travel shows from the 80s

Cast & crew
User reviews

A member of a league of time travelers and a boy travel through time repairing errors in world history. A member of a league of time travelers and a boy travel through time repairing errors in world history. A member of a league of time travelers and a boy travel through time repairing errors in world history.

James D. Parriott
Jon-Erik Hexum
Meeno Peluce
David Cadiente
39 User reviews
6 Critic reviews
1 nomination

Episodes 20

Jon-Erik Hexum and Meeno Peluce in Voyagers! (1982)

Phineas Bogg

Jeffrey Jones
1st Pirate …

Merriwether Lewis …

Bartender …

Wilbur Wright

Charles Lindbergh

Teddy Roosevelt

Abraham Lincoln

Reverend Parris

Lawrence of Arabia

George Washington

Lucky Luciano

Maffeo Polo
Lizzie Palmer
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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Did you know

Trivia After leaving his acting career behind, Meeno Peluce became a high school history teacher.
Goofs In the early episodes, whenever the Voyagers are in time jump, neither their clothes nor number of personnel match when they jumped or land.

[opening narration]

Phineas Bogg : We travel through time to help history along, give it a push where it's needed. When the Omni's red, it means history's wrong. Our job's to get everything back on track.

Crazy credits During the credits, we hear Meeno Peluce, one of the cast members, say, "If you would like to learn more about [names of three famous things pertaining to the episode], take a voyage down to your public library. It's all in books."
Connections Edited from The Buccaneer (1958)

User reviews 39

Aug 3, 2006
How many seasons does Voyagers! have? Powered by Alexa
October 3, 1982 (United States)
United States
Official Site
Die Zeitreisenden
Colonial Street, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
James D. Parriott Productions
Scholastic Productions
Universal Television
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

Runtime 1 hour

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50 Best Travel Shows Of All Time (& How To Watch Them)

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Most of us can't reasonably travel all of the time. Thankfully, we can live vicariously through our screens when we cannot be globetrotting ourselves. Travel shows are a dime a dozen, mainly because many of us would rather explore than deal with our responsibilities. But how do you know which shows are worth your time? That depends mainly on your tastes and interests, but we can provide some solid starting points.

From celebrities heading their own adventurous docuseries to food-loving vagabonds visiting remote destinations, travel shows can show us scenes and cultures we would otherwise have no concept of. In fact, television often inspires travel, and watching world wanderers eat their way through exotic destinations is a great way to help plan your next trip. These 50 series are some of the best TV has to offer, and even if you don't make it through all of them, you may find a gem that piques your particular interest.

50. Nomad with Carlton McCoy

Classically trained chef and expert sommelier Carlton McCoy seeks out the best in international cuisine, music, and art in the CNN series "Nomad with Carlton McCoy." Premiering in May 2022, McCoy travels everywhere in the travel series, from the overlooked pleasures of Mississippi to the corners of Ghana. For McCoy, the show's focus lies in adventures and delights found away from the well-worn paths frequented by tourists. Instead, he enjoys savoring hometown favorites from local populations. What McCoy may lack in experience and poise, he and "Nomad" make up for with its premise to go behind the scenes of some of the world's most recognizable locales.

The first "Nomad with Carlton McCoy" season is available to stream on Prime Video with Discovery+.

49. Down to Earth with Zac Efron

The world is a beautiful place, and it's easy to showcase such on film. This is why a travel show has to be about more than just pretty scenery, and "Down to Earth with Zac Efron" delivers in a big way. The series puts a highly informative spin on the genre by taking viewers on whirlwind journeys worldwide in search of health secrets. We're not talking about avocado toast or juice cleanses, either.

Efron and wellness expert Darin Olien visit destinations to learn about topics like renewable energy, superfoods, and water quality. Have you ever heard of a water sommelier? The experts know a thing or two about what kind of water makes our bodies happy, and a "Down to Earth" episode in France consults one of the few professionals in existence. The series also has episodes on a seed bank stocked for the end of the world, Iceland's Blue Lagoon, and the Amazon rainforest.

Although "Down to Earth" earned Zac Efron a Daytime Emmy, lack of viewership caused the series to be canceled quickly. It had one season at Netflix and was picked up for another at The CW, only to be on the chopping block two episodes later. Lack of quantity does not mean lack of quality, though, and the "High School Musical" star's travel show is a solid viewing.

You can watch "Down to Earth with Zach Efron" on Netflix and The CW .

48. The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals

Sometimes, a typical hotel on vacation doesn't cut it, with intrepid travelers opting for more unique and luxurious digs during their stay abroad. The Netflix original series "The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" explores everything from treehouses to alpaca farms to rent worldwide. Hosted by Megan Batoon, Jo Franco, and Luis D. Ortiz, the show reminds viewers that far more than cheap motels and chain hotels are available to make a vacation even more authentic and unique. While some of the rentals visited on the show run on the pricier side, these are balanced out with more cost-effective rentals for travelers not looking to shell out top dollar on accommodations.

"The World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals" is available to stream on Netflix .

47. Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy

Academy Award-nominated actor Stanley Tucci reconnects with his ancestral roots in the CNN travel series "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." Premiering in 2021, the show has Tucci visit different regions in Italy to learn more about the local cuisine, culture, and history in a sun-soaked tour of the Mediterranean country. Though the major tourist centers of Italy are among the destinations in Tucci's tour, the host takes the time to explore restaurants and locations off the beaten track to reveal a more authentic Italian experience. Buoyed by Tucci's understated yet quietly charismatic presence, "Searching for Italy" has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards, winning two for its achievement in nonfiction television.

Available to purchase and rent through most digital retailers, "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy" is also available to stream on Discovery+ .

46. Mysterious Islands

Accomplished pilot and explorer Kellee Edwards invites viewers to join her on his globe-trotting adventures with the Travel Channel series "Mysterious Islands." Edwards particularly takes an interest in some of the most remote islands on Earth, visiting them with her private seaplane to examine them from above and by foot. A refreshing contrast to the hustle-and-bustle of travel shows revolving around heavily populated locales, "Mysterious Islands" offers a more serene, nature-focused look at isolated getaways. Before hosting "Mysterious Islands," Edwards hosted and published a travel vlog through her website that catapulted her into the public eye.

"Mysterious Islands" is currently available to stream on fuboTV and Philo .

45. Ride with Norman Reedus

"Cool" is the only way to describe "Ride with Norman Reedus." Cruising on a slew of bikes, "The Boondock Saints" and "The Walking Dead" actor meets up with a different travel partner in each episode to explore the open road of America and international destinations. With six seasons as of 2023, the series has become a lasting one on AMC.

Norman Reedus isn't the first to make a travel show centered on biker culture, so what makes it so unique? His vibe, for one. However, it's also the particular variety that his program offers viewers. Reedus does not stick to just one style or motorcycle manufacturer; he also has many celebrity guests. He has the bikers' seal of approval.

From Dave Chapelle to Keanu Reeves, you'll be surprised that some of your favorite celebrities ride and are just as captivating in an environment you don't usually see them in. Fans of Reedus' work will also be happy to see quite a few familiar faces as his "The Walking Dead" co-stars, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Steven Yeun, join in on the fun.

You can watch "Ride with Norman Reedus" on AMC+ .

44. Epic Drives

Car expert Arthur St. Antoine entered the pole position with the automobile travel series "Epic Drives," premiering in 2010. Backed with a whole fleet of cars, often with some of the world's coolest and fastest sports and luxury automobiles, St. Antoine opens the engine up and cuts loose on roads around the globe. From traversing the Pacific Coast Highway to showcasing winter driving tips on the frozen roads of Scandinavia, St. Antoine guides viewers through truly stunning international roadways. Though "Epic Rides" puts its slick automobiles in the forefront, the travel series is also keenly aware of how to capture the natural beauty of the gorgeous destinations visited.

"Epic Drives" is available to stream on Roku and Prime Video with a MotorTrend extension.

43. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Prolific chef, author, and television personality Andrew Zimmern delves into the off-kilter local cuisine from around the world that outsiders may view as strange in the Travel Channel series "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern." Running steadily since 2006, "Bizarre Foods" has become a large television franchise in and of itself, spawning spinoff series and specials, while the main series has undergone several rebrands. Later, carrying the subtitle "Delicious Destinations," Zimmern's unique perspective on local cuisine proved as engaging as ever. Traveling anywhere from remote settlements in the untamed wilderness to local gastronomy usually avoided by tourists, Zimmern doesn't just focus on the cuisine and preparation itself but where the key ingredients come from.

A Travel Channel staple for over a decade, "Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern" is currently available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

42. Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Prolific travel television personality Samantha Brown created the acclaimed PBS series "Samantha Brown's Places to Love," which premiered in 2018. Markedly different from her previous programming on the Travel Channel, Brown's PBS show offers ways for prospective travelers to blend in more naturally with places they visit rather than disrupt local scenes. Featuring a more subdued approach, Brown presents a more authentic, understated cultural experience in the destinations she showcases. "Places to Love" was widely praised for its approach to travel programming and won two Daytime Emmy Awards for its outstanding achievement.

"Samantha Brown's Places to Love" is available to watch through local PBS outlets.

41. A Cook's Tour

Chef and author Anthony Bourdain's first foray into travel television was on the Food Network series "A Cook's Tour," which was filmed while Bourdain was simultaneously writing a book about his experiences. Running for two seasons from 2002-2003, the show took Bourdain around the globe to sample local cuisine and culture, with Asia being a prominent recurring destination. In Variety's review of the first season, "A Cook's Tour" was praised for focusing on destinations less well-documented by other travel shows while providing a man-on-the-street perspective. The series offers a fascinating look at Bourdain discovering his voice as a television host while still possessing his acerbic wit.

"A Cook's Tour" is currently available to stream in full on Prime Video and Tubi .

40. America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston

Notable writer and commentator Baratunde Thurston expanded from his usual political fare to launch the PBS travel series "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston." Thurston travels around the United States, from Death Valley to the Appalachian Mountains, to document America's distinct and immersive outdoor destinations. More than simply hiking and camping, Thurston engages in local activities, including trying his hand at collecting wild rice and surfing, to better appreciate local cultures. Thurston takes the premise behind "America Outdoors" more liberally than most travel shows with similar scopes, with an entire episode reframing outdoor culture in Los Angeles.

An engaging look at the United States' relationship with its outdoor spaces, "America Outdoors with Baratunde Thurston" is available to stream on Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries and PBS with WOSU Passport.

39. Travel Man

Popular British actor and comedian Richard Ayoade launched the breakneck travel series "Travel Man," blending comedy with hectic itineraries. Paired with a celebrity guest, Ayoade and his travel companion have 48 hours to take in the sights and cuisine in different international cities. Starting with the show's tenth season, Ayoade was replaced by British comedian Joe Lycett, but the overall formula remains largely the same. Buoyed by Ayoade and Lycett's hilarious personalities and its limited-time premise, "Travel Man" is as freewheeling and fun as travelogs get.

"Travel Man: 48 Hours in..." is available to stream on Prime Video and Peacock .

38. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Beloved chef and restauranteur David Chang covers all the most important meals of the day around the world in the original series "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." Joined by different celebrity guest stars in each episode, including Seth Rogen and Kate McKinnon, Chang learns what constitutes traditional daily meals in major cities from Marrakech to Phnom Penh. Elevated by thoughtful and entertaining discussions between Chang and his guests, the series offers a broader perspective on the meals we take for granted each day. As with Chang's other travel and cooking shows, the international cuisine-driven travel series focuses on authenticity and a society's connection to its defining food.

"Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner" is available to stream on Netflix and Prime Video with Fuse+.

37. No Passport Required

With a country as richly vast and varied as the United States, there are plenty of interesting travel spots without ever having to go abroad. This underlying truth provides the basic premise to the PBS travel series "No Passport Required," which is focused on exploring the legacy of immigrant traditions and cuisines within the country. Hosted by noted chef Marcus Samuelsson, six major American cities are showcased as Samuelsson examines the immigrant legacy and food that lovingly define each locale. Going beyond the typical fare that colors each city's perception, Samuelsson meets with everyone from the Armenian community in Los Angeles to the Chinese legacy behind Las Vegas, showcasing some of the cultures that help to make each city great.

"No Passport Required" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, and PBS.

36. Big City, Little Budget

The prospect of living in or visiting major American cities isn't cheap, but host Oneika Raymond guides audiences through more cost-effective approaches to modern metropolises in "Big City, Little Budget." Produced by the Travel Channel, the web series has Raymond visiting cities from sea to shining sea while also providing tips on how to navigate each place without having a robust budget at one's disposal. From frugal dining tips to which neighborhoods won't break the bank, "Big City, Little Budget" offers invaluable advice. With its bite-sized episodes, Raymond offers clear and concise guidance through cities from Miami to New York as she leans into approaching each destination on a budget without compromising the fun.

"Big City, Little Budget" is available to stream through the Travel Channel's YouTube channel .

35. I'll Have What Phil's Having

After helming the long-running sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond," prolific television writer and producer Phil Rosenthal turned to travelog hosting, starting with the 2015 series "I'll Have What Phil Is Having." Running on PBS for six episodes, the show follows Rosenthal as he travels around the world to check out the local food scenes. Joined by celebrity guests like Martin Short and Ray Romano, Rosenthal's comedic perspective helps give the usual travel show proceedings a more engaging approach. Though short-lived, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having" provides an early look at the type of travel programming Rosenthal would host to greater success on Netflix.

"I'll Have What Phil's Having" is currently available to stream on Roku , Prime Video with PBS Living or PBS Documentaries, Pluto TV , and PBS.

34. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

Even the same iconic locales can offer vastly different experiences depending on the visitor's financial situation, and this dichotomy is explored in the travel series "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost." Hosted by siblings Alex and Marko Ayling, the two showcase how to navigate major travel destinations on a budget or take advantage of the visit when flush with cash. Whether they're discussing different approaches to visiting Hong Kong or trying the varying cuisines of France, the Ayling brothers provide plenty of information and varying perspectives on the same destinations. One of the things that work in favor of "Basic Versus Baller" is that the show's premise isn't necessarily binary, as tourists can mix the frugal and luxurious options provided as they see fit.

A dual-perspective on the travelog formula, "Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost" is currently available to stream on Hulu , Prime Video with Tastemade, and Peacock .

33. Ugly Delicious

Chef and author David Chang looks at the cultural history and deeper meaning behind popular cuisine in the Netflix original series "Ugly Delicious." Premiering in 2018, Chang and a group of celebrity guests explore the origins of different foods through extensive interviews and traveling to informative points from the cuisine's origins. A thoughtful discussion about food and its inextricable links to societal identity, "Ugly Delicious" blends serious insight with Chang's quick wit to great effect. Widely acclaimed for its approach to asking the hard questions about cuisine's impact on culture and cultural perception, the series was nominated for an Emmy Award.

"Ugly Delicious" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

32. United Shades of America

The United States is, like any nation, an incredibly complicated and occasionally contentious place to live, from sea to shining sea, across a variety of communities. Comedian W. Kamau Bell spotlights these communities, their traditions, and their struggles in the CNN documentary series "United Shades of America." From speaking with indigenous communities in South Dakota to the extensive Black populations in the Appalachians, Bell provides an all-encompassing tour of the modern American experience. Bell's thoughtful approach to admittedly somber subject matter paints a more complete look at the country and the many voices that bring it to life as he travels nationwide.

The winner of multiple Emmy Awards for its sweeping work, "United Shades of America" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Max and purchase and rent via online retailers.

31. Booze Traveler

A lot can be learned about a culture through its gastronomy, and host Jack Maxwell is determined to get to the bottom of this search for identity – and the bottom of many bottles – in the Travel Channel show "Booze Traveler." Exploring domestic and international destinations, Maxwell reveals how drinking culture informs daily life in places like Seoul and Dublin while partaking in local spirits himself. With Maxwell's easygoing personality at the forefront, "Booze Traveler" looks at how communities bond over their love of drink. As a former South Boston bartender, Maxwell lends an everyday perspective to his global travels. He is more interested in looking for a good time than asking the hard questions as the show breezily chugs along.

A fittingly rambunctious travelog, "Booze Traveler" is available to stream on Discovery+ and rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

30. Street Food

While acclaimed filmmaker and documentarian David Gelb focuses primarily on haute cuisine with his award-winning "Chef's Table" series, his other Netflix original show, "Street Food," takes a different perspective. Rather than spotlight a single cook per episode like his previous work, Gelb examines an entire city's street food scene, exploring the origins of the cuisine that defines it. From the robust marks of Singapore to hole-in-the-wall restaurants in New Orleans, "Street Food" and its rotating set of hosts provide an authentic culinary portrait of the show's destinations. Gelb's everyman approach and broader scope per episode, in contrast to "Chef's Table," is an effective change that "Street Food" takes full advantage of.

The first season of "Street Food" is set in Asia, the second in Latin America, and the third in the United States, with the series currently available to stream on Netflix .

29. The Kindness Diaries

Connecting with your fellow humans and experiencing people of different backgrounds and cultures is one of the enormous benefits of traveling; for some, it's their entire purpose. In a way, "The Kindness Diaries" encapsulates the spirit of travel, as host Leon Logothetis traverses the globe depending on the kindness of strangers.

Equipped only with a bright yellow motorbike swapped for an equally yellow vintage convertible in the second season, Leon Logothetis searches for kind-hearted people to supply his needs on his travels. This includes food, accommodations, and gasoline. You'll be pleasantly surprised how far one can get in the world just by simply asking — though, he does sleep in his motorbike's sidecar when necessary. While the destinations range from all over the United States to Europe, Cambodia, and Vietnam, this feel-good travel doc is more about the people we meet along the way. Even though "The Kindness Diaries" only has two seasons behind it, the beautiful souls depicted stay with viewers for the long haul.

You can stream "The Kindness Diaries" on Discovery+ .

28. Gordon's Great Escape

Famous chef and television personality Gordon Ramsay decided to visit the originating countries of some of his favorite cuisines in the British television series "Gordon's Great Escape." In an interview with The Guardian , Ramsay shared his lifelong love of Indian food and chronicled his first trip to India in the show. Beyond his visit to India, Ramsay filmed the second set of interviews exploring other parts of Southeast Asia and its cuisine, including Thailand and Vietnam. Offering Ramsay a chance to escape the limelight he was experiencing in America and the United Kingdom, the show reveals him rediscovering his love of cooking while learning about overseas culinary traditions.

"Gordon's Great Escape" is available to stream through Prime Video , Tubi , Roku , and Fox.

27. Long Way Down

Actors and longtime motorcycle aficionados Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman reunited for another international motorcycle voyage with the British travel series "Long Way Down." A follow-up to their 2004 series "Long Way Round," the 2007 offering has the two bikers travel from Scotland all the way to Cape Town, South Africa. Along the way, the pair rides through 18 countries by motorcycle as they traverse Europe and the length of Africa. Even for those not particularly enamored by motorcycles, "Long Way Down" is a fascinating look at life on the open road across two continents anchored by two charismatic leads.

"Long Way Down" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

26. Globe Trekker

One of the longest-running travel shows from the United Kingdom is "Globe Trekker," originally broadcast from 1994 to 2016. With a rotating set of hosts for each episode, the British series highlights a different region and provides audiences with a thorough guide to the sights and culture. More than simply presenting the major tourist attractions, the hosts examine local traditions, including interviews with local industries beyond tourism and hospitality. With such an impressive breadth of episodes, "Globe Trekker" set an enduring standard for travel programming in the United Kingdom against which all other travel shows are to be judged.

Unfortunately, "Globe Trekker" is unavailable to stream or purchase in the United States.

25. Man v. Food

Eating challenges can say a lot about a culture, from the type of cuisine competitors consume to the quantity eaten to succeed. Actor and television personality Adam Richman took it upon himself to travel all over the United States to face all manner of eating challenges in the Travel Channel series "Man v. Food." Heading to a different destination each episode, Richman singlehandedly subjects himself to various regional eating challenges, from consuming massive steaks to an entire platter of chili dogs in a limited time. "Man v. Food" gave the Travel Channel its highest-rated debut upon its premiere in 2008 (per the Los Angeles Times ), with the show revived in 2017 and Richman replaced by current host Casey Webb.

An amusing look at different American regions by the eating challenges that help define it, "Man v. Food" is available to purchase and rent through most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

24. Tales by Light

If a vacation isn't documented and shared on Instagram, did it actually take place? Photography in some of Earth's most jaw-droppingly gorgeous places is the central premise behind the Australian travel series "Tales by Light." Each episode follows different professional photographers who tell an immersive story about exotic destinations through their pictures and videos. The perfect travel series for the social media-oriented generation, "Tales by Light" delivers truly breathtaking photographs and videos from the overlooked corners of the world.

All three beautifully rendered "Tales by Light" seasons are currently available to stream on Netflix .

23. Conan Without Borders

As an extension of his popular talk show on TBS, veteran host Conan O'Brien took his series on the road on multiple occasions to experience different cultures around the world. These special episodes were compiled in the online "Conan Without Borders," as O'Brien eschewed his typical talk show format. Traveling everywhere from Cuba to South Korea, O'Brien explores the societal morays of each of these destinations with his usual comedic antics and insight. A welcome change of pace from his usual formula, O'Brien blends biting political commentary with a genuine appreciation for local cultures, with "Conan Without Borders" winning an Emmy for its efforts.

"Conan Without Borders" is currently available to stream on Max .

22. The Moaning of Life

When British comedian and actor Karl Pilkington faced something of a midlife crisis, he decided to examine the lives and cultures of others around the world to gain a better sense of perspective (per Cinema Blend ). The resulting international tour was filmed for the British travel series "The Moaning of Life," as Pilkington contemplated love, life, and mortality on the road. To expand his view on the human condition, Pilkington visits drive-thru weddings in Las Vegas, professional mourners in Taiwan, and fertility clinics in Japan. The Hollywood Reporter's review of "The Moaning of Life" complimented the show's existential subject matter and Pilkington's hilarious perspective on the world to make its messaging less somber.

A good-natured look at life, death, and everything in between with an international scope, "The Moaning of Life" is available for purchase and rent on most major digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

21. Long Way Round

The first of a trilogy of documentary series, 2004's "Long Way Round" puts Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in the driver's seat as they ride motorcycles from London to New York City eastward. The 19,000-mile journey is undertaken to promote the international humanitarian causes spearheaded by UNICEF, while McGregor and Boorman endure pitfalls and injuries in their journies around the globe. Inspired by the experience, McGregor and Boorman wrote a book detailing their journey, including McGregor adopting an orphan encountered along the way. The kind of celebrity road trip that doesn't feel overly pretentious or self-indulgent, McGregor and Boorman provide a unique perspective as they embark on a truly epic journey.

"Long Way Round" is currently available to stream on Apple TV+ .

20. Three Sheets

Not all cuisine is solid, which is why the 2008 travel series "Three Sheets" showcased a decidedly liquid diet as it visited drinking cultures around the world. Hosted by comedian Zane Lamprey, the show highlights local alcoholic beverages at a multitude of destinations, learning about their history and cultural impact. Of course, this examination goes beyond a mere history lesson, with Zamprey partaking in the beverages, usually in impressive quantities. Part travel series and part televised pub crawl, Lamprey is often accompanied on his journeys by a group of guests, including his college friend Steve McKenna.

After starting on MOJO HD, "Three Sheets" was broadcast on various platforms before ending its run on Spike in 2011. Most of the series is currently available to buy on Prime Video .

19. Worth It

The popular Buzzfeed series "Worth It" offers three different and simultaneous perspectives on the worldwide dining scene in each episode. The show has the three hosts, Steven Lim, Andrew Ilnyckyj, and Adam Bianchi, order three different dishes from a range of price points at varying destinations. This can entail a cheap cup of coffee or designer espresso costing hundreds of dollars while visiting Tokyo. The underlying question is whether or not the dishes are worth the price. Winning a Streamy Award, "Worth It" has been credited with changing how people approach food criticism online, actively comparing quality with price points worldwide (per SBS ).

Available to stream on Hulu , "Worth It" helps viewers know how best to check out the food scenes and types of cuisine in several countries.

18. Somebody Feed Phil

After getting his start travel hosting on PBS, Phil Rosenthal went bigger and better for the Netflix original series "Somebody Feed Phil" in 2018. While maintaining the broader premise of his previous show, "I'll Have What Phil Is Having," Rosenthal's Netflix series feels like a more personal experience for its host. Occasionally checking in with his brother, parents, and son while he is on the road, Rosenthal continues to sample local cuisine from around the world. As Rosenthal visits major international cities, he spotlights local charities and nonprofit organizations active in the destinations, providing a more community-based scope.

"Somebody Feed Phil" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

17. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

Popular British comedian Jack Whitehall and his longtime television producer father, Michael, take their paternal dynamic on the road for the Netflix original series "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father." With a decided focus on familial comedy, the Whitehalls find themselves in countless awkward and hilarious situations worldwide as they bond together over their international trips. The two men learn about the cultures they visit, from Cambodia to Turkey, with the final season bringing the father-son duo back to the United Kingdom. Though Jack and Michael Whitehall's antics are played for laughs, the societies they visit are largely treated with the utmost respect as they travel through the jungle and desert together.

