10 Forgotten Sitcoms Only True 80s Fans Remember
The 1980s were packed with unforgettable sitcoms. Everyone remembers Cheers, The Cosby Show, Family Ties, and Growing Pains.
But for every blockbuster comedy, there were several others that made us laugh, built loyal audiences, and then slowly faded into television history.
If you watched a lot of TV during the 1980s, chances are you’ll remember at least a few of these forgotten gems.
1. It’s Your Move (1984–1985)
Long before he became a Hollywood superstar, Jason Bateman starred as Matthew Burton, a brilliant teenager who spent most of his time trying to outsmart the adults around him.
The show’s clever writing and fast-paced humor earned critical praise, but it lasted only one season.
Why we remember it: Bateman’s charm was obvious from the very beginning.
2. Double Trouble (1984–1985)
Real-life twins Liz and Jean Sagal starred as identical sisters who constantly found themselves in hilarious situations after moving to New York City.
The series had plenty of ’80s style, catchy music, and youthful energy.
Why we remember it: It perfectly captured the fun spirit of mid-’80s television.
3. Jennifer Slept Here (1983–1984)
What happens when a glamorous Hollywood movie star dies… and comes back as a ghost?
Ann Jillian starred as Jennifer Farrell, whose spirit haunts the family that moves into her former home.
It was an unusual premise that blended sitcom laughs with supernatural comedy.
Why we remember it: There really wasn’t another sitcom quite like it.
4. Check It Out! (1985–1988)
This Canadian sitcom starred Don Adams (Get Smart) as the hilariously incompetent manager of a neighborhood supermarket.
Although it never became a major hit in the United States, it developed a loyal following through syndication.
Why we remember it: Watching Don Adams’ impeccable comic timing was reason enough to tune in.
5. Marblehead Manor (1987–1988)
Set inside the mansion of a wealthy family, Marblehead Manor mixed upstairs-downstairs humor with a colorful cast of eccentric servants and employers.
It had all the ingredients of a classic ensemble sitcom but never found a large audience.
Why we remember it: The cast’s chemistry made every episode entertaining.
6. Down to Earth (1984–1987)
In this charming fantasy sitcom, a woman returns from heaven to serve as a housekeeper for the family she left behind.
The series balanced comedy with surprisingly heartfelt moments.
Why we remember it: It offered a unique mix of laughs and emotion.
7. Small Wonder (1985–1989)
Although critics weren’t impressed, audiences certainly were.
The series followed the Lawson family and their secret robot daughter, Vicki, who looked—and acted—like an ordinary little girl.
The show’s quirky premise helped it become a syndication favorite around the world.
Why we remember it: Vicki became one of the decade’s most unforgettable TV kids.
8. Mr. Belvedere (1985–1990)
Based on the Belvedere films, the series followed the Owens family after hiring the sophisticated British butler Lynn Belvedere.
Christopher Hewett’s witty performance turned the character into one of television’s most lovable household figures.
Despite running for six seasons, the show doesn’t get nearly as much attention today as many of its contemporaries.
Why we remember it: Mr. Belvedere always had the perfect comeback.
9. Sledge Hammer! (1986–1988)
Imagine a police sitcom that spoofed every over-the-top action movie of the decade.
David Rasche starred as Inspector Sledge Hammer, a trigger-happy detective who believed every problem could be solved with a bigger gun.
The show became a cult favorite thanks to its sharp satire.
Why we remember it: It brilliantly poked fun at the action heroes of the 1980s.
10. Out of This World (1987–1991)
Evie Garland looked like an ordinary teenage girl—except her father was an alien from another planet.
She could stop time simply by touching her fingertips together, leading to countless funny situations.
The series became enormously popular with younger viewers and remained a syndication staple for years.
Why we remember it: Every kid wished they could freeze time just like Evie.
Why These Sitcoms Still Matter
One of the joys of revisiting the 1980s is discovering the shows that didn’t dominate the ratings but still became favorites in living rooms across America.
Some lasted only a season.
Others quietly built loyal fan bases through syndication.
Together, they remind us just how creative—and wonderfully quirky—television could be during the decade.
Maybe they weren’t the biggest hits of the ’80s…
But for those who watched them, they’ll always be worth remembering.
Which forgotten sitcom did you love the most? Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!