7 Underrated 1980s TV Shows That Deserve A Reboot

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When we think of the 1980s, we often remember the fantastic movies and music. But the decade also gave us a lot of great television that deserves recognition. While some of these shows became truly iconic parts of pop culture, many other excellent series from the 80s have unfortunately faded from memory.

The 1980s were full of creative and fun TV shows that many people have forgotten. These shows had unique ideas that could still attract viewers today. If these underrated ’80s series were brought back, they’d likely find a new audience in today’s television landscape.

7) The Highwayman (1987-1988)

Despite lasting only ten episodes, the 1980s show The Highwayman remains a hidden gem that could still resonate with viewers today. It combined the action of Mad Max with the high-tech vehicle concept of Knight Rider, centering on a driver who fought crime in a dangerous, near-future world using a tricked-out truck. This truck was packed with incredible features – a detachable helicopter, a hidden sports car, and all sorts of gadgets and weapons. While a reboot could be successful, it would need to fully embrace the show’s over-the-top nature to appeal to modern audiences.

6) Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990)

Years after it originally aired, Beauty and the Beast feels remarkably forward-thinking for a fantasy show. It uniquely combined the classic fairy tale with the backdrop of 1980s New York City, telling a love story between Linda Hamilton and Ron Perlman’s characters while also exploring a hidden, idealistic underground society. The idea of reimagining fairy tales in a modern setting proved popular with shows like Once Upon a Time, suggesting a Beauty and the Beast reboot could still attract viewers now.

5) Out of This World (1987-1991)

While it wasn’t a massive hit when it first aired, the 1980s sitcom Out of This World is a charming and surprisingly relevant show. It centers around a teenage girl who learns she’s half-alien and has special abilities. Though it didn’t leave a huge mark on pop culture, a refreshed version could definitely appeal to today’s pre-teen viewers.

4) Sledge Hammer! (1986-1988)

Great comedy has always found a place on television, and one sitcom from the 1980s deserves more recognition than it gets. Sledge Hammer! centers around Inspector Sledge Hammer, a detective with the San Francisco Police Department. The show was remarkably clever for its time, and its satirical style – which playfully mocked common detective tropes – feels surprisingly fresh today, making it a perfect candidate for a modern revival.

3) Airwolf (1984-1987)

Airwolf is a beloved show for its dedicated fans, but largely unknown to everyone else. The series was an action-packed military drama centering around a technologically advanced helicopter – the ‘Airwolf’ – and its team, who carried out risky missions often involving espionage. While definitely a product of the 1980s, a modern update with strong writing could easily revitalize the show for a new audience.

2) The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)

There are a lot of sci-fi shows ripe for a revival, but The Greatest American Hero has especially strong potential. This comedy-drama centers on a Los Angeles teacher who gets a suit from outer space that gives him superpowers. Given how popular superhero stories are today, a reboot could be successful, especially because of the show’s humor and dedicated fanbase.

1) Dungeons & Dragons (1983-1985)

The animated Dungeons & Dragons series isn’t necessarily a classic, but it remains enjoyable and played a key role in expanding the franchise’s fanbase. With the game still so popular, a modern TV show based on Dungeons & Dragons is almost certain to succeed. Given how affordable animation can be and the vast amount of existing stories to draw from, creating a new series seems like a smart and obvious move.

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2026-01-23 19:14