10 Forgotten 80s TV Series That Deserve a Comeback
The 1980s gave us some of the greatest television shows of all time. While classics like Cheers, The A-Team, and Miami Vice are still remembered today, plenty of fantastic series have slowly faded from memory.
Some were ahead of their time. Others simply never got the recognition they deserved. But if there was ever a decade full of shows ready for a modern reboot, it’s the 1980s.
Here are ten forgotten TV series that deserve a second chance.
1. The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)
Imagine receiving a superhero suit from aliens… and then immediately losing the instruction manual.
That’s the brilliant premise behind The Greatest American Hero. William Katt starred as schoolteacher Ralph Hinkley, an ordinary man trying to figure out how to use his incredible powers.
The show’s mix of comedy, action, and superhero adventure feels like something that would fit perfectly in today’s streaming world.
Why it deserves a comeback: Modern visual effects and a fresh cast could turn this quirky classic into a huge hit.
2. Voyagers! (1982-1983)
Long before time-travel series became popular, Voyagers! was taking viewers on adventures through history.
Jon-Erik Hexum played Phineas Bogg, a time traveler who teamed up with young Jeffrey Jones to fix mistakes throughout history.
The series was educational, exciting, and filled with heart.
Why it deserves a comeback: In an age of multiverses and time travel stories, this concept feels more relevant than ever.
3. Manimal (1983)
A professor who can transform into animals to fight crime?
Yes, it was as wonderfully crazy as it sounds.
Simon MacCorkindale starred as Dr. Jonathan Chase, a man with the mysterious ability to become various animals whenever danger appeared.
The show only lasted eight episodes but became a cult favorite.
Why it deserves a comeback: Today’s CGI could finally bring the show’s ambitious idea to life.
4. Misfits of Science (1985-1986)
Before superhero teams dominated Hollywood, there was Misfits of Science.
The series followed a group of people with unusual abilities, including a young Dean Paul Martin and a pre-Beverly Hills, 90210 Courteney Cox.
It was funny, action-packed, and wonderfully strange.
Why it deserves a comeback: Audiences love teams of unlikely heroes, and this forgotten gem was years ahead of its time.
5. Otherworld (1985)
This short-lived science-fiction series followed the Sterling family after they became trapped in a mysterious parallel universe.
The show featured strange civilizations, futuristic technology, and a constant search for a way home.
It lasted only eight episodes but left a lasting impression on fans.
Why it deserves a comeback: Streaming services are always looking for epic science-fiction adventures.
6. Wizards and Warriors (1983)
Fantasy television was rare in the early 1980s, which made Wizards and Warriors stand out.
The series featured magical kingdoms, wizards, dragons, and heroic adventures long before fantasy became television’s biggest genre.
Why it deserves a comeback: Imagine this concept with today’s production budgets and special effects.
7. Stingray (1985-1987)
A mysterious hero known only as Stingray traveled the country helping people solve problems while staying one step ahead of dangerous enemies.
Part action series and part mystery, the show developed a loyal following.
Why it deserves a comeback: The idea of a mysterious fixer still works exceptionally well today.
8. Bring ‘Em Back Alive (1982-1983)
Set in the exotic jungles of Singapore during the 1930s, this adventure series starred Bruce Boxleitner as big-game trapper Frank Buck.
The series combined action, adventure, and old-fashioned serial storytelling.
Why it deserves a comeback: Adventure television is making a return, and this globe-trotting concept could find a whole new audience.
9. Probe (1988)
Created by legendary authors Isaac Asimov and William Link, Probe followed genius inventor Austin James as he solved bizarre mysteries using science and logic.
The show blended detective stories with science fiction and had a unique sense of humor.
Why it deserves a comeback: Smart mystery series are more popular than ever.
10. Werewolf (1987-1988)
One of the darkest television series of the decade, Werewolf followed Eric Cord, a young man cursed to become a werewolf who searched for the creature that infected him.
The series mixed horror, drama, and action and developed a passionate fan base.
Why it deserves a comeback: Horror television has exploded in popularity, making this forgotten gem a perfect candidate for revival.
Final Thoughts
The 1980s were filled with creative television ideas that often arrived years before audiences were ready for them. Some lasted only a few episodes, while others built small but loyal fan bases.
If Hollywood is determined to keep rebooting classic television, perhaps it’s time to look beyond the obvious choices. These forgotten gems still have plenty of stories left to tell.
Which of these series would you love to see return? And which forgotten 80s show did we miss? Let us know in the comments!