5 Forgotten 80s TV Shows That Deserve a Reboot
By James Steele, Long Live the 1980s
The 1980s were a golden era for television. From sitcoms to dramas, the decade brought us memorable characters, iconic catchphrases, and theme songs we still hum today. While some shows like The Golden Girls, Cheers, and The A-Team remain firmly cemented in pop culture, others have quietly faded into the background—despite having strong fan bases and storylines ripe for a modern update.
As the entertainment industry continues to churn out reboots (Fuller House, Magnum P.I., Quantum Leap), it begs the question: What other 80s gems deserve a second chance?
Here are five forgotten 1980s TV shows that are long overdue for a reboot—and why the time is now.
1. Kate & Allie (1984–1989)
Original Network: CBS
Starring: Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James
Why It Deserves a Reboot:
Kate & Allie was ahead of its time. The show followed two divorced women raising their children together under one roof in New York City. It portrayed friendship, modern family structures, and women's independence in a way that was refreshingly progressive for the era.
In today's world of blended families, co-parenting, and rising housing costs, the premise feels even more relevant. A reboot could explore modern issues like career changes in midlife, adult children moving back home, dating in the digital age, and navigating post-divorce life with humor and heart. Imagine a sequel series where their daughters, now grown women, decide to move in together and raise their kids under one roof—echoing their mothers' path but with Gen Z and Millennial twists.
Bonus Reboot Angle: Bring back Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James as the original Kate and Allie—perhaps as wise grandmothers dropping in with witty one-liners and life lessons.
2. Mr. Belvedere (1985–1990)
Original Network: ABC
Starring: Christopher Hewett, Bob Uecker, Ilene Graff
Why It Deserves a Reboot:
This sitcom about a cultured British butler working for a typical American family might seem like an odd concept today, but that's exactly why it could work. Mr. Belvedere delivered old-world charm and sophisticated snark in equal measure, balanced against a backdrop of everyday suburban life.
A reboot could modernize the concept with a multicultural twist. Picture a retired royal family butler—or perhaps a disgraced celebrity chef—starting over as a live-in domestic advisor for a chaotic, tech-obsessed family in the Midwest. It would be the perfect fish-out-of-water comedy with room for heartfelt moments and social commentary.
Bonus Reboot Angle: Include Bob Uecker in a recurring role as a wacky neighbor or local sports radio host. His deadpan humor was a standout.
3. A Different World (1987–1993)
Original Network: NBC
Starring: Lisa Bonet (season 1), Jasmine Guy, Kadeem Hardison, Cree Summer
Why It Deserves a Reboot:
Originally a spin-off of The Cosby Show, A Different World quickly found its own identity, focusing on the lives of students at the fictional Hillman College, a Historically Black College/University (HBCU). The show tackled serious topics—racism, sexual assault, AIDS, classism—through the lens of young adulthood, all while remaining funny and engaging.
In today’s climate, with increased focus on social justice, identity, and education equity, A Different World feels like required viewing. A reboot could follow a new generation of students at Hillman, dealing with everything from cancel culture and climate activism to student loan debt and AI in the classroom.
Bonus Reboot Angle: Have original cast members appear as faculty or administrators—especially Jasmine Guy’s Whitley and Kadeem Hardison’s Dwayne Wayne as the power couple alumni.
4. Simon & Simon (1981–1989)
Original Network: CBS
Starring: Gerald McRaney and Jameson Parker
Why It Deserves a Reboot:
This detective drama about two mismatched brothers running a private investigation firm in San Diego had all the hallmarks of great 80s action—cool cars, clever banter, and gritty cases. One brother was a slick, by-the-book ex-Marine; the other, a laid-back cowboy with street smarts. Their differences made them both lovable and effective.
In the streaming era, gritty crime shows are a dime a dozen, but there’s a real opportunity here for a lighter reboot that combines nostalgia with smart, serialized storytelling. Picture a daughter and nephew of the original Simons teaming up—one a cyber forensics expert, the other a rough-and-tumble bounty hunter. Set it in modern-day San Diego or even a new city like Austin or Atlanta, and you’ve got a perfect mix of old-school sleuthing and new-school tech.
Bonus Reboot Angle: Bring Gerald McRaney back as the crusty retired PI who still solves cases from his recliner.
5. Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)
Original Network: ABC
Starring: Bronson Pinchot and Mark Linn-Baker
Why It Deserves a Reboot:
Before Friends, there was Perfect Strangers—a buddy comedy about two distant cousins living together in Chicago. Balki Bartokomous, the lovable immigrant from the fictional island of Mypos, moved in with his uptight American cousin Larry Appleton, and culture clash hijinks ensued.
Today, a reboot could explore themes of immigration, cultural assimilation, and global connectivity through humor. Instead of Mypos, imagine Balki 2.0 arriving from a real country like Georgia or Nepal, filled with modern quirks and age-old traditions. He could room with a Millennial tech worker struggling with burnout and social anxiety, offering comedic contrast and unlikely wisdom.
Bonus Reboot Angle: The reboot could be shot in a hybrid sitcom format, mixing traditional multi-cam scenes with mockumentary-style interviews that provide each character’s unique cultural lens.
Why These Shows Matter Today
All five of these series brought something unique to the table in their original runs, and their themes still resonate. Whether it’s non-traditional family dynamics, higher education, cultural clash, or sibling rivalry, these shows offered depth beneath the laughs. With smart writers and inclusive casting, each of them could be reimagined for a new generation—without losing the charm that made them beloved in the first place.
Your Turn: Let’s Get Nostalgic!
What 80s TV shows would you love to see rebooted? Do you agree with this list? Should Designing Women, Night Court, or Family Ties get the same treatment? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s celebrate the television treasures of yesteryear.
Let’s keep the conversation going—because when it comes to the 80s, we’re never out of time.
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