Dive into Nostalgia: The 10 Best 80s Sitcoms Worth Revisiting

1. Newhart (1982-1990)

Bob Newhart, known for his self-titled sitcom in the '70s, was back with a bang in the '80s with Newhart. Set in a small town in Vermont, the show revolves around Dick Loudon (played by Newhart), a New York City writer who runs a quaint little inn.

The series might be remembered for one of the most inventive finales in sitcom history, but it's the offbeat characters and quirky humor that make it truly endearing. And who can forget Tom Poston's portrayal of the perpetually befuddled handyman, George Utley? The show was so loved that it nabbed a staggering 25 Primetime Emmy Award nominations during its run.

2. Sledge Hammer! (1986-1988)

Sledge Hammer!, a parody of the action-packed police dramas of the time, features David Rasche as the titular character. Hammer is a gung-ho detective who solves crimes with his trusty .44 Magnum – or "gun", as he affectionately calls it. Sledge Hammer! was so convinced of its cancellation after the first season that they blew up the city in the finale.

Yet, it got a second season! The show is a delightful pastiche of every action-hero trope you can think of, complete with over-the-top violence and hilarious one-liners. It was a bit ahead of its time, but its irreverent humor has aged well enough to warrant a re-watch.

3. The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (1987-1991)

The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd is the kind of sitcom that goes unnoticed, yet carries a charming wit that's hard to forget. Starring Blair Brown as Molly Dodd, a divorced woman navigating life in New York City, it showcased a unique blend of comedy and drama. Each episode was an exploration of Molly's relationships, career choices, and self-discovery.

While it might not have reached the pinnacle of sitcom popularity, this under-the-radar gem was groundbreaking for its time, featuring a single, independent woman at the heart of the narrative. The series was initially aired on NBC before moving to Lifetime, a rarity in TV land.

4. Square Pegs (1982-1983)

Before Sarah Jessica Parker was strutting down the streets of Manhattan in Manolo Blahniks, she was a high-schooler trying to fit in. In Square Pegs, Parker plays Patty, a freshman desperate to shake off her geeky status and infiltrate the "in" crowd. This offbeat sitcom, though short-lived, was a cult favorite for its frank portrayal of teen life. The dialogue was real, the clothes were quintessentially '80s, and Devo made a guest appearance. What's not to love here?

5. It's Your Move (1984-1985)

Long before Arrested Development was a thing, Jason Bateman was a scheming teenager in It's Your Move. Bateman plays Matthew Burton, a high school con artist always looking for the next big scam. When his single mom's new boyfriend moves in, Matthew meets his match, sparking an ongoing game of trickery and one-upmanship. Though it only ran for one season, the show's clever writing and Bateman's early comedic chops made it a truly entertaining watch.

6. Open All Night (1981-1982)

Ever wandered into a convenience store at 3 am and wondered about the lives of the people working there? Open All Night did, and the result was a sitcom bursting with offbeat humor and intriguing characters. The show revolves around Gordon Feester, a man who owns and operates a 24-hour convenience store with his wife Gretchen, while dealing with his adult stepson who has a penchant for committing petty crimes.

While it may not have seen the light of day for more than a year, the late-night interactions with an array of quirky characters, ranging from sleep-deprived customers to inept robbers, are worth a revisit.

7. Buffalo Bill (1983-1984)

While it's easy to see why Buffalo Bill, featuring Dabney Coleman as the egotistical and chauvinistic talk show host Bill Bittinger, might not have gone down well with audiences in the '80s, the show's sharp satire of TV culture feels particularly relevant today.

Buffalo Bill's no-holds-barred approach to showcasing the lead character's unpleasant nature is counterbalanced by Coleman's excellent performance, making Bill likable in a weird, you-gotta-love-to-hate-him sort of way. Plus, a young Geena Davis in the supporting cast is always a delight to watch.

8. Frank's Place (1987-1988)

The show follows Frank Parrish, a professor from New England who inherits a restaurant in New Orleans after his father's death. What makes Frank's Place special is its blend of comedy and drama, painting a heartfelt picture of a man grappling with culture shock, while trying to keep a business afloat. Despite winning acclaim from critics and a couple of Emmy Awards to boot, the show unfortunately only ran for a single season. So, if you're in the mood for a sitcom with soul, then Frank's Place is worth a second glance.

9. Benson (1979-1986)

For a show that shares its name with its lead character, Benson sure does a lot more. Robert Guillaume stars as Benson DuBois, a butler who becomes state budget director and later runs for governor. The series is not just about Benson's professional growth; it's also about the hilarious and heartwarming interactions he has with the family he serves and the fellow servants he supervises. The show won Guillaume an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, making him the first African-American to win this award.

10. Best of the West (1981-1982)

If a sitcom set in the wild west sounds intriguing, then you've got to check out Best of the West. The show centers on Sam Best, a Civil War veteran who moves his family to California to serve as a sheriff. The quirky townsfolk, his interactions with the local Native American tribe, and his own ineptitude with guns provide plenty of comedic fodder.