The Cosby Show (1984)
The Huxtable family became one of the most recognizable television families of the decade. The sitcom dominated ratings for years and became a major part of 1980s television culture.
Family Ties (1982)
Alex P. Keaton became one of the decade’s most recognizable sitcom characters, while the show’s generational conflicts reflected the changing attitudes of American families. Michael J. Fox’s performance also helped turn the series into a major success.
Miami Vice (1984)
Few television shows looked or sounded as distinctly 1980s as Miami Vice. Its stylish visuals, contemporary music, pastel suits, sports cars, and Miami setting created an aesthetic that became almost synonymous with the decade.
Magnum, P.I. (1980)
Tom Selleck’s mustache, Hawaiian shirts, Ferrari, and easygoing personality made Thomas Magnum instantly recognizable. The private investigator series became one of the decade’s most popular shows.
Growing Pains (1985)
The Seaver family brought together parents, teenagers, younger siblings, and plenty of sitcom chaos. The show also helped launch Kirk Cameron and eventually introduced audiences to a young Leonardo DiCaprio.
Who’s the Boss? (1984)
The premise alone was memorable: a divorced father becomes the housekeeper for a successful advertising executive while living with her and her son. Tony Micelli and Angela Bower eventually became one of the decade’s best known television pairings.
