What exactly are underrated 80s sitcoms?
The 1980s brought us some of the most iconic sitcoms in TV history — Cheers, Family Ties, and Golden Girls to name but a few. But the decade was also full of inventive and charming comedies that didn’t get the same spotlight. Some lasted just a single season. Others were quietly influential but forgotten as the TV landscape evolved.
Whether quirky, ahead of their time, or simply overshadowed, these 10 underrated 80s sitcoms are worth remembering — and maybe even revisiting.
1. It’s Your Move (1984–1985)
Why it’s underrated: Jason Bateman at his most delightfully devious.
Before Arrested Development, Bateman starred as a teenage con artist constantly scheming to outwit his mom’s new boyfriend. The show was fast, sharp, and fun — but NBC pulled it early to avoid competing with The Cosby Show. Today, it feels like a blueprint for edgier 2000s sitcoms.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
2. Square Pegs (1982–1983)
Why it’s underrated: The most authentically awkward high school sitcom of its time.
Starring a young Sarah Jessica Parker, this short-lived show followed two teenage girls trying to fit in. With its new wave soundtrack and awkward realism, it felt more honest than most teen shows of the era. A cult favorite for a reason.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and digitally.
3. Domestic Life (1984)
Why it’s underrated: Martin Mull playing a sitcom dad with dry wit and political satire? Sign us up.
In this short-lived CBS sitcom, Martin Mull starred as a Seattle-based TV commentator juggling work, family life, and his own low-key existential crises. It was created by Steve Martin and featured a satirical tone far more subtle than most 80s laugh-track comedies. The show only lasted a handful of episodes, but Mull’s deadpan delivery and the show’s smart writing made it a unique early attempt at mixing sitcom humor with social observation.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
4. The Days and Nights of Molly Dodd (1987–1991)
Why it’s underrated: Quirky, intimate, and emotionally resonant.
Blair Brown starred as Molly Dodd, a single woman in NYC navigating work, love, and life. Blending comedy and drama long before “dramedy” was a trend, it was unlike anything else on the air. Too unconventional for primetime, but quietly brilliant.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
5. Open All Night (1981–1982)
Why it’s underrated: Offbeat, late-night weirdness at its finest.
Set in a 24-hour convenience store, this show leaned into surreal humor and eccentric customers. Featuring a pre-Married… with Children Ed O’Neill, it was short-lived but had strong midnight movie energy that was ahead of its time.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
6. Duet (1987–1989)
Why it’s underrated: A couple-centric sitcom with an unusually mature tone.
Following two couples (one married, one dating), Duet focused on romance, friendship, and the complications of adult relationships. It later spun off into Open House, but never got the love it deserved during its original run.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
7. Jennifer Slept Here (1983–1984)
Why it’s underrated: A teen sitcom with a ghostly twist.
Ann Jillian played the spirit of a dead movie star haunting a teenage boy’s home — and helping him navigate high school. The show walked the line between family sitcom and supernatural comedy, but struggled to find an audience despite its charm.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
8. Valerie / The Hogan Family (1986–1991)
Why it’s underrated: A rebranded family sitcom that quietly stuck around.
Originally starring Valerie Harper, this show morphed mid-run after behind-the-scenes drama led to her exit. The show survived as The Hogan Family, with Jason Bateman in a breakout role, and quietly ran for six seasons — longer than many hits of its time.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
9. Brothers (1984–1989)
Why it’s underrated: One of the first sitcoms to feature a gay main character in a leading role.
This Showtime original followed three brothers — one of whom is gay — and tackled LGBTQ themes with humor and sincerity, years before network TV would dare. It was a trailblazer, even if it didn’t get the attention it deserved at the time.
Where to stream: Sadly, it’s not currently available on any platform or physically.
10. Check It Out! (1985–1988)
Why it’s underrated: A Canadian import starring Don Adams of Get Smart fame.
Set in a supermarket, the show followed the uptight manager and his quirky employees. It ran in syndication and wasn’t flashy, but Adams’s comic timing made it work. A workplace sitcom that feels like a prelude to Superstore.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and on Tubi.
Final Thoughts
The 1980s sitcom landscape was full of flash, fashion, and family — but also a surprising number of clever, experimental, and ahead-of-their-time comedies that didn’t quite catch on. These shows may have been canceled or overlooked, but their humor and heart still hold up.
If you’re a sitcom lover or just looking for something off the beaten path, give these forgotten 80s gems a second look. Some of them may surprise you with how modern they feel.
Be sure to check out the entries in our Underrated Series:
- Underrated 60s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 70s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 80s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 90s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 2000s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
