There’s a real yearning for the ’80s in today’s media, whether it’s in an entertaining homage likeLisa Frankensteinor in a popular show likeStranger Things. The 1980s is a glorious time filled with neon colors, new-wave music, and family sitcoms as far as the eye could see. While the family sitcom wasn’t a novelty concept, by the dawn of the ’80s, the sub-genre got a sanitized makeover to fit the new, strange times.
Gone were family shows that showcased poverty and bigotry,and in its place were saccharine 80s family sitcoms focused more on the nuisance of family life, and mainstream issues that these shows managed to fix in a matter of a half-and-hour. As formulaic as most of these shows were, family sitcoms were must-see-TV—and ’80s TV shows helped revitalize network television.
15Connor Family
‘Roseanne’ (1988–1997)
The iconic 1980s sitcom,Roseanne, follows the lives of the working-class family, the Conners, who are run by the family’s matriarch, Roseanne (Roseanne Barr), and her husband, Dan (John Goodman). The series is noted for the family’s brash and brutal honesty, making them a breath of fresh air for American living rooms.
The Conners are a no-nonsense family who rarely mince words, using sarcasm and humor to deal with their day-to-day lives as well as each other. Even though the Conners are experts in brutal honesty and wise cracks, they’re alsoa tight-knit family who, at the end of the day, can count on each other when it really matters.
14Cunningham Family
‘Happy Days’ (1974–1984)
Happy Dayscenters around teenager, Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) and his loving family, the Cunninghams, who are the ideal American family and have since become a staple in pop culture. Theseries initially aired in 1974, but considering it made it into the 1980s,the Cunningham family ranks as one of the best and most influential families in television history.
The Cunningham’s are a unique television family who may appear to be straight-laced, but they know how to have fun and enjoy life to the fullest. While the family enjoys spending time together and has traditional values, parents, Howard (Tom Bosley) and Marion (Marion Ross), encourage their kids to go out and run a household that is open to any of their friends, making them a wholesome and understanding family.
Happy Days
13Powell Family
‘Charles in Charge’ (1984–1990)
Scott Baiostars as a college student, Charles, who, while attending school, needs a place to stay. When he’s hired as a live-in housekeeper for the Powell family, he seemingly becomes a member of the family, making the Powell’s an eccentric and lively family who never seem to have a dull moment in their lives.
Charles in Chargesfollows an unusual but humorous premise surrounding the Powell familywho allow a young man into their home and eventually their lives, adding a sense of youth and liveliness to the family’s lives. While Charles brings a youthful and humorous charm to the family, the Powells add stability and guidance for the young man who is out on his own in the world, and it doesn’t hurt to lean on a strong family to help you through any obstacles or challenges that come your way.
Charles in Charge
12Drummond Family
‘Diff’rent Strokes (1978–1986)
Diff’rent Strokesisa significant 80s sitcomthat follows the lives of two Black brothers, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and his older brother, Willis (Todd Bridges), who are welcomed into the wealthy Park Avenue Drummond family by Phillip Drummond (Conrad Brian) and his daughter, Kimberly (Dana Plato). As Willis and Arnold adjust to their new life and home, the family develops a special bond through understanding, kindness, and acceptance.
The Drummond family were one of the first integrated sitcom familieswho proved to audiences that loving families come in all shapes and sizes. Despite coming from different walks of life, the Drummond family learn from each other, growing both as a family as well as individually. The Drummond family each bring something unique and special to their family unit and, while they have plenty of good laughs and great times together, they’re also a family full of heart and wholesome values, making them one of the best ’80s sitcom families.
Diff’rent Strokes
11Bower and Micelli Family
‘Who’s the Boss?’ (1984–1992)
When a widower and former professional baseball player, Tony Micelli (Tony Danza), takes a job as a live-in housekeeper, he and his daughter, Samantha (Alyssa Milano), move into the home of a divorced, powerful businesswoman, Angela Bower (Judith Light) and her son, Jonathan (Danny Pintaturo). As the two families come together under one roof, they soon become a close and loving family unit who are each other’s saving grace.
Who’s the Boss?is an essential ’80s sitcom that features the blended Bower and Micelli familywho effortlessly captured the hearts of television viewers. Between Tony’s macho-man charisma and Angela’s strong independence, the two families unexpectedly become a well-balanced unit that couldn’t imagine themselves living without each other. While Tony brings a bit of fun and humor to the mix, Angela brings structure and stability, creating a hilarious but harmonizing family that earns the Bower and Meicelli family a spot on the list.
Who’s the Boss
10Stratton Family
‘Silver Spoons’ (1982–1987)
Premiering in 1982,Silver Spoonsis a family sitcom that asked the question: “What would it be like to be raised by a manchild that made a fortune selling toys?” In the show, Edward Stratton II (John Houseman) finds it hard to raise his son Ricky (Richard Bartlett Schroder) as he often throws money at the problem. But as the show progresses,both father and son eventually meet in the middle, understanding each other beyond material possessions.
The answer that primetime viewers got weekly, was it would be a very awesome childhood, complete with a toy train that takes them all over a giant mansion.Silver Spoonswas the series that introduced the world toAlfonso Ribeiro(who first appeared in Season 3), who would go on to further cement his name in pop culture playing Carlton Banks in the'90s Black-led sitcomThe Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Silver Spoons
9Bundy Family
‘Married… with Children’ (1987–1997)
Married… with Childrenis an ’80s show that puts a spotlight on the chaotic but relatable Bundy family, which is composed of the father AL, mother Peggy, daughter Kelly, and son Bud. Each episode of the show highlights the adventures they go on in their daily lives, with an emphasis on their hilarious interactions.
The main reason why the show was able to retain its steam during its 10-season run isdue to the Bundys’ unapologetic humor and outrageous behavior. But despite their constant bickering and petty squabbles, the family remains cordial and loving with each other. Whether it’s weathering a financial storm or accepting their low social status, the Bundys will always find humor in their situation and become more resilient.
Married… With Children
8Harper Family
‘Mama’s Family’ (1983–1990)
In 1974,Vicky Lawrenceput on a gray wig and dressed as a Southern mama on thesketch comedy seriesThe Carol Burnett Show. Her skit as Thelma Mae Harper, aka, “Mama,” was so popular, that it warranted a spin-off series. That came nine years later withMama’s Family, which features Lawrence’s sharp-witted character as the matriarch of the dysfunctional Harper family on the show.
The Harper family wasloved by viewers due to their dysfunctional yet delightful family dynamics. One standout moment where the family comes together is when everyone moves back into the Harper household, which causes plenty of squabbles. However, the Harpers always came together in the end, showing audiences the importance of being a united family. Her sarcasm and sharp, hilarious zingers poweredMama’s Familyfor six seasons, which obtained popularity after it left NBC for syndication in 1986.
Mama’s Family
7Winslow Family
‘Family Matters’ (1989–1998)
Time for an honest take:Family Matterswould have died a short death if it wasn’t for Steve Urkel (Jaleel White), the geeky next-door neighbor of the Winslows that captivated America asThe Cosby Showwas entering its sundown period. Beneath the surface, however,Family Matterswas more than “Did I Do That?”The Winslow family captured the hearts of audiences with their chaotic quirks and humor-filled antics.
The sitcom touched on a variety of themes, and some of its “special episodes” remain some of the most impactful episodes ever produced on network television, ranging from Eddie Winslow (Darius McCrary) dealing with Chicago street gangs to Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) having to deal with racial bias within the Chicago Police force. While it hit peak ratings in the ’90s,Family Matterscould have easily fitted in well with the other family sitcoms of the ’80s.
Family Matters
6Brewster Family
‘Punky Brewster’ (1984–1988)
WhenPunky Brewsterpremiered on NBC in 1984, the heartwarming family sitcom brought a dose of “Punky Power” to television sets everywhere. Punky (Soleil Moon Frye) was a child who, along with her dog, Brandon, was abandoned by her parents. Found by Henry Wernimont, he took Punky in and became her adoptive father.
Punky Brewstershowcased on the screen how one can be at peace with being their free spirit, and while saccharine as with other ’80s family shows,Punky Brewsterhad a mojo that appeals to fans even to this day. As a sitcom family that focuses on the importance of a chosen family,the likable Brewsters prove to audiences—and America—that the true meaning of family is not a one-size-fits-all concept.
