#TBT: The Best TV Shows of the 80s

Here were are again, #TBT.

Well, last week when we were busy reminding you how everything in the 80s was awesomeRolling Stone released a poll of the top shows from that decade.

And while it’s a pretty solid list, we have a few – mostly kids’ shows, and mostly Canadian – to add. 

Let’s be honest, most of us weren’t old enough to recall episodes of Cheers, Dallas, or Miami Vice back in the neon and cereal-filled decade that was the 80s. 

Here are the 11 best shows of the 1980s; and if the name doesn’t jolt your memory, perhaps the theme songs will. 

Family Ties (1982-1989)
If you had an older brother or sister (or were perhaps just beyond your years yourself) you definitely won’t forget the Family Ties theme song… or every member of the Keaton family.

Today’s Special (1981-1987)
Do the names Sam Crenchaw, Muffy Mouse, Jodie, and a mannequin named Jeff who comes to life sound familiar? Of course, they were all the characters found within the walls of the department store of the popular children’s show Today’s Special.

Fred Penner’s Place (1987-1999)
If you were into nature and sing-alongs as a kid, then you were probably a fan of Fred Penner (you know, the guy who crawled through logs) and his magical outdoor world. Still alive and singing, he recently won a Juno for Children’s Album of the Year.

Alf (1986-1990)
We know we weren’t the only 80s babies who secretly wished we could replace a sibling with a cool, sarcastic alien like Alf. The show was a Sunday night staple.

Fraggle Rock (1983-1987)
Remember the colourful creatures who lived in the magical land of Fraggle Rock? If so, you’re probably as excited as we are that it will soon be remade as a feature film.

The Wonder Years (1988-1993)
Pretty much everything you knew about young love came from The Wonder Years. Really, who can forget Kevin and Winnie’s first kiss? Or the theme song, for that matter…

Deke Wilson’s Mini-Mysteries (1989-1990)
Sure, it was short-lived, but we’re willing to bet that Deke Wilson inspired no shortage of young wanna-be detectives who spent hours trying to solve the mysteries in their own neighbourhoods.

You Can’t Do that on Television (1979-1990)
How could you forget the bathroom humour and the green slime that made up an episode of You Can’t Do that on Television? You definitely wanted to be on the show as much as we did.

My Pet Monster (1987)
Why couldn’t we all have a doll that came to life the way that ‘My Pet Monster’ did? Seriously. Talking Teddy Ruxpin doesn’t count.

The Edison Twins (1982-1986)
Aside from recreating the show with your siblings and kids from the neighbourhood, The Edison Twins probably helped to pique your interest in science.

The Elephant Show (1984-1988)
Could you really forget about Sharon, Lois, and Bram? We think not; they were likely your first concert.

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