All five "Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father" seasons are available to stream on Netflix .

16. Extreme Engagement

Journalists and producers PJ Madam and Tim Noonan decided to put their then-recent engagement to the test around the world for the Netflix original series "Extreme Engagement." The miniseries has the happy couple travel around the globe for over a year to see how their relationship endures. While the premise feels relatively scripted, rather than providing an authentically spontaneous show, "Extreme Engagement" offers a romantic twist on the travelog format. Noonan and Madam visit romantic destinations that keep the focus on love and lasting relationships, from observing ancient fertility rituals to meeting cultural practices promoting romantic love.

A love odyssey that spans the islands of Indonesia to remote villages in Africa, "Extreme Engagement" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

15. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives

Restauranteur and television host Guy Fieri has become something of a cultural icon himself, and Fieri's flagship series is the enormously popular "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." Premiering in 2006 on the Food Network, the show has Fieri travel across North America, stopping at diners, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and dive bars to sample their signature cuisine. Occasionally joined by an impressive set of celebrity guest stars, Fieri has visited hundreds of locations as part of his cross-country odyssey. Due to the sheer popularity of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives," many of these spots have seen a noticeable increase in business following episode airings.

As the gold standard among Fieri's travel and food reality shows, "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" is available to rent and purchase via most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ and Max .

14. Survivorman

Travel isn't just luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts; for some, vacations involve roughing it in the wild and returning to nature through camping and other immersive experiences. The Canadian travel and wilderness survival series "Survivorman" takes these sensibilities to their extreme as host Les Stroud spends over a week alone in remote locations. With only a handful of tools and the clothes on his back, Stroud has to make do with local flora and fauna to survive these conditions for the allotted time. As a much more stripped-down and extreme approach than "Man vs. Wild," Stroud takes audiences everywhere, from the frozen expanse of Alaska to the predator-filled Amazon rainforest.

For those looking for the ultimate survivalist approach to the world's most unforgiving locations, "Survivorman" is available to stream on Discovery+ and Roku and to rent and purchase through most digital retailers.

13. An Idiot Abroad

When comedian Karl Pilkington's friends and frequent collaborators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant learned he had no interest in world travel, the two created the series "An Idiot Abroad" in response. Capitalizing on Pilkington's often innocently naive worldview, the British travel show is primarily played for laughs as Pilkington makes wry observations about the destinations he visits. Not content to simply let Pilkington take in the picturesque sights, sounds, and cuisine, Gervais and Merchant have Pilkington endure several challenges, including bungee-jumping in New Zealand and swimming with sharks in Australia. MSN's review of "An Idiot Abroad" praised the mishaps for Pilkington's voyages orchestrated by Gervais and Merchant, with Pilkington's odd perspective and observations elevating the entire show.

A humorous look at the most gorgeous international locales, "An Idiot Abroad" is available to purchase and rent on most digital retailers, including Prime Video and Vudu .

12. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

After two seasons on the Food Network with "A Cook's Tour," Bourdain made the leap to the Travel Channel to host his popular travel series "Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations." Running for nine seasons from 2005-2012, Bourdain upped the scope considerably from his previous series while still retaining its everyman qualities. Backed by a more ambitious production, Bourdain visits a wider range of locales while incorporating his love of pop culture and inviting celebrity guests, including Bill Murray and Sean Penn. One of the more notable episodes sees Bourdain and his film crew trapped in Beirut during the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War. "No Reservations" went on to win two Emmy Awards and multiple nominations as a testament to the show's captivating perspective on the world.

"Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations" is available to purchase from most online retailers and to stream on Discovery+ , Max , and through the Travel Channel website with a linked television provider.

11. Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted

After exploring and experiencing culinary traditions in Southeast Asia firsthand in his first travel series, chef Gordon Ramsay expanded the scope of his follow-up show " Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted " to encompass the whole world. Premiering on National Geographic in 2019, "Uncharted" has Ramsay visit different countries to learn about their cuisine and cooking techniques and take advantage of local thrills. From white water rafting through Laos to climbing up Alaskan mountains and glaciers, Ramsay showcases a more outdoorsy side of himself beyond the world of restaurants and kitchens. In Forbes' review of the series, Ramsay's genuine enthusiasm for the subject matter and destinations he visits was praised for elevating the premise and showing a new side to the temperamental chef.

"Gordon Ramsay: Uncharted" is available to stream through Disney+ and Hulu .

10. Chef's Table

After directing the universally acclaimed documentary film "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" in 2011, filmmaker David Gelb teamed up with Netflix for its original documentary series, "Chef's Table." Premiering in 2015, the show focuses on a different cook for each episode, from a Korean monk renowned for her kimchi to Mexican street food in Philadelphia. With its highly detailed and stylized cinematography and in-depth portraits of its subjects, "Chef's Table" is one of the best documentary series currently on the air. "Chef's Table" brings a global scope to cuisine while never losing sight of the very grounded and human story behind each of the cooks that make every dish possible. The show has been nominated for multiple Emmy Awards as it shines a light on everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to hole-in-the-wall dining locations.

The main "Chef's Table" series and its numerous spinoffs are available to stream on Netflix .

9. The Amazing Race

In contrast to "Survivor," which keeps its contestants in a single remote location for an entire season, CBS' long-running reality series "The Amazing Race" takes full advantage of its global scope. Teams of two speed through different legs around the world, following clues and completing challenges to gain an edge. On the air since 2001, "The Amazing Race" has showcased some of the most stunning locales on the planet while pitting its teams in genuinely thrilling competitions each season. With many seasons of "The Amazing Race" offering a journey with contestants circumnavigating the globe, the travel element to the reality competition series is unmistakably at the forefront.

"The Amazing Race" is available to stream on Hulu , Netflix , and Paramount+ .

8. Expedition Unknown

With so many legends and historical mysteries around the world demanding answers, archaeologist Josh Gates sets out to find the truth in the Discovery Channel series "Expedition Unknown." From cryptozoology searches for mythical creatures like Bigfoot to attempting to discover clues linked to the lost city of Atlantis, Gates positions himself as a real-life Indiana Jones. Part globe-trotting history lesson, part debunking widely known myths, "Expedition Unknown" provides a fun twist on international travel off the beaten path. As an immensely popular show, "Expedition Unknown" has spawned several spinoff specials, miniseries, and after shows as Gates widens his worldwide search for truth.

"Expedition Unknown" is currently available to stream on Discovery+ and Max and is available to purchase or rent through most online retailers.

7. Dark Tourist

Not every tourist is going to check out conventional art museums or major family-friendly attractions in their voyages around the world. The Netflix original series "Dark Tourist" offers travelers a chance to check out the more off-beat elements of local cultures, sometimes venturing into the outright macabre. Hosted by journalist David Farrier, "Dark Tourist" visits the purportedly haunted areas of major cities and tourism sites capitalizing on local tragedies and notorious figures around the world. From exploring irradiated sites to touring museums dedicated to infamous serial killers, "Dark Tourist" certainly isn't every traveler's cup of tea by the way it provides a morbid twist on the genre.

"Dark Tourist" is currently available to stream on Netflix .

6. The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Celebrated documentarian Ken Burns, who has crafted documentary series chronicling numerous elements of American culture and history, turned his attention to the country's national parks. The 2009 six-episode miniseries "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" recounts the history behind the parks and how they each capture the stirring beauty of the United States. From the enduring legacy of John Muir to the evolution of the National Park Service, "The National Parks" is a must-watch for anyone planning to visit the natural wonders nationwide. Universally acclaimed, "The National Parks" won two Emmy Awards, with critics praising how the documentary series presented the parks as a gorgeous extension of the national identity.

Released with a companion book expanding its story, "The National Parks: America's Best Idea" is currently available to stream on PBS with WOSU Passport and Prime Video with PBS Documentaries.

5. The Grand Tour

After being ousted from hosting "Top Gear," Jeremy Clarkson and his co-hosts Richard Hammond and James May took their globe-trotting automobile expertise to Prime Video for "The Grand Tour" (via Variety ). Retaining much of the format from their previous work together on "Top Gear," "The Grand Tour" has participants travel to different destinations using an impressive array of cars. From Cambodia to Madagascar, "The Grand Tour" showcases thrilling routes and cars, backed by the hosts' irascible wit. The Independent's positive review of "The Grand Tour" praised the show as distilling the best elements from "Top Gear" while boasting a significantly larger production budget.

With jaw-dropping destinations and high-octane action, "The Grand Tour" is currently available to stream on Prime Video .

4. Passport with Samantha Brown

Television personality Samantha Brown has built an impressive empire of travel shows on a number of platforms. One of Brown's most enduring lines of programming to date is "Passport," which sees Brown extensively explore different regions around the world for the ultimate experience. Starting with 2004's "Passport to Europe," Brown launched several different shows, taking her informative style to examine Latin America, China, and eco-friendly tourism. Brown's "Passport to Europe" won a Daytime Emmy Award while the subsequent "Passport to Latin America" was nominated for an Emmy, as a testament to Brown's eye for entertainment and educational quality.

Brown's "Passport" series are currently available to stream on Discovery+ .

3. Anthony Bourdain: The Layover

As someone who hosted travel shows since 2002, Anthony Bourdain has experienced a lot of extended layovers and quick detours between trips to larger destinations. This premise of enjoying a locale on a tight turnaround time drives the core premise behind his Travel Channel series "The Layover." With only 24-48 hours in each location, Bourdain enjoys as much of the tourist-oriented and locally authentic experiences as he can before departing once more. A more tightly paced approach to Bourdain's usual travel fare, "The Layover" still finds the time to provide an informative look at different city cultures all over the globe.

Invaluable for those looking to make the most of their time on a tight schedule, "Anthony Bourdain: The Layover" is available to stream on Discovery+ , along with purchase and rent options on most digital platforms.

2. Rick Steves' Europe

Perhaps the gold standard in public broadcasting produced travel shows, "Rick Steves' Europe" follows travel author and television personality Rick Steves as he explores cities in Europe. Running from 2000 to 2021, Steves not only shares the biggest cultural landmarks and defining fare in each destination, but he provides audiences with valuable travel tips along the way. More than simply focusing on the biggest tourist spots, like London and Paris, Steves adds plenty of overlooked getaways, including Slovenia and Oslo. With a steady hand and wealth of knowledge, Steves has provided his even-keeled traveler wisdom to those interested in visiting Europe for decades.

"Rick Steves' Europe" is currently available to stream on the show's website , PBS with WOSU Passport, Prime Video , and Tubi .

1. Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Television personality Anthony Bourdain's final travel show was "Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown," which ran for 12 seasons on CNN from 2013 to 2018. Though "Parts Unknown" certainly retains the focus on local cuisine prominent in Bourdain's past travel shows, the CNN series weaves in more sociopolitical commentary in examining its locales. The series came to an abrupt end following Bourdain's tragic death , with the remaining episodes becoming a tribute to the late host and his unique worldview. Led by Bourdain's insightful and incisive perspective on the places he visited around the world, "Parts Unknown” was widely acclaimed and won numerous Emmy Awards across its run. More than just a show about food and culture, "Parts Unknown" examines the overlooked qualities of its destinations and what brings people together on a universal level.

Available to purchase on most digital retailers, "Parts Unknown" is also available to stream on Max and Discovery+ .

Our ranking methodology

Everyone has that one show they're connected to, whether popular or not. "Best" is always subjective, and your all-time favorite series may not even be something someone else knows exists. That doesn't mean it's any less valid, though. We've tried to keep our personal opinions from this list and instead relied on more tangible elements when compiling our rankings. You'll find some of the most beloved, compelling, and critically acclaimed travel shows — and some you may have never heard of.

A travel show's host can be as important as the places traveled. There's a reason why Anthony Bourdain will always appear on lists like this one. His captivating storytelling capabilities and genuinely raw nature make for compelling TV that viewers resonate with. This kind of grab power shows up throughout our list of picks, with the face and voice of a program helping to boost some of the programs in our rankings.

We've considered the likability of the shows chosen here by scouring reviews from multiple sources, like Reddit, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb. We've also factored in the number of seasons and any accolades a show may have been given. A lack of awards certainly doesn't dull a hidden gem's luster, though, so don't be surprised that many shows featured here have gone under the award committees' radar.

The Best Travel Shows Of All Time (TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime & More)

If you are like me and always yearning to travel, then one of the best ways to do this from home is to watch amazing travel shows on TV.

Over the years I have spent way too much of my spare time consuming every travel show under the sun. And, I thought it was high time I shared some of them with you.

So, without further ado, here are some of the best travel shows on TV – whether it be DVD, Netflix or Amazon.

1. Long Way Round

I remember watching the Long Way Round years ago (2004), which is still clear in my memory. The world-famous Ewan McGregor and one of his best friends Charlie Boorman, pursue their passion for BMW motorbikes and adventure travel and head east from London, as far as possible.

The journey was nearly 19 thousand miles (33,000 kms) and took them through Europe, overland through Asia (Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia) to the USA and New York.

Of course, they do take a crew with them, but this is hardcore overland travel at its best. No script, all the hardships are shown. Boy, they had a difficult time in some parts of Asia!

Update: They have the latest episode in this series, Long Way Up, which features the boys riding from Ushuaia in Argentina to Los Angeles. This is more or less the classic Pan-American Highway route that travelers love!

2. Long Way Down

Following on from the 2004 success, Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman set out again in 20017. This time North to South from Scotland to Cape Town in the Long Way Down . This is yet another infamous overland route and also not a simple one.

Many of the roads and countries in Africa are not in the same state as their European counterparts, so they had some challenges with their suspension. They also had quite some adventures and exciting visits, even with presidents!

If you liked the first one of the series, then this is an equally good follow-up.

It’s also available on Amazon.

Below is a quick intro to the show. It’s worth taking a look.

3. Anthony Bourdain (Parts Unknown, No Reservations, A Cook’s Tour & The Layover)

With the sad news of his recent passing, how can I not include one of the food travel show classics from Anthony Bourdain and his team at CNN? This series was still being filmed at the time of this death, and they have since tried to finalise it without being able to use him for voiceovers. However, there is so much material in this series, you won’t be stressed looking for things to watch.

Anthony was actually made famous by his book, Kitchen Confidential , where he revealed how things work in the restaurant business. I actually read this book over 20 years ago, long before I even realised he was on TV.

Parts Unknown is a unique take on travel from Anthony where he visits various countries around the world that interest him and explores all the great food they have on offer. But, he does not go for the classy restaurants and showy food, he looks for the best of what locals enjoy.

And dives right in himself! It’s super-inspiring to see someone so famous get down and dirty and have absolutely zero pretence. He loves food. He loves people. And he loves to travel. What more could you ask for in a TV Show.

Some of the series from Parts Unknown is available on Amazon .

As are some of his older series like No Reservations , A Cook’s Tour , The Layover

And here is a quick preview of season 7 from CNN.

4. Departures – with Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach

Two best friends from Canada decide they need a little excitement in their lives and head off for a year of adventure. They end up exploring vast areas of the world and looking for as many unique experiences as possible.

The series is quite in-depth, covering 43 episodes , and almost as many countries. And by the time you have finished it, I will be surprised if you don’t just get up and go traveling yourself.

You can grab it on Bluray on Amazon.

Here is a quick intro to the series.

5. Simon Reeve Travels

I absolutely love to watch Louis Theroux on TV. His bumbling, almost nerd-like charm somehow disarms all the crazy nut-jobs that he interviews.

Simon Reeve, at least to me, seems like his equal in the BBC travel world. He is not a gung-ho daring, Tom Cruise look-alike. He is a down-to-earth, easy-to-like, bumbling reporter who takes to the most interesting places on earth. And makes you fall in love with them all as much as he does.

We have started watching some of his earlier shows. We have started with his crazy trip around the Equator. But some of the others are available on the BBC (if you live in the UK) including such trips as: the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Australia, Africa, Colombia and many more.

Here is a quick intro to the Caribbean series.

6. Rick Steves Travel Series

Another prolific traveler and creator of travel-related content both on and offline is Rick Steves. If you type in many European-related travel searches in Google, you will often find his website in the top ten.

He seems to have been everywhere worldwide and made a TV show about most of it. He appeals to an older demographic in my opinion, as his commentary is a little stiffer, but you can certainly learn a lot from this guy.

You can check them out on his website.

And below is an intro to Season 9 of his European series.

7. Michael Palins (Various Adventures around the world)

Michael Palin, a former Monty Python member and Jon Cleese, has been producing top-notch travel series for years and is a little more old-school than Rick Steves. His shows focus on longer adventures, similar to A Long Way Round, although perhaps not as challenging.

They are fun to watch, and you certainly get to see some of the lesser-explored regions of the world. Although some of these series will be a little dated by now – I remember watching some decades ago!

And just as I said that I took a look and saw he has since made some new series on Channel 5 in the UK, including a trip into the forbidden land of North Korea !

Michael Palin’s Around the World in 80 Days

8. An Idiot Abroad

Venturing into a little bit of Travel Comedy, An Idiot Abroad is the brainchild of the creator of the British (original) The Office, along with a few co-creators. The idea is to send someone who has almost never left their town, let alone lifestyle and send them to some very foreign destinations.

Along the way, they experience some extremely challenging destinations and situations all in the name of broadening their horizons. Karl Pilkington will never be the same again, and maybe neither will you.

You can grab Season 1 and Season 2 on Amazon.

Here is a quick Best Of from the China episode to give you a taste of the show.

9. Travel Man with Richard Ayoade

Another long-running comedy travel show from the UK, Travel Man is very short episode focused on 48 hours in various cities, mainly in Europe. Of course, now that he is on about his 10th season, he has started to venture a little further afield. Apart from his sarcasm, one of the best things about the show for me is the wacky things he (or his team) finds in every location. Not your run-of-the-mill tourist attractions.

Each episode is extremely sarcastic and accompanied by another usually British comedian, so people outside the UK may have trouble laughing or even understanding what he is saying. His accent is strong and his vocabulary is broad. You might have seen him as one of the wacky IT experts in t he IT Crowd (which you can see on Netflix ), a little like the British version of Silicon Valley, albeit filmed years before.

There are various seasons up for grabs on Amazon .

If you want to see if it’s up to your alley, here is a quick taste of Richard with some of his fellow comedians on the show.

10. Top Gear

Intended as a bit of a petrolhead’s show about cars, Top Gear has also done a significant amount of travel-related shows over the years too. From the drives down the most dangerous roads in the world to almost killing themselves in places like Switzerland. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May will show you a great time on the road and while traveling.

You can check out Season 1 here on Amazon and other seasons that follow.

11. Joanna Lumley’s Travel Series

Joanna Lumley became famous back in the 70s, but for me, she became even more famous for her role in Absolutely Fabulous. Since then, she has traveled and filmed it all for us. She has also done a “making of” series that I enjoyed. She may seem very posh and British when you first see her shows, but if you love sarcasm and comedy then just wait a bit and she will deliver!

Here is a list of her extensive travel shows you can catch on BBC or other online streaming services:

Joanna Lumley’s Hidden Caribbean
Joanna Lumley in the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon
Joanna Lumley in the Land of the Northern Lights
Joanna Lumley’s Japan
Joanna Lumley: The Quest For Noah’s Ark
Joanna Lumley’s India
Jennifer & Joanna: Absolutely Champers

The Best Travel Shows On Netflix

Netflix is a bit of a special category in this post because they don’t have many of the more famous shows above at the moment.

12. Dark Tourist

One of the more recent and perhaps more infamous trends in travel right now is called Dark Tourism. With the recent airing of the series about Chornobyl, it seems to have accelerated even more.

One wacky New Zealand traveler, David Farrier heads to some quirky and sometimes dangerous locations in eight episodes of Dark Tourist , which sees him head to most continents. From the recent Japanese nuclear disaster to perhaps shooting a cow in Cambodia, he tries it all.

13. Street Food: Asia

If you like to combine mouth-watering food and travel, a popular past-time, then this is a recent addition to Netflix that I am currently devouring. It shows you some amazing chefs who are almost always out on the street and serving the locals with something of an obsession. From Thailand to India, you get to see it all – no-frills cooking from some of the best street food vendors in the world.

14. Tales By Light

Another show I have been checking out lately is Tales By Light , a travel and photography-based series up to season 3. It follows a famous Australian photographer all around the world, delving into the lives of the people he meets and how he experiences travel through the lens.

15. Jack Whitehall: Travels with my Father

A show I have not had a chance to see, but it certainly looks like a travel comedy worth checking out. It involves a comedian and his stuffy father taking far-flung adventures to foreign lands and trying to teach each other a thing or two.

16. Somebody Feed Phil

A more modern version of a travel & food show, Somebody Feed Phil , is about exploring the places and food no one talks about. Phil is quite the quirky and loveable character, so you will either love him or loathe him. I watched half the first season and did not fall in love with it. However, given that Netflix has commissioned 6 seasons of the show, there must be a lot of people who love it.

17. Conan Without Borders

Following famous TV night show host Conan O’Brien to some adventurous destinations around the world, this is yet another travel and comedy combination you won’t want to miss. From Haiti and Cuba to K-Pop in South Korea this is as wacky as it is travel.

18. Restaurants on the Edge

“Restaurants on the Edge” is a Canadian reality TV series premiered in 2020. It showcases chef Dennis Prescott, designer Karin Bohn, and restaurateur Nick Liberato assisting struggling restaurants in scenic, remote locations like seashores, lakes, and mountains. This is a little like Gordon Ramsay’s old show Kitchen Nightmares, but more travel related.

The goal of the visits on this show is to rejuvenate these places by integrating them with the local culture. Additionally, the show offers a travel experience, with episodes featuring the experts exploring local areas, meeting artisans, and tasting authentic local foods.

Pin It For Later!

About the author roger timbrook.

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

The 28 Best ’80s TV Shows, Ranked

From 'who's the boss' to 'punky brewster'.

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here .

We’ve already expanded our streaming queue with travel shows and comic relief , but it’s still missing a little…nostalgia. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane with the 28 best ’80s TV shows, ranked from binge-worthy to sensational.

All of the series are available to watch on streaming services, including Netflix , Prime Video and Hulu . Plus, the options range from comedy classics that started in the '80s like Seinfeld to family dramas that dominated the decade like Dynasty .

28. Perfect Strangers

Who's in it: Bronson Pinchot, Mark Linn-Baker, Melanie Wilson, Rebeca Arthur, Belita Moreno
When did it run: 1986 to 1993
Original network: ABC

Larry Appleton is thrilled to move into his first apartment in Chicago. Everything changes when his long-lost cousin arrives and suggests they become roommates.

27. Who’s the Boss?

Who's in it: Tony Danza, Judith Light, Alyssa Milano
When did it run: 1984 to 1992

It's about a widower and former professional baseball player who takes a job as a housekeeper. The catch? He and his daughter must move into the family’s residence. The will-they-won't-they romantic tension between Angela and Tony will have you on the edge of your seat.

Who's in it: Corbin Bernsen, Jill Eikenberry, Alan Rachins
When did it run: 1986 to 1994
Original network: NBC

The series follows the attorneys at a powerful law firm called McKenzie, Brackman, Chaney and Kuzak. It also focuses on co-worker relationships and romances, so prepare for loads of drama.

25. Diff’rent Strokes

Who's in it: Gary Coleman, Todd Bridges, Dana Plato, Conrad Bain
When did it run: 1978 to 1986
Original network: NBC, ABC

The plot centers around a wealthy businessman who adopts two children after their mother passes away. Together, they take on life’s most valuable lessons—and give us some of the most iconic catchphrases.

24. Night Court

Who's in it: Harry Anderson, John Larroquette, Markie Post, Charles Robinson

Harry T. Stone is a judge who approaches his cases with an open mind. With assistance from his courtroom guard, Bull, he tackles a variety of silly cases that arise in night court. (Once you’ve finished the original, be sure to check out the remake, which airs on NBC .)

Who's in it: Paul Fusco, Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson, Benji Gregory
When did it run: 1986 to 1990

ALF (aka Alien Life Form) is an extraterrestrial creature who befriends a family after crash-landing in their garage. The question is: Can he learn to live with the Tanner family?

22. EastEnders

Who's in it: Adam Woodyatt, Steve McFadden, Letitia Dean, June Brown, Pam St. Clement
When did it run: 1985 to present-day
Original network: BBC One

EastEnders is one of the longest-running soap operas, and it’s still producing new episodes to this day. The story follows the residents of Albert Square, which is located in London’s East End. They establish a supportive community as they encourage each other through life and loss.

21. Miami Vice

Who's in it: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas, Saundra Santiago, Olivia Brown
When did it run: 1984 to 1989

These two Miami detectives aren’t afraid to turn to violence if it means getting one step closer to ridding the streets of drugs and crime. Plot aside, the soundtrack and stylish fashion can’t be beat.

