Best TV shows of the 80s: Nos. 41-60
Our march through the top 80 television shows of the 80s continues today with Nos. 41-60. What can you expect on today's installment? A lot of guilty pleasures.
Today's biggest winners: Geeks around the world. Two of your all-time faves -- Doctor Who and Mystery Science Theater 3000 -- make their appearance on the list.
Don't forget to leave a comment and critique the list. And if you've forgotten how we came up with it, click here to read the explanation and to see shows No. 61-80. Also, 21-40 and 1-20.
TOP 80 TV SHOWS of the 80s: Nos. 41-60
60. Quantum Leap (1989-1993): Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell.
59. Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999): Kevin Murphy, Jim Mallon.
58. Fame (1982-87): Debbie Allen, Carlo Imperato.
57. Mork & Mindy (1978-82): Robin Williams, Pam Dawber.
56. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982): Gary Sandy, Richard Sanders.
55. Doogie Howser M.D. (1989–1993): Neil Patrick Harris, Max Casella.
54. Cagney & Lacey (1982-88): Tyne Daly, Sharon Gless.
53. Newhart (1982-1990): Bob Newhart, Tom Poston.
52. ALF (1986-90): Max Wright, Anne Schedeen.
51. Thirtysomething (1987 – 1991): Timothy Busfield, Peter Horton.
50. Three's Company (1977-84): John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt.
49. Taxi (1978-83): Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito.
48. L.A. Law (1985-94): Corbin Bernsen, Jimmy Smits.
47. In The Heat of the Night (1988-95): Carroll O'Connor, Thom Gossom Jr.
46. CHiPs (1977-83): Erik Estrada, Larry Wilcox
45. China Beach (1988-91): Dana Delaney, Concetta Tomei
44. Knots Landing (1979-93): Joan Van Ark, Michele Lee
43. 21 Jump Street (1987 - 1991): Johnny Depp, Richard Grieco
42. The Golden Girls (1985-92): Betty White, Beatrice Arthur
41. Dr. Who (1963-1984, 1986-1989): Patrick Troughton, Tom Baker
Personal faves: WKRP in Cincinnati, L.A. Law.
Could've lived without: The Golden Girls, ALF.
Tomorrow's list: What you talking about, Willis?
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
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there was one show called voyager...missing here..
Posted by: ash | April 23, 2009 at 12:35 AM
WKRP is #56. I can't even fathom that kind of madness. That's about the stupidest thing I've heard since Billy Martin said "Hey, I'll drive".
It was, far and away, the best sit-com of the 80's.
Posted by: The Lunchbox | August 15, 2007 at 01:56 PM
Yay! thirtysomething made the list! I'm pleasantly surprised it ranked as high as it did.
Posted by: Pam | August 14, 2007 at 12:48 PM
Steve, sorry to say but I loved Newhart and his style of family-friendly comedy.
The finale is one of the best TV moments of all time. "I'm Larry, this is my brother Darryl, and my other brother, Darryl."
And how can Doogie be rated so low? Remember the keyboard intro and the diary computer? I grew up with that show! Oh well.
Posted by: Al | August 13, 2007 at 01:20 PM
And that's the reason why it's ranked so low. It's almost an anti-80s show.
Posted by: Spears | August 13, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Shocked that Newhart rated so low, it's entirely in the '80s and it was a great show .... and yet, asked to name my fave shows of the '80s, I had forgotten all about it. Hmmm.
Posted by: chase | August 13, 2007 at 09:25 AM