (1982-1988) was full of drama and dark humor that kept audiences captivated for six seasons.
"The Wonder Years"
"Family Matters"
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Universal Television
What is the name of this show about two brothers who are San Diego detectives?
"Jake and the Fat Man"
"Simon & Simon"
"Simon & Simon" was yet another detective show that debuted in the 1980s. It featured two brothers (one with street smarts, the other with book smarts), both with terrible hair cuts, solving crimes on the dangerous streets of San Diego.
"Cagney & Lacey"
"Magnum P.I."
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ABC
What is the name of this short-lived show about cross dressing?
"Best Friends"
"Perfect Strangers"
"Bosom Buddies"
"Bosom Buddies" (1980-1982) was about two young men who worked for an advertising company in New York. They find a place to live, but it is for women only ... yes, we now understand why the show only lasted two years.
"Remington Steele"
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YouTube
Can you identify this classic children's show that ended in 1984?
"The Muppet Show"
"Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"
"The Care Bears"
"Captain Kangaroo"
Most people remember Captain Kangaroo for his signature terrible haircut, but his show lasted nearly 30 years. He was a man who loved children and his show included guest stars from across America.
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Warner Bros. Television
What is the name of this show with a geeky star?
"Steve Urkel"
"Family Matters"
While "Family Matters" is often thought of as a 1990s show, few people actually realize that it began in 1989. When the show first aired, show runners didn't realize what they had in the Urkel character.
"The Simpsons"
"St. Elsewhere"
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YouTube
Can you name this family sitcom?
"Full House"
"Growing Pains"
"The Facts of Life"
"The Facts of Life" (1979-88) was about a few spoiled girls who lived in a home with a caretaker (housemother) named Mrs. Garrett. With the different personalities flowing, of course, some hilarity ensued.
"Family Ties"
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Pee-wee Pictures