Who's in it: Marla Gibbs, Helen Martin, Hall Williams, Jackée Harry
When did it run: 1985 to 1990

If you loved Friends , you need to watch 227 . The series follows a group of four people living in an apartment building—this includes Mary Jenkins, the building’s resident gossiper.

19. Growing Pains

Who's in it: Alan Thicke, Joanna Kerns, Kirk Cameron, Tracey Gold, Jeremy Miller
When did it run: 1985 to 1992

Dr. Jason Seaver is a psychiatrist who works out of his home while his wife pursues a career of her own. Comedy—and plenty of drama—ensues.

18. MacGyver

Who's in it: Richard Dean Anderson, Dana Elcar, Bruce McGill, Robin Mossley

Meet MacGyver, a top agent for an agency that protects the world against evil. However, he’s very different than his coworkers. Not only does he refuse to use a weapon, but he also uses everyday objects—like duct tape—to do his job.

17. Family Ties

Who's in it: Michael J. Fox, Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, Tina Yothers
When did it run: 1982 to 1989

The Keaton family consists of two liberal parents and their children, notably their conservative eldest. Cue the awkward tension.

16. Designing Women

Who's in it: Dixie Carter, Annie Potts, Meshach Taylor, Jean Smart, Delta Burke
Original network: CBS

Julia Sugarbaker and her sister, Suzanne, open a design firm and hire their two best friends. The show is funny, feminist and includes plenty of iconic speeches .

Who's in it: Larry Hagman, Ken Kercheval, Patrick Duffy, Linda Gray
When did it run: 1978 to 1991

Get to know the Ewing family and their massive oil empire, which financially supports their lavish lifestyle. Before long, you’ll be asking the age-old question: Who shot J.R.?

14. Star Trek: The Next Generation

Who's in it: Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Marina Sirtis
When did it run: 1987 to 1994
Original network: Paramount

Inspired by Star Trek: The Original Series , the show takes place 78 years after Captain Kirk’s original mission. It documents a new generation of Starfleet officers as they embark on another space journey.

13. Magnum, P.I.

Who's in it: Tom Selleck, John Hillerman, Roger E. Mosley
When did it run: 1980 to 1988

Meet Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Oahu, Hawaii. The show is the perfect escape, if you ask us.

12. Quantum Leap

Who's in it: Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell, Deborah Pratt, Dennis Wolfberg
When did it run: 1989 to 1993

Dr. Ben Song is a physicist who runs a top-secret time-travel program called Quantum Leap. When he secretly travels back in time to rewrite his past, he soon realizes that he’ll need his team to help him return to the present-day.

11. The Facts of Life

Who's in it: Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Nancy McKeon, Mindy Cohn, Charlotte Rae
When did it run: 1979 to 1988

Mrs. Edna Garrett is the Drummonds’ former housekeeper (yup, it’s a Diff’rent Strokes spinoff). The series documents her journey to become a housemother at a girls’ boarding school.

10. Punky Brewster

Who's in it: Soleil Moon Frye, George Gaynes, Cherie Johnson
When did it run: 1984 to 1988

When Punky Brewster is abandoned by her family, she’s taken in by a cranky photographer, Henry Warnimont, who soon becomes her foster parent. She uses her silly antics to show Henry how to live life to the fullest, no matter the circumstances.

Who's in it: John Forsythe, Linda Evans, Joan Collins, Gordon Thomson
When did it run: 1981 to 1989

The Carrington and Colby families are two notoriously wealthy clans who have been feuding for years. This is their story.

8. Teen Wolf

Who's in it: Townsend Coleman, James Hampton, Don Most, Jeannie Elias, June Foray
When did it run: 1986 to 1987

If you loved the 1985 movie, then you need to watch this ’80s animated series, which is known in the U.K. as The Cartoon Adventures of Teen Wolf . The story is about a young boy who's hiding a dark secret: he and his family are werewolves.

7. The Wonder Years

Who's in it: Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Dan Lauria and Daniel Stern
When did it run: 1988 to 1993

It documents the childhood of Kevin Arnold. Narrated by his adult self, the series is a coming-of-age story that never gets old.

6. Married…with Children

Who's in it: Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino
When did it run: 1987 to 1997
Original network: Fox

Meet the Bundys, a suburban family who’s living in Chicago. They aren’t the kindest to one another, and they often bicker over money, intimacy and housework. Sounds right up our alley.

5. Saved by the Bell

Who's in it: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Dennis Haskins
When did it run: 1989 to 1992

The story focuses on the students of Bayside High School. The series follows Zack Morris and his friends, who are simply trying to escape the wrath of their principal, Mr. Belding.

Who's in it: Alan Alda, Loretta Swit, Jamie Farr, William Christopher
When did it run: 1972 to 1983

The drama takes place during the Korean War and follows members of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Together, they care for patients and use humor to escape the horror they see on a daily basis.

3. The Golden Girls

Who's in it: Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, Estelle Getty

Join four mature women who are living in Miami Beach, Florida. Their biting wit and Rose’s St. Olaf stories make this classic a must-binge.

2. Seinfeld

Who's in it: Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
When did it run: 1989 to 1998

Seinfeld premiered in 1989 and ran for nine seasons, but it’s still considered an ’80s show in our book. The series documents the lives of four single friends who are living in New York City and navigating adulthood. *Cue the canned laughter*

Who's in it: Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger, George Wendt
When did it run: 1982 to 1993

It centers around a bar called Cheers, where everybody knows your name. After a few episodes, you might even consider yourself a regular.

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The Best TV Shows Of The '80s, Ranked

Step back in time with us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of 1980s television, a decade rich with iconic series that shaped the landscape of pop culture. This carefully curated collection isn't just any rundown of '80s TV shows; it's a tribute to the era's most outstanding programs, passionately ranked by true TV connoisseurs.

The '80s was a time when sitcoms reigned supreme, capturing the hearts of viewers every week. Classics like Cheers , The Cosby Show , Murphy Brown , and The Golden Girls weren't just shows, they were shared experiences that sparked discussions at every office water cooler. Family-centered hits such as Family Ties , The Wonder Years , The Facts of Life , and Who's the Boss mirrored the joys and trials of the decade's typical households.

But it wasn't all about the laughs; the '80s were also a playground for procedural crime dramas and action-packed adventures. Series like Miami Vice , Knight Rider , and Remington Steele combined heart-thumping stories with a heavy dose of unmistakable '80s flair — think fabulous hair and fashion trends that have since become legendary.

This period also gave birth to the primetime soap opera craze, with the dramatic escapades of Dynasty and Dallas ensuring audiences were perpetually on the edge of their seats. Whether they stretched into the '90s or were fleeting gems like Max Headroom and The Greatest American Hero , the decade's shows left an indelible mark on television history.

We invite you to dive into this list and rediscover the greatest '80s shows, those that not only defined a decade but also stood the test of time. Perhaps it's time to unearth your old Betamax tapes and relive the moments that made these series truly special. And for an extra dash of nostalgia, don't miss the best series set in the unmistakable milieu of the 1980s.

Set in the cozy atmosphere of a Boston bar, this beloved sitcom captivated audiences with its witty humor and memorable ensemble cast, including Ted Danson as the charming bartender Sam Malone, Shelley Long as the intellectual waitress Diane Chambers, and Rhea Perlman as the feisty Carla Tortelli. The show's character-driven storylines and clever one-liners made it an instant hit, earning multiple award nominations and wins during its 11-season run. With guest appearances from prominent figures like Dick Cavett and Wade Boggs, this iconic series not only cemented its place in pop culture history but also launched successful spin-offs that continued to delight viewers for years.

Is Cheers Worth Your Time?

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This groundbreaking dramedy followed a group of army doctors during the Korean War, blending serious themes with comedic moments to create a unique viewing experience. The talented cast included Alan Alda as Captain Hawkeye Pierce, Loretta Swit as Major Margaret Houlihan, and Harry Morgan as Colonel Sherman Potter. Its 11-year run earned numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on television history.

Is M*A*S*H Worth Your Time?

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# 19 of 202 on The TV Shows With The Best Writing

A thrilling mix of action-packed adventure and camaraderie among four Vietnam veterans turned mercenaries for hire propelled this exciting series into pop culture fame. With George Peppard as Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith leading Dirk Benedict's charming con man Faceman (Templeton Peck), Dwight Schultz's eccentric "Howling Mad" Murdock, and Mr. T's tough guy B.A Baracus, the show's high-octane stunts, and humor kept viewers riveted throughout its five-season run.

Is The A-Team Worth Your Time?

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Set in 1950s Milwaukee, this nostalgic sitcom starred Ron Howard as Richie Cunningham alongside Henry Winkler’s iconic portrayal of Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli. With its catchy theme song “Rock Around The Clock” by Bill Haley & His Comets kicking off each episode, Happy Days delighted audiences with its wholesome storytelling while simultaneously making "The Fonz" a household name.

Is Happy Days Worth Your Time?

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Family Ties

Centered around the Keaton family during the Reagan era, this popular sitcom tackled various social issues while maintaining a light-hearted tone. Michael J. Fox rose to fame as Alex P. Keaton, a young conservative whose views often clashed with his liberal parents Elyse and Steven, played by Meredith Baxter-Birney and Michael Gross. The show's focus on family values resonated with viewers and contributed to its lasting popularity even decades after its conclusion.

Is Family Ties Worth Your Time?

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Magnum, P.I.

A crime-solving ex-Navy SEAL with a penchant for Hawaiian shirts, Tom Selleck's Thomas Magnum charmed audiences in this iconic detective series. Set against the scenic backdrop of Hawaii, the show balanced action, drama, and comedy with memorable supporting characters like John Hillerman's Higgins and an unforgettable theme song that still resonates today.

Is Magnum, P.I. Worth Your Time?

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Married... with Children

A sharp departure from the wholesome family sitcoms of the era, this ground-breaking comedy introduced viewers to the dysfunctional Bundy family. Ed O'Neill's portrayal of the bumbling yet lovable Al Bundy, Katey Sagal's sassy Peg Bundy, and their wise-cracking children Kelly (Christina Applegate) and Bud (David Faustino) challenged traditional family values while garnering a loyal fan base throughout its 11-season run.

Is Married... with Childr... Worth Your Time?

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The Muppet Show

Jim Henson's colorful cast of Muppets entertained families in this innovative variety show which featured celebrity guest stars such as Steve Martin, Elton John, and Julie Andrews. Kermit the Frog led a group of eccentric characters including Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear, and Gonzo on a journey through skits and musical numbers that showcased their unique personalities while leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.

Is The Muppet Show Worth Your Time?

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# 32 of 193 on 190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s

The Dukes of Hazzard

This classic action-comedy series followed cousins Bo (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat) as they navigated Hazzard County while evading the corrupt Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke) and his bumbling sidekick Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best). Their iconic vehicle, the General Lee – a 1969 Dodge Charger – left an indelible mark on pop culture as it soared through countless jumps and high-speed chases during the show's seven-season run.

Is The Dukes of Hazzard Worth Your Time?

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The Golden Girls

Four feisty women living together under one roof made for endless laughs in this groundbreaking sitcom which showcased the talents of Bea Arthur as Dorothy Zbornak, Betty White as Rose Nylund, Rue McClanahan as Blanche Devereaux, and Estelle Getty as Sophia Petrillo. The witty banter among these strong female characters tackled topics often left untouched by television at that time while maintaining its comedic charm throughout its successful seven-season run.

Is The Golden Girls Worth Your Time?

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# 5 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms

Quantum Leap

Scott Bakula’s Dr. Sam Beckett took audiences on a time-traveling journey as he "leaped" into various historical figures' bodies to right past wrongs in this unique science fiction drama . Co-starring Dean Stockwell as Al Calavicci, Sam’s holographic sidekick from the future, the show brilliantly combined elements of history, science fiction, and human emotion during its five-season run.

Is Quantum Leap Worth Your Time?

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Resourceful secret agent Angus MacGyver, played by Richard Dean Anderson, won over viewers with his unique ability to use everyday objects to solve complex problems in this thrilling adventure series. The show's blend of action and intelligence led to a dedicated following that still resonates today.

Is MacGyver Worth Your Time?

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Night Court

Taking place in a zany Manhattan courtroom after hours, this quirky sitcom featured Harry Anderson as Judge Harry Stone presiding over an eclectic cast of characters including prosecutor Dan Fielding (John Larroquette) and public defender Christine Sullivan (Markie Post). With its offbeat humor and memorable catchphrases, the show entertained audiences for nine seasons.

Is Night Court Worth Your Time?

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The Jetsons

This futuristic animated sitcom showcased the lives of George Jetson and his space-age family while providing social commentary on technology's impact on daily life. With memorable characters like George's wife Jane, their children Judy and Elroy, their robot maid Rosie, and their dog Astro, the show maintained its popularity even after its initial 1960s run with a successful revival in the 1980s.

Is The Jetsons Worth Your Time?

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Mork & Mindy

This zany sitcom brought Robin Williams to fame with his portrayal of Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, who befriends and moves in with Mindy (Pam Dawber), a young woman from Boulder, Colorado. The show's blend of slapstick humor, touching moments, and Williams' iconic catchphrase "Nanu Nanu" made it a hit throughout its four-season run.

Is Mork & Mindy Worth Your Time?

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Three's Company

Set in sunny Santa Monica, this classic sitcom focused on the misadventures of roommates Jack Tripper (John Ritter), Janet Wood (Joyce DeWitt), and Chrissy Snow (Suzanne Somers). The show's clever use of physical comedy and entertaining misunderstandings kept viewers laughing during its eight-season run.

Is Three's Company Worth Your Time?

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# 31 of 164 on The Most Important TV Sitcoms

The Twilight Zone

This anthology series delved into the realm of science fiction, fantasy, and suspense with its collection of thought-provoking stories created by Rod Serling. Despite being originally produced in the 1950s-1960s, the show experienced a successful revival in the 1980s due to its timeless exploration of human nature and social issues.

Is The Twilight Zone Worth Your Time?

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The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show

This animated comedy featured everyone's favorite cat-and-mouse duo engaging in their classic game of chase while also showcasing fresh storylines and new characters. The show's clever blend of slapstick humor and timeless charm kept audiences entertained during its two-season run.

Is The Tom and Jerry Come... Worth Your Time?

Knight Rider

A man and his technologically advanced car teamed up to fight crime in this thrilling action series. Starring David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight and featuring KITT - an artificially intelligent Pontiac Firebird Trans Am voiced by William Daniels - this dynamic duo captured imaginations while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats throughout its four-season run.

Is Knight Rider Worth Your Time?

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The Wonder Years

A coming-of-age story set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, this nostalgic dramedy followed the life of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage) as he faced the challenges of adolescence with his family, friends, and first love. Narrated by an adult Kevin (Daniel Stern), the show offered relatable stories that resonated with audiences throughout its six-season run.

Is The Wonder Years Worth Your Time?

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Growing Pains

Chronicling the ups and downs of the Seaver family, this heartwarming sitcom starred Alan Thicke as Dr. Jason Seaver, Joanna Kerns as his wife Maggie, Kirk Cameron as troublemaking son Mike, and Tracey Gold as overachieving daughter Carol. Its relatable storylines about family life made it a staple in households across America throughout its seven-season run.

Is Growing Pains Worth Your Time?

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With its stylish blend of action, drama, and fashion, this iconic crime series became synonymous with 1980s pop culture. Starring Don Johnson as Sonny Crockett and Philip Michael Thomas as Ricardo Tubbs, the pair of Miami detectives tackled drug lords and other criminals while sporting pastel-colored suits and driving flashy sports cars to a pulsating soundtrack.

Is Miami Vice Worth Your Time?

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WKRP in Cincinnati

Set within an eccentric radio station in Cincinnati, this workplace comedy featured Gary Sandy as program director Andy Travis navigating a cast of quirky characters including DJ Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman), newsman Les Nessman (Richard Sanders), and receptionist Jennifer Marlowe (Loni Anderson). The ensemble's hilarious antics and offbeat humor kept viewers tuning in for four seasons.

Is WKRP in Cincinnati Worth Your Time?

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The Simpsons

Groundbreaking in its time, this long-running animated series has captured the hearts of multiple generations with its satirical depiction of American family life. Centering around the dysfunctional yet lovable Simpson family – including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie – the show's wit and humor have earned it countless accolades and a dedicated fan base that continues to grow even today.

Is The Simpsons Worth Your Time?

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# 8 of 538 on The 500+ Best Cartoons Of All Time, Ranked

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Set in the 24th century, this sci-fi series continued Gene Roddenberry's original vision with new adventures aboard the USS Enterprise-D. Featuring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard leading a diverse ensemble cast that included characters such as Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and android Data (Brent Spiner), this installment of Star Trek expanded upon its rich universe while entertaining fans during its seven-season run.

Is Star Trek: The Next Ge... Worth Your Time?

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All in the Family

Focusing on the lives of working-class father Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), and their adult children Gloria (Sally Struthers) and Mike "Meathead" Stivic (Rob Reiner), this groundbreaking sitcom tackled controversial issues such as racism, sexism, and political strife with humor and humanity over its nine-season run.

Is All in the Family Worth Your Time?

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Adventures abounded in this animated adaptation of Carl Barks' beloved comic book series featuring Scrooge McDuck and his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie. The show's globetrotting treasure hunts, catchy theme song, and colorful cast of characters captured the hearts of viewers throughout its four-season run.

Is DuckTales Worth Your Time?

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Unsolved Mysteries

The mysterious world of unsolved crimes captivated viewers in this chilling documentary series. Hosted by Robert Stack, each episode recounted real-life cases ranging from missing persons to paranormal events through reenactments and interviews. Its eerie theme song and suspenseful storytelling left a lasting impact on pop culture.

Is Unsolved Mysteries Worth Your Time?

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The Incredible Hulk

Bill Bixby portrayed Dr. David Banner in this gripping TV adaptation of Marvel Comics' green-skinned superhero. With Lou Ferrigno as his hulking alter-ego, the show balanced action and drama as Banner searched for a cure to his gamma-induced affliction while evading the relentless reporter Jack McGee (Jack Colvin). The series' memorable theme music and catchphrases resonated with fans even after its five-season run.

Is The Incredible Hulk Worth Your Time?

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Who's the Boss?

Tony Danza starred as Tony Micelli in this popular sitcom about a former baseball player-turned-housekeeper who moves in with a high-powered advertising executive, Angela Bower (Judith Light), and her son Jonathan (Danny Pintauro). The unlikely duo's chemistry and comedic timing made this heartwarming show a hit during its eight-season run.

Is Who's the Boss? Worth Your Time?

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Lists about things you love—or at least remember—about history's most bodacious decade.

50 of the Best Travel-ish Shows to Watch When You Can't Travel

Abbie Mood Lang

August 8, 2023

We can only travel so much ( no matter how cheap the flights are ). So when you inevitably settle down onto the couch, check out one of these shows to transport you to a different place until you can get there in person.

Here are 50 of our favorite travel tv shows.

Traditional Travel Shows

1. Rick Steves’ Europe

Rick Steves might be a bit bookish but that’s one of the things we love about him. The man knows Europe—and the continent’s history—like the back of his hand, and his love for the region is clear. Whether you already love the countries and cities he visits, too, or are dreaming of the day you finally make it there, don’t be surprised if you find yourself geeking out right along with him. Available on: Amazon, Hulu, YouTube

>> Get inspired with our list of 25 ideas for where to go in Europe.

2. passport to europe with samantha brown.

Sam Brown travels with a sense of curiosity and excitement that you can’t help but get caught up in. “Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown” is packed with history, popular landmarks, local restaurants, and shopping spots—literally everything you need to know about both major cities and smaller spots in Europe. Available on: Amazon

3. The Layover

This one is made for travelers who love to maximize every. single. second. when they travel, including the time in between flights (looking at you, Type As). In “The Layover,” the late Anthony Bourdain uses every travel trick in the book to do—and eat—as much as he can within 24-48 hours. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Sling, Amazon

>> Plan your own short adventure with our layover guides.

4. the national parks: america's best idea.

Most of us have hiked, backpacked, or at the very least, driven through one of the United States’ national parks. From lesser-visited spots like the Gates of the Arctic in Alaska to (maybe a little too) popular ones like Yellowstone, this documentary pays homage to these beautiful places, sharing the history of the national park system from the 1800s to the present time through breathtaking video footage, interviews, and untold stories. Available on: Amazon, YouTube

5. Globe Trekker

Featuring a rotating cast of hosts, “Globe Trekker” is a real-life version of the Lonely Planet guidebooks. The first few seasons were filmed in the 90s so don’t expect high-def, but over two decades they cover just about everywhere that you could think of, from London to Northern India to the Australian Outback. Available on: Amazon

Experiential Travel Shows

6. Dark Tourist

If you are fascinated by all things unusual—and maybe even morbid—you’ll definitely get some ideas from this Netflix series. In “Dark Tourist,” journalist David Farrier explores destinations with a grim history, like witnessing an exorcism in Mexico, hiking through a haunted forest in Japan, or swimming in a lake formed by a nuclear blast in Kazakhstan. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you if you have trouble sleeping after! Available on: Netflix

7. Conan Without Borders

Team Coco, this one is for you. See a side of Conan you never knew you needed as your favorite late-night talk show host takes his antics on the road to experience pop culture in other countries firsthand. Always wanted to see Conan star in a telenovela? Check. Wonder if he could hack it as a K-pop star? Done. Curious to see what his, um, dance skills look like? Season 1, Episode 1. Available on: Netflix

8. Tales by Light

There’s something about an amazing photo that makes the rest of us wonder how it even happened. While there’s a little bit of “right place, right time” to many great shots, the best photographers know exactly what to look for when it comes to lighting, angles, and capturing emotions and feelings. Not just a behind-the-scenes look at how the pictures are taken, “Tales by Light” also show us how powerful images can be when it comes to conservation. Available on: Netflix

9. Expedition Unknown

With a background in archaeology and a “passion for the unexplained,” Josh Gates investigates unsolved mysteries, lost cities, and buried treasure all around the world. He’s got a little bit of an Indiana Jones vibe going on, and actually does get himself in some hairy situations while tackling challenges like searching for Amelia Earhart’s remains in Fiji—but without the Nazis breathing down his neck or giant boulders barreling his way. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

10. The Moaning of Life

After “An Idiot Abroad” concluded and comedian Karl Pilkington turned 40, he had some big life questions, as one does. “The Moaning of Life” documents Pilkington’s mid-life crisis as he travels around the world to see how other cultures tackle big topics like marriage, having children (they’re not for him), the secret to happiness, and even death. Available on: Amazon

11. Planet Earth

The BBC put some serious funding into the production of “Planet Earth” and it has paid off. The series has been awarded four Emmys and a Peabody Award from the Royal Television Society for its breathtaking episodes featuring a different biome or habitat each time. From the Arctic and Antarctica to the depths of the oceans, if this doesn’t inspire you to see more of our planet, nothing will. Available on: YouTube, Amazon

Road Trips

12. Long Way Round

Watch actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman hop on their BMW R1150GS Adventure motorcycles (hey, some people are interested in those kinds of details) and cruise from London to New York. They take an eastern route through Europe, Asia, and Alaska, then down to the contiguous US, usually off-road. The two have an obvious shared passion for riding, which is a definite requirement if you plan to sit on a bike seat for 19,000 miles! Available on: Amazon

13. Long Way Down

A sequel to their 2004 adventure, Long Way Down follows Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman again as they ride their trusty motorcycles from Scotland through Europe and down Africa to Cape Town, South Africa. This time the duo covers an impressive 15,000 miles—though as the episodes show, it’s not always easy. Available on: Tubi

14. Epic Drives

Come for the cars, stay for the conversations. Created in partnership with Motor Trend magazine, this show highlights fast cars, unique trucks (Ford Falcon XR6 Ute anyone?), and stories from locals in epic locations. Available on: YouTube

15. Top Gear

There’s a reason that there are nine (!) movies in the Fast & Furious franchise—people love watching drivers push their cars to the limit. "Top Gear" is part review, part road trip, and all adrenaline, and the celebrity guest drivers and absurd challenges add to the fun. Now that we think about it, maybe Rocket League® was inspired by the Top Gear Car Sports segment…? Available on: YouTube TV, Amazon

16. The Grand Tour

Filled with bits of uniquely quirky (and questionable) advice like “looking good is more important than looking where you’re going,” "The Grand Tour" finds Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May (of “Top Gear” fame) driving unique automobiles in interesting places. The friends drive everything from an Aston Martin in South Africa to the Fiat Panda 4x4 in Colombia to beach buggies in Namibia. They talk, they eat, they race. Available on: Amazon

Food & Drink

17. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations

“No Reservations” combines two of the best things about traveling: food and adventure. Throw in Anthony Bourdain and you’ve got a truly entertaining TV show. The chef gets down and dirty in each location, giving us a look at not just the food, but the people and a fun way to experience the culture. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Amazon

18. Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown

Bourdain once said, “You learn a lot about someone when you share a meal together.” “Parts Unknown” brings the table to you, as the chef learns about the history of often-complicated places (Detroit, Iran, Senegal) by sharing a traditional food or drink with the people who live there. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon

