Photo Credit: Henry Winkler/John Rich Productions/ Paramount Television.
The ’80s and ’90s weren’t just about neon leg warmers and cassette tapes; they birthed a revolution in television that left an indelible mark on pop culture. Prepare to hit rewind and blast through the golden era of TV because we’re diving deep into the Top 14 Gen X TV Shows that slapped boring television right in the face during the ’80s and ’90s!
From Star Trek to Happy Days, we’re diving deep into the era where sitcoms were sassy, dramas were daring, and everyone had a hairstyle that defied gravity.
Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994)
Boldly going where no one has gone before wasn’t just a catchphrase for Captain Picard and crew. Star Trek: TNG blasted through the ’80s and ’90s, redefining TV with futuristic storytelling, diverse characters, and a spaceship so cool it made the Millennium Falcon jealous.
The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978)
Before Iron Man hit the big screen, there was Colonel Steve Austin, the OG bionic badass. The Six Million Dollar Man wasn’t just a TV show but a crash course in cybernetic coolness. From superhuman strength to a zoom lens eye that could spot trouble from miles away, Austin’s bionic adventures redefined the limits of human potential.
ALF (1986–2004)
Remember ALF? Yeah, that lovable alien who crash-landed into our hearts (and maybe overstayed his welcome). ALF wasn’t just a sitcom; it was the extraterrestrial icon of coolness in the ’80s. Fast forward to today, and rewatching it might be like crickets chirping, but back then, ALF was the funky alien we all wanted as a houseguest.
Happy Days (1974 – 1984)
Happy Days weren’t just a stroll down memory lane; they were the blueprint for turning the ’70s into the coolest decade on screen. Richie Cunningham, Fonzie, and the gang didn’t just redefine TV families; they made leather jackets and jukeboxes synonymous with nostalgia.
Doctor Who (1963–1989)
Doctor Who majorly overhauled time and space. Forget the predictable because this Time Lord regenerated TV itself. From battling aliens to changing faces, Doctor Who was a quirky adventure that pushed the limits of imagination.
Thundarr the Barbarian (1980-1981)
Thundarr the Barbarian, the swashbuckling animated series from 1980, became a cult classic that uniquely defined the childhood of many GenXers. In a post-apocalyptic world where science and sorcery collide, Thunder, along with his companions Princess Ariel and Ookla the Mok, embarked on thrilling adventures across a fantastical and foreboding landscape. The show wasn’t just Saturday morning fare; it was a gateway to a vibrant, otherworldly realm that sparked the imagination.
Babylon 5 (1993–1998)
Neutral territory? Try the epicenter of interstellar drama! Babylon 5 didn’t just redefine sci-fi; it created a universe where political intrigue and alien conflicts collided in a five-season spectacle. Move over, space operas; this series wasn’t just about flashy spaceships and the tangled web of power plays.
Doogie Howser (1989–1993)
Meet Doogie Howser, the teenage prodigy who kicked medical drama in the scrubs. Forget Grey’s Anatomy; this kid graduated from high school faster than most of us figured out quadratic equations. Doogie wasn’t just a TV doctor; he was the Doogie Howser, MD – the Sheldon Cooper of the ’80s and ’90s.
Three’s Company (1976-1984)
Before Friends, That ’70s Show, and The Big Bang Theory, there was Three’s Company, and it was everyone’s favorite sitcom. The riotous sitcom that debuted in 1976 turned the television world on its head and became an unforgettable part of both Boomer’s and GenXers’ upbringing. Set in a Santa Monica apartment complex, the show centered on the comical misunderstandings and antics of Jack, Chrissy, and Janet, three single roommates navigating life and love under the guise of a “conventional” living arrangement to appease their conservative landlord.
Lost in Space (1965–1968)
Space is the final frontier of family dysfunction! Lost in Space wasn’t just a sci-fi series but a cosmic survival guide for a space colony family gone haywire. It was the ’60s, and this show wasn’t just lost in space but finding new orbits of unpredictability.
MacGyver (1985-1992)
MacGyver, which premiered in 1985, wasn’t just a TV show for GenXers—it was a masterclass in creativity and resourcefulness cloaked in an action-packed series. With a blend of duct tape, paper clips, and an unmatched ability to think on his feet, Angus MacGyver became the embodiment of turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. For a generation that grew up in the transformative 80s and 90s, MacGyver was a character we call “cool.”
The X-Files (1993–2018)
Trust no one because The X-Files didn’t just investigate the strange; it redefined paranormal TV. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully weren’t just FBI agents; they were the dynamic duo of the unexplained. This wasn’t your typical cop drama; it was a mind-bending journey into the unknown, where every conspiracy theory felt just a bit too close to home.
The A-Team (1983–1987)
Pity the fool who didn’t watch The A-Team! This wasn’t just an action-adventure series but a fugitive-fueled frenzy of pure ’80s awesomeness. Picture this: a team of former Special Forces soldiers, wrongfully convicted, busting out of prison to become mercenaries for hire. Forget about complicated plot arcs; each episode was a self-contained explosion of mayhem and charisma.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993–1999)
Boldly going where no Star Trek had gone before, Deep Space Nine ditched the usual space exploration for political intrigue and intergalactic drama. Forget about peaceful missions; this station guarded a stable wormhole like a bouncer at an alien nightclub. The liberated planet of Bajor provided a backdrop for a space opera that was more Game of Thrones than classic Star Trek.
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