7 Great Modern TV Shows Set in the ’80s, Ranked

As a total cinema and TV buff, I’ve noticed so many shows lately are set in the ’80s, and honestly, it makes perfect sense! There’s just something about that decade – the look, the music, everything feels so unique. For those of us who lived through it, it’s pure nostalgia, but even younger viewers seem fascinated by it. Still, it’s rare to find a series that really nails the ’80s vibe and makes it a truly immersive and memorable experience. It’s not just about the clothes and the soundtrack, it’s about capturing that feeling.

The 1980s play a significant role in these shows—sometimes setting the mood, and other times driving the main plot. Here are 7 recent series that brilliantly capture the feel of the ’80s, ranked from least to most effective.

7) Chernobyl

The show Chernobyl isn’t just about the 1980s; it’s a deep look into the devastating nuclear disaster that occurred in the Soviet Union in 1986. It follows the efforts of scientists, firefighters, and officials as they struggle to control the fallout after a reactor explodes, while the Soviet government tries to cover up the extent of the crisis. This focus on a tragic historical event makes it a unique and compelling show.

The series excels at recreating the 1980s, offering a level of detail that surpasses many recent shows attempting the same thing. It goes beyond simple nostalgia by thoughtfully portraying the politics, science, and social dynamics of the era, giving the decade a richer context. This approach makes the series feel realistic and provides a unique perspective rarely seen on television. However, despite its strengths, Chernobyl appears last on this list because it doesn’t rely on the 1980s setting as a central part of its story like other productions do.

6) The Americans

If you’re looking for a show that perfectly captures the feel of 1980s politics, look no further than The Americans. The series centers on Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet spies posing as a married couple in suburban America during the Cold War. They balance dangerous missions for the KGB with maintaining a believable family life, a challenge that intensifies when they discover their neighbor is an FBI counterintelligence agent.

Unlike Chernobyl, this show offers a wider-ranging depiction of the period. The 1980s are brought to life through the lens of global politics, the fear of nuclear war, and the deep distrust between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. This creates a realistic atmosphere, particularly as that political tension impacts the central couple’s relationship. However, the show primarily focuses on its spy story, which prevents it from reaching the very top tier of similar series.

5) GLOW

We’re now looking at the side of the 1980s that most people remember – a really vibrant and fun era. The show GLOW tells the story of Ruth Wilder (played by Alison Brie), an actress having a hard time finding work. She ends up joining a women’s wrestling show based on the real Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling league. What begins as a last-ditch effort to find a job quickly becomes a wild TV experiment, full of over-the-top characters, silly performances, and fake rivalries.

GLOW really shines at capturing the energy and showmanship of the 1980s. It embraces everything iconic about the decade – from the bright, flashy costumes and memorable music to the over-the-top style of television at the time. Although the show was canceled too soon and isn’t always the first thing people think of when they remember the ’80s, it expertly uses its setting. Ultimately, it’s ranked here because the story itself isn’t completely reliant on the 1980s to be engaging.

4) Red Oaks

Red Oaks is a charming coming-of-age story set in the 1980s. The series follows college student David Myers as he spends his summers working at a country club in New Jersey, navigating friendships, first loves, and family expectations. As he tries to decide on his future, David begins to see that his path might not be what his parents always envisioned.

The series excels at capturing the feel of the 1980s without relying too heavily on obvious pop culture references. Instead of simply showing the ’80s, it uses the decade to highlight the characters’ personal journeys and transitions. This creates a blend of classic teen comedy vibes with a more thoughtful, modern approach. Ultimately, the show successfully evokes what it was like to grow up during that time, making it relatable for viewers.

3) The Goldbergs

If you love the 1980s, you’ll probably love The Goldbergs – it’s a show that really leans into the nostalgia of the decade, and that’s why it’s one of the best. It’s a sitcom told through the eyes of a grown-up Adam Goldberg (played by Sean Giambrone) as he looks back on his childhood. We see his hilariously chaotic family life, often captured on his home video camera. Each episode centers around the wild and funny situations created by the family, usually involving his overbearing mother and competitive siblings.

The TV show The Goldbergs is filled with references to 1980s movies, games, music, and fashion, which often spark the storylines in each episode. However, the show always keeps its focus on the family’s relationships. Nostalgia is really at the heart of the series, shaping its humor and overall feel. While the 1980s aren’t the main plot, they’re what make the show fun, engaging, and relatable for viewers.

2) Pose

Like many shows set in the 1980s, Pose offers a unique perspective, showcasing a side of the decade rarely seen on screen. But unlike Chernobyl, the time period is central to the show’s meaning. Pose centers on New York City’s vibrant ballroom culture, a community largely comprised of LGBTQ+ people who express themselves through elaborate dance, fashion, and performance competitions. These individuals often find support and belonging in “houses”—chosen families formed by those rejected by their own families.

I think Pose absolutely deserves its high ranking because it shows the ’80s in a way I haven’t really seen before – it’s not just about remembering the fun stuff. While a lot of shows focus on the music or what it was like to be young then, Pose dives into really important and difficult issues like discrimination, being poor, and the AIDS crisis. But even with those heavy themes, it still captures the joy and strong sense of family you found in the ballroom scene back then. It’s a truly honest, lively, and moving portrayal of the decade.

1) Stranger Things

It’s no surprise that Stranger Things is number one on this list. A major reason for its popularity is how it portrays the 1980s, particularly for viewers who didn’t experience the decade firsthand. The show has become a benchmark for evoking nostalgia and capturing the energy of the ’80s. The story centers around the disappearance of a young boy in Hawkins, Indiana, leading his friends to investigate. Their search leads them to a girl with special abilities who escaped from a hidden lab, and together they uncover a strange alternate world.

Few recent shows have captured the essence of the 1980s as powerfully as this one. It expertly mixes science fiction, horror, fantasy, and adventure, while also celebrating the iconic movies and books of that era. Details like bicycles, arcades, Dungeons & Dragons, and a nostalgic soundtrack create a familiar and captivating atmosphere. More than just being set in the ’80s, the show truly recreates the kind of thrilling adventures that defined pop culture at the time.

What’s your favorite show? Let us know in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-08 00:15