1. Family Ties – “A, My Name is Alex”
When Family Ties aired the two-part episode “A, My Name is Alex” in 1987, it stopped viewers in their tracks. Instead of the usual laugh-filled living room scenes, audiences saw Michael J. Fox as Alex P. Keaton grappling with grief after his best friend’s sudden death. The stripped-down staging and raw emotion made it feel more like a stage play than a sitcom episode, which was groundbreaking for primetime TV. Fox’s performance even won him an Emmy, cementing the episode as one of the most unforgettable moments of the decade.
It was bold for a network comedy to tackle grief so directly, and many fans still remember how it made them reflect on their own losses. The quiet moments and heartfelt monologues were something you didn’t expect to find on a Thursday night lineup. It proved sitcoms could handle real emotions without losing their core identity. To this day, people talk about the courage of the episode and how it elevated what a family comedy could do.
2. The Cosby