The Best ABC '80s Shows, Ranked

Updated October 30, 2023 5.0K votes 428 voters 24.6K views

Over 400 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of 1980s ABC Shows

Voting Rules

Vote up the best TV series that aired new episodes between 1980 and 1989 on ABC.

Latest additions: 240-Robert, Columbo, Doogie Howser, M.D.

Most divisive: Bosom Buddies

Remember the '80s? 1980s ABC shows, specifically? You're about to, because this list of ABC '80s shows ranks the network's series from best to worst based on your votes. Some of the best ABC TV shows from the 1980s are earnest family dramas and silly household sitcoms, while others are game shows and cartoons.

What are some of the series that you'll find on this list of the best 1980s ABC shows? The Wonder Years made the cut, of course. This ABC '80s sitcom won an Emmy Award for Best Comedy Series during its premiere season. Full House was another good '80s ABC show that ran well into the next decade. People loved it so much that a Netflix sequel show premiered in 2016 for a new generation.

ABC also created good dramas in the 1980s. Moonlighting, MacGyver, and thirtysomething are all popular ABC '80s dramas on this list. These shows are still part of popular culture; Moonlighting actually helped propel Bruce Willis to stardom. Speaking of stars, Tom Hanks's 1980s series Bosom Buddies is another great 1980s ABC show.

What are the best ABC '80s shows? Did the shows you think were the best make this list? Vote up the 1980s ABC TV shows you think are the best of the decade and see where the ABC shows of the '80s you loved to watch rank.

Ranked by

1
The Jetsons
George O'Hanlon, Penny Singleton, Janet Waldo
154 votes
- Premiered: 1962
- Genres: Animation,Comedy,Kids,Science Fiction
In a futuristic world where flying cars and robotic housekeepers are the norm, The Jetsons brings to life a charming vision of tomorrow. This animated sitcom, which originally aired in the 1960s and revived in the 1980s, takes viewers on a journey with the Jetson family as they navigate their day-to-day lives in Orbit City. George Jetson (voiced by George O'Hanlon) is the well-meaning patriarch who works for the sprocket company Spacely Space Sprockets, while his wife Jane (Penny Singleton) manages their high-tech home. Their children, Judy (Janet Waldo) and Elroy (Daws Butler), attend school and engage in various adventures. Despite its retro-futuristic setting, the show's themes of family, work-life balance, and technological advancements remain relevant today, making The Jetsons a timeless classic in television history.
- #60 of 531
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- #4 of 193
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- #7 of 401
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2
Who's the Boss?
Judith Light, Tony Danza, Alyssa Milano
158 votes
- Premiered: 1984
- Genres: Comedy
In this charming '80s sitcom, viewers are invited into the lives of a modern family navigating the challenges of daily life with humor and heart. Who's the Boss? centers around Tony Micelli (Tony Danza), a retired baseball player turned housekeeper, and Angela Bower (Judith Light), a successful advertising executive. Together, they redefine traditional gender roles while raising two spirited children, Samantha (Alyssa Milano) and Jonathan (Danny Pintauro). The show garnered multiple award nominations during its eight-season run, including Primetime Emmy and Golden Globe nods, as it showcased the evolving dynamics of the American family unit through laughter and light-hearted storytelling.
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3
Growing Pains
Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron
173 votes
- Premiered: 1985
- Genres: Comedy
Psychiatrist Jason Seaver raises a family in suburban New York.
4
The Wonder Years
Fred Savage, Jason Hervey, Olivia d'Abo
156 votes
- Premiered: 1988
- Genres: Comedy,Drama
The Wonder Years, a nostalgic coming-of-age dramedy, invites audiences to revisit the trials and triumphs of adolescence through the eyes of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage). Set against a backdrop of late-60s suburban America, the show's enduring charm lies in its relatable themes of friendship, family, and first love. Critics have lauded both Savage's authentic portrayal and the series' poignant storytelling, leading to multiple Emmy nominations and wins. With a memorable soundtrack that perfectly captures the era, The Wonder Years continues to resonate with viewers of all ages, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the bittersweet beauty of growing up.
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- #33 of 277
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- #32 of 101
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5
Three's Company
John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers
149 votes
- Premiered: 1977
- Genres: Comedy
Three's Company, a timeless sitcom gem, masterfully balances the intricacies of comedic misunderstandings with the relatable struggles of young adults. Set in a cozy Santa Monica apartment, this iconic series showcases the brilliant chemistry between Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). Their lighthearted antics and tongue-in-cheek humor earned the show multiple Golden Globe nominations, solidifying its place in television history. With characters like the unforgettable landlord duo, Mr. Roper (Norman Fell) and Mrs. Roper (Audra Lindley), Three's Company consistently delivers laughs while navigating the complexities of cohabitation and friendship.
6
Laverne & Shirley
Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Eddie Mekka
131 votes
- Premiered: 1976
- Genres: Comedy
In the 1976 sitcom, Laverne & Shirley, viewers are transported back to the late 1950s, where they follow the lives of two working-class women in Milwaukee. The show's central characters, Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams), navigate the challenges of friendship, love, and career aspirations with a touch of humor and relatability that resonated with audiences for eight seasons. The series, which was a spin-off of the popular Happy Days, garnered multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, reflecting its success in blending nostalgia with timeless themes. With memorable catchphrases and heartwarming moments, Laverne & Shirley remains an iconic piece of television history.
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- #120 of 265
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- #45 of 164
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The Jetsons

Who's the Boss?

Growing Pains

The Wonder Years

Three's Company

Laverne & Shirley