If These 10 Forgotten TV Shows From the ’80s Premiered Today, They’d Be Worldwide Hits

If These 10 Forgotten TV Shows From the ’80s Premiered Today, They’d Be Worldwide Hits

The 1980s gave us some of the most creative and ambitious television shows ever made. Many of them were way ahead of their time, featuring concepts that audiences weren’t quite ready for back then.

But if these forgotten gems premiered today with modern special effects, streaming platforms, and our current appetite for sci-fi, superheroes, and satire, they’d absolutely dominate the charts and become instant fan favorites.

1. Misfits of Science (1985–1986)

Back in the mid-’80s, NBC took a gamble on a show about a ragtag group of scientifically enhanced misfits fighting crime. One could shrink, another had electrical powers, and together they formed one of the earliest superhero team shows on television. The premise was bold, quirky, and full of heart—but it only lasted one season.

Fast forward to today, and shows like The Umbrella Academy and Doom Patrol prove that audiences crave flawed, oddball heroes with unusual abilities. The blend of humor, science fiction, and emotional storytelling would fit perfectly into the current streaming landscape. With modern CGI and a serialized story arc, this concept could easily become a binge-worthy hit.

Imagine the social media buzz around characters who don’t fit the traditional superhero mold. Fans today celebrate diversity, imperfection, and authenticity—all things Misfits of Science championed decades too early.

2. The Powers of Matthew Star (1982–1983)

Long before Clark Kent walked the halls of Smallville High, there was Matthew Star—a teenage alien prince hiding on Earth while learning to control his extraordinary powers.

He attended high school by day and fought off intergalactic threats by night, all while trying to fit in with regular kids. The show mixed teen drama with sci-fi action in ways that were innovative for its time.

Today’s young adult audience has proven they can’t get enough of shows that blend coming-of-age stories with supernatural elements. Series like Smallville, Roswell, New Mexico, and Superman & Lois have thrived using similar formulas. Matthew Star had all the ingredients: identity struggles, secret powers, romance, and high-stakes adventure.

With better special effects and a platform like Netflix or Disney+, this show could capture the hearts of Gen Z viewers who love emotional depth mixed with sci-fi escapism.

3. Sledge Hammer! (1986–1988)

Detective Sledge Hammer was a gun-obsessed, trigger-happy parody of every tough-guy cop from the ’80s action era.

He talked to his gun, solved crimes with absurd methods, and turned every police procedural trope upside down. The show was a satirical masterpiece that mocked the very genre it existed within, but it flew under the radar during its original run.

Modern audiences have embraced comedy-cop shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and The Good Guys, proving that satire and silliness can coexist with crime-solving.

Sledge Hammer’s deadpan humor and ridiculous situations would resonate with viewers who appreciate self-aware, genre-bending content. The show even ended its first season by blowing up the entire city—a move that would go viral today.

In an era where people love memes, irony, and shows that don’t take themselves seriously, Sledge Hammer would be a cult sensation with endless GIF potential.

4. The Greatest American Hero (1981–1983)

What happens when an ordinary schoolteacher receives a super-powered suit from aliens but immediately loses the instruction manual? You get one of the most charming and hilarious superhero concepts ever created.

Ralph Hinkley stumbled through heroism, crashing into buildings and fumbling through fights, all while trying to balance his normal life. It was superhero comedy gold.

Today’s entertainment landscape is flooded with superhero content, but the comedy-superhero subgenre is especially hot right now.

Shows like The Boys, Peacemaker, and She-Hulk prove that audiences want heroes who are imperfect, funny, and relatable. Ralph’s everyman appeal and constant mishaps would make him an instant fan favorite in the age of streaming.

Plus, the theme song alone would trend on TikTok within days. This show was too quirky and ahead of its time, but today it would be celebrated as a clever deconstruction of superhero tropes.

5. Amazing Stories (1985–1987)

Steven Spielberg brought his cinematic magic to television with this anthology series that told strange, emotional, and fantastical stories every week.

Each episode was a self-contained universe filled with wonder, heartbreak, and unexpected twists. The production value was high, the storytelling was bold, and the themes ranged from sci-fi to horror to heartfelt drama.

Anthology shows have exploded in popularity thanks to Black Mirror, Love, Death & Robots, and The Twilight Zone reboots. Audiences love the format because it allows for creative risks and unpredictable narratives.

Amazing Stories had all of that, but it aired before viewers were ready to embrace episodic storytelling without recurring characters. Today, it would be perfect for binge-watching and endless discussion online.

