# The best TV shows of the 1980s

Cheers, Hill Street Blues and The Golden Girls: the best of 80s television (Paste, CBR, Reader's Digest).

- 264 votes · 12 items
- Nov 24, 2024 · Jack Doyle
- https://even.best/en/l/2015/the-best-tv-shows-of-the-1980s

## Top 12

1. **Cheers (1982–1993)** (27 · ▲31 ▼4) — 275 episodes in the bar where everybody knows your name.
2. **Hill Street Blues (1981–1987)** (19 · ▲23 ▼4) — An overworked precinct and the birth of the modern cop show.
3. **Family Ties (1982–1989)** (16 · ▲18 ▼2) — Hippie parents and a very conservative Michael J. Fox.
4. **St. Elsewhere (1982–1988)** (16 · ▲17 ▼1) — A Boston hospital and a young Denzel Washington.
5. **The Golden Girls (1985–1992)** (14 · ▲20 ▼6) — Eleven Emmys and a new look at older women.
6. **Miami Vice (1984–1990)** (14 · ▲17 ▼3) — Crockett, Tubbs and the aesthetics of the 80s.
7. **Dallas (1978–1991)** (13 · ▲16 ▼3) — The ratings juggernaut of twists and J. R. Ewing.
8. **Magnum, P.I. (1980–1988)** (12 · ▲17 ▼5) — Tom Selleck, Hawaii and a Ferrari.
9. **Moonlighting (1985–1989)** (12 · ▲16 ▼4) — Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis' detective agency.
10. **Thirtysomething (1987–1991)** (12 · ▲16 ▼4) — Growing up in the 80s.
11. **Blackadder (1983–1989)** (12 · ▲13 ▼1) — Rowan Atkinson through four eras of British history.
12. **Cagney & Lacey (1981–1988)** (7 · ▲15 ▼8) — Two women detectives in New York.

How is this ranking ordered? By people's votes: each ▲ adds a point and each ▼ takes one away. Anyone can vote and add what is missing.