15 Sitcoms from the ’80s That Deserve a Comeback
Remember when Thursday nights meant gathering around the TV for must-see comedy? The 1980s gave us some of the most memorable sitcoms in television history, with quirky characters and heartwarming moments that still make us smile today. While some shows have already gotten the reboot treatment, many gems from this golden era remain untouched, waiting for their chance to shine again with fresh stories and modern twists.
1. Family Ties
Former hippie parents raising conservative kids in today’s polarized America? The premise of Family Ties feels more relevant than ever. The original show tackled everything from addiction to relationships with surprising depth for a sitcom.
Michael J. Fox’s Alex P. Keaton could return as a grandfather watching his liberal daughter raise a Gen Z conservative. The show’s exploration of family dynamics across political divides would resonate perfectly with modern audiences struggling to maintain relationships despite differing viewpoints.
2. Night Court
The chaotic nighttime proceedings of a Manhattan court created comedy gold in the original series. Judge Harry Stone’s magic tricks and quirky approach to justice made Night Court stand out from typical legal shows.
A revival could follow Harry Stone Jr. taking over his late father’s position, inheriting both his judicial robe and love of practical jokes. The late-night court would feature an even more diverse array of defendants reflecting our modern world, while maintaining the warmth and zaniness that made the original special.
3. Perfect Strangers
Balki Bartokomous, the cheerful immigrant from the fictional island of Mypos, taught us about acceptance and friendship through his relationship with uptight cousin Larry. Their “Dance of Joy” remains iconic decades later.
A modern revival could follow Balki’s son arriving in America to live with Larry’s daughter. The cultural misunderstandings would reflect today’s global connectivity while still delivering heartfelt lessons about embracing differences.
The fish-out-of-water premise works even better in our technology-driven world where face-to-face connections feel increasingly rare.
4. Designing Women
The outspoken women of Sugarbaker & Associates delivered sharp wit and progressive viewpoints straight from Atlanta, Georgia. Their discussions about politics, relationships, and society were revolutionary for the time.
A comeback could feature Julia Sugarbaker’s daughter running the design firm with her own diverse team of strong-minded women. The show’s famous monologues about social issues would fit perfectly in today’s climate of speaking truth to power.
The blend of Southern charm and fearless commentary would provide both laughs and thought-provoking moments for a new generation.
5. WKRP in Cincinnati
The dysfunctional staff of a struggling radio station created comedy gold as they navigated format changes and personal drama. Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap became cultural icons with their distinctive on-air personalities.
A reboot could explore how traditional radio survives in the podcast and streaming age. Perhaps the station now balances conventional broadcasting with digital content, creating tension between old-school DJs and young influencers.
The Thanksgiving turkey drop episode alone deserves a modern interpretation – “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly” remains one of TV’s funniest lines.
6. Newhart
Bob Newhart’s deadpan reactions to the eccentric residents of a small Vermont town made this show a quiet masterpiece. The series finale, revealing the entire show was a dream of his character from a previous sitcom, remains one of television’s greatest twists.
A revival could follow a city couple who buy a historic inn and turn it into a bed and breakfast with live streaming and social media presence. The clash between rural traditions and modern technology would create perfect comedy scenarios.
Larry, Darryl, and Darryl – the taciturn local brothers – could return as old-timers resistant to the inn’s digital transformation.
7. Bosom Buddies
Before Tom Hanks became an Oscar winner, he donned a dress to secure affordable housing in this groundbreaking comedy. Two male friends disguised themselves as women to live in a female-only apartment building, leading to constant close calls and identity confusion.
A modern take could explore contemporary conversations about gender fluidity with sensitivity and humor. Perhaps the new protagonists aren’t hiding their identities but exploring them, while navigating roommate challenges in an expensive housing market.
The friendship at the core would remain the emotional anchor amid the comedy.