19. Gordon Ramsay's Uncharted

Chef Gordon Ramsay is probably best known for his strong personality on his reality TV shows, like “Hell’s Kitchen,” but in “Uncharted,” we see a more humble side of the Brit. He frequently finds himself thrown out of his comfort zone while learning about the cuisine or traditional cooking methods from a local and is then thrown into the fire by attempting to make a dish for the community himself. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Disney+

20. Gordon's Great Escape

Imagine Gordon Ramsay in a white tank top, admitting that he has no idea what he’s doing and traveling around India (often on motorbike) to become versed on what “real” curry is like compared to the dish he loves in the UK. The show embodies the sights and sounds of India and Ramsay even experiences “travel sickness,” just like the rest of us. The last four episodes take place in Southeast Asia and Ramsay continues his role as the student, which isn’t a position we’re used to seeing him in. Available on: Amazon, Disney+

21. Ugly Delicious

Each episode revolves around a type of food and then James Beard Award-winning chef David Chang travels to different countries to explore how those places interpret it or make it. With close-up shots of the food as it’s being made, cooked, and consumed, you can almost smell the warm pizza crust and feel the heat of the hot chicken in your mouth. Available on: Netflix

22. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

If you like “Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee,” you’ll love "Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner." David Chang travels the world to meet up with funny, food-loving celebrities like Seth Rogen and Chrissy Teigen as they embark on culinary adventures in various cities around the world. Available on: Netflix

23. Street Food

Street food is almost like a culture within a culture. Wherever you go, travelers can count on carts to have the most authentic food—and people—you’ll ever find. Capturing the vibrant colors and essence of each dish, this show manages to make even the most humble of street food look so beautiful; it's like a love letter to the food and the people who make it. Available on: Netflix

24. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern

Even if you consider yourself an adventurous eater, this one might make you a little squeamish. But hey, you’ve gotta give Zimmern credit for being up for anything, like lamb brains and duck tongue. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling, Amazon

25. Three Sheets

Comedian Zane Lamprey is living the dream—traveling the world to meet new people and drink alcohol with them. It’s essentially an international pub crawl, including the day-after hangover cures. Available on: Amazon

26. I’ll Have What Phil’s Having

Phil Rosenthal is hilarious (he did create “Everybody Loves Raymond”) but in a very wholesome way. He had an admittedly bland diet as a child, so Rosenthal wants to experience as much as he can as an adult—even if that means stepping into the unknown. His friendly demeanor and childlike innocence make you feel like you are just tagging along with an uncle and experiencing a place for the first time. Available on: YouTube, Amazon

27. Somebody Feed Phil

In “Somebody Feed Phil,” Rosenthal actually brings his friends and family along as he visits cities ranging from Tel Aviv to New Orleans. Phil’s excitement is contagious as he tastes the best pizza, egg cream—and even hot dog—of his life. Available on: Netflix

28. BuzzFeed's Worth It

BuzzFeed knows how to tap into popular culture, and “Worth It” offers a unique spin on your typical food review. Instead of just eating a meal somewhere and talking about it, hosts Steven Lim and Andrew Ilnyckyj eat three different dishes at three different price points (affordable, mid, luxury) and then decide if it’s worth it to spend more money. The guys bring an everyman attitude to the whole show, so they rarely pick the most expensive option. Available on: Hulu, BuzzFeed’s website

29. Booze Traveler

Host Jack Maxwell is the real deal. At a young age, he made money by shining shoes in local pubs and gin mills (seriously) and then became a bartender in South Boston. He found that you can learn a lot about a person when you take the time to sit down for a couple of drinks, so naturally, he hit the road to learn about what people are drinking and why they drink it. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

30. Chef's Table

Many cooking shows give you a look into the chef’s personality, but sometimes you want to go a little deeper, learn a little bit more. Enter Emmy-nominated series “Chef’s Table.” Each season dives into the lives and personal stories of six chefs, discussing their discipline and culinary talent while they prepare a dish. It’s the best of both worlds and a must watch for serious foodies. Available on: Netflix

31. Jack Whitehall: Travels with My Father

If you’ve ever traveled with a parent, you will be hard-pressed to find a more relatable show. Comedian Jack Whitehall and his father, Michael, hit the road together to “strengthen their bond.” Dad is definitely out of his element in this one, as Jack wants to be in the thick of everything, while Michael would definitely prefer a bit more familiarity. Available on: Netflix

32. The Amazing Race

Featuring 11 teams of two that race around the world to make it to the final leg and take home the $1 million prize, contestants on “The Amazing Race” face everything from grueling heat to freezing temperatures, while having to complete physical and mental challenges on a limited budget. There are many reasons why this show is so popular, but perhaps the biggest is the relationships between the partners. Just traveling with another person on vacation can be stressful enough, but the competition adds another layer of complexity to the relationship as they try to navigate through completely foreign cities and countries. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Sling, Amazon

33. Survivorman

Canadian survival expert Les Stroud strands himself in the remote wilderness for 7-10 days with only his clothes, a one-man camera rig, his harmonica, a multi-tool, and often, items relevant to his survival situation or location. While it may not make you want to go off on your own in the middle of nowhere for days on end, it might motivate you to spend a little more time in nature in a place you hadn’t thought of before. Available on: Hulu, Amazon, YouTube

34. An Idiot Abroad

Poor Karl Pilkington is constantly pranked by British comics Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant in “An Idiot Abroad.” To be fair, it’s probably not possible for Pilkington to be that clueless, but he plays the part well and with quite a bit of humor as he’s repeatedly surprised and confused about the cultural customs of people around the world. Available on: YouTube, Amazon

35. Restaurants on the Edge

Love a good makeover show? Check out “Restaurants on the Edge,” a show in which three food and design experts revive restaurants that are on the edge of failing by re-connecting them with the local culture and food. The newly improved eateries offer a redesigned decor and unique menu, but the views throughout the show—filmed at restaurants in places like Malta, St. Lucia, and Hong Kong—give you a real idea of what the locale looks like. Available on: Netflix

36. Extreme Engagement

It’s your typical love story: man and woman meet, fall madly in love, get engaged, and then spend two years apart while man is filming another TV show. Okay, so that last part is not so typical, but when PJ Madam and Tim Noonan came back together, they decided to spend every waking second together and travel the world for an entire year to see if their relationship could cut it. Unlike most travel shows that visit the hotspots, the couple travels to remote villages and experiences life with tribespeople in their quest to “discover the secret to a perfect marriage,” giving viewers a real sense of place and a deep look at places many tourists never see. Available on: Netflix

37. House Hunters International

If you’ve ever dreamt of living abroad, “House Hunters International” is the best way to get a glimpse of life in another country—and where you could potentially live there. The buyers’ often-unrealistic expectations or lavish budgets have become the source for many a meme and with 115 seasons , you’ve got some catching up to do. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling

38. Basic Versus Baller: Travel at Any Cost

“Vagabrothers” Marko and Alex Ayling vlog their 24-hour adventures in popular cities across the globe. Each episode starts with a little brotherly competition with a trivia question about the city to determine who will experience the destination on a shoestring budget and who will get to ball out. Whether you’re a penny-pinching backpacker or an all-out baller when you travel, you’ll get to see both sides of the coin. Available on: Hulu, YouTube TV

Scripted Shows Set Abroad

39. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories

The show takes place in a fictional small Japanese bar called Meshiya in Tokyo that is open from midnight to 7 a.m. While the menu technically only offers four things—sake, beer, shōchū, and tonjiru, a pork soup — the chef (known only as the Master) will create any dish that a customer may want using the ingredients that he has on-hand that night. The camera follows that night’s patrons out of the bar and into their lives to continue their stories, but still manages to capture the true feeling of the show—that food is about coming together but life is boring without a little joy every now and then. Available on: Netflix

Based on the lives of five single men and women in their 30s in Jerusalem, “Srugim” checks all the boxes for a binge-worthy show: controversial issues (in the Religious Zionist society), marriage problems, a character struggling with their sexuality, and a bonus for travel junkies—true cultural immersion. Available on: Amazon Prime, YouTube

Regularly ranked as one of the most popular TV shows of all-time in the US, “Lost” is about the survivors of a commercial jet airliner that crashed on a mysterious island in the South Pacific Ocean en route from Sydney to Los Angeles. The show was filmed at Mokulē'ia Beach, near the northwest tip of Oahu, making it easy to imagine spending a week on your very own deserted island. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Amazon

42. Outlander

With elements of romance, history, and science fiction, “Outlander” is filled with sweeping landscapes, historic castles, and elegant gardens. Filmed mostly in the Scottish Highlands, but also in Prague (to capture the spirit of 18th-century France in Season 2) and Cape Town, South Africa, you can visit many of the sites where Clare Randall lived her double lives. Available on: Netflix, Hulu, Sling, YouTube TV

43. Downton Abbey

This series is set in the fictional Yorkshire country estate of Downton Abbey between 1912 and 1926 and depicts the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. If the show inspires a trip to the British countryside, be sure to add Highclere Castle to your list—it’s where the TV show was filmed. Available on: Amazon, YouTube

44. Grantchester

Taking place in a picturesque 1950s Cambridgeshire village named Grantchester, this detective drama will have you dreaming of spending your next vacation in a sleepy British town. You can actually visit the actual town of some 540 people and take a walk through the Grantchester Meadows, stop in the pub, and sit down for afternoon tea, just like Sidney Chambers and Geordie Keating. Available on: Amazon, YouTube

45. Trapped

Though it’s been gaining in popularity as a tourist destination in the past few years, Iceland is still a country that feels quite wild and remote. “Trapped” captures that feeling in this crime drama taking place in as isolated Icelandic town, where the chief of police tries to solve the murder of a former townsperson after his mutilated corpse is found by fishermen. Available on: Amazon

46. The Kettering Incident

The Australian drama is based on the mysterious disappearance of two young girls, but the dark and enchanting landscapes are a central part of the show. This one might not have a happy premise, but the filming locations in and around the town of Kettering and Bruny Island in Tasmania are sure to kick your wanderlust into overdrive. Available on: Amazon, YouTube

47. Top of the Lake

Set in a remote mountain town in New Zealand, "Top of the Lake" is a harrowing series about an inexperienced detective trying to figure out what happened to 12-year-old Tui, who disappeared while five months pregnant. The country’s South Island is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world and the show gives you enough of a taste that you’ll want to book a trip to Glenorchy and experience its untouched beauty for yourself. Available on: Hulu, YouTube, Amazon

When a group of eight strangers from around the world realize they are connected telepathically, they have to find a way to keep each other safe from those who find their powers threatening. The second season includes an astonishing 15 cities and 13 countries. From action shots in Seoul to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the creators of "The Matrix" and "Babylon 5” outdid themselves with this one. Available on: Netflix

49. Hawaii 5-0

Take a trip to Hawaii with this TV show featuring an elite state police task force set up to fight major crimes in the state. Originally airing from 1968 to 1980, there’s also a remake that premiered in 2010 and will end in 2020. Whether you watch the old school or modern version, the swaying palm trees and ocean views will bring back memories of a tropical vacation. Available on: CBS, YouTube TV

50. Marco Polo

Yes, this TV show is about that Marco Polo. Inspired by the creator’s own legendary trip through Central Asia, “Marco Polo” gives viewers an insight into the life of one of the world’s first explorers. We challenge you to somehow not imagine yourself riding a horse through the grassland of the Mongolian-Manchurian steppe after watching a few episodes of this one. Available on: Netflix, Amazon

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Freelance Writer

Published August 8, 2023

Last updated January 9, 2024

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8 Old Travel Shows On TV For A Nostalgic Trip

Long before bloggers started chronicling their travel experiences, it was the travel shows broadcast on TV that virtually took us around the world. While many introduced us to exotic and off- beat destinations, others gave us a glimpse of unique cultures and unusual local cuisines. Entertaining as well as informational, these are 8 old television travel series that would not only take you on a trip of nostalgia but also inspire you to tour the world. A couple of them are so popular that they continue to be telecast on TV.

1. Globe Trekker (1994 - Present)

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Image Source: ket.org

Running since 1994, Globe Trekker has been enticing everyone to travel around the world. Originally broadcast as Lonely Planet, the adventure tourism-based show primarily takes the off-beaten path for exploring the local culture. Each episode, hosted by a different ‘traveler’, transports you to breathtaking destinations across the globe.

2. Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations (2005 - 2012)

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Image Source: Youtube.com

The world recently lost Anthony Bourdain, but his travel shows like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations have made him immortal. ‘Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations’ had a perfect mixture of travel and food. People used to look forward to the destinations that the sharp-tongued Bourdain would explore and the cuisines that he would taste.

3. Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown (2004 - 2006)

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Image Source: wfsu.org

Passport to Europe with Samantha Brown benefited many who were planning a Euro trip. In this show, the bright-eyed host Samantha visits famous, as well as, smaller European cities, interacting with the locals to know their culture. Besides, the show also introduces you to the local landmarks, along with popular restaurants and shopping sites.

4. Departures (2008 - 2010)

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Image Source: departuresentertainment.com

Most of us can relate to the travel series Departures, showing two regular guys road-tripping since they are bored. It is one of my favorites as the adventure-travel-show focuses more on the journey rather than destinations. Embarking on a journey of 42 episodes, you get to experience the travelogue of Scott Wilson, Andre Dupuis, and Justin Lukach.

5. An Idiot Abroad (2010 - 2012)

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Unlike other travel shows where a host takes you around the world, An Idiot Abroad is all about watching Karl Pilkington perform impromptu tasks at different destinations. This road trip comedy television series is an absolute entertainer while watching Karl dance with a samba school in a Carnival parade, traveling the desert on a camel, or training as a luchador.

6. Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days (1989)

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Image Source: forthearts.org.uk

Telecast on BBC1 way back in 1989, the travel series ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ is inspired from Jules Verne's classic novel that goes by the same name. In this television travel series, Michael Palin is challenged to travel around the world in just 80 days without using aircraft for transport. A critically acclaimed programme, you get to see Michael’s challenges and experiences up-close.

7. Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern (2006 - Present)

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Image Source: andrewzimmern.com

One of the longest-running travel shows, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is a favorite amongst foodies (or rather not?). Perfectly mixing food with travel, in this show you see chef Andrew Zimmern traveling to different countries and trying unusual cuisines that one would normally turn away. Discovering the most authentic food, beware though as a few graphics may be outright disgusting.

8. The Thirsty Traveler (2002 - 2006)

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The Thirsty Traveler was a show to see how host Kevin Brauch quenched his thirst for ale and travel. While spanning the globe, Kevin is seen to be on a quest of finding the best tasting spirits. For the beer, wine, and bourbon lovers, this is one of the must-watch travel shows broadcast on television.

How many of these travel shows on TV have you watched? Any other travel series that have made you yearn to go wandering? Comment below and let everyone know!

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15 Time Travel TV shows: past, present and future

Time travel has been a television mainstay for at least fifty years and has, appropriately enough, gone through the decades (sometimes) growing more sophisticated along the way. There have been at least fifty such shows, but Empire has distilled them to a sampling of fifteen that span from 1963 ( Doctor Who ) to 2017 ( Time After Time ).

1963-1989, 2005-08, 2010-15, Specials Airing between 2005 and 2016

If you’re thinking of traveling through time, best utilize a TARDIS, the safest way to move through the ages, and certainly a lot more reliable than, say, a souped-up DeLorean. After all, the Doctor and his various companions have been using it for over half a century, much to the delight of generations of viewers. And part of the genius of the show is the fact that the Doctor can regenerate, so when an actor decides he wants to move on (or even if he demands too much of a raise), it’s easy enough to explain why someone else is playing the role. Doctor Who remains the longest-running time travel series, initially spanning twenty-six straight seasons between 1963 and 1989, and resurrected in 2005 for an all-new ten-plus-year run. Additionally, it’s spawned almost as many series spin-offs as Star Trek : Torchwood (2006-2011), The Sarah Jane Adventures (2007-2011), K-9 (2009-2010) and this year’s Class .

It’s About Time

Gilligan’s Island creator Sherwood Schwartz came up with this little “gem” about a pair of astronauts whose space capsule travels back to prehistoric times, where they begin interacting with a cave family, getting involved in one wacky adventure after another (some involving stop motion dinosaurs). The premise quickly ran out of steam and was retooled mid-season to have the astronauts return to the 20th Century, cave family in tow, thus thrusting them into their own wacky adventures. Trust us when we say the theme song (below) was more entertaining than the show.

The Time Tunnel

Producer Irwin Allen ruled much of the sci-fi airwaves throughout the 1960s with shows like Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea , Lost In Space , Land Of The Giants and this show, The Time Tunnel . The premise is kind of cool: Project Tic-Toc (okay, that part definitely diminishes much of the cool) has developed an experimental time machine (which remains a great visual) in which Dr. Douglas Philips (Robert Colbert) and Dr. Anthony Newman (James Darren — hey, Vic Fontaine from Deep Space Nine !) enter, and are plunged through time. The Tic-Toc team (okay, it’s sounding sillier by the minute) are able to communicate with them in the different eras they arrive in, and attempts to pull them back to the present but send them instead to different periods in history. But, hey, these guys with knowledge of the future can actually influence history, can’t they? Unfortunately, they frequently get this close before being yanked back into the time stream. The pilot for a new series was produced in 2002, but never went forward.

Quantum Leap

Oh go ahead, bitch and complain that Scott Bakula wasn’t your idea of a starship captain on Star Trek: Enterprise , but there’s a reason the actor was chosen for the part, and much of it had to do with what he brought to Quantum Leap . The premise for the series is that physicist Sam Beckett (Bakula) is performing experiments in time travel when he finds himself traveling backwards in time where he “leaps” into the bodies of different people and takes their place to, as the opening narration proclaims, “make right what once went wrong.” To the audience, those people look like Bakula, but to everyone else — as revealed whenever he looks into a mirror — he looks like the person whose body he is in control of. This was not a big effects show, but instead a more intimate drama with plenty of humor, and a genuine opportunity for Bakula to showcase his acting skills as he became different men, women, a mentally challenged youth and even a chimpanzee . Dean Stockwell co-stars as Admiral Al Calavicci, who appears to Sam as a hologram.

Tru Calling

Having had her fill of slaying vampires, and actually turning down the potential to star in a spin-off series featuring her Buffy character of Faith, Eliza Dushku moved on to this show, which had a unique procedural time-travel twist. She plays Tru Davies, a medical student by day who, following the collapse of her internship, takes a job at the city morgue where bodies that are brought in start to open their eyes, look in her direction and utter the words, “Help me.” This projects her back to the beginning of the day (which sucks if you're having a particularly good day), providing the opportunity for her to either stop or solve the crime. The show’s mythology expanded to include another time traveler ( Jason Priestley ) who is determined to put the timeline back on its natural course and stop Tru. Zack Galifianakis co-stars as Davis, her employer at the morgue. Definitely underrated.

Life On Mars

You’ve got to applaud any time travel shows that bring with them a unique twist (no, seriously, you have to applaud. Thank you). After being struck by a car in 2006, policeman Sam Tyler ( John Simm ) awakens in 1973, working for the Manchester And Sealford Police in the same building where he works for the Greater Manchester Police in the future. What follows is Sam’s attempts to use his expertise in crimefighting from the future to apply to crimes of the era, and the conflicts that arise from interactions with commanding officer Gene Hunt ( Philip Glenister ),who obviously feels that Sam doesn’t know as much as he thinks he does. The big question hanging over the show is whether all of this is real, or if Sam is actually lying in a coma in 2006. Impressively, the show spawned the spin-off Ashes To Ashes , focusing on the Hunt character; a 2006 American version with Jason O’Mara as Sam, a Spanish version named La Chicade Ayer , which translates to The Girl From Yesterday ; and a Russian version under the title The Dark Side Of The Moon .

Rachel Nichols (she was the green Orion Starfleet cadet, and Uhura’s promiscuous roommate, in 2009’s Star Trek ) is City Protective Services officer Kiera Cameron, who is inadvertently brought back in time from 2077 to the present with a group of “terrorists”. Their goal: to stop future corporations from taking the place of the government, and hers is to prevent them from changing history and potentially wiping her family in 2077 out of existence. A well crafted series bringing together action and sci-fi concepts with intelligence.

Quite literally a love that spans the ages, married World War II nurse Clare Randall ( Caitriona Balfe ) is mysteriously transported from 1945 to 1743 Scotland. There she is forced to start a whole new life, and connects with Jamie Fraser ( Sam Heughan ), a Highland warrior. What follows is their growing relationship as Clare struggles to survive in a far harsher time than her own, as the two of them become a part in, and try to influence, the Jacobite risings. The show is based on the bestsellers by Diana Galbaldon, and the showrunner is Battlestar Galactica ’s Ron Moore .

What’s it’s not is a gathering of a dozen denizens of the Planet Of The Apes. What it is , is the television version of Terry Gilliam’s 1995 film, utilizing the strength of the medium to expand and elaborate on the premise. Aaron Stanford is James Cole, who has traveled to the present from 2043 to try and stop The Army Of The Twelve Monkeys from unleashing a virus that is destined to wipe out nearly ninety-four percent of humanity. Things begin with him collaborating with virologist Cassandra Railly ( Amanda Schull ) and psychologically challenged math genius Jennifer Goines (Emily Hampshire) and expand from there, with the team moving on to different eras in their efforts to save the human race.

One of the fun time travel games to play is to ponder what you would change if you could actually go back to the past. Preventing the assassination of President John F. Kennedy ranks high on that list (though, personally, we’d show George Lucas reviews of the Prequel Trilogy before they went into production, but that’s us). That notion certainly intrigued Stephen King , the resulting novel of which was adapted into the Hulu series 11.22.63 . James Franco is English teacher Jake Epping, who is shown a portal in a diner that leads to Dallas, Texas circa 1960. Jake is begged by a close friend to use the portal to prevent the assassination of Kennedy, and is gradually convinced of the validity of the plan. What he does’t expect is to fall in love back in time, or the ramifications that saving Kennedy could have on history. Produced by King and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot.

DC’s Legends Of Tomorrow

Born out of the success of Arrow and The Flash , this spinoff series focuses on a group of characters that travel through time, initially to stop immortal Vandal Savage from taking over the world in the future, and then to serve as time cops (no relation to Jean Claude van Damme ) to police the space-time continuum. Characters include The Atom ( Brandon Routh ), Firestorm ( Victor Garber and Franz Drameh ), White Canary ( Caity Lotz ) and Heat Wave ( Dominic Purcell ), among others. A sporadically successful first season has led to far more solid footing in season two.

Ah, nothing like a good old-fashioned pursuit through time! There’s the bad guy who’s stolen the time machine “mothership” ( Goran Visnjic’s Garcia Flynn), intent on destroying history; and the team (Abigail Spencer’s Lucy Preston, a history professor; Matt Lanter’s Master Sergeant Wyatt Logan, a soldier; and Malcolm Barrett’s Rufus Carlin, an engineer) determined to stop him in a prototype device. So far they’ve dealt with the Hindenburg, the assassination of President Lincoln, Nazis (what’s a time travel series without Nazis?) and the Alamo, among others. Creators are Eric Kripke and Shawn Ryan .

Based on the 2000 film, this story has gone through a sex change with Jim Caviezel’s John Sullivan being replaced by Peyton List’s Raimy Sullivan. Coming across the old ham radio of her deceased father ( Dennis Quaid then, Riley Smith now), Raimy finds that she can actually communicate with him before he died some twenty years earlier. Seeing this as an opportunity to save his life — he was an undercover New York detective killed in the line of duty — she inadvertently triggers a butterfly effect, they key to which seems to be within an unsolved murder case that they have to work together over time to solve.

Making History

In what seems like a throwback silly time travel show (see It’s About Time above — okay, maybe not that silly), a college professor (Adam Pally) creates a time machine that he hopes can be used to improve both his life and that of a fellow teacher (Yassir Lester). But things go awry when one of them starts dating Paul Revere’s daughter, Deborah ( Leighton Meester ), threatening all of American history. Exec producers are Lego Movie maestros Phil Lord and Chris Miller . The series has not been given a 2017 debut date yet.

Time After Time

Based on the 1979 Karl Alexander novel and Nicholas Meyer film, this show, debuting in 2017, begins in Victorian England when John Stevenson/Jack The Ripper (Josh Bowman) steals a time machine created by author H.G. Wells ( Freddie Stroma ) and travels to the present. Wells follows him there intent on returning him to justice, and gets involved in a series of adventures that will reportedly prove inspiring to Wells in the writing of his other novels. The series is developed by Kevin Williamson ( The Vampire Diaries , The Following ).

Bonus (Not Really)

Joy and Thrill

’80s TV Shows: A Nostalgic Look Back at Classic Television

If you grew up in the ’80s, you likely have fond memories of the television shows that defined the decade. From iconic sitcoms like “The Cosby Show” and “Cheers” to action-packed dramas like “Miami Vice” and “Knight Rider,” the ’80s were a golden age for television. In this article, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and explore the best ’80s TV shows that are still beloved today.

