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.

Standout Shows of the Decade

Alien Nation (1989)

• Genre: Buddy-cop sci-fi
• Premise: A human detective and an alien cop work together in a future Los Angeles.
• Themes: Coexistence, male pregnancy
• Note: Unfortunately, the show was canceled too soon.

The Powers of Matthew Star (1982)

• Genre: Cheesy and fun
• Premise: A prince from a distant planet lives a secret life on Earth.
• Features: Telekinetic and telepathic powers, high school issues, government missions.
• Note: A classic '80s program that brought families together.

Quantum Leap (1989-1993)

• Genre: Time-travel adventure
• Premise: A scientist leaps through time, taking on different identities and roles.
• Features: Innovative and refreshing, each episode offers a new setting and challenge.
• Note: Spawned a reboot, although it never quite captured the magic of the original.

Amazing Stories (1985-1987)

• Creator: Steve Spielberg
• Genre: Anthology series
• Premise: A variety of strange and fantastic tales.
• Features: Lighter touch than "The Twilight Zone," big-name talent and directors.

Red Dwarf (1988-2020)

• Genre: British sci-fi sitcom
• Premise: Dave Lister, the last human alive, wakes up from cryosleep in the far future.
• Features: Witty writing, quirky characters, cult classic.

ALF (1986-1990)

• Genre: Family-friendly comedy
• Premise: A sarcastic alien crashes into the Tanner family's garage.
• Features: Corny jokes, merchandising including trading cards and dolls.

The Martian Chronicles (1980)

• Genre: Miniseries
• Premise: Based on Ray Bradbury's collection of short stories.
• Features: Earth's colonization of Mars, interactions with telepathic inhabitants, cautionary tale.

V (1984)

• Genre: Alien invasion miniseries
• Premise: Authoritarian extraterrestrials arrive on Earth masquerading as benevolent beings.
• Features: Political sci-fi thriller, spawned a second miniseries and an ongoing weekly series.

Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)

• Genre: Sci-fi revival
• Premise: New crew and starship, the USS Enterprise-D, captained by Jean-Luc Picard.
• Features: Hit with fans, led to a series of spinoffs and features.

Knight Rider (1982-1986)

• Genre: Action-packed series
• Premise: A police officer and his talking supercar, K.I.T.T.
• Features: Iconic black Firebird Trans-Am.