The Best 1980s NBC Comedies, Ranked

Updated October 30, 2023 1.3K votes 246 voters

Over 200 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 1980s NBC Comedies, Ranked

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite NBC comedies that aired on TV in the '80s

Latest additions: Day by Day, Spencer, Double Trouble

Most divisive: The Facts of Life

These are the best 1980s NBC comedy shows ranked from best to worst by user votes. In the 1980s, the best NBC comedy shows took on an array of topics. Some good 80s NBC comedies focussed on family life, while others were workplace comedy shows. A few of the top 1980s NBC comedy shows were even aimed towards young audiences. Network TV usually aims to have something on their roster for every demographic, and NBC in the 80s was no different.

What shows appear near the top of this best 1980s NBC comedy shows list? The crazy characters on Cheers helped to make the sitcom one of the greatest of the 80s or any decade. Ted Danson led the show's amazing cast and provided lots of laughs as ladies man Sam Malone. The Facts of Life is another good NBC comedy that aired in the 1980s.

Age ain't nothing but a number when it comes to laughs, as proven by the hilarious NBC program Golden Girls. Other great shows that are featured on this top 1980s NBC comedy shows list include Alf, Family Ties and My Two Dads.

Which 80s NBC comedy do you think is the funniest? Give your favorites a thumbs up and get in on the conversation in the comments section.

Ranked by

1
Cheers
Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt
43 votes
- Premiered: September 30, 1982
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In the bustling heart of Boston lies a cozy, dimly lit haven where strangers become friends and laughter abounds. Cheers, a critically acclaimed sitcom, invites viewers into the warm embrace of its iconic bar. With an ensemble cast, including the affable bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and witty waitress Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), the show explores the endearing camaraderie and humorous antics of its diverse patrons. Over its impressive 11-year run, Cheers garnered numerous accolades, including 28 Emmy Awards, solidifying its place in television history. This timeless classic serves up a generous pour of heartfelt humor and genuine connection, leaving audiences with a lingering warmth and an insatiable thirst for more.
2
Night Court
Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Richard Moll
43 votes
- Premiered: January 4, 1984
Set within the bustling confines of a Manhattan municipal court, Night Court is a quirky, yet endearing sitcom that effortlessly combines humor and heart. With a talented ensemble cast led by Harry Anderson as the unorthodox Judge Harold T. Stone, the show delves into the eccentricities of both the legal system and the individuals who frequent it. Acclaimed for its nine-season run, Night Court has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, securing a lasting legacy in television history. As viewers follow the unconventional antics of characters like prosecutor Dan Fielding (John Larroquette) and bailiff Bull Shannon (Richard Moll), they are treated to an engaging blend of wit, warmth, and whimsy that leaves them eager for more.
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3
Saturday Night Live
Michael Che, Mikey Day, Chloe Fineman
40 votes
- Premiered: October 11, 1975
A long-standing staple in the world of television comedy, Saturday Night Live has been gracing screens since 1975, delivering a mix of witty sketches, biting satire, and memorable characters. With numerous awards under its belt, including 73 Primetime Emmy Awards, the show's impact on popular culture is undeniable. Each week, viewers are treated to a fresh array of sketches featuring both cast members and guest hosts, such as the iconic "Wayne's World" segment with Mike Myers (Wayne Campbell) and Dana Carvey (Garth Algar). The show continually evolves to stay relevant, offering a humorous take on current events and societal issues.
4
Family Ties
Michael J. Fox, Meredith Baxter, Michael Gross
37 votes
- Premiered: September 22, 1982
Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free Trial
Family Ties, a sitcom that aired in the 1980s, centers around the Keaton family as they navigate the trials and tribulations of life with humor and love. With a unique blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, this Emmy Award-winning show captures the essence of a generation caught between traditional values and modern ideals. Michael J. Fox shines as Alex P. Keaton, the conservative son of liberal parents Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse (Meredith Baxter). The show also explores the lives of Alex's siblings, Mallory (Justine Bateman) and Jennifer (Tina Yothers), providing a well-rounded portrayal of a family adapting to an ever-changing world.
5
The Golden Girls
Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White
48 votes
- Premiered: September 14, 1985
The Golden Girls, a timeless sitcom that has left an indelible mark on television history, follows the adventures of four spirited and witty women navigating their golden years together. Set in sunny Miami, the show boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including the sharp-tongued Dorothy (Bea Arthur), her endearing mother Sophia (Estelle Getty), the lovable and naive Rose (Betty White), and the sultry Southern belle Blanche (Rue McClanahan). Throughout its seven-season run, The Golden Girls garnered numerous accolades, including 11 Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. The show's enduring charm stems from its exploration of friendship, love, and aging, all while delivering heartfelt humor that transcends generations.
6
ALF
Max Wright, Paul Fusco, Anne Schedeen
38 votes
- Premiered: September 22, 1986
A nostalgic trip to the late 80s, this sitcom features a lovable extraterrestrial who finds himself stranded on Earth and taken in by a suburban American family. Known for its clever humor and heartwarming moments, the show follows the misadventures of ALF, an acronym for Alien Life Form, as he navigates his new life with the Tanner family. The character of ALF, portrayed by puppeteer Paul Fusco, quickly became a pop culture icon, capturing audiences' hearts with his witty one-liners and relatable struggles. Throughout its four-season run, the series garnered critical acclaim, earning multiple Emmy nominations and solidifying its place among beloved television classics.

Cheers

Night Court

Saturday Night Live

Family Ties

The Golden Girls

ALF