Television history was forever changed in the 1980s, as cable TV expanded and VCRs became more affordable. This led to an explosion of new programming, including a wave of groundbreaking shows that pushed the boundaries of what was possible on TV. From groundbreaking dramas like “Hill Street Blues” and “St. Elsewhere” to innovative comedies like “ The Golden Girls ” and “Roseanne,” the ’80s were a time of unprecedented creativity in television.

Today, the legacy of ’80s TV shows lives on in pop culture and nostalgia. From the fashion and music to the catchphrases and characters, the shows of the ’80s continue to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the era, there’s no denying the impact that ’80s TV has had on the world of entertainment. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a journey back to the golden age of television.

Iconic 80’s Dramas and Action Series

The 80’s was a decade filled with iconic dramas and action-packed series that still hold a special place in the hearts of viewers. From crime and legal dramas to family and social dramas, and action and adventure, the 80’s had it all. In this section, we will take a look at some of the most iconic 80’s dramas and action series that defined the decade.

Crime and Legal Dramas

The 80’s saw the rise of crime and legal dramas that captivated audiences with their gripping storylines and intense performances. Shows like Miami Vice, Hill Street Blues, and Murder, She Wrote were some of the most popular shows of the decade. Miami Vice, with its stylish blend of action, drama, and fashion, became an instant hit and introduced viewers to the world of undercover cops in Miami. Hill Street Blues, on the other hand, was a groundbreaking drama that followed the lives of cops in an urban precinct. Murder, She Wrote, starring Angela Lansbury, was a crime drama that followed the adventures of a mystery writer who solved crimes in her spare time.

Family and Social Dramas

The 80’s also saw the rise of family and social dramas that dealt with issues like divorce, addiction, and social inequality. Shows like Dallas and Dynasty were prime examples of the family and social drama genre. Dallas, with its infamous “Who Shot J.R.?” cliffhanger, became a cultural phenomenon and was one of the most watched shows of the decade. Dynasty, on the other hand, was a drama that followed the lives of the wealthy Carrington family and their struggles with power and wealth.

Action and Adventure

The 80’s was also a playground for action and adventure series that featured larger-than-life heroes and thrilling storylines. Shows like The A-Team, MacGyver, and Knight Rider were some of the most popular action and adventure series of the decade. The A-Team followed a group of former Vietnam War soldiers who became mercenaries and used their skills to help those in need. MacGyver, starring Richard Dean Anderson, was a show about a resourceful secret agent who used his scientific knowledge to solve problems. Knight Rider, starring David Hasselhoff, was a show about a crime-fighting hero who drove a high-tech car that could talk and had a mind of its own.

In conclusion, the 80’s was a decade filled with iconic dramas and action-packed series that continue to be loved by viewers to this day. Whether you were a fan of crime and legal dramas, family and social dramas, or action and adventure, the 80’s had something for everyone.

’80s TV Shows, Comedies and Sitcoms

If there’s one thing that the 80s was known for, it was the abundance of comedies and sitcoms that graced our television screens. From family-centric sitcoms to workplace comedies and unique premise comedies, there was something for everyone.

Family-Centric Sitcoms

Some of the most popular sitcoms in the 80s were family-centric. These shows revolved around the lives of a family and the various challenges they faced. Shows like Family Ties, The Cosby Show, and Growing Pains were all huge hits during this time. Each show had its own unique take on the family dynamic, but they all shared a common theme of love and togetherness.

Workplace Comedies

Workplace comedies were also very popular during the 80s. Shows like Cheers and Who’s the Boss? were set in a bar and a household, respectively, and featured a cast of quirky characters that kept viewers entertained for years. These shows often revolved around the relationships and interactions between the characters, and their hilarious misadventures.

Unique Premise Comedies

The 80s also saw the rise of unique premise comedies. Shows like Full House and Different Strokes featured unique premises that set them apart from other sitcoms. Full House followed the lives of a widowed father and his three daughters, while Different Strokes featured a retired baseball player who adopts two African-American boys. These shows were not only entertaining, but they also tackled important social issues.

Overall, the 80s was a great time for sitcoms and comedies. Whether you were a fan of family-centric sitcoms, workplace comedies, or unique premise comedies, there was something for everyone to enjoy. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the laughs that these classic television series still bring today.

Science Fiction and Adventure

If you are a fan of science fiction and adventure, the 80s was a decade that had plenty to offer. From time travel to alternate realities, the era produced some of the most iconic shows that still hold up today.

Sci-Fi Series

One of the most popular sci-fi series of the 80s was Star Trek: The Next Generation. This show followed the adventures of the USS Enterprise-D as it explored the galaxy, encountering new civilizations and facing off against old enemies. With its compelling characters and thought-provoking themes, it quickly became a fan favorite and set the standard for future sci-fi shows.

Another notable sci-fi series was Quantum Leap, which followed the adventures of Dr. Sam Beckett as he traveled through time, inhabiting the bodies of different people in history. With its unique premise and blend of humor and drama, it was a hit with audiences and ran for five seasons.

Time Travel and Alternate Realities

The 80s also saw a number of shows that explored the concept of time travel and alternate realities. One such show was ALF, which followed the adventures of an alien who crash-landed on Earth and took up residence with a suburban family. With its blend of comedy and sci-fi, it was a hit with audiences and ran for four seasons.

Another show that explored the concept of alternate realities was The Greatest American Hero. This show followed the adventures of a high school teacher who gains superpowers from an alien suit, but struggles to control them. With its mix of action, humor, and heart, it was a beloved show that still holds up today.

Other notable shows that explored the themes of time travel, alien encounters, and changing history include Max Headroom, V, and The Twilight Zone. Whether you are a die-hard sci-fi fan or just looking for some adventure, the 80s had something for everyone.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

The ’80s was a decade that saw a lot of changes in American television. From the rise of cable TV to the emergence of new genres like sitcoms, dramas, and action shows, the ’80s was a time of great innovation and experimentation in television. The impact of ’80s TV shows on popular culture cannot be overstated. Here are some of the ways in which ’80s TV shows left their mark:

The ’80s were known for their bold and colorful fashion trends, and ’80s TV shows played a big role in popularizing these styles. Shows like Miami Vice and Dynasty were famous for their flashy outfits, while The Cosby Show and Family Ties popularized preppy styles. The fashion trends of the ’80s are still influencing designers today, and many of the iconic looks from ’80s TV shows are still being recreated and worn today.

One of the most memorable things about ’80s TV shows was their theme songs. From the synth-heavy themes of Knight Rider and The A-Team to the poppy tunes of The Golden Girls and Growing Pains, ’80s TV show theme songs were catchy, memorable, and often iconic. The theme songs of ’80s TV shows are still beloved by fans today and are often played at ’80s-themed parties and events.

The ’80s were a time of great change in American television. Cable TV was on the rise, and new channels like MTV and CNN were changing the way people consumed news and entertainment. The ’80s also saw the rise of new genres like sitcoms, dramas, and action shows, which would go on to become staples of American television. ’80s TV shows were also known for pushing boundaries and tackling controversial topics, such as drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and homosexuality.

The ’80s were a time of great social change in America, and ’80s TV shows reflected this. Shows like The Cosby Show and Family Ties portrayed affluent, successful African American families and challenged stereotypes about race and class. Meanwhile, shows like Roseanne and Married… with Children depicted working-class families struggling to make ends meet. ’80s TV shows were watched by a wide range of viewers, from kids and teenagers to adults and college students.

Social Times

The ’80s were a time of great political and social upheaval in America. The country was still reeling from the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal, and the Reagan era was marked by conservative values and a backlash against the liberal ex-hippies of the ’60s and ’70s. ’80s TV shows reflected these social times and often tackled controversial topics like drug addiction, teen pregnancy, and homosexuality.

The cultural impact and legacy of ’80s TV shows cannot be overstated. From their influence on fashion and music to their portrayal of complex social issues, ’80s TV shows continue to be beloved by fans today and have left an indelible mark on American television and popular culture.

Madison Cates

Madison Cates is a journalist located in the great state of Texas. She began writing over eight years ago. Her first major research piece was published by the Journal of Business and Economics in 2018. After growing up in a household of eight brothers and a dad who was always restoring old Camaros, she naturally pivoted her freelance career into the automotive industry. There, she found her passion. Her experience paved the way for her to work with multiple large corporations in automotive news and trending topics. Now, she now finds her home at Wealth of Geeks where she proudly serves as Managing Editor of Autos. Madison is always down to geek out over the latest beautiful cars on the market, and she enjoys providing her readers with tips to make car ownership easier and more enjoyable.

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80s TV Shows: A Nostalgic Trip Down Memory Lane

By: Author Valerie Forgeard

Posted on April 6, 2024

Categories Entertainment

Television in the 1980s was more than just a pastime; it shaped and reflected the era’s dynamic culture.

As you reminisce, you might recall that this was a decade where TV became the centerpiece of many living rooms, turning into the golden age of sitcoms and introducing a variety of shows that became cultural mainstays.

From the heartwarming tales of family life in shows like “Family Ties” to the transformative social commentaries embedded in American TV series such as “The Cosby Show” and “Murphy Brown,” these programs mirrored the values, challenges, and aspirations of the time.

Venturing into the world of 1980s television , you dive into an eclectic mix of genres. The adrenaline-fueled action of “The A-Team” and the quirky, imaginative stories from “The Wonder Years” showcased the variety of content available.

This was a decade where television history was made repeatedly, with groundbreaking shows that crossed social boundaries and challenged the status quo. At the same time, comedies like “Cheers” offered a weekly escape into laughter and camaraderie.

For many, these shows evoke a strong sense of nostalgia, a longing for the simplicity and charm of 80s pop culture .

Whether these American TV series highlighted the fashion, the lingo, or the larger-than-life personalities of the decade, they remain a testament to an era where television was not just entertainment; it was a vibrant part of everyday life that told stories you could see parts of yourself in. A

s you explore the best ’80s TV shows, you’re not just stepping into a time capsule, you’re revisiting old friends and reliving the moments that made the decade truly special.

Cultural Impact of 80s TV Shows

80s TV shows did more than entertain; they shaped your wardrobe, vocabulary, and perspective. They were trendsetters, a window into the glamour of the time, and a cultural thermometer of society’s evolving interests and values.

Influence on Fashion and Music

Fashion: When you tuned into Miami Vice, your style was overhauled.

The main characters donned pastel shades, T-shirts under blazers, and loafers without socks, impacting how you dressed for the nightlife. Similarly, the opulent outfits seen in Dynasty and Dallas sparked a trend for power suits and shoulder pads, which made their way into professional and casual wardrobes alike.

Music: TV themes and featured songs on these shows became as iconic as the shows themselves. The upbeat tempo and synthesizer-heavy music set a distinct vibe that you can’t help but associate with the decade’s dance floors.

Contribution to Pop Culture Lexicon

Catchphrases and quotations from 80s TV shows have seamlessly entered your everyday language. If you’ve ever uttered “I’ll be back” in an Arnold accent, thank pop culture for that gem. The snappy dialogue and memorable one-liners became part of your banter, solidifying the decade’s TV shows as linguistic landmarks.

Television and Society

Beyond fashion and language, 80s TV mirrored societal shifts . Programs often tackled emerging social issues, subtly influencing your views and conversations around these topics. Additionally, the rise of niche programming indicated a move towards catering to specific interests and demographics, a practice that’s now prevalent in today’s media landscape.

Iconic Sitcoms of the 80s

Prepare to journey back in time to a decade of big hair and even bigger laughs. The 80s were a golden era for sitcoms, from tales of familial bonds to workplace antics , each show brought its own flavor of humor to the small screen.

Family-Centric Comedy

Sitcoms in the 80s often revolved around family life and the comedic situations that arise within the household.

The Cosby Show was a trailblazer, chronicling the ups and downs of the Huxtable family with a focus on wholesome, yet humor-filled, storytelling.

Family Ties brought us the Keatons, a family with parents steeped in 60s culture adapting to the conservative wave of the 80s, often leading to generational humor and conflict resolution. Alan Thicke graced our screens as a psychiatrist father in Growing Pains , providing a dose of parental wisdom alongside hearty laughs.

Workplace Humor

The 80s weren’t just about families; they also highlighted the humor found in the workplace.

Cheers stands out here, set in a friendly Boston bar “where everybody knows your name.” Its cast of quirky characters, including bar owner Sam Malone and the sarcastic waitress Carla, created a lively atmosphere of camaraderie and comedy.

Meanwhile, Murphy Brown provided sharp-witted commentary on the world of broadcast journalism through the lens of its strong-willed and often controversial protagonist.

Variety and Spin-Offs

This era didn’t shy away from diverse themes and even expanded popular franchises through spin-offs. The Facts of Life took characters from Diff’rent Strokes and placed them in an all-girls boarding school, addressing issues of adolescence against a backdrop of endearing humor.

Shows like The Golden Girls broke the mold, focusing on the lives of four older women sharing a home in Miami, proving comedy knows no age. Suzanne Somers, popular for her role in Three’s Company , returned to the sitcom scene in She’s the Sheriff , albeit with mixed success.

In the late 80s, viewers were introduced to The Wonder Years , which offered a nostalgic look back at the 60s and 70s through adult narration over the experiences of a young boy. Who’s the Boss? turned heads with its role-reversing premise, featuring a male housekeeper assisting a corporate executive, challenging traditional gender roles with humor.

Drama Series That Defined the Decade

The 80s television landscape was rich with compelling drama series that captivated your imagination. From the swanky boardrooms of oil magnates to the gritty streets patrolled by dedicated law officers, these shows painted vivid portraits of life during the decade.

Police and Crime Dramas

Miami Vice set a new tone for police dramas with its pastel suits and pulsating music . It wasn’t just the fashion and soundtrack that set it apart; the show’s focus on drug trafficking mirrored a crucial issue of the 80s.

Alongside it, Hill Street Blues offered a more grounded, character-driven approach, fundamentally shifting how police dramas were produced and perceived. These shows elevated the genre with their stylish and substantial narratives.

Miami Vice:

Stylish : The show’s aesthetic was as impactful as its storytelling.
Groundbreaking : It touched on themes that were central to the 80s.

Hill Street Blues:

Emotionally Engaging : It provided a deeper look at the lives of law enforcement officers.
Innovative Format : Serialized storytelling was one of its key differentiators.

Soap Opera and Glamour

Dallas and Dynasty brought the soap opera glitz to prime time, glorifying the lives of the wealthy with a side of familial strife.

Dallas had you hooked with the Ewing family’s power plays and oil business escapades, while Dynasty lured you into the dramatic world of the Carringtons and Colbys, known for their opulent lifestyles and never-ending scandals.

Dallas (on NBC):

Iconic Cliffhangers : “Who Shot J.R.?” became a cultural phenomenon.
Longevity : A long-running series that helped define the ‘soap opera’ genre.
Fashion Forward : The show’s wardrobe choices influenced 80s fashion trends .
Cultural Impact : It was known for its lavish production and melodramatic plotlines .

Medical and Legal Dramas

Medical and legal dramas also had their heyday in the 80s, with St. Elsewhere providing an immersive and often heart-wrenching look into the lives of hospital staff.

The show combined personal drama and medical ethics, pushing the boundaries of what was traditionally shown in the genre. Meanwhile, series like Murder, She Wrote with charming sleuth Jessica Fletcher gave you a mix of mystery and drama, bringing crime-solving into homes with a softer touch.

St. Elsewhere :

Critical Acclaim : Known for exceptional writing and performances.
Complex Characters : Delved into the doctors’ personal and professional challenges.

Murder, She Wrote :

Appeal Across Ages : Featured a protagonist who was both relatable and aspirational.
Genre Crossover : Blended elements of mystery and drama seamlessly.

80s drama series were diverse, but they shared common threads; they were a mirror to society’s hopes, fears, and fascinations, and in doing so, left an indelible mark on your screen and the culture at large. Whether it was the glitz of high society or the realism of the justice system, each show brought something unique to the living room.

Sci-Fi and Fantasy Television

In the 1980s, you could immerse yourself in worlds where time travel and space exploration were as common as a ride in a talking car or battles with alien foes. Let’s relive that nostalgic decade of TV through its unforgettable sci-fi and fantasy offerings.

Time Travel and Adventure

Imagine you’re jumping through different periods in history, fixing what once went wrong. That’s what Dr. Sam Beckett experienced in Quantum Leap, a series that combined human drama with the perennial allure of time travel.

Then there’s the iconic KITT from Knight Rider, a show where advanced technology and crime-fighting action meld into one, highlighted by the adventures of Michael Knight and his AI-equipped car.

Superheroes and the Supernatural

Your dreams of flight and super-strength came alive with The Greatest American Hero , where an average teacher becomes an unlikely superhero donning a strange alien suit which gives him powers he comically tries to understand and control.

On a lighter side, in ALF , you got a taste of extraterrestrial life with a comedic twist, focusing on a furry, wise-cracking alien living with a suburban family.

Cult Classics and Enduring Series

You witnessed the birth of enduring sci-fi with Star Trek: The Next Generation , a spin-off that transported you to the 24th century aboard the USS Enterprise, exploring new worlds and engaging with new civilizations in classic Trek fashion.

Eclectic and ahead of its time was Max Headroom , where you explored the then-futuristic concept of computer-generated personalities and media criticism, a show that became a cult classic for its unique storytelling and visual style.

TV Show Structure and Production

In the vibrant era of the 1980s , you’d find that television series, ranging from gripping dramas to lighthearted sitcoms, had a distinct structure and production process that was pivotal to their success.

Writing and Directing

The writing in ’80s TV shows was often characterized by a sharp wit and a keen sense of storytelling that reflected the culture and politics of the decade.

Directors of popular television series brought these scripts to life, marrying the writers’ vision with performances by a cast of memorable characters. Shows like The Golden Girls and Cheers set a high bar for script quality and directorial finesse.

Innovations in Filming Techniques

Your favorite ’80s television shows likely benefitted from innovations in filming techniques. For instance, using Steadicam introduced smoother, more dynamic camera movements.

Many sitcoms employed multi-camera setups for efficiency and to capture the immediacy of live audience reactions, an element you’d vividly recall from TV shows such as Family Ties and The Cosby Show .

Ratings and Viewership

In the 1980s, ratings and viewership were the gold standard for gauging the success of a TV show .

Nielsen ratings helped networks decide which television series stayed on the air, influencing the very structure and production of shows.

High-stakes dramas and action-packed adventures provided the tension and excitement that kept you glued to the screen, vested in the continuation of your beloved series.

Memorable Characters and Stars of the 80s

In the vibrant era of 80s television, you witnessed various characters come to life, some of which catapulted actors to stardom, while others became cherished companions in weekly television escapades.

Leading Roles and Career Launches

Michael J. Fox rose to fame as Alex P. Keaton in Family Ties , showcasing the peculiar yet endearing young Republican, defining a career that would branch into film and beyond.

In the Miami heat, Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas became iconic as Crockett and Tubbs in “Miami Vice,” pioneering the stylish cop drama formula with pastel suits and unforgettable action sequences.

Supporting Cast and Breakout Stars

From the witty and comforting housekeeper played by Judith Light in “Who’s the Boss?” to the endearing guidance of Alan Thicke as Dr. Jason Seaver in Growing Pains , the 80s knew how to value family roles. Meanwhile, Alyssa Milano charmed viewers worldwide as Samantha Micelli, showing growth and talent that promised her a lasting career.

Celebrity Guest Appearances

Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell may not have started as household names, but with quantum leaps into different lives and eras in “Quantum Leap” , they became memorable across various audiences. On the shores of “Baywatch”, David Hasselhoff often collaborated with stars like John Ritter and Suzanne Somers , making each episode a special treat filled with familiar faces we already adored.

Throughout the dazzling decade, Scott Baio remained a favorable TV heartthrob with roles on shows like “Charles in Charge,” keeping you glued to the screen whenever he appeared.

Evolution of TV Show Distribution

As you explore the 1980s television landscape, you’ll notice the groundbreaking shift in how TV shows were distributed, marked by network battles, the rise of alternative channels, and a new era of home viewing options.

Network Dominance and Competition

During the 1980s, the television industry was characterized by a few key players, with ABC , NBC , and CBS as the major networks dominating the airwaves.

Your favorite TV shows were likely part of the programming lineup of these networks, each striving to outperform the others in ratings. This competition spurred innovation in content and scheduling, as networks sought to capture and maintain viewer loyalty.

Syndication and Cable Television

While the big networks ruled primetime, syndication emerged as a powerful force for distributing TV shows beyond their original broadcast.

Independent local stations, often operating outside the network system, offered reruns of popular shows, which meant you could discover or revisit series from the past . Additionally, cable television began to change the TV landscape, with channels like MTV and CNN providing new content that challenged the traditional network model.

Syndicated reruns of “The A-Team” and “Star Trek”
Niche cable channels offering music videos, news, and more

The Rise of Home Video

A revolutionary moment in your TV watching experience was the introduction of VHS tapes and players in the 1980s.

Shows and movies that were once confined to a broadcast schedule were suddenly at your fingertips to watch at your convenience. This signaled a shift toward more personalized viewer control, foreshadowing the on-demand culture of the present . The ability to record, trade, and collect TV shows transformed the distribution model entirely, laying the groundwork for future home entertainment practices.

80 of the Best Entertaining Time Travel TV Shows You Need To Watch

With romance, adventure, and fun plot twists, these time travel TV shows are sure to entertain.

The time travel trope is quintessentially romantic, with different themes and elements giving it a desperate, romantic air. There is the lone time traveler, bouncing across time in search of lost love. Or a group of travelers unable to return home due to a rift in the space/time continuum. Better yet, the star-crossed lovers fated only to get snatches of time together. Swoon . There is so much to love about time travel TV shows!

Time Travel TV shows featured image with collage of shows.

At The Silver Petticoat Review , we love time travel TV shows so much that we thought a list of binge-worthy shows was necessary.

Depending on your taste in time travel stories, below are 21 binge-worthy dramas, romantic comedies, and Sci-Fi/Fantasy stories (plus 59 bonus recommendations at the end). Not all are traditional versions of the trope, but each one includes an element of time travel.

Get ready! Your watch list is about to become longer!

Note: Availability for the “Where to Watch” sections are for the US and are subject to change at any time. It was last updated in December 2022.

BINGE-WORTHY TIME TRAVEL TV SHOWS (#1-21)

(in no particular order).

#1 Timeless *

Synopsis: With history threatened by an evil consortium, a historian, soldier, and scientist join forces to travel through time to save history.

Their adventures take them across history, where they cross paths with some famous and lesser-known figures in history. Yet, each time they save history, they risk changing the future.

Where to Watch: The NBC series is available on Hulu or to buy on Digital and DVD.

* Timeless is one of my favorite time travel shows! A lovely, action-adventure romance with time travel!

#2 Doctor Who

Synopsis: Doctor Who follows the trials of an extraterrestrial Time Lord. Known as the Doctor, he/she travels through time to solve problems and battle injustice across the universe.

Using the TARDIS (Time and Relative Dimensions in Space) to travel, the Doctor recruits companions to assist him/her. With various incarnations, Doctor Who is a sweeping adventure in space and time.

Note: There are many iterations of Doctor Who . Any would make our list of time travel series. Pick your favorite! The newer Doctors include Christopher Eccleston, David Tennant, Matt Smith, Peter Capaldi, and Jodie Whittaker. The new Doctor will be Ncuti Gatwa in 2023.

Where to Watch: You can stream the classic series on Britbox and the 2005 revival on HBO Max. Both series are available to buy digitally and on DVD.

#3 DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

Synopsis: Time-traveler Rip Hunter sets out to save the world with the timeline in catastrophic danger.

Rip brings together an unlikely group of heroes and villains previously seen in Arrow and The Flash.

These heroes and villains must come together before they can save the planet. But can they put their differences aside before time runs out?

See our review of Legends of Tomorrow .

Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix or buy digitally and on DVD.

#4 12 Monkeys *

Synopsis: Cole travels from a post-apocalyptic future to save the world from a lethal plague. He meets Dr. Cassandra Railly, a virologist, who joins him in his crusade.

It’s a race against time, as they trace the epidemic to its source and discover that appearances are deceiving and time itself is an enemy.

Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu or buy digitally and on DVD.

Related Post Romantic Moment of the Week: 12 Monkeys: Cassie and Cole

*Another personal favorite! When it comes to time travel shows, 12 Monkeys hits all the right notes!

#5 El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Department of Time)

El Ministerio del Tiempo (The Department of Time); time travel TV shows

Synopsis: A secret government agency recruits three people from different eras to protect Spain’s history.

They bounce through time, chasing time-traveling intruders bent on manipulating history for their own purposes.

Where to Watch: Stream on Pantaya or buy on DVD.

#6 Travelers

Synopsis: Several hundred years into the future, the last humans discover a way to send their consciousness back in time. These “travelers” assume the lives of random individuals.

With only their knowledge of history and social media profiles to guide their way, the travelers quickly discover that experience in the 21st Century is as challenging as their mission.

Content Warning: Rated TV-MA, the show has strong language, violence, and implied nudity.