With Spielberg’s name attached and modern streaming budgets, this show could easily become a prestige hit that dominates award seasons and social media feeds alike.

6. Street Hawk (1985)

Jesse Mach was a police officer who tested a cutting-edge, heavily armed motorcycle capable of incredible speed and advanced weaponry.

By night, he became Street Hawk, a vigilante hero who fought crime on two wheels. The show combined high-octane action with cool gadgets and a mysterious masked hero vibe that felt fresh and exciting.

In today’s world of stylish, tech-driven action content like John Wick, The Mandalorian, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Street Hawk would fit right in. Audiences love sleek vehicles, lone-wolf heroes, and pulse-pounding chase sequences.

The motorcycle itself would become iconic, spawning toys, video games, and cosplay trends. The show’s gritty urban setting and noir-inspired tone would also appeal to mature streaming audiences.

With modern cinematography and practical effects, Street Hawk could become a visually stunning action series that rivals anything currently on screen. It was simply too ahead of its time for the ’80s.

7. Max Headroom (1987–1988)

Set in a dark future where television networks control society and an AI personality becomes a digital celebrity, Max Headroom was shockingly prophetic.

The show explored media manipulation, corporate greed, surveillance culture, and the dangers of artificial intelligence—all topics that feel more relevant today than ever before. Max himself was a glitchy, sarcastic digital host who became a pop culture icon.

Now, in an age of deepfakes, influencer culture, algorithm-driven content, and AI-generated media, this show feels like it was written yesterday. Series like Black Mirror and Westworld tackle similar themes and have massive followings. Max Headroom predicted our digital dystopia decades early, and modern audiences would recognize their own world reflected in every episode.

The visual style alone—neon-soaked, cyberpunk chaos—would make it a hit on platforms like Netflix or HBO Max. It’s time for this forgotten gem to get the recognition it deserves.

8. Manimal (1983)

Dr. Jonathan Chase was a wealthy professor with an incredible secret: he could transform into any animal at will. Using this power, he helped police solve crimes by shapeshifting into hawks, panthers, snakes, and more.

The concept was wild, the special effects were limited by ’80s technology, and the show only lasted eight episodes—but the idea itself was pure gold.

Today, with CGI advancements and a culture that loves over-the-top, guilty-pleasure entertainment, Manimal could become a streaming sensation. Shows like Sweet Tooth and The Witcher prove that fantastical transformations can be visually stunning and emotionally engaging.

The absurdity of the premise would also make it meme-worthy and perfect for ironic enjoyment. Imagine the social media reactions to a crime-fighting shapeshifter.

With the right tone—somewhere between serious action and campy fun—this show could attract a massive, devoted fanbase who appreciate both its ridiculousness and its creativity.

9. Voyagers! (1982–1983)

Phineas Bogg and Jeffrey Jones traveled through time with a malfunctioning Omni device, fixing historical mistakes and ensuring major events happened as they should.

They met famous figures, witnessed pivotal moments, and raced against time itself. The show was educational, thrilling, and filled with adventure—but it disappeared after just one season.

Time-travel shows have exploded in popularity recently. Loki, Timeless, Doctor Who, and Quantum Leap all prove that audiences love episodic time-hopping adventures. Voyagers had the perfect formula: a buddy dynamic, historical intrigue, and endless storytelling possibilities. Each episode could explore a different era, making it ideal for long-running serialized content.

With modern production values and a streaming platform willing to invest in period sets and costumes, this show could become a beloved franchise. Fans would obsess over the historical accuracy, debate alternate timelines, and create endless fan theories.

10. Automan (1983–1984)

Walter Nebicher was a nerdy police computer programmer who created a holographic crime-fighter named Automan. This glowing, neon-clad digital hero could materialize in the real world, drive a futuristic car, and hack into any system.

The show blended cyberpunk aesthetics with superhero action, creating a visually unique experience that was way too advanced for 1983 audiences.

Today, cyber-sci-fi is booming. Shows like Westworld, Upload, and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners have proven that digital worlds and AI characters captivate modern viewers.

Automan’s concept—a programmer who creates his own superhero—would resonate with tech-savvy audiences who grew up gaming and coding. The visual style, with its glowing neon lines and digital effects, would look stunning with modern CGI and LED technology.

This show was a victim of being too futuristic for its time. But in today’s world, where technology and entertainment are inseparable, Automan would be a perfect fit for the streaming era.