The 1980s were a golden age for television, but not all shows from that era have stood the test of time. While some classics like The Golden Girls, The A-Team, and Knight Rider have become household names, others have faded into obscurity. This article takes a look at seven 1980s TV shows that have been largely forgotten, including one that launched Tom Hanks' career.
One such show is The Hogan Family, which originally aired from 1986 to 1991. The sitcom followed Valerie Hogan, a single mother struggling to raise her three teenage sons while managing her career and dealing with her absent pilot husband. The show's cast included Valerie Harper, Josh Taylor, Christine Ebersole, Tom Hodges, and Jason Bateman, with the latter's performance earning him a breakthrough role before his film debut. However, despite its initial success, the show has since been largely forgotten.
Another show that has slipped into obscurity is Small Wonder, a sci-fi sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1989. The show centered around a robotics engineer, Ted Lawson, who secretly creates V.I.C.I., a humanoid robot resembling a little girl. The show was a hit among children, both in America and overseas, but its popularity has waned over the years. The cast included Richard Christie, Marla Pennington, Jerry Supiran, and Tiffany Brissette.
Bosom Buddies (1980-1982) was a ratings-dominating show that followed the adventures of two single friends, Kip and Henry, who disguise themselves as women in an attempt to find affordable housing after their apartment is knocked down. The show launched Tom Hanks' career and featured Peter Scolari, Holland Taylor, Donna Dixon, Telma Hopkins, and Wendie Jo Sperber. However, its popularity has not endured.
Empty Nest (1988-1995) was a spin-off of The Golden Girls, focusing on Harry Weston, a widowed paediatrician and neighbor of the main characters in the classic show. The show starred Dinah Manoff, Kristy McNichol, David Leisure, Park Overall, and Paul Provenza, with guest appearances by the original Golden Girls cast. While it had a dedicated following, it has not been as enduring as its predecessor.
Free Spirit (1985-1986) was a fantasy sitcom that followed the misadventures of a high-spirited witch called Winnie, played by Corinne Bohrer. The show also starred Edan Gross, Franc Luz, Alyson Hannigan, and Paul Scherrer. It was Alyson Hannigan's first television role and earned her a Young Artist Award nomination for Best Young Actress Starring in a Television Series. However, its impact has been limited.
Kate & Allie (1984-1989) was a sitcom about two childhood friends navigating life with divorced mothers who raise their families together. The show starred Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin, with support from Ari Meyers, Frederick Koehler, Allison Smith, Sam Freed, and Peter Onorati. While it had a dedicated following, it has not been as widely remembered as some of its contemporaries.
Finally, Misfits of Science (1985-1986) was a sci-fi comedy-drama series that followed a group of individuals with superpowers, led by Dean Paul Martin as Dr. Billy Hayes. The show also starred Kevin Peter Hall, Mark Thomas Miller, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Holmes, and Max Wright. Despite its innovative premise, it has not been as enduring as some of the other shows from the era.
In conclusion, while some 1980s TV shows have become classics, others have been largely forgotten. These seven shows, each with their own unique stories and casts, are a testament to the diversity and creativity of television during that era. However, their lack of enduring popularity raises questions about what makes a TV show truly timeless.