#7 Scarlet Heart / Scarlet Heart: Ryeo

Scarlet Heart; 21 Time Travel TV Shows You Need to Binge-Watch

Synopsis of Scarlet Heart : A near-fatal accident sends Zhang Xiao, a 21st Century woman, back in time to the Qing Dynasty. It is Kangxi Emperor’s reign, and Xiao is now the teenage daughter of a Manchu general.

Known as Ma’ertai Roux, Xiao attempts to return to the future. Navigating new relationships and love, Xiao adjusts to her new life until, one day, it disappears.

Where to Watch: Stream on Viki .

Note: There is also a Korean version of Scarlet Heart called Scarlet Heart: Ryeo . Read our review here . It is only available to buy on DVD.

#8 Making History

Making History; 21 Time Travel TV Shows You Need to Binge-Watch

Synopsis: Misunderstood college facilities manager Dan Chambers discovers time travel, using pop culture to become a beloved 18th Century figure. However, Dan fails to realize the impact time travel has on the present.

When Dan causes Paul Revere to delay his famous ride, he alters the events of the American Revolution. Dan then recruits well-liked history professor Chris Parish for help in correcting history.

Where to Watch: Rent on Amazon Video or buy Digital.

#9 Sleepy Hollow

Synopsis: Ichabod Crane comes back to life 250 years in the future, where he must solve a mystery going back to the time of the founding fathers.

However, he is not alone. Due to a blood curse, the headless horseman also returns to the living. The headless horseman begins a slaying spree in present-day Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod realizes that the headless horseman is the first of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse.

Enter Detective Abbie Mills. Familiar with the supernatural, Abbie joins forces with Crane to stop the evil infecting Sleepy Hollow.

Where to Watch: Stream Sleepy Hollow on Hulu, the CW app, CW Seed, and Tubi. You can also buy the series on Digital and DVD.

#10 Torchwood

Synopsis: Former time agent, Captain Jack Harkness, leads the Torchwood Three to investigate unexplained extraterrestrial events on Earth.

The group, part of a covert agency called the Torchwood Institute, battles supernatural threats outside the protection of the British government and law enforcement.

Where to Watch: Stream on HBO Max or buy on Digital and DVD.

Content Warning: The series is TV-MA for strong language in a few episodes. It also includes occasional explicit sensuality, suggestive content, and violence.

#11 Being Erica *

Synopsis: During therapy, Erica Strange shares her list of regrets with her therapist. In a twist in treatment, Erica goes back in time to those moments with a chance to make different decisions.

Faced with rewriting her past or leaving things as they are, Erica faces each moment with humor and a new appreciation for her choices.

Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Roku, Hoopla, Plex, and Crackle, and buy digitally and on DVD.

*The writing in this show is fantastic!

Content Warning: Rated TV-14, it is, at times, TV-MA. There is sensual content, as well as nudity and some bad language.

#12 Heroes

Synopsis: Around the world, a group of ordinary people is discovering they have superpowers. One man wants their powers for himself.

To protect themselves, they must learn to help each other before he destroys them all.

Where to Watch: Stream the superhero series on Peacock or buy digitally and on DVD.

#13 The Librarians *

Synopsis: Based on popular TV movies, The Librarians are a group of people who protect magical items throughout time.

Consisting of an art historian, a thief, a mathematician, and a warrior, they travel through time to find supernatural objects and bring them under the protection of the Library.

Related: Read our romantic moment between Eve and Flynn from The Librarians .

Where to Watch: Stream on Hulu, Hoopla, and Amazon’s Freevee. You can also buy it digitally and on DVD.

#14 Early Edition *

Synopsis: Having lost his job and his marriage, Gary Hobson wakes up one morning to find a cat sitting on a newspaper bearing the next day’s date.

Gary quickly learns that this early edition allows him 24 hours to try and save many people’s lives.

Where to Watch: All seasons are available for DVD purchase on Amazon Prime.

*This one is an outlier when it comes to time travel TV shows. The only thing that travels in time is the newspaper. Still, it’s Kyle Chandler….. swoon!

#15 Erased

Synopsis: Satoru goes back 18 years to prevent the passing of his mother and three classmates.

Where to Watch: Netflix

#16 Outlander

Synopsis: British Army Nurse Claire Randall is on her second honeymoon and looking forward to a career as an Oxford historian. Suddenly transported back to 1742, Claire finds her freedom and life are in danger.

RELATED: ‘Midnight at the Pera Palace’ Review: The Time Travel Romance is Irresistibly Good

To survive, she marries Jamie Fraser. An unexpected passionate relationship develops, and Claire becomes caught between two very different men in two very different lives.

See our review of Outlander .

Where to Watch: Stream on Netflix and STARZ or buy on Digital and DVD.

Content Warning: TV-MA with explicit sensual content, nudity, assaults, and graphic violence.

#17 The Eternal Love

Synopsis: Unhappy with a forced marriage, Qu Tan Er attempts to end her life. She awakens from her failed attempt with the spirit of another woman inside her body. The modern Xiao Tan is Tan Er’s opposite.

Stuck in the past world, she cannot return to the present day. Whenever one of the women lies, the other person takes control. Soon, complications in love arise as the differing women fall in love with two different men.

What will become of the foursome? And will Xiao Tan be able to find her way back to her own time?

Where to Watch: Viki

#18 Lost in Austen *

Synopsis: This smart take on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice finds modern, working girl Amanda Price trading places with Elizabeth Bennet.

Unable to return to her time, Amanda must try her best to fit in among the Bennets, Bingleys, and Darcys. Yet, her presence in the lives of these beloved characters sets changes to the course of the classic tale.

See our Lost in Austen review .

Where to Watch: Stream on Britbox Amazon Channel, Freevee, and Pluto TV, and buy digitally on Amazon or DVD.

#19 Continuum

Synopsis: Detective Kiera Cameron, a cop from the year 2077, and a group of dangerous criminals called Liber8 are trapped in present-day Vancouver. Kiera must stop Liber8 before they destroy the corporate world, altering the future as she knows it. She enlists the help of tech genius Alec Sadler to find a way back home.

In the meantime, Kiera takes a job with the Vancouver Police Department. With help from her partner, detective Carlos Fonnegra, they keep tabs on Liber8. Different beliefs and backgrounds lead to suspicion, but slowly, Kiera and Carlos learn to trust each other.

Where to Watch: Buy digitally from the Microsoft Store or on DVD.

#20 Frequency

Synopsis: Detective Raimy Sullivan has lived with the pain and resentment of her father’s passing for 20 years. She believes her father, NYPD Officer Frank Sullivan, was corrupt, resulting in his passing. However, everything changes when she hears his voice coming from an old ham radio.

With Raimy’s warning in his ears, Frank survives the attempt on his life. Yet, the change in the past ends in tragedy for the future. Separated by time, connected by an old radio, the two detectives work together to find a way to rewrite the past without losing the ones they love.

Where to Watch: Stream on the CW app and CW seed.

#21 Seven Days

Synopsis: CIA Agent Frank Parker receives a special assignment from the NSA. He must travel back in time to prevent current-day catastrophes.

Yet, there is a catch – he must do so within seven days. Using a time machine built from alien technology, Frank races against time in the past to save the future.

Where to Watch: Buy on DVD.

Whether you are a fan of pure romance or romantic comedies or love the adventure of time travel, there is something for everyone on our list of binge-worthy time travel TV shows. So dip in and travel back in time with some of the most swoon-worthy characters out there.

*Denotes a personal favorite of mine.

EVEN MORE TIME TRAVEL TV SHOWS TO WATCH (#22-80)

This section was updated in 2022 by Amber and Autumn (co-owners and editors of The Silver Petticoat Review ).

Numerous time travel TV series exist, and you can never have enough to watch! So, we thought adding a lot more to the list would be fun.

Enjoy! We included a *star next to our personal favorites.

#22: 356: REPEAT THE YEAR (2020) – Korean Drama about ten people traveling back in time one year.
#23: * THE 4400 (2004; 2021) – We recommend the original series over the reboot. Both shows have 4400 people appearing in the present day from different time periods, not having aged a day since they originally disappeared.
#24: * AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013) – The later seasons of this fun Marvel series are all about time travel – and they are marvelous! The love story between Daisy and Daniel Sousa is perfect.
#25: ALCATRAZ (2012) – Prisoners from Alcatraz disappeared in 1963 – only to reappear in the present day. The short-lived drama lasted only one season.
#26: ALICE (2022) – A new time travel romance TV series on Kocowa and Viki.
#27: ALWAYS A WITCH (2019) – A time-traveling witch in this Colombian series ends up in the present day.
#28: * CHARMED (1998; 2018) – The original and new series about three sisters (and witches) include time travel episodes. Both shows are entertaining – but the original is superior.
#29: THE CROSSING (2018) – Refugees from the future travel back in time to seek asylum.
#30: DARK (2017) (TV-MA) – The German sci-fi thriller series deals with a time travel conspiracy in this hugely popular Netflix drama.

RELATED: 50 of the Best Romantic Period Drama TV Series of All Time to Watch

A Discovery of Witches Season 2 - Diana and Matthew in Elizabethan London

#31: DIRK GENTLY/DIRK GENTLY’S HOLISTIC DETECTIVE AGENCY (2010; 2016) – Time travel is involved in these two versions of the story about a detective investigating supernatural cases.
#32: * A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES (2018) (TV-MA – mild) – A witch and a vampire fall in love while trying to unravel the secrets of witches, vampires, and demons. She can time travel and much of Season 2 takes place in Elizabethan times.
#33: FAITH (2012) – Lee Min-ho stars in this time travel Korean series.
#34: * FELICITY (1998) – The coming-of-age romance drama from J.J. Abrams ends with a time travel twist.
#35: FIND ME IN PARIS (2018) – A children’s show about an Edwardian ballet dancer who transports into the future with a mystical necklace.
#36: THE FLASH (AND OTHER ARROWVERSE SHOWS) (2014) – The CW superhero show is fun, likable, and regularly has time-travel storylines.
#37: FLASHFORWARD (2009) – Joseph Fiennes stars in this canceled too-soon series about people having visions of their future.
#38: * FRINGE (2008) – An FBI agent explores unexplained fringe science with a scientist and his son in this brilliant sci-fi series.
#39: JOURNEYMAN (2007) – Kevin McKidd stars in this show about a time traveler who helps people.
#40: KAIROS (2020) – The fantasy thriller K-drama series is available to stream on Viki and Kocowa.

#41: LA BREA (2021) – A sinkhole in Los Angeles sends a group of people to an ancient world. Soon, a family becomes enmeshed in a time-travel conspiracy. It’s super fun (if illogical) and crazy – especially by Season 2.
#42: LEGION (2017) (TV-MA) – Dan Stevens stars in this bizarre Marvel series about a man with abilities. Time travel becomes a significant element in Season 3.
#43: * LIFE ON MARS/ASHES TO ASHES (2006; 2008) (TV-MA – mild) – DCI Sam Tyler wakes up in 1973 after being in a car accident. The spinoff series Ashes to Ashes is about another Detective who wakes up in 1981.
#44: LIVE UP TO YOUR NAME (2017) – It’s a rom-com time travel K-drama series about a Joseon doctor transported into the present day.
#45: * LOST (2004) – Survivors of a plane disaster discover they’re stranded on a mysterious island. Time travel plays an essential role in the brilliant romantic series .
#46: * LOKI (2021) – Loki ends up at the Time Variance Authority – agents who stop time variants and monitor the timeline. Loki soon must fight for his survival as he travels through time.
#47: * MANIFEST (2018) – The mystery genre series begins when a missing airplane reappears five years later – and no one has aged.
#48: MY ONLY LOVE SONG (2017) – An actress time travels to the past in a magical van in this historical fantasy romance show.
#49: NINE: NINE TIMES TIME TRAVEL (2013) – A TV anchorman tries to change his past in this romantic K-drama.
#50: THE OUTER LIMITS (1963; 1995) – The sci-fi show includes episodes about time travel.

RELATED: 10 Romantic Time Travel Movies to Binge Watch: I’ll Love You to the End of Time

#51: * PRIMEVAL/PRIMEVAL: NEW WORLD (2007; 2012) – Primeval and its spinoff (not nearly as good) follow a team of agents and scientists capturing prehistoric creatures traveling to the present day through mysterious anomalies. Doctor Who fans should like this one.
#52: * QUEEN IN-HYUN’S MAN (2012) – A scholar travels into the future and connects with an actress in this charming Korean fantasy rom-com.
#53: QUANTUM LEAP (1989; 2022) – A scientist (Scott Bakula) becomes trapped in the past and must leap between bodies and various times. The original show is superior to the new one, but the revival is still entertaining.
#54: THE PERIPHERAL (2022) (TV-MA for violence and profanity) – Chloë Grace Moretz stars in this new science fiction series with an original time travel twist.
#55: ROOFTOP PRINCE (2012) – The popular fantasy rom-com Korean drama follows a Crown Prince from the past transported to the present day.
#56: *ROSWELL (1999) – Two episodes of the iconic paranormal romance series deal with time travel.
#57: RUSSIAN DOLL (2019) (TV-MA for lots of profanity and some explicit content) – A woman from NYC finds herself stuck in a time loop in this Emmy-winning series.
#58: *THE SARAH JANE ADVENTURES (2007) – The Doctor Who spinoff is a teen series with fantastic writing about the Doctor’s former companion, journalist Sarah Jane Smith, and her adventures with a group of teens.
#59: SHINING GIRLS (2022) (TV-MA) – Time travel plays into this mystery/crime drama starring Elisabeth Moss. The ending could have been better, but it’s an intriguing, well-acted series.
#60: SIGNAL (2016) – This is South Korea’s version of Frequency .

#61: SISYPHUS: THE MYTH (2021) – A woman from a war-torn future journeys to the past to change future events.
#62: SLIDERS (1995) – A group of friends travels into parallel worlds.
#63: SOMEWHERE BETWEEN (2017) – A woman relives a week to stop tragic events from happening.
#64: *SPLASH SPLASH LOVE (2015) – This adorable rom-com miniseries follows a teenage girl as she travels back in time to the Joseon Era.
#65: *STARGATE: SG-1 (1997) – A military team and scientists are part of a secret group that travels to other planets and occasionally different times through Stargates.
#66: *STAR TREK TV SHOWS (INCLUDING THE NEW SHOWS, PICARD, AND STAR TREK: DISCOVERY) (Some series are TV-MA) – Time travel plays an essential role in the Star Trek universe.
#67: STEINS;GATE (2011) – An animated series about time travel.
#68: *TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES ( 2008) – This is an underrated romantic sci-fi series starring Lena Headey.
#69: TERRA NOVA (2011) – A family from a dying future is transported to the prehistoric era to a colony of humans trying to survive.
#70: THE KING: ETERNAL MONARCH (2020) – A romantic K-drama series about two parallel worlds where time travel plays a part.

RELATED: The Day of the Doctor – An Impossible Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Theory

#71: THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE (2022) (TV-MA) – Steven Moffat’s new (but short-lived) romance series is about a married couple dealing with the problems of time travel.
#72: TIME AFTER TIME (2017) – A short but sweet romantic series about a young H.G. Wells.
#73: THE TWILIGHT ZONE (1959) – The iconic classic series includes episodes about time travel.
#74: TOMORROW, WITH YOU (2017) – A man can time travel with a subway and tries to avoid his future fate while also falling in love.
#75: TUNNEL (2017) – A detective travels 30 years into the future when chasing a suspect through a tunnel.
#76: *TRU CALLING (2003) – A medical grad student develops an ability to relive the previous day and help people.
#77: *THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY (2019) – The quirky series follows former child heroes as they try to save the world.
#78: VOYAGERS! (1982) – The classic family series follows a young boy and a team of time travelers as they fix history.
#79: 11.22.63 (TV-MA for violence and profanity) – James Franco stars in this mystery series based on the novel by Stephen King about a teacher who travels back in time to stop the JFK assassination.
#80: MR. QUEEN (2020) – A chef is transported to the Joseon Era into the body of a queen in this Korean Comedy series.

What are your favorite time travel TV shows? What do you think is the best time travel show of all time? Drop me a line below!

Featured image credit: Doctor Who (BBC), Continuum (Showcase), 12 Monkeys (NBCUniversal Television Distribution), Torchwood (BBC), and Timeless (Universal Television/Sony Pictures Television/NBC).

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Catherine is an avid reader and a self-declared professional binge watcher. It's not uncommon to find her re-watching a series or movie for the umpteenth time and still be crying into a box of tissues. When she's not hiding in her closet to read or watch a show or movie, Catherine is a wife, mother, and, in her spare time, a lawyer.

26 thoughts on “80 of the Best Entertaining Time Travel TV Shows You Need To Watch”

thank you – have beeen looking forever for timetravel— y r we soooo fascinated– et me out of here i do not belon in this time — beeen this wy sincei ws 9 and read a book of a little boy being sent to mars after climbing a tree—- love fairies also — ok i am an old fashioned girl they used to call my pollyanna – then i became an out law—- my son in law does not beleive in annnnnythin but $$$$ and power– borrrrrring give me a gooood romance to live in.. oxoxoxoxoxoxox

This is a great list! I love the Korean drama Time Travel series. My favorites are Faith, Rooftop Prince, I love Lee Tae Ri, Signal and Tunnel.

Have you ever seen “Voyagers!”? It was like a predecessor to Quantum Leap and lasted 1 season on NBC. It stared one of the most beautiful men to ever grace television, the late Jon-Erik Hexum. He’s a roguish time-traveling pirate, Phineas Bogg, a Voyager that travels throughout time with a smart young boy and they have to fix moments where history’s gone wrong. It was a fun show. It’s definitely binge-worthy and Hexum was such a charming young actor. Although it was made with kids and education in mind, (Co-Produced by Scholastic) there’s plenty of romantic moments for Bogg!

He and Meeno Peluce (the boy, Jeffrey Jones) made a great team. I run a fansite and FB page for the series. You can watch it on Amazon Prime, and it’s currently free on NBC.com.

I own the series and I was heartbroken when Jon died. I recently bought the 30 episode tv show from the 60’s The Time Tunnel…. Now this was where most time travel shows spawned from. Especially Quantum Leap.

Nice list! Back to the Future made me a sucker for time travel plots. So would the cartoon count as one?

How can Outlander be #16?

You NEED TO READ – It clearly states that the shows are in No Particular Order!

You forgot ‘The Time tunnel’ – The first American time travel show

Goodnight Sweetheart is THE ultimate time travel show!

Maybe you guys can help me….. I’m looking for a series perhaps a movie….. not sure. only saw a piece of it and have been searching ever since. I even looked trough all the male actors to cross reference, nothing. It seem to involve time travel an attempt to shift history. Almost achieve the goal by manipulating the son of the leader – I know its horribly vague…. but he ends up speaking to his son. He explains the situation from a watchmakers point of view- His hobby is watchmaking….the comparison he draws between ‘leading’ or directing humans where they need to be is similar to the watchmaker making a clock. its been almost two years…. but so far no luck finding this series. Help 🙂

think you may be thinking of inception (link removed)

How could you not have Netflix’s Dark on this list?

I agree. Dark is a pretty good series (3 seasons on Netflix). It’s a German show so you have to up with English lip syncing, but once you get used to it, it’s a good show.

Absolutely the best time travel show ever made imo

It is on the list (#30).

12 Monkeys needs to be #1 … Pretty sure it’s the only show that properly does time travel and causality! Love it

Continuum seems to be right on the money as we see a few corporations [e.g., Amazon] displacing small business, and taking over government. Science Fiction frequently becomes Science.

Looks like Continuum is no longer on Amazon Prime (unless you want to buy it. Is it anywhere else?

It looks like it’s only available to buy on Digital and DVD/Blu-ray now.

Netflix’s DARK is the best Time Travel show ever made. Never believe anything else!

Timeslip UK kids show from 60`s predates all these and deals with past , future, global cooling(remember that) and cloning.

I’ve never heard of it! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

It’s a indian movie named Time

Brødrene Dal og Spektralsteinene and Brødrene Dal og Mysteriet om Karl XIIs Gamasjer both have time travel as a key element. I prefer the former but both are pretty well planned out, although only the latter seems to remember concequences.

Thanks for the recommendations! 🙂

I like some others am trying to find a “Time Travel” movie that’s kind of like “If Only” Where a mans’ wife (Possibly Girlfriend) is killed in an auto accident an he keeps traveling back to that time to make her avoid it. He finds every time that it is avoided she is killed in another way. After so many attempts he goes back and gets in the car with her and they both die. So sort of like “If Only “ and sort of like the first part of “The Time Machine”(2002). I think the movie time-line was between 1970 and 2000 only guessing. I didn’t see the start of the movie. Always wanted to see it but the same accident happens or is averted only to have a new death.

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The 32 Best TV Shows About Time Travel

Time traveling is a popular topic when it comes to all types of entertainment from books to films. But in recent years time travel has also become a popular theme in TV.

So let’s take a look at this list of the best time traveling TV shows and find out how each of them handles time travel and all the history that comes with it.

Doctor Who, BBC One (1963 – 1989, 2005 – present)

When it comes to time traveling and TV, probably the most notable name in this niche is Doctor Who because this time travel series has been around for 39 seasons and is still going strong.

Hailing from British television channel BBC One, Doctor Who tells the tale of the Time Lord aka The Doctor, and his companions as they travel to different times and try to prevent evil forces from changing history and hurting innocent lives.

Once the Time Lord gets hurt beyond healing, he can transform into a new body and continue saving the world. Hence why at this point 13 (soon to be 14) different actors have played The Doctor.

Doctor Who is not only a huge part of the fabric of British popular culture but by now this time travel show has found its way into the hearts of many people all over the world.

It has inspired many spin-offs in the form of TV shows, comic books, movies, novels, you name it. But more than that, by now it has become an industry standard both when it comes to science-fiction television series and shows about time travel.

No wonder that Doctor Who continues to be successful after countless actor changes and plot twists.

Where to watch Doctor Who:

Timeless, nbc (2016 – 2018).

Another time travel TV series that has already become a cult classic and is adored by fans all over the world is NBC’s Timeless . And despite the turmoil that this show has gone through, it still is time traveling at its best.

Starring Malcolm Barrett, Matt Lanter, and Abigail Spencer as Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy, Timeless details the trio traveling to different times in an effort to stop their adversaries from rewriting history.

But as it later turns out, the conspiracy goes deeper than them just changing history. Since the people who our trio is chasing are traveling through time to take down a dangerous and all-powerful organization. The same one that helped build the time machine that Rufus, Wyatt, and Lucy are using.

And although Timeless went on for just two seasons (and a two-hour wrap-up movie), you should still check out the show because it’s not only entertaining but will make you think and want to know more about the events that each episode is exploring.

Where to watch Timeless:

Dc’s legends of tomorrow, the cw (2016 – present).

If you are a fan of superhero TV shows, then you will probably have heard about DC’s Legends of Tomorrow . It is a show that is a huge part of The CW’s Arrowverse. And has crossed over with shows like Arrow , The Flash , and Supergirl multiple times now.

And even if you don’t like the rest of the superhero series but do enjoy a good old time travel TV show, then I suggest you still give Legends of Tomorrow a watch.

The plot of this show is based around a team of superheroes that are traveling through time in their time machine christened the Waverider to prevent different catastrophes from happening. Both ones made by others and those created by the team’s previous adventures.

At the forefront, there are well-known DC heroes like Rip Hunter, Firestorm, The Atom, Kid Flash, Steel, and Vixen. Joined by some original characters like Caity Lotz’s White Canary among others.

One of the defining characteristics of Legends of Tomorrow is how fun it is. Because adjectives like unapologetic, witty, and entertaining are frequently used to describe this time travel series.

However, more than that, it adds an interesting layer to the whole Arrowverse universe. And above all, it is just a hoot to watch.

Where to watch Legends of Tomorrow:

12 monkeys, syfy (2015 – 2018).

Then there also is SyFy’s 12 Monkeys , which is a little darker take on time traveling. One that comes with mystery, drama, and apocalyptic stakes. But that doesn’t lessen how good this time travel TV series is.

Split between two timelines, 12 Monkeys centers on Aaron Stanford’s James Cole, who is tasked to travel back in time and stop the distribution of a virus that has the ability to end the human race as we know it.

In Cole’s real timeline, the year is 2043 and people are struggling to survive because of the terrible mutations caused by the virus. So Cole travels back to 2015 to find virologist Cassie Railly, played by Amanda Schull, that can help him stop the release of the virus and the organization that is behind it called The Army of the 12 Monkeys.

If you think about it, the post-apocalyptic setting and time travel really do go hand in hand. Because if you can go back in time to stop history from being changed, why not go back to change it if it prevents something terrible from happening?

And that is what this show explores. Beautifully combining elements of mystery, drama, and science fiction, to form a great TV show.

Where to watch 12 Monkeys:

Outlander, starz (2014 – present).

Want another show that mixes time travel with historical events and does it flawlessly? Then you should put Outlander on your must-watch TV show list!

