Many people agree that the 80s was a golden age for sitcoms. It’s easy to see why. This is a time when the airwaves were filled with some of the most iconic and watchable shows ever created.
Sitcoms in the 80s were different than the ones we have today. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s interesting to look back and note just how much TV has changed since then. One thing’s for sure, 80s sitcoms have been super influential for the types of shows that came after them.
This article is going to delve into some of our all-time favorite sitcoms from the 80s, and what made them so special. Read on for a wholesome trip down memory lane.
1. Three’s Company
Three’s Company is one of the most iconic US sitcoms of all time. But did you know that it’s actually based on a British sitcom called Man About the House? The show was also originally supposed to be set in New York, rather than Los Angeles.
When it first aired, network observers didn’t believe the show would go anywhere after its first six episodes. In fact, it went on to become the highest-rated midseason show ever broadcast on network television, proving that sometimes, the experts get it wrong. If you’re wondering that its cast members are up to now, read on here.
2. Diff’rent Strokes
Diff’rent Strokes, is, of course, famous for launching the career of Gary Coleman and his iconic catchphrase “What you talkin’ bout, Willis?”. It was a firm favorite among 80s family sitcoms, but behind the scenes, things were anything but family-friendly.
In fact, at one point tensions rose so high that they lead to a slapping match between Gary Coleman and his cast member Todd Bridges. This can be seen as a cautionary tale that you shouldn’t always believe everything you see on TV, and that not everything is always as it seems.
3. Cheers
No list of 80s TV sitcoms would be complete without mentioning Cheers. The sitcom where everybody knows your name was at one point one of the longest-running TV shows in existence, lasting from 1982 to 1993. It was also a sitcom that was initially critically acclaimed but garnered disappointing ratings in the beginning.
Of course, we all know how that story goes. We also all know that it was Cheers that was the precursor to one of the most popular sitcoms of the 90s, Fraiser. From this fact we can learn that sometimes, the spinoff can be better than the original.
The Best 80s Sitcoms: A Trip Down Memory Lane
These 80s sitcoms represent only a fraction of the delightful shows that lit up our airwaves each week during this time. There’s no denying that the 1980s were a pivotal and remarkable time in television history. There are many lessons to be learned from the top shows of this era.
If you’re looking for more fun facts and TV trivia, stick around. We’ve got lots more interesting articles right here. Check them out now.