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 the big break for Tom Hanks. From family sitcoms to sci-fi adventures, these shows once captivated audiences, but now they are often overlooked. Let's explore these forgotten gems and the impact they had on pop culture.
The Hogan Family
The Hogan Family, originally titled Valerie and Valerie's Family: The Hogans, was a family sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991. It centered around Valerie Hogan, a 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. While it didn't achieve the same level of success as some of its contemporaries, it remains a memorable part of 80s TV, particularly for Jason Bateman's early career breakthrough.
Small Wonder
Small Wonder was a sci-fi sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1989. It starred Richard Christie, Marla Pennington, Jerry Supiran, and Tiffany Brissette. The show followed the story of a robotics engineer, Ted Lawson, who secretly creates V.I.C.I., a humanoid robot resembling a little girl. Small Wonder was a massive hit among children, both in America and overseas, but it has largely been forgotten over the years. Despite its sci-fi twist, the show's impact on pop culture has been minimal.
Bosom Buddies
Bosom Buddies dominated ratings from 1980 to 1982 with its unique take on the adventures of two single friends, Kip and Henry, who disguise themselves as women to find affordable housing. The show launched Tom Hanks' career and was created by Robert L. Boyett, Thomas L. Miller, and Chris Thompson. Bosom Buddies is remembered for its innovative premise and the early success of Tom Hanks, who would later become a Hollywood icon. The show's impact on gender norms and its cultural significance are still discussed today.
Empty Nest
Empty Nest, a spin-off of The Golden Girls, aired from 1988 to 1995. It followed the story of Harry Weston, a widowed paediatrician, and his relationship with his daughters. The show starred Dinah Manoff, Kristy McNichol, David Leisure, Park Overall, and Paul Provenza, alongside the original Golden Girls cast. Empty Nest explored themes of family dynamics and aging, and its success led to several spin-offs and a lasting impact on the sitcom genre.
Free Spirit
Free Spirit was a fantasy sitcom that ran from 1985 to 1986. It starred Corinne Bohrer as Winnie, a high-spirited witch. The show's cast also included Edan Gross, Franc Luz, Alyson Hannigan, and Paul Scherrer. Free Spirit was Alyson Hannigan's first television role and earned her a Young Artist Award nomination. Despite its unique premise, the show's impact was limited, and it has since been largely forgotten.
Kate & Allie
Kate & Allie was a sitcom about two childhood friends raising their families together in 1980s New York City. It starred Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin as the main characters, with a supporting cast that included Ari Meyers, Frederick Koehler, Allison Smith, Sam Freed, and Peter Onorati. The show explored themes of friendship and motherhood, and its impact on the sitcom genre was significant, but it has not endured as well as some of its contemporaries.
Misfits of Science
Misfits of Science was a sci-fi comedy-drama series that ran from 1985 to 1986. It starred Dean Paul Martin as Dr. Billy Hayes and featured a group of individuals with superpowers. The show's cast included Kevin Peter Hall, Mark Thomas Miller, Courteney Cox, Jennifer Holmes, and Max Wright. Misfits of Science had a cult following but failed to achieve mainstream success. Its impact on the sci-fi genre is often overlooked, and it has since been largely forgotten.
In conclusion, these seven 1980s TV shows, each with their own unique charm and impact, have faded into the background of pop culture. While some have been rediscovered and celebrated, others remain hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. The 1980s were a golden age for television, and these shows are a testament to the creativity and innovation of that era. Perhaps it's time to revisit these forgotten classics and give them the appreciation they deserve.
