Sci-Fi TV Shows That Defined the 1980s

The 1980s was a decade of big hair, bold music, and groundbreaking television. It was also a time when science fiction on TV was finding its footing. With special effects improving and storytelling becoming more sophisticated, viewers had a lot to look forward to. One standout show was "Alien Nation, " which aired in 1989. This series took the buddy-cop genre into sci-fi territory, featuring a human detective and an alien cop working together in a future Los Angeles. The show explored themes of coexistence and even touched on male pregnancy, but unfortunately, it was canceled too soon. "The Powers of Matthew Star" was another notable show from 1982. It followed the story of a prince from a distant planet who lived a secret life on Earth. The show was cheesy and fun, with the prince using his telekinetic and telepathic powers to deal with high school issues and government missions. It was a classic '80s program that brought families together for a shared viewing experience. "Quantum Leap, " which aired from 1989 to 1993, was a unique series about a scientist who leaped through time, taking on different identities and roles. The show was innovative and refreshing, with each episode offering a new setting and challenge. It was a fan favorite and even spawned a reboot, although it never quite captured the magic of the original. "Amazing Stories, " created by Steve Spielberg, was an anthology series that aired from 1985 to 1987. It featured a variety of strange and fantastic tales, much like "The Twilight Zone" but with a lighter touch. The show attracted big-name talent and directors, making it a must-watch for TV-goers. "Red Dwarf, " a British sci-fi sitcom, premiered in 1988 and ran for 12 seasons. It told the story of Dave Lister, the last human alive, who wakes up from cryosleep to find himself in the far future. The show's witty writing and quirky characters have made it a cult classic. "ALF, " which aired from 1986 to 1990, was a family-friendly show about a sarcastic alien who crashes into the Tanner family's garage. The show was known for its corny jokes and merchandising, including trading cards and dolls. "The Martian Chronicles, " a miniseries from 1980, was based on Ray Bradbury's collection of short stories. It centered on Earth's colonization of Mars and the interactions with the planet's telepathic inhabitants. The miniseries was a cautionary tale and a historical travelogue, with a message that remains relevant today. "V, " which aired in 1984, was an alien invasion miniseries that was a hit with viewers. It featured a group of authoritarian extraterrestrials who arrived on Earth masquerading as benevolent beings. The show was a political sci-fi thriller that spawned a second miniseries and an ongoing weekly series. "Star Trek: The Next Generation, " which aired from 1987 to 1994, was a revival of the "Star Trek" franchise. It featured a new crew and a new starship, the USS Enterprise-D, captained by Jean-Luc Picard. The show was a hit with fans and led to a series of spinoffs and features. Lastly, "Knight Rider, " which aired from 1982 to 1986, was a popular series about a police officer and his talking supercar, K. I. T. T. The show was known for its action-packed episodes and the iconic black Firebird Trans-Am.