Best TV Shows of the 1980s

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The 1980s expanded television's creative possibilities through innovative shows that blended genres and pushed content boundaries. Programs like Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, and The Twilight Zone demonstrated television's potential for cinematic storytelling and sophisticated themes.

O Salvador da Pátria (1989) poster

O Salvador da Pátria (1989)

My Secret Identity (1988) poster

My Secret Identity (1988)

Champagne (1983) poster

Champagne (1983)

Blackadder (1983) poster

Blackadder (1983)

Osomatsu-kun (1988) poster

Osomatsu-kun (1988)

Magical Angel Creamy Mami (1983) poster

Magical Angel Creamy Mami (1983)

Never the Twain (1981) poster

Never the Twain (1981)

Finder of Lost Loves (1984) poster

Finder of Lost Loves (1984)

A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988) poster

A Pup Named Scooby-Doo (1988)

Ronin Warriors (1988) poster

Ronin Warriors (1988)

Maguy (1985) poster

Maguy (1985)

Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty (1987) poster

Rise & Fall of Qing Dynasty (1987)

Ein Heim für Tiere (1985) poster

Ein Heim für Tiere (1985)

Que Rei Sou Eu? (1989) poster

Que Rei Sou Eu? (1989)

ザ・ハングマン (1980) poster

ザ・ハングマン (1980)

Marc et Sophie (1987) poster

Marc et Sophie (1987)

Shine on Harvey Moon (1982) poster

Shine on Harvey Moon (1982)

The Famous Teddy Z (1989) poster

The Famous Teddy Z (1989)

Miss Machiko (1981) poster

Miss Machiko (1981)

Press Your Luck (1983) poster

Press Your Luck (1983)

Chain Letters (1987) poster

Chain Letters (1987)

C.O.P.S. (1988) poster

C.O.P.S. (1988)

Sledge Hammer! (1986) poster

Sledge Hammer! (1986)

Mr. Belvedere (1985) poster

Mr. Belvedere (1985)

This decade's experimentation with television formats and storytelling techniques established foundations that would support the medium's later artistic achievements.