The 1980s were filled with iconic TV shows, but not every series got the love it deserved. Some were ahead of their time, while others just didn’t find their audience. However, many of these so-called “flops” have become hidden gems worth revisiting today. These shows have something special that was overlooked during their original run. All these forgotten series offer a unique glimpse into the era and are surprisingly good. Here are nine ’80s TV flops that are surprisingly worth watching.
Otherworld
Otherworld–a sci-fi TV series that features a family trapped in an alternate dimension where everything is bizarre. This happens when they travel to Egypt on a vacation. Sounds intriguing? That’s because it is. We have no idea why it tanked while being shown on TV–maybe it aired in the wrong decade?
It’s Your Move
The sitcom called ‘It’s Your Move’ used to air on NBC. Created by Michael G. Moye and Ron Leavitt, it is a delightful comedy that has a small boy try to prank (and fail every time) his mom’s new boyfriend. Packed with great performances and superb comedic timing, it’s a treat for the whole family.
Galaxy High School
Galaxy High, a series that aired in 1986, could run for only thirteen episodes. The plot revolves around two high school students who were chosen to attend outer space. The premise was very innovative and the show was quite ahead of its time. Unfortunately, it tanked since teen or adult cartoons were not popular at the time.
Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future
Speaking of shows that were ahead of their time, we bring you the next entrant on our list—Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future. The show featured a group of guerilla fighters battling evil machines. It also had interactive elements such as ‘guns’ that could ‘shoot’ characters on the show. Let that sink in!
Police Squad
Everyone has heard of the Naked Gun. Of that, there can be no doubt. But how many of you have heard of ‘Police Squad’? Will you be shocked if I tell you that this 1982 show is the forerunner of the Naked Gun trilogy? Yes, it’s basically just a small-screen naked gun—Leslie Nielsen and all. The only difference is the lack of OJ Simpson.
Tenspeed and Brown Shoe
We all know that the fantastic Jeff Goldblum played a detective on Law and Order: Criminal Intent. However, that was far from his first stint as a small-screen cop. He had played this role, albeit in a lighter comedy version, in the 1980 police comedy series Tenspeed and Brown Shoe.
Square Pegs
Before Carrie Bradshaw happened, Sarah Jessica Parker was Patty Greene in this 1980s TV show called ‘square pegs’. The premise was simple and quite common—eight high-school kids trying to desperately fit in. And the fact that the cast were all teens when this show was filmed, made it all the better. Watch it to get a taste of what being a teen meant in the early 80s.
The Duck Factory
This is a 1984 sitcom that features Jim Carrey in his first lead role. The plot revolves around a cartoonist who works at a production known as The Duck Factory, which creates a cartoon called Dippy Duck. The show was so awesome that it won two Emmy awards, although it couldn’t become a hit and was sadly canceled by NBC.
Call to Glory
This is another one that had a very limited run on television–just 22 episodes. Set during the Cuban missile crisis, it focuses on Colonel Raynor Sarnac and his family, who live near an airbase. This show features an excellent cast of Crag Nelson and Elisabeth Shue. It was a great show that got canceled because of low ratings.