8. ALF
A sarcastic, cat-eating alien crash-landing into suburban America created one of the decade’s most unusual sitcoms. ALF’s puppet form and wisecracks made him an unlikely family member for the Tanners.
Today’s special effects could make ALF more expressive while maintaining his puppet charm. The revival could explore how an alien visitor views our smartphone-obsessed, politically divided world.
Imagine ALF discovering social media or trying to understand TikTok dances! His outsider perspective would provide the perfect lens to examine our own strange customs that we take for granted.
9. Who’s the Boss
Tony Danza played a former baseball player who became a live-in housekeeper for a female advertising executive, challenging gender norms of the 1980s. The show tackled work-life balance and found humor in reversed traditional roles.
A modern version could explore how gender expectations have evolved while acknowledging how much work still remains. Perhaps Tony’s daughter Samantha now hires a male nanny for her own children while pursuing her career.
The show’s warmth and chemistry made it special, proving that chosen families can be just as meaningful as biological ones.
10. Silver Spoons
A wealthy man-child learns responsibility while raising his practical young son in a mansion filled with toys and arcade games. The economic fantasy of the show reflected the materialistic 1980s perfectly.
A contemporary reboot could examine wealth inequality with both humor and heart. Perhaps the new protagonist inherits wealth but struggles with guilt and purpose in a world where economic disparities have grown even wider.
The train that ran through the mansion must return, but now alongside commentary on privilege and giving back – proving you can have social awareness alongside silly fun.
11. Square Pegs
Sarah Jessica Parker starred in this short-lived but influential show about high school misfits trying to fit in. Its authentic portrayal of teenage awkwardness and social hierarchies resonated with viewers who didn’t see themselves in typical teen shows.
High school remains a perfect setting for comedy and drama. A revival could explore how social media has transformed teen life while the fundamental desire to belong remains unchanged.
The original’s new wave soundtrack and quirky fashion could translate to today’s TikTok trends and ever-shifting teenage subcultures, capturing Gen Z’s unique voice.
12. It’s a Living
The waitresses at a high-end restaurant dealt with demanding customers, workplace drama, and personal challenges while supporting each other. The show highlighted the dignity of service work long before discussions about minimum wage became mainstream.
Today’s service industry faces unprecedented challenges. A reboot could explore gig economy workers, app-based delivery, and customer entitlement in the social media era.
The found family aspect would remain central – coworkers bonding through shared struggles and celebrating small victories together. The comedy would balance workplace frustrations with genuine camaraderie.
13. Just the Ten of Us
A Growing Pains spin-off featuring a Catholic coach with eight children navigating life in a crowded household. The show found humor in the logistics of raising a large family on a teacher’s salary.
Blended families are increasingly common today. A revival could feature a merged household where step-siblings, half-siblings, and adopted children create a beautifully chaotic modern family.
The economic realities of raising multiple children would provide both comedy and poignant moments, especially with today’s housing costs and educational expenses. The heart of the show would remain the same: love multiplies when shared.
14. Small Wonder
An engineer created a robot daughter named Vicki who lived with his family while learning to be human. The show’s premise seems almost prophetic given today’s advances in artificial intelligence.
A modern version could explore ethical questions about AI rights and personhood through a family lens. What responsibilities do creators have toward their creations? Can AI truly develop emotions?
The original played these questions for laughs, but a reboot could balance comedy with thoughtful exploration of technology’s role in our lives. Vicki’s journey toward humanity would mirror our own questions about what makes us human.
15. Sledge Hammer!
This satire of tough-guy cop shows featured a detective who talked to his gun and caused more problems than he solved. Its over-the-top approach to police tropes was ahead of its time.
With police procedurals still dominating television, a revival could brilliantly parody modern cop shows while addressing contemporary conversations about policing. The protagonist’s clueless machismo would create both laughs and commentary.
The original’s willingness to blow up its own premise (literally, in the first season finale) suggests a reboot could take creative risks while honoring the anarchic spirit that made the show unique.