The show starts in the 1940s when a combat nurse Claire Randall visits Inverness, Scotland as part of her second honeymoon with her husband Frank. Claire accidentally happens upon the standing stones at Craigh na Dun which transport her back in time to 1743.

To return to her own time she first has to survive 18th-century Scotland. And she does so by joining a group of rebel Highlanders from Clan MacKenzie and marrying one of the Highlanders, Jamie Fraser. But eventually, she falls in love with her new husband and aids the clan in evading British redcoats that are pursuing them.

Over the five seasons of Outlander that are currently out (with the sixth coming soon), we see Claire jump back and forth between the 20th and 18th centuries and her two families as she faces two pregnancies, wars, and much more. But eventually, Claire finds her way back to Jamie.

Where to watch Outlander:

Travelers, showcase (2016 – 2018).

Then we have Travelers , a joint venture between Netflix and Canada’s Showcase that will tick all of your time travel TV show boxes.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world , this show depicts the adventures of travelers – operatives who go back in time to prevent the collapse of society.

These travelers are transferred into the bodies of our current-day humans, who otherwise would die, to blend in with twenty-first-century people. And with the help of their artificial intelligence boss from the future, travelers carry out missions in order to stop many catastrophic events from happening.

Travelers is a great mix of sci-fi and drama, featuring a great cast and spine-tingling storylines. So if you love all that and love a good time-travel series, then look no further than Travelers .

Where to watch Travelers:

Dark, netflix (2017 – 2020).

Netflix’s first German original series was the science fiction series Dark , which mixes in some mystery drama with sci-fi: time travel, the apocalypse, wormholes, and parallel worlds.

Dark takes place in Winden, a fictional German town, and begins in 2019 after children begin to disappear from the town. As the show progresses, however, timelines jump drastically between as early as 1921 to as late as 2053.

As four families in Winden investigate the disappearances to reunite with their lost loved ones, they discover a wormhole beneath the local powerplant that allows them to travel between timelines, thus uncovering a generations-long conspiracy involving the town and their families.

Where to watch Dark:

The umbrella academy, netflix (2019 – present).

Netflix brings another to the list with The Umbrella Academy .

On October 1, 1989, 43 infants were suddenly born from unsuspecting women despite them not even being pregnant the day before.

7 of them were raised together as the Hargreeve siblings and trained in their respective abilities until their relationship became strained as teenagers and they drifted apart.

Now, as adults, they’re brought back together by the death of their adoptive father – and the threat of the end of the world, of course.

They’re forced to travel back in time but end up in different times and places, and must find each other again to stop the nuclear apocalypse.

Where to watch The Umbrella Academy:

Seven days, upn (1998 – 2001).

We know that the National Security Agency has its share of secrets, but what if one of those secrets was a time-traveling machine?

In UPN’s Seven Days , the plot centers on one such device made from alien technology found at Roswell.

The Chronosphere, as it’s called, can only be used in times when national security is at risk – the limited capacity of the device allows for just one human to go back in time by seven days in order to avert disasters.

Thus, when the White House is attacked, the NSA employs former Navy SEAL and CIA operative Frank Parker to go back and prevent it from happening.

Where to watch Seven Days:

Loki, disney+ (2021 – present).

Yes, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is one of the greatest gifts to the cinema of our time. Now, the MCU has expanded even further into the television medium and we’ve got a few series to accompany it!

One of those is Loki , which of course, centers on the God of Thunder’s mischievous adopted brother.

After the events in Avengers: Endgame , particularly his stealing of the Tesseract, Loki inadvertently creates another timeline that began in 2012, making him a “time variant” version of himself.

When confronted by the authorities, Loki is given two choices: face punishment and cease to exist, or travel through time to fix his own mess and the threat that has emerged.

Where to watch Loki:

Making history, fox (2017).

The thing about traveling back in time is, you have to be very careful that your actions in the past won’t affect the future (which is essentially your actual present).

Most of the time, that’s something you wouldn’t know until you go back to your time. In Making History , however, Dan Chambers travels back in time to right before the American Revolution and sets off a series of events that seriously mess up the future.

Being able to constantly travel between time periods, Dan recruits the help of history professor Chis Parrish to travel with him and ensure that the American Revolution still takes place.

Where to watch Making History:

Quantum leap, nbc (1989 – 1993).

The title of NBC’s sci-fi comedy-drama Quantum Leap is also the name of the time travel machine that accidentally sends its creator, physicist Dr. Sam Beckett, back into the past.

Now, he’s stuck – and not as himself, either!

Sam discovers that he jumped into the body of a stranger and because he’s still himself, doesn’t know all the details of his current identity.

With the help of his friend Al, who appears as a hologram only he can see, he must fix something that went wrong so he can jump in time again and eventually get back to his own body.

Where to watch Quantum Leap:

Quantum leap, nbc (2022 – present).

Speaking of Quantum Leap , in 2022 NBC revived the 1989 series into a more modern take on the cult classic.

In this new Quantum Leap , thirty years have passed since Dr. Sam Beckett vanished into the Quantum Leap accelerator, and the Quantum Leap project was put to rest.

Now the project is restarted with a new team, who tries to puzzle together the mysteries behind Beckett and his time-traveling machine.

So, we follow Ben Song, the lead physicist of the Quantum Leap time travel project, who gets lost in the past after leaping back in time.

As he tries to return to the present he is helped by his fiancée Addison Augustine, who appears to him as a hologram during each leap, and the team back in the present time.

Where to watch Quantum Leap reboot:

The way home, hallmark channel (2023 – present).

Among the newest time travel shows on this list is Hallmark’s The Way Home which has already been renewed for a second season.

The Way Home follows three generations of Landry women who learn that they can time travel after discovering a magic pond on their family’s farm in Port Haven.

When Kat and her daughter Alice return to Port Haven and are forced to move in with Alice’s estranged mother Del, the three women use time travel to uncover their family history, including what really happened to Kat’s little brother Jacob and whether they can prevent his disappearance.

Where to watch The Way Home:

Russian doll, netflix (2019 – 2022).

Netflix’s Russian Doll deviates from the traditional time travel theme of a willing traveler in one specific timeline because Russian Doll’s protagonist Nadia Vulvokov not only has absolutely no choice or control over her so-called time traveling, but hers is also a time loop.

She wakes up every day having to relive the day of her 36th birthday party in New York City; every time, she dies and comes back to the exact same moment.

Every time, Nadia scrambles to figure out what happens to her and tries to prevent her death, leading her to find Alan, a man who is experiencing the same time loop.

Where to watch Russian Doll:

Undone, prime video (2019 – present).

Undone may be an animated series, but it certainly isn’t geared toward younger audiences; though there is a touch of comedy, the series leans more towards the psychological drama genre and “explores the elastic nature of reality”.

The series follows Alma Winograd-Diaz right after she gets into a near-fatal car accident.

Right before the crash, she has a strange vision of her dead father, and right after it, she finds that she now has the ability to manipulate and move through time.

Using this newfound power, she travels between time periods to get to the bottom of the mystery surrounding her father’s death.

Where to watch Undone:

Voyagers, nbc (1982 – 1983).

Premiering back in the early 1980s, NBC’s Voyagers! Is set in a world where time travel already exists.

In fact, there’s already a secret society in place that trains its members, called Voyagers, to go back in time and make sure that historical events happen exactly the way they’re supposed to – otherwise it could affect the present in unexpected ways.

One such Voyager is Phineas Bogg, although he isn’t exactly the best at the job.

During an accidental trip to 1982, he meets the young Jeffrey Jones and ends up bringing him along on one of his missions.

Having lost his Guidebook, Phineas now needs to rely on the extremely smart Jeffrey to get history right.

Where to watch Voyagers!:

Fringe, fox (2008 – 2013).

Fox’s Fringe is a series that was well into the science fiction genre, with parallel universes, supernatural abilities, biotechnology, doomsday predictions, and of course, time travel.

The title is taken from fringe science, which is a branch that deals with scientific theories riddled with skepticism or even having been disproven already.

In Fringe , Special Agent Olivia Dunham is assigned to oversee the FBI ’s Fringe Division, which is run by Peter Bishop and his father Walter.

Together, the team uses both fringe science and Olivia’s knowledge in investigative techniques to explore the unexplained.

In the process, they discover a larger mystery involving parallel universes and alternate timelines .

Where to watch Fringe:

Time after time, abc (2017).

ABC’s Time After Time is based on the novel of the same name written by Kevin Williamson in 1979.

In addition to that, each episode takes its title from a line in Cyndi Lauper’s song, which was inspired by the film (and subsequently, the same book!).

In Time After Time , we are taken to H.G. Wells’ home in 1893.

During a dinner party, he reveals his time machine – right before his guest John Stevenson is arrested for actually being Jack the Ripper .

John escapes through the time machine and Wells follows him straight into the present: 2017. Thus begins a cat-and-mouse game as John attempts to gain control of the machine.

Where to watch Time After Time:

11.22.63, hulu (2016).

When you have anything with Stephen King involved, you know it’s going to be great.

Hulu’s eight-episode miniseries 11.22.63 is based on King’s novel 11/22/63 and is a science fiction thriller like no other.

Starring James Franco in the lead role, 11.22.63 follows Jake Epping, an English teacher from Maine .

His best friend Al reveals a time travel machine and asks him to take over the mission he’s been working on: to travel to the 60s and prevent the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Will Jake be successful in changing a past that simply refuses to be changed?

Where to watch 11.22.63:

The 4400, usa network/sky one (2004 – 2007).

The 4400 is yet another slightly different take on the idea of time travel, in that there has been just one (fairly significant) shift forward in time, to the present.

Beginning in 1946, individuals who were easily overlooked or marginalized by society slowly began disappearing through beams of green light.

Now, all 4400 of them (hence the title) have been returned to the present day – without having aged a day and in some cases, even manifesting supernatural abilities like telekinesis, healing, and telepathy.

Tom Baldwin and Diana Skouris are assigned to investigate the phenomenon and find out why the 4400 have returned.

NOTE: For a fresher take on the show, you can also check out the reboot of the original series which is currently airing on The CW.

Where to watch The 4400:

Somewhere between, abc (2017).

When tragedy strikes our lives, we always wish there was something we could’ve done to prevent it.

In ABC’s Somewhere Between we meet Laura Price, a successful news producer with a great career, a loving husband who’s a district attorney, and a beautiful daughter named Serena.

However, her life changes when the serial killer she is helping the cops to catch kills Serena.

Distraught with grief , Laura attempts to complete suicide but is unsuccessful, instead waking up having time-traveled to a week before Serena’s death.

She teams up with Nico, a former SFPD detective who experienced the same reset and wants to find the real killer to change his brother’s fate as well.

Where to watch Somewhere Between:

Terra nova, fox (2011).

Terra Nova takes its viewers to both extremes of the time-traveling timeline.

The present-day is 2149, where overpopulation has threatened to deplete the Earth’s resources.

In an attempt to save Earth and mankind, scientists have found a way to travel back in time, sending groups of humans back to the Cretaceous Period to set up colonies.

Terra Nova focuses primarily on Elisabeth and Jim Shannon, and their three children, who have joined the 10th pilgrimage to Terra Nova.

They offer their expertise as a trauma surgeon and former narcotics detective and help those in charge with stopping those whose intentions go against the greater good.

Where to watch Terra Nova:

Frequency, the cw (2016 – 2017).

One concept in time travel is known as “the butterfly effect”, wherein one small change in time may have great effects elsewhere.

Frequency demonstrates this concept perfectly.

Raimy Sullivan is an NYPD detective who, after a strange weather phenomenon, discovers that she can communicate with her dead father through his old ham radio.

Believing he was a corrupt cop, she learns the truth and warns him of his murder, thus saving his life.

However, this has profound effects on the future – Raimy’s present.

Now, they must work together across time to save her father and preserve the present.

Where to watch Frequency:

Life on mars, bbc one (2006).

In many of the shows on the list so far, the protagonists experience a time loop that’s triggered at the point of their death.

It’s no different for Sam Tyler, the main character in the British series Life on Mars .

Sam is a Detective Chief Inspector with the Greater Manchester Police, but one day he accidentally gets hit by a car.

When he awakens, he’s in 1973 and working at one rank lower than he was: Detective Inspector.

The selling point of Life on Mars , however, is that we’re left unsure if Sam’s predicament is due to his actual death, a comatose, or time travel.

Where to watch Life on Mars:

Always a witch, netflix (2019 – 2020).

Always A Witch (or Siempre Bruja in its original Spanish title) is a Colombian series that is set in both present-day Colombia and the 17th century .

The series follows Carmen Eguiliuz, a young 19-year-old witch who, after committing the crime of falling in love with a white man in 1646 colonial Colombia, is scheduled to be burned at the stake.

She gets a chance to escape to a new life when the mysterious wizard Aldemar makes a deal with her: he will save the man she loves if she travels into the future to find the woman who can break his curse.

Where to watch Always a Witch:

Beforeigners, hbo (2019 – present).

HBO’s Beforeigners is a Norwegian sci-fi crime drama series and the first Norwegian original from HBO Europe.

The title is a clever play on words centered on the general plot: a group of “foreigners” has suddenly shown up at a neighborhood in Oslo, and they are all from “before” times, or several different time periods in history.

Whether from the Viking period , the Stone Age, or the more recent 19th century , each of these ‘Beforeigners’ tries to integrate in modern-day Norwegian society.

One of them even partners with a detective to investigate first a murdered Stone Age woman, then a series of murderers tied to Jack the Ripper.

Where to watch Beforeigners:

Alice, sbs tv (2020).

Alice was a South Korean sci-fi series that aired in late 2020.

In the lead-up to the main plot, the show’s background is explained to its viewers.

Set in 2050, time travel is monitored by an agency called Alice, which sends its clients to the past to help find closure with deceased loved ones.

Alice one day sends two agents to 1992 in order to find the Book of Prophecy, but one of them disappears with the book and her unborn child.

In 2020, the child becomes a detective and in his investigation into his mother’s death in 2010, discovers the existence of Alice and time travel.

Where to watch Alice:

Live up to your name, tvn (2017).

Yet another South Korean time travel series , Live Up to Your Name initially takes its viewers some 400 years into the past, right in the middle of the Joseon dynasty.

There we meet Heo Im, a doctor of traditional Korean medicine who also specializes in acupuncture.

On one of his treatments of the king’s migraines, he made a mistake and was charged with treason.

Chased by the king’s soldiers, he’s shot with an arrow and presumed dead when he falls into the river – except he ends up waking up in present-day Seoul instead, where he meets cardiothoracic surgeon Choi Yeon-kyung.

Where to watch Live Up to Your Name:

My only love song, netflix (2017).

Our third South Korean series is Netflix’s My Only Love Song , which aired in 2017.

We start off in modern-day Korea where we meet Soo-jung, a talented and top-level actress.

However, it seems that the fame may have gotten to her head as she’s arrogant, and believes fame and money make the world go round.

When things don’t go her way on her new show, she winds up in a time-traveling van that takes her to the 6th century.

There, she meets a man much like herself in terms of arrogance, but his hidden soft spot and generosity towards the poor changes her perspective on her own life and self.

Where to watch My Only Love Song:

Signal, tvn (2016).

Signal is based on the 2000 American film Frequency , but another thing that sets this South Korean series apart from others is that the cases investigated in the series are also based on real-life crimes in the country.

Signal follows a cold case profiler from 2015 and a detective from 1989 simultaneously; they discover they’re able to communicate with each other through an old walkie-talkie.

Using this unique ability to provide much-needed foresight in investigations, they team up to both solve and in some cases, even prevent these horrific crimes.

Where to watch Signal:

Rooftop prince, sbs (2012).

Last but not least, South Korea brings its last time-traveling series to the table with Rooftop Prince , a comedy-drama filled with intrigue, mixed identities, and possible reincarnations.

Crown Prince Lee Gak from the Joseon dynasty accidentally time travels to 2012 with three others from his entourage, and their lives are thrown into a whirlwind.

He crosses paths with Se-na, who looks exactly like his recently deceased wife.

In the hopes of getting answers about his wife’s mysterious drowning, he assumes the identity of another man who he also looks exactly like and attempts to marry Se-na in this timeline as well.

Where to watch Rooftop Prince:

11 comments.

Tomorrow people cw

You forgot The Time Tunnel, an Irwin Allen sci-fi show (Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Lost In Space, Land of The Giants), all classic 60s sci-fi

Journeyman should also be on this list. It was only half a season on NBC but it wraps up to a satisfying conclusion.

Fantastic acting and interesting characters.

Glad someone else watched Journeyman. I thought I’d was a great spiritual successor to Quantum Leap.

Journeyman is one of the good shows u can watch but qunatum leap i watched and didnt like

Where is The Time Tunnel?????

Another show for your list is “Being Erica” (CBC, 2009-2011). Excellent writing, and very unique.

i was looking for this comment. such an underrated show

I concur. This was definitely a great one. It certainly provides a lot of food for thought.

Some of the information in the Doctor Who one is wrong. It started in 1963, it was only revived in 2005 (you put 2006), and it’s been going for 39 seasons, as of June 2022

Thanks for letting me know! I updated the article accordingly.

15 Best Time Travel Movies & Shows to Stream Now

May 6, 2022

Time travel, much like magic wands or fairy godmothers, seems like something out of stories and not real life. While that may ( or may not ) be true, that doesn’t make it any less fascinating.

Even though the events in time travel movies and shows are improbable (though not proven to be entirely impossible ), getting the chance to go back and fix wrong decisions or save someone important is something we all have fantasized about.

Whether you’re into infinite time loops or races to prevent apocalyptic events, Hulu is the place to find some of the best time travel movies and shows.

Time Travel Movies on Hulu

In 2074, the mob has gotten… creative in how they handle hits. When they’re ready to “get rid of” someone, they simply send them to the past where specialized assassins, called “Loopers,” are waiting in the middle of the desert to finish the job. Eventually, every looper has to “close the loop” or, in other words, murder their future self to protect the secrets of their trade—but what happens when a looper’s future self outsmarts them?

Watch: Looper

Fast forward 45 years into the future. The earth has been destroyed by climate change, forcing humanity to live on artificial oxygen that is causing an incurable illness in humans. The only hope for the future of humankind comes in the form of one message: “Send Ethan Whyte.” In this pulse-pounding sci-fi thriller , Ethan Whyte (Kodi Smit-McPhee), an underground tunnel worker, is called to the future to finish the job his scientist father started.

Watch: 2067

Demolition Man

In 1996, Simon Phoenix (Wesley Snipes), one of the world’s most prolific criminals and his arresting officer, John Spartan (Sylvester Stalone), aka “The Demolition Man,” were sentenced to life in a cryogenic prison meant to reprogram their violent nature. Decades later, in a utopian, post-apocalyptic society, Phoenix is unfrozen for a parole hearing and escapes. With a police force that has forsaken violence in any form, no one is able to catch him—no one except The Demolition Man.

Watch: Demolition Man

Peggy Sue Got Married

Back in high school, Peggy Sue (Kathleen Turner) was completely infatuated with her boyfriend (now husband), Charlie (Nicholas Cage). However, just before their high school reunion, Charlie runs off with another woman, sparking a divorce and forcing Peggy Sue to rethink her entire life. When Peggy Sue passes out at the reunion, she wakes up in her high school gymnasium—as a senior in high school. With the chance to live her life over again, will Peggy Sue make the same choices, romantic and otherwise?

Watch: Peggy Sue Got Married

Time Loop Movies

Groundhog day.

We can’t talk about time loops without mentioning the most iconic time loop movie ever— Groundhog Day .

Disgruntled weatherman Phil Conners (Bill Murray) is sent to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania to cover Groundhog Day and report on whether or not the groundhog sees his shadow. Upset by the assignment, Phil is glad when the day is over. But, when he wakes up in the morning and it’s Groundhog Day…again, Phil decides to use it to his advantage—until he realizes he could be stuck in this time loop forever.

Watch: Groundhog Day *

*Groundhog Day requires STARZ® on Hulu add-on subscription.

Palm Springs

When Nyles (Andy Samberg) and Sarah (Cristin Milioti) have an interrupted encounter while at a wedding in Palm Springs, they find themselves waking up to the same day over and over again. When faced with this situation, there’s only one thing to do—whatever you want.

In this outlandish and hilarious romantic comedy , Nyles and Sarah have free reign over the wedding day—and they make the most of it. However, eventually even a rule-free life has to come to an end. The only problem is that no one knows how to end it.

Watch: Palm Springs

Title art for the Hulu Original movie Boss Level.

In one of the best movies on Hulu , former special forces agent, Roy Pulver (Frank Grillo) gets trapped in a time loop that forces him to relive his assassination day over and over again. As he fights through each somewhat new day, Roy discovers a secret government project that may explain his repeated death. The more times he dies, the closer he gets to discovering the truth, saving his ex-wife and son, and staying alive.

Watch: Boss Level

Time Travel TV Shows

While you may not be able to watch time travel favorite, Manifest on Hulu anymore, that doesn’t mean all time travel shows are in the past. From Hulu Original Future Man , to Rick and Morty , check out our favorite time travel shows streaming now on Hulu.

From Seth Rogan and Evan Goldberg comes the Hulu Original Series , Future Man , which follows Josh Futturman, aka “Future Man” (see what we did there?), in his attempt to save the human race.

Josh (Josh Hutcherson), a janitor in a medical research facility, is an avid gamer—but when he beats “Bionic Wars,” he learns his favorite futuristic video game isn’t just futuristic, it is the future. When tasked with saving the world before it’s wiped out, Josh must use his gaming skills to defeat his former boss and protect humankind from a terrible fate.

Watch: Future Man

Title art for dystopian TV show 12 Monkeys

Cole (Aaron Stanford), a time traveler from a post-apocalyptic future, has traveled back in time in hopes of preventing a deadly plague that wiped out 7 billion people. The virus was released by an elusive organization called the “Army of the 12 Monkeys,” whose leader, “The Witness,” is a mystery and the key to saving humanity. Cole, with the help of renowned virologist Cassie Railly (Amanda Schull), must find The Witness and prevent him from unleashing the virus before it’s too late.

Watch: 12 Monkeys

On November 22, 1963, the world was rocked by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Based on the novel by Stephen King, 11.22.63 follows Jake Epping (James Franco) as he’s asked to do the impossible—travel back in time to solve the mystery of JFK’s death and perhaps, even prevent it from happening. However, changing the course of history can have devastating effects on the present. Can Jake solve the mystery without disrupting the future?

Watch: 11.22.63

Title art for time travel TV show Timeless

Time travel is real. The past can be altered. The future is in danger.

When scientist Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer) discovers that time travel is real and, at the same time, that a man has stolen a time machine and is going back in time to change history, her world is turned upside down overnight. Alongside a soldier and a history professor, Lucy travels to the past in order to apprehend the man and save the future from a catastrophe before everything is erased.

Watch: Timeless

Rick & Morty

Rick, a scientific genius and alcoholic, and Morty, Rick’s average teenage grandson, embark on dangerous and mind-bending adventures into alien worlds , alternate dimensions, and infinite universes. The adult animated show follows the pair as they cause mayhem and get into trouble across the multiverse and at home.

Watch: Rick and Morty

Time Travel Anime

Japanese anime , InuYasha , follows Kagome Higurashi, a 15-year-old girl living at a historic Japanese shrine, who just so happens to be the reincarnation of ancient priestess Kikyo, guardian of the Shikon no Tama, or Jewel of Four Souls. When Kagome accidentally falls into a well, she’s thrust back to feudal Japan in order to help young half-demon InuYasha find the scattered shards of the Shikon Jewel and protect it from the demons who seek it.

Watch: InuYasha

Steins;Gate

Okabe Rintarou, or self-proclaimed Crazy Mad Scientist Hououin Kyouma, and his team of university science students are working on a device to send messages to the past. Much to their surprise, it works! Once the device is operational, Okabe and his team must stop an evil organization from carrying out their diabolical plans.

Watch: Steins;Gate

29-year-old Satoru Fujinuma is a struggling manga artist with a secret and strange ability—he can travel back in time to the moment before something life-threatening happens and is forced to continue doing so until the event is prevented.

In this limited series , Satoru and his mother are in a deadly accident. In hopes of saving his mother, Satoru travels back in time, but finds himself traveling all the way back to his childhood, where he uncovers a series of events that led to his mother’s death.

Watch: Erased

Feel like traveling back in time yourself? We’ve got you covered—check out the nostalgic blasts from the past in our watchlists featuring shows from the 80s , 90s , 2000s , and old-school MTV.

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17 Iconic 80s Moments That Shaped History

Posted: April 25, 2024 | Last updated: April 25, 2024

<p>The 1980s, known as the “greed decade” for its consumerism and materialism, left a strong mark in history. It was a decade of cable networks, music videos, big hair, neon colors, Michael Jackson, Air Jordans, two-pound cellphones, Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cube, the first version of Microsoft Windows… the list goes on!</p> <p>We remember the 80s by the policies of Ronald Regan and his colleague from across the pond, Margaret Thatcher, the Cold War, and the AIDS crisis that took the lives of thousands of people in the U.S. alone. </p> <p>If the 80s feel like a blur, here’s everything you need to know about the moments that defined the decade.</p>

The 1980s, known as the “greed decade” for its consumerism and materialism, left a strong mark in history. It was a decade of cable networks, music videos, big hair, neon colors, Michael Jackson, Air Jordans, two-pound cellphones, Pac-Man, Rubik’s Cube, the first version of Microsoft Windows… the list goes on!

We remember the 80s by the policies of Ronald Regan and his colleague from across the pond, Margaret Thatcher, the Cold War, and the AIDS crisis that took the lives of thousands of people in the U.S. alone.

If the 80s feel like a blur, here’s everything you need to know about the moments that defined the decade.

<p>The former famous Beatle, John Lennon, tragically lost his life outside his New York apartment on December 8, 1980. He was shot by Mark David Chapman, who was only 25 years old at the time. Currently, he is serving a 20-year-to-life sentence in the same town where he committed the crime, at Green Haven Correctional Facility.</p>

It Started With a Tragedy

The former famous Beatle, John Lennon, tragically lost his life outside his New York apartment on December 8, 1980. He was shot by Mark David Chapman, who was only 25 years old at the time. Currently, he is serving a 20-year-to-life sentence in the same town where he committed the crime, at Green Haven Correctional Facility.

Assassination Attempt

There was an assassination attempt on President Reagan on March 30, 1981, just two months into his presidency, by John Hinckley Jr. in Washington.

<p>The 1980s saw the rise of MTV, which popularized music videos and brought about a whole new and exciting form of artistry to accompany the already fantastic music. The 1980s has paved the way for new forms of creativity and storytelling.</p>

It’s Getting Loud

The music in the 1980s was becoming louder by the minute. Many great musicians appeared on the music scene: INXS, Prince, Madonna, Michael and Janet Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Sade, Cher…

MTV was launched on August 1, 1981, with the broadcast of the iconic and ironic “Video Killed the Radio Star” by The Buggles. The same year, Olivia Newton-John’s hit song, “Physical”, became the most popular song. A year later, Michael Jackson, the most popular artist of the entire decade, released his album, Thriller.

<p>Top Gun, the cinematic masterpiece directed by Tony Scott in 1986, earned an incredible sum of $176,786,701 in theaters and also won an Academy Award for its theme song “Take My Breath Away.”</p>

Cinematic Masterpiece of that Time

Top Gun, the cinematic masterpiece directed by Tony Scott in 1986, earned an incredible sum of $176,786,701 in theaters and also won an Academy Award for its theme song “Take My Breath Away.”

<p>The 1980s tech revolution began with the launch of IBM’s first PC in 1981, and continued in 1982 when Time Magazine portrayed the computer on its cover as “Machine of the Year”. In October 1983, Microsoft released the first version of Word 1.0. The same year, Michael Douglas, as Gordon Gekko in 1987’s Wall Street, held the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X in his hands. </p>

Tech Revolution Era

The 1980s tech revolution began with the launch of IBM’s first PC in 1981, and continued in 1982 when Time Magazine portrayed the computer on its cover as “Machine of the Year”. In October 1983, Microsoft released the first version of Word 1.0. The same year, Michael Douglas, as Gordon Gekko in 1987’s Wall Street, held the Motorola DynaTAC 8000X in his hands.

<p>More than 700 million people in 74 countries all over the world tuned in to watch Lady Diana and Prince Charles’ royal wedding in 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The lavish wedding was both astonishing and expensive, with a budget of $48 million – fit for a future hair of the British throne. </p>

A Lavish Royal Wedding

More than 700 million people in 74 countries all over the world tuned in to watch Lady Diana and Prince Charles’ royal wedding in 1981 at St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The lavish wedding was both astonishing and expensive, with a budget of $48 million – fit for a future hair of the British throne.

<p>The Canadians love the 80s because, in 1982, they finally gained their independence from the United Kingdom with the authorization of the Canada Act by Elizabeth II.</p>

Official Independence

The Canadians love the 80s because, in 1982, they finally gained their independence from the United Kingdom with the authorization of the Canada Act by Elizabeth II.

<p>In 1982, Argentina, led by President Leopoldo Galtieri, invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands, but soon after, they were defeated by the United Kingdom’s naval task force.</p>

Argentine vs United Kingdom

In 1982, Argentina, led by President Leopoldo Galtieri, invaded and occupied the Falkland Islands, but soon after, they were defeated by the United Kingdom’s naval task force.

<p>The 80s were “responsible” for the first synthesized crack cocaine. The crack outbreak was first recorded in the Bahamas in 1983 but quickly spread to the north into the United States.</p>

The Spread of Crack Cocaine

The 80s were “responsible” for the first synthesized crack cocaine. The crack outbreak was first recorded in the Bahamas in 1983 but quickly spread to the north into the United States.

Electronic Fashion Craze

The Swiss company “Swatch” joined the 1980s fashion craze and released its first watch in 1983, in a bid to overcome the company’s deep crises in the late 1970s.

By combining high-quality Swiss craftsmanship with an exceptional design and recognizable logo, Swatch created a youthful watch with a trail-blazing attitude that became a hit in the mid-80s.

<p>In 1984, the United States and the Vatican reinstated their diplomatic relations for the first time in 117 years. At that particular time, Pope John Paul II was quite involved in international affairs. </p>

Diplomatic Ties

In 1984, the United States and the Vatican reinstated their diplomatic relations for the first time in 117 years. At that particular time, Pope John Paul II was quite involved in international affairs.

<p>The 1980s experienced one of the biggest chemical disasters in Bhopal, India, when toxic gasses leaked from the Union Carbide plant. As a result, around 15,000 people lost their lives. And that wasn’t the end of it! </p><p>In 1986, the Soviet Union had the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion, which spread radioactive material across Europe. On top of it all, in 1989, one of the worst environmental disasters in human history occurred, the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Alaska’s Bligh Reef.</p>

Disasters of Epic Proportions

The 1980s experienced one of the biggest chemical disasters in Bhopal, India, when toxic gasses leaked from the Union Carbide plant. As a result, around 15,000 people lost their lives. And that wasn’t the end of it!

In 1986, the Soviet Union had the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion, which spread radioactive material across Europe. On top of it all, in 1989, one of the worst environmental disasters in human history occurred, the Exxon Valdez oil spill on Alaska’s Bligh Reef.

Devastating Famine

Around 1 million people lost their lives in a devastating famine that ravaged the country of Ethiopia in 1984. The famine was caused by numerous unfortunate events, including continuous drought, failed harvest, conflicts in occupied territories, and bad government policies.

<p>DNA fingerprinting or genetic fingerprints saw the light of day in the 80s, 1984 to be more precise. The scientist who invented this key in modern gene analysis was the British geneticist Alec Jeffreys.</p>

Science Breakthrough

DNA fingerprinting or genetic fingerprints saw the light of day in the 80s, 1984 to be more precise. The scientist who invented this key in modern gene analysis was the British geneticist Alec Jeffreys.

<p>The wreck of the famous Titanic was discovered in 1985 by Robert Ballard, an American oceanographer and geologist. His pioneering deep-sea exploration methods like the Argo (a 5-meter submersible sled) led to the remains of the Titanic that sank in 1912. </p>

Titanic’s Discovery

The wreck of the famous Titanic was discovered in 1985 by Robert Ballard, an American oceanographer and geologist. His pioneering deep-sea exploration methods like the Argo (a 5-meter submersible sled) led to the remains of the Titanic that sank in 1912.

Halley’s Comet

Halley’s Comet, one of the darkest or least reflective objects in the solar system, was first observed and studied via international fleet spacecraft in 1986. Japan’s Suisei and Sakigake spacecraft, the Soviet Union’s Vega 1 and Vega 2, the international ISEE-3 (ICE), and the European Space Agency’s Giotto enabled the team of scientists to view the Comet’s surface and structure.

<p>Ronald Regan’s iconic words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” marked the Cold War’s turning point in 1987. His words echoed while he was standing only 100 yards from the Berlin Wall dividing East and West Berlin. </p><p>Luckily, the symbol of the battle between democracy and communism fell at the end of the decade, but was it the end of an era as well? </p>

The End of a Decade or the End of an Era?

Ronald Regan’s iconic words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” marked the Cold War’s turning point in 1987. His words echoed while he was standing only 100 yards from the Berlin Wall dividing East and West Berlin.

Luckily, the symbol of the battle between democracy and communism fell at the end of the decade, but was it the end of an era as well?

<ul> <li><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/15-lesser-known-american-inventions-that-changed-the-world/ss-BB1iRdRP?cvid=dc8b22b5d7554060c44bb9afa5331979&ei=18">15 Lesser-Known </a><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/15-lesser-known-american-inventions-that-changed-the-world/ss-BB1iRdRP?cvid=dc8b22b5d7554060c44bb9afa5331979&ei=18" rel="noreferrer noopener">American </a><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/15-lesser-known-american-inventions-that-changed-the-world/ss-BB1iRdRP?cvid=dc8b22b5d7554060c44bb9afa5331979&ei=18">Inventions </a></li> </ul>

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The favorite TV shows of '80s kids

If you were an ‘80s kid, you couldn’t just watch whatever you wanted when you wanted. You didn’t have the internet, let alone DVR. You might have cable, and by the end of the decade possibly some movies on VHS. Still, there was a plethora of shows out there that kids who grew up in the ‘80s loved. Here are some of our favorite shows that children tuned into – when they aired! – in the 1980s.

“Double Dare”

Nickelodeon was only finding its footing in the ‘80s, and it’s first big original program was a sloppy game show for kids called “Double Dare.” After it debuted in 1986 it quickly became by far the biggest show on the network. Marc Summers became one of the first faces of Nick, and we all still dream of running the obstacle course and getting a trip to space camp.

“You Can’t Do That On Television”

If somebody asks you if you’ve seen “You Can’t Do That On Television,” so not reply “I don’t know.” If you do, much like Moose (or Alanis Morissette ) you might get slime dumped on your head. The Canadian import was a popular sketch comedy show for kids starring kids. It basically brought the concept of slime to Nickelodeon from north of the border.

“Fraggle Rock”

We know the theme song is already in your head. This show, a Jim Henson creation, focused on the adventures of the Fraggles and the Doozers and their adventures living underground. It was a whole new world of Muppets, replete with catchy songs.

Speaking of puppets, ALF wasn’t quite as friendly as the Fraggles. Well, at least if you were a cat. The alien from Melmac crashed on Earth and moved in with the Tanner family to turn their lives upside down. It doesn’t necessarily hold up to adult eyes, and it was apparently a miserable show to film for the human actors, but you couldn’t tell that to a kid in the ‘80s.

“Pee-wee’s Playhouse”

Pee-wee Herman didn’t necessarily start as a character for kids, but he certainly became that. Although, it’s not like only children were watching “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.” The bizarre character and his insane world was also appealing to adults who were fans of outré comedy. Whatever level you were appreciating it on, you could find something to enjoy in “Pee-wee’s Playhouse.”

“Inspector Gadget”

Why did Inspector Gadget stay employed? The man with machine parts was truly incompetent. At least his daughter Penny and their dog Brain was around to help him, not that Gadget ever figured it out. Hey, as long as Dr. Claw and M.A.D. didn’t get a win who could complain too much?

“The Smurfs”

The Smurfs as characters existed in comics prior to the ‘80s, but the famed cartoon that spawned their popularity in the United States basically ran the entire course of the ‘80s. The little blue creatures with the very explanatory names got in adventures and taught us some lessons. They also said “Smurf” a ton and eventually spawned two awful live-action movies.

“DuckTales”

Speaking of adventures, nobody went on adventures quite like the crew from “DuckTales.” Hey when you’ve got money like Scrooge McDuck you can afford to travel the globe, perhaps to get some more treasures and accrue some more wealth. Of course, the show wasn’t just about a wealthy Scottish duck on the move. He had his nephews Huey, Dewey, and Louie with him naturally.

“Garfield and Friends”

Hey, what kid who doesn’t like school couldn’t relate to Garfield’s disdain for Mondays? Garfield as a character is a little repetitive for an adult, but kids don’t mind a little repetition, as any parent who has had to watch a movie 100 times in a row can tell you. “Garfield and Friends” was split up between Garfield’s adventures and the gang from U.S. Acres, which is a little more polarizing.

“Perfect Strangers”

It’s not all cartoons and shows just for kids. There’s also the family-friendly sitcoms. “Perfect Strangers” was part of the original TGIF lineup in 1989, but the show about two mismatched cousins began in 1986. The broadness of the Balki character was something that could certainly appeal to kids. Don’t be ridiculous!

“Jem and the Holograms”

Technically, the show was officially just called “Jem,” but everybody knows it as “Jem and the Holograms.” Hey, let’s give the backing band some love, since they aren’t actually holograms. The show is about a woman named Jerrica who, with the help of a holographic computer, becomes Jem, the biggest music star in the world. Also, there is an evil band called The Misfits for some reason.

“Punky Brewster”

If nothing else, “Punky Brewster” taught a group of children not to go into refrigerators. Apparently the Joker never learned that lesson. Punky was one of many orphaned children of ‘80s television. She was literally abandoned while her mom was shopping. And yet, Punky remained optimistic and cheerful, making her a delightful TV friend for kids of the ‘80s.

“The Muppet Show”

Technically, “The Muppet Show” only aired original episodes until 1981. However, that’s still the ‘80s. Also, if you were around in the ‘80s you remember the reruns of the Muppets’ variety show that aired for years on end. Kermit and the gang were a staple of TV for kids for the entirety of the ‘80s. Plus, we could throw in “Muppet Babies,” the animated show that began in 1984.

“Family Ties”

We can only hope kids of the ‘80s weren’t too influenced by Alex P. Keaton. After all, he’s a Reagan-worshipping conservative despite being merely a teenager. The hook of the family sitcom was that his parents were hippies, creating a sense of conflict (that couldn’t override the love they had for each other). It was hard not to be drawn in my Alex. He was played by Michael J. Fox, after all.

“He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”

By the power of Greyskull, Prince Adam of Eternia could transform himself into He-Man to take on the evil Skeletor. Sure, “He-Man” only existed to sell toys. It was the ‘80s! We didn’t think that was bad yet! And kids weren’t complaining about the superhero with the cool tiger for a pet fighting a skeleton man. They only made two seasons of “He-Man,” but they produced 120 episodes that aired in reruns for a while.

“The Real Ghostbusters”

“Ghostbusters” was a massive hit in 1984, and naturally they wanted to capitalize on it. Why not make things a little more kid friendly, and also why not make Slimer a friend of the Ghostbusters? The reason the show had to be called “The Real Ghostbusters” was because a different company was trying to make some cash off of “Ghostbusters” by making an animated show based on a forgotten ‘70s TV show called “The Ghost Busters.” Since they had the rights, “The Real Ghostbusters” was born. Kids figured it out.

“G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero”

There were actually two separate cartoons in the ‘80s with this exact name. They were both based on (and designed to sell) G.I. Joe toys. All the action figures were there in the show about an elite military crew with flashy names and different tics. One of the characters was actually Sgt. Slaughter , who was also a pro wrestler at the time. A wrestler and a G.I. Joe? That’s impressive.

“Square Pegs”

“Square Pegs” only lasted one season, but it has had an outsized impact on kids of the ‘80s. The story focuses on two female friends, one played by future star Sarah Jessica Parker who don’t quite fit in as high school freshman. At the time, it was considered a fairly realistic, but still funny, look at being a teenager in the ‘80s. Also, Bill Murray was in one episode, which is cool.

“Head of the Class”

In terms of shows about oddball kids in the ‘80s, “Head of the Class” was more successful. The show focuses on “gifted” students as a high school and their teacher Charlie Moore, played by Howard Hesseman. It lasted for five seasons and 114 episodes, and then two of the guys who played students on the show, Dan Schneider and Brian Robbins, basically built an empire at Nickelodeon starting in the ‘90s.

We don’t have a specific show here. Maybe you were into “Headbanger’s Ball.” Maybe “Yo! MTV Raps” was your thing. You might have just tuned in for the music video blocks. All we know is that once you hit your tween years in the ‘80s, you were almost definitely tuning into MTV every chance you could get. It was the pinnacle of what was cool in music, and also the pinnacle of what was cool in television. Indeed, ‘80s kids did want their MTV.

Chris Morgan is a sports and pop culture writer and the author of the books The Comic Galaxy of Mystery Science Theater 3000 and The Ash Heap of History . You can follow him on Twitter @ChrisXMorgan .

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The 10 Best '80s Sitcom Families, Ranked

There's nothing more important than family.

There's a real yearning for the '80s in today's media, whether it's in an entertaining homage like Lisa Frankenstein or in a popular show like Stranger Things . The 1980s is a glorious time filled with neon colors, new-wave music, and family sitcoms as far as the eye could see. While the family sitcom wasn’t a novelty concept, by the dawn of the '80s, the sub-genre got a sanitized makeover to fit the new, strange times.

Gone were family shows that showcased poverty and bigotry, and in its place were saccharine 80s family sitcoms focused more on the nuisance of family life , and mainstream issues that these shows managed to fix in a matter of a half-and-hour. As formulaic as most of these shows were, family sitcoms were must-see-TV — and '80s TV shows helped revitalize network television.

10 Stratton Family

'silver spoons' (1982 - 1987).

Premiering in 1982, Silver Spoons is a family sitcom that asked the question: “What would it be like to be raised by a manchild that made a fortune selling toys?” In the show, Edward Stratton II ( John Houseman ) finds it hard to raise his son Ricky ( Richard Bartlett Schroder ) as he often throws money at the problem. But as the show progresses, both father and son eventually meet in the middle, understanding each other beyond material possessions .

The answer that primetime viewers got weekly, was it would be a very awesome childhood, complete with a toy train that takes them all over a giant mansion. Silver Spoons was the series that introduced the world to Alfonso Ribeiro (who first appeared in Season 3), who would go on to further cement his name in pop culture playing Carlton Banks in the '90s Black-led sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air .

Silver Spoons

*Availability in US

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9 Bundy Family

'married... with children' (1987 - 1997).

Married... with Children is an '80s show that puts a spotlight on the chaotic but relatable Bundy family, which is composed of the father AL, mother Peggy, daughter Kelly, and son Bud. Each episode of the show highlights the adventures they go on in their daily lives, with an emphasis on their hilarious interactions.

The main reason why the show was able to retain its steam during its 10-season run is due to the Bundys' unapologetic humor and outrageous behavior . But despite their constant bickering and petty squabbles, the family remains cordial and loving with each other. Whether it's weathering a financial storm or accepting their low social status, the Bundys will always find humor in their situation and become more resilient.

Married... With Children

8 harper family, 'mama’s family' (1983 - 1990).

In 1974, Vicky Lawrence put on a gray wig and dressed as a Southern mama on the sketch comedy series The Carol Burnett Show . Her skit as Thelma Mae Harper, aka, “Mama,” was so popular, that it warranted a spin-off series. That came nine years later with Mama’s Family , which features Lawrence’s sharp-witted character as the matriarch of the dysfunctional Harper family on the show.

The Harper family was loved by viewers due to their dysfunctional yet delightful family dynamics . One standout moment where the family comes together is when everyone moves back into the Harper household, which causes plenty of squabbles. However, the Harpers always came together in the end, showing audiences the importance of being a united family. Her sarcasm and sharp, hilarious zingers powered Mama’s Family for six seasons, which obtained popularity after it left NBC for syndication in 1986.

Mama's Family

7 winslow family, 'family matters' (1989 - 1998).

Time for an honest take: Family Matters would have died a short death if it wasn’t for Steve Urkel ( Jaleel White ), the geeky next-door neighbor of the Winslows that captivated America as The Cosby Show was entering its sundown period. Beneath the surface, however, Family Matters was more than “Did I Do That?” The Winslow family captured the hearts of audiences with their chaotic quirks and humor-filled antics .

The sitcom touched on a variety of themes, and some of its “special episodes” remain some of the most impactful episodes ever produced on network television, ranging from Eddie Winslow (Darius McCrary) dealing with Chicago street gangs to Carl Winslow (Reginald VelJohnson) having to deal with racial bias within the Chicago Police force. While it hit peak ratings in the '90s, Family Matters could have easily fitted in well with the other family sitcoms of the '80s.

Family Matters

6 brewster family, 'punky brewster' (1984 - 1988).

When Punky Brewster premiered on NBC in 1984, the heartwarming family sitcom brought a dose of “Punky Power” to television sets everywhere. Punky ( Soleil Moon Frye ) was a child who, along with her dog, Brandon, was abandoned by her parents. Found by Henry Wernimont, he took Punky in and became her adoptive father.

Punky Brewster showcased on the screen how one can be at peace with being their free spirit , and while saccharine as with other '80s family shows, Punky Brewster had a mojo that appeals to fans even to this day. As a sitcom family that focuses on the importance of a chosen family, the likable Brewsters prove to audiences — and America — that the true meaning of family is not a one-size-fits-all concept.

Punky Brewster

5 tanner family, 'alf' (1986 - 1990).

Let's set the scene: The location is the San Fernando Valley, and, out of nowhere, an alien crash lands into a family’s trash can and becomes one of the hottest characters on network television in the '80s. That’s the trajectory of ALF , which ran for four seasons in the mid-'80s and is a cult classic among many who grew up in the era.

Alf ( Paul Fusco )— whose actual name was “Gordan Shumway” — was an enduring alien (except to cats, which was his delicacy) who had a sharp-witted tongue in his commentary on humankind. The show highlighted the kindness of the Tanners, as they quickly accepted Alf as a member of the family despite their confusion and shock . Alf ’s run was a bit too short, but for the 102 episodes it was on the air, it carved itself a space in pop culture history.

Watch on Peacock

4 Seaver Family

'growing pains' (1985 - 1992).

In some ways, Growing Pains was a family sitcom perfectly made for the '80s. The plot of the series went like this: Jason Seaver ( Alan Thicke ) moves his therapy practice home so that his wife, Maggie Seaver ( Joanna Kerns ), can go back to work after spending 15 years as a stay-at-home mom. He’s now in charge of three rambunctious kids: Mike ( Kirk Cameron ), the troublemaker and eldest of the Seaver kids, Carol ( Tracey Gold ), the smart one, and Ben ( Jeremy Miller ), who is sort of in-between but looks up to his brother

Like most family comedies in the '80s , Growing Pains followed the traditional, sanitized path of solving typical family problems in under half an hour — however, the show differentiated itself in that it showed a family that, on the surface, appeared to have things together, but was slightly dysfunctional at its core. But, as long as they had each other, they could get through anything.

Growing Pains

Buy on Apple TV

3 Keaton family

'family ties' (1982 - 1989).

Family Ties was a mirror image of what the '80s came to be, both culturally and politically. By the time the show premiered on NBC in the fall of 1982, America was embracing the conservative politics and culture being cultivated by Ronald Regan , and no one loved it more than Alex P. Keaton ( Michael J. Fox ).

Keaton a young Republican who had no problem wearing a tie and carrying a briefcase to school, espousing the virtues of the Republican Party, and showcasing his intellectual superiority. He used his love for conservatism as a rebellion against his former hippie parents, Steven and Elise Keaton — and while some of Alex’s stance would be a bit problematic in today’s culture, the family's political leanings were ripe for primetime comedy in the Cold War era . Family Ties made a star out of Fox, who would go on to star in blockbusters such as Back to the Future , and have his own, spiritual spinoff of Family Ties in the '90s, Spin City .

Family Ties

2 tanner family, 'full house' (1987 - 1995).

The premise of Full House is based on a somber plot: Danny Tanner ( Bob Saget ) was left to pick up the pieces and raise his three daughters after his wife was killed in a car accident. He then recruits his brother-in-law, Jesse ( John Stamos ), and his best friend, Joey ( Dave Coulier ), to help raise his kids, and the family hijinks ensue.

The large Tanner family is perhaps one of the most lovable and relatable families in sitcom history, creating an unconventional family that mirrors many households across the country . Full House has many iconic sitcom moments, from Jesse and Joey struggling to change Michelle’s diaper in the pilot to the family being forced to spend Christmas in an airport because of a blizzard. Some would say the show was a bit too cheesy, but that’s the beauty of Full House , a show that balanced comedy and drama perfectly on ABC for 8 seasons.

Full House (US)

Watch on Max

1 Huxtable Family

'the cosby show' (1984 - 1992).

Bill Cosby may be a disgraced figure today, but one can’t deny the impact The Cosby Show had on network television. It was must-see-TV before NBC popularized the phase in the '90s, and was a rating savior on the network, which was languishing in third place behind CBS and ABC before the series premiered.

The Cosby Show also was the first to showcase the upward mobility of the Black family , with both the mother and the father having well-paying careers and the family living in an immaculate Brooklyn Brownstone. Not only that, but the show was hilarious week after week, providing plenty of iconic moments that will forever be etched in the memory of those who grew up watching the Huxtables every Thursday night.

The Cosby Show

NEXT: The Best Period Dramas of the '80s, Ranked

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