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At one time television was entertaining and of interest to watch that required no parental advisory. Such shows included: |
Solid Gold 1980-1988
Solid Gold is an ultra-fabulous show because prior to the popularity of music videos viewers were able to see many of their favorite artists in addition to watching the Solid Gold Dancers who performed the latest and greatest moves while wearing the most unbelievably sparkling ensembles. I'm quite certain many people at one time or another wished or pretended that they too were a Solid Gold Dancer (though they probably won't ever admit to it). I know I did (and sometimes still do). |
The Smurfs 1981-1990
The Smurfs is such an excellent program because, contrary to what many people and groups presume the show to be about it is an innocent and fun cartoon to watch that contains no violence and uses magic in a cute, harmless manner. Nevertheless, the gossip regarding The Smurfs being evil is rather amusing yet may possibly be true as one night I thought I saw my Smurfette doll try to chase me while brandishing a knife until I jumped into bed and hid under the covers. |
Knight Rider 1982-1986
While television programs regularly featured vehicles that performed stunts not many shows can match-up to this one because it not only revolves around a car that does totally awesome tricks each segment is action-packed with a different plot. Last but not least due to the recognition of the car in Knight Rider there became a humongous demand for black Firebird Trans Am's with people wanting an automobile that looked just like KITT. |
Silver Spoons 1982-1987
Silver Spoons is a lighthearted program in that a father and son who have been estranged for twelve years become closer while learning valuable lessons from each other in addition to it being a kids' or adults' dream come true to live in a mansion filled with numerous amenities. |
Family Ties 1982-1989
Not many television shows can compare to Family Ties which is a terrific program that not only examines both sides of family members' opinions and convictions from diverse generations regarding many subjects while maintaining a comedic setting, it also addresses important concerns in which viewers could understand and at the same time instills family ethics. Interesting to Know: The live recording of the song "At This Moment" by Billy Vera and the Beaters was originally recorded in 1981 but received very little recognition until Family Ties played the song during a two-part episode which aired in 1985 titled "The Real Thing" when Alex realizes that he's in love with Ellen who is already engaged to someone else and is on a train to meet her fiance so Alex drives to the train station to try to stop her and tell her how he feels. The song is titled the Alex/Ellen theme song. Sheer Coincidence: Mallory Keaton, the character in which Justine Bateman portrayed on Family Ties became a fashion designer and in real-life the actress is a fashion designer. |
Who's the Boss? 1984-1992
Despite the fact that during the '80s several television programs were made regarding a housekeeper who takes care of a home as well as the family that resides in it Who's the Boss? is unequivocally one of the best in that each character plays a significant role in the show and together they all become family. Most importantly many fans (including myself) often questioned the fate of Tony and Angela which made the program even more appealing to watch and gave new meaning to the catch phrase, "Oh-Ay, Ay-Oh." * One thing that has puzzled me for many years has to do with Mona's dog Grover who was in the first few seasons of the show then seemed to disappear. Whatever happened to him? |
Punky Brewster 1984-1988
Punky Brewster is an absolute carefree program because not only is it about an adorable little girl who, regardless of what she's been through is always cheerful and looks on the bright side of things she also brings happiness to a lonely man and the sitcom confirms that people don't have to be related to be family. |
Cosby Show 1984-1992
The Cosby Show is undoubtedly an estimable television program because it not only addresses different circumstances pertaining to family members it also represents both the simple aspects as well as the difficulties associated with raising children while conveying a positive message which is something many people could connect with. Furthermore, from the time the show first premiered to the last episode that aired audiences throughout the world watched all five children grow up and experience changes in their lives. |
The Golden Girls 1985-1992
The Golden Girls is one of the greatest television programs ever in that each character is different in many ways yet together they have the perfect chemistry to make a hit show. Also some episodes focus on one particular character centering a storyline for that person adding depth to the series and lastly most fans and many viewers have their own favorite Golden Girl (mine is Dorothy) who they feel enhances the show. * The Golden Girls set the precedence for several sitcoms (though never given its deserving credit) regarding four women each with distinctive personalities who either live together or apart and are very close friends. Strangely enough certain television programs that later aired revolved around four friends with characteristics that were noticeably similar to the on-screen personas from that of The Golden Girls. |
227 1985-1990
No matter what each episode is about it usually ends up with Mary and Rose sitting outside on their steps gossiping about something or someone while Pearl simple leans out her window offering her own opinion as many conversations are about Sandra (who often saunters in from a date and describes her experience to the women) and either her date, the man she’s currently seeing or some other discussion which is both comical and entertaining. During the almost five-year run several characters were added while others were written off or simply ”disappeared” completely altering the premise of the series which may have resulted in the show’s ratings declining. While the play differentiates from the sitcom in that it is set in Chicago whereas the television program takes place in Washington, D.C., 227 is a great show which portrays the everyday lives of working class people who are mainly featured either inside or outside of their apartment and rely on each other’s friendship in good times and in bad as humor plays an important factor. |
The Biggest Cliffhanger of all Time - "Who Shot J.R.?"
Finally after months of speculating and finger pointing on Friday, November 21, 1980 the episode titled "House Divided" aired with an estimated 80 million people worldwide watching and discovered the culprit responsible for one of the most talked about events in television history was the sister of Sue Ellen (J.R.'s wife) Kristin Shephard Farraday who had been having an affair with J.R. and was pregnant with his child but later miscarried. The "Who Shot J.R.?" episode did something that no other program had done in that it literally had people in shock not only trying to figure out who pulled the trigger but also pondering the question whether or not one of the most ruthless villains on television would survive. The fact that millions upon millions of people were forced to wait eight long months to discover who was behind this shocking crime only added anticipation and excitement to the program and no matter how many T.V. series try to leave viewers in suspense whether it's a season finale or other climactic episode nothing will ever compare to the ultimate cliffhanger of all time that had so many people asking the question, "Who Shot J.R.?" By the Way. The episode titled "Who Done It?" skyrocketed ratings for CBS making it one of the most watched events in television history. *Fast Fact The actor Sasha Mitchell portrayed J.R. Ewing's illegitimate son James Beaumont on Dallas from 1989 to 1991 and Cody Lambert on Step By Step from 1991 to 1996 and again in 1998 making him the nephew of actor Patrick Duffy's character on both shows. |
Each week this program showcased the week's top 10 hit songs in pop music. Occasionally singers or groups would appear on the show and lip-sync their songs while celebrities would often host episodes. The Solid Gold Dancers always dressed in the flashiest outfits while dancing to the hottest songs.
Originally known as 'Le Schtroumpfs' in French The Smurfs is one of the greatest cartoon series in the history of television about a group of small sky blue creatures that live in a village and have houses in the shape of little mushrooms located in a forest. In 1981 Hanna Barbera Productions began producing the animated series on NBC that stars Papa Smurf as the leader of all the other Smurfs each of whom have descriptive names which represent their characters while Gargamel is the evil wizard who is always trying to catch the Smurfs so he can boil them and turn them into gold and has help from his scrupulous cat Azriel. From the very beginning of The Smurfs airing on television there have been numerous stories surrounding the fact that they were communists due to the similarities of the lifestyles they led from living in a village and sharing everything along with the rules they were forced to adhere to that are comparable to a communist society. It is also rumored that the word SMURF stands for: "Socialist Men Under Red Father" or "Soviet Men Under Red Father" and that the "Red Father" is in reference to Papa Smurf who wears red pants, a red hat (red being the color of communism) and has a white, wide beard just like socialist Karl Marx. Such reports stem from the originator of The Smurfs (which was primarily made as a Belgium comic strip) Pierre "Peyo" Culliford and according to some his intention was to spread the idea of communism through the cartoon while others have claimed that the characters were evil due to the fact that they used magic on their show in addition to various other stories which included The Smurfs being satanic. Whether or not the accusations are true or are simply rumors the topic still makes for interesting conversations and/or debates. 
During the 1980's many television series had partners who teamed up to solve crimes including this show. Michael Arthur Long who had been an undercover police detective until he is wounded in the line of duty, severely disfiguring his face, is presumed to be dead but instead becomes taken care of by a dying industrialist named Wilton Knight who works to fight crime and is the founder of F.L.A.G. which stands for the Foundation for Law and Government. After Michael undergoes plastic surgery to look like Wilton's son Garthe (who at the time is imprisoned in Africa and who Wilton believes won't be seen or heard from again) he has a new face along with a new identity known as Michael Knight. In addition, Wilton's friend Devon Miles is appointed new director of F.L.A.G. and gives Michael his missions as he takes Wilton's place in the crusade against unlawful activities and is also given a high-tech computerized automobile named KITT which stands for Knight Industry Two Thousand that is able to talk, assist Michael in getting out of difficult and often dangerous situations, drive itself when necessary, communicate with Michael by way of his wristwatch and even contains a television monitor located on the dashboard so when Devon needs to speak with Michael he simply appears on the screen. A black rig which Michael drives into at times serves as a second office in case he needs to see Devon about something and allows KITT's mechanic, Bonnie or April (depending on what particular time period the series is filmed) to repair or add various parts to the automobile when necessary followed by Michael and KITT who, when ready to leave simply back out of the truck and drive off to their next destination which is still exciting to watch occur.
Before the world became obsessed with reality shows there were programs that were enjoyable to watch such as this one about a real-life Richie Rich named Ricky Stratton who is a twelve-year-old boy and had been sent to a military boarding school by his mother, an arrogant and materialistic woman named Evelyn Bluedhorn but manages to run away and go to his father's house to finally meet him. Edward Stratton, III who had been married to Evelyn for seven days before getting divorced is unaware that he even has a son and even though he is a millionaire who owns the company Eddie Toys he's like a big kid himself occupied with games and never having to be responsible for anything before yet after initially taking Ricky back to boarding school Edward has second thoughts and brings Ricky back home to his Long Island mansion (which looks like a magnificent castle on the outside and has a front door that opens via remote control) filled with toys, video games and even a train that can be ridden through the living room. By Ricky teaching Edward to become a more responsible father Edward shows Ricky how to not be so serious and have more fun being a kid. Other characters who add diversity and laughter to the series include Kate Summers, Edward's personal assistant who he eventually marries; Edward Stratton, II, Edward's crotchety beyond wealthy father owning Stratton Industries which is the parent company to Eddy Toys and who disapproves of his son's childish behavior; Edward's very stern attorney Leonard Rollins and his finicky business manager Dexter Stuffins along with Ricky's friends including Leslie who has a huge crush on him, troublemaker Derek Taylor, the ever uncool Freddie Lippincottleman, J.T. Martin who often convinces Ricky to do mischievous things and Dexter's nephew Alfonzo Spears who is also Ricky's best friend.
A sitcom that engages in family values, political beliefs and everyday life centering around Steven and Elyse Keaton who are two ex-hippies in addition to being former activists and radicals now turned professionals living in Columbus, Ohio with their four children. Alex, the eldest who appropriately goes by the name Alex P. Keaton is entirely different from his parents in that he's an ardent republican, is always dressed in a suit or shirt and tie, worships both Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan and is consumed with money and power. Mallory on the other hand is not nearly as driven or book smart for that matter as her brother is favoring shopping and cute guys over studying yet has a flair for fashion. Jennifer is a regular girl but gives Alex amusingly sarcastic remarks when necessary and Andy, who is the youngest and idolizes Alex who is extremely influential in his brother's life by keeping him informed of the stock market among other things that has Alex being Andy's role model. The main focal point of the show; however, is to illustrate the differences/conflicts between Steven and Elyse's views concerning numerous topics ranging from equality for all to war and everything in between since the '60s are a very significant part of their lives compared to their kids' conservative ideas in an entirely different time the '80s and how completely opposite they think in contrast to their children. In addition, the sitcom covers serious topics such as teen pregnancy and the loss of someone which was something television programs rarely discussed at that time.
The premise of this television sitcom is about a former second baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals and widower named Tony Micelli who is retired from major league due to a shoulder injury and moves to Fairfield, Connecticut from Brooklyn to work as a housekeeper for advertising executive Angela Bower so his daughter Samantha could have a better upbringing. While Tony helps to raise his boss' son Jonathon, Angela, who is divorced becomes the mother figure to Samantha while Angela's mother Mona Robinson who often visits and eventually moves into a loft above Angela's garage adds humor and enjoyment to the program by constantly talking about men and encouraging her daughter who has a tendency to be uptight to lighten up and not take things so seriously. Both Tony and Angela who have feelings for one another maintain a platonic relationship until the last season when they both profess their love for each other.
A charming show about a seven-year-old girl named Penelope "Punky" Brewster who, along with her golden retriever Brandon (also known as Brandon the Wonder Dog) becomes abandoned by her mother at a Chicago supermarket. After staying at an orphanage called Fenster Hall, Punky (whose father had walked out on her and her mother when she was very young) and Brandon escape and find refuge in an empty apartment building but are soon discovered by a widowed photographer named Henry Warnimont who lives on the second floor and is also the apartment manager. Initially Henry, a cantankerous yet gentle man allows Punky and Brandon to stay with him until she finds a permanent place to live but ends up becoming her foster father. Punky also becomes friends with Cherie Johnson whose parent's had died in an accident three years earlier and who now lives upstairs with her grandmother and legal guardian Betty Johnson, stuck-up Margeaux Kramer, prankster Allen Anderson and her teacher Mike Fulton who was also abandoned by his mother. Though both Punky and Henry face difficulties at certain times their love for each other brings them closer.
Based on Bill Cosby's real-life family this program which takes place in Brooklyn revolves around Heathcliff Huxtable, an OB-GYN whose practice is located in his brownstone home; his wife Clair, a prosperous attorney and their five children Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa and Rudy. Throughout its eight-year run this series focuses on various situations such as the two eldest daughters attending college then marrying to have families of their own, having Theo discover that he's dyslexic while attending N.Y.U. (Bill Cosby's son Ennis was dyslexic therefore the storyline became incorporated into the sitcom) along with other everyday issues regarding the two youngest daughters. Both Cliff and Clair are respectable parents who instill the importance of education in their children in addition to supporting their decisions without being forceful but still enforce rules while Cliff demonstrates parenting skills that are effective as well as humorous.
A creative and unequalled sitcom revolving around four elderly women who all share a home in Miami and consist of Dorothy Zbornak, a divorced substitute teacher from Brooklyn who is the sensible as well as sarcastic one; Rose Nylund, a widowed grief counselor from St. Olaf, Minnesota who is considerably naïve and always tells humorous stories especially when one of her roommates has a problem; Blanche Devereaux, a southern widower who works at a museum and is constantly discussing men and her encounters with them and Sophia Petrillo who is Dorothy's widowed mother and due to a stroke she suffered involuntarily says wisecracks to everyone in addition to (and often times) making up anecdotes about her life in Sicily. No matter what one roommate goes through the others are always there for moral support and stories especially at night while they are sitting at their kitchen table eating cheesecake.
Adapted from a play written by Christine Houston in 1978 the show, which is predominantly African-American and set in Washington, D.C. centers around an apartment building numbered 227 and the lives of the people who reside there consisting of Mary Jenkins, a housewife who always speaks her mind regardless of the situation; her husband Lester, a construction worker who often at times tries to reason with her about things and their academic teenage daughter Brenda. Other characters who live in the tenement and bring exuberance and laughs to the sitcom are Sandra Clark, the very sexy seductress who is always looking for Mr. Right but can’t seem to find him and who constantly bickers with Mary regarding almost everything yet always asks for her help when trying to get out of one of her numerous predicaments; Rose Lee Holloway, Mary’s best friend and confidante who eventually becomes the landlady of the apartment complex after the original owner suddenly dies and Pearl Shay, a cranky older lady who always knows everyone else’s business and lives with her teenage grandson Calvin who Brenda has a huge crush on and eventually dates.
On Friday, March 21, 1980 the final episode of the second season of the prime-time soap Dallas premiered titled "Who Done It?" referring to J.R. (John Ross) Ewing, Jr., the Texas oil tycoon people loved to hate who was shot. Viewers were at a standstill due to the fact that they had to wait an enduring eight months to find out who shot J.R. (seven of those weeks were as a result of the Hollywood actors strike) while talk shows, magazines and fans had a frenzy with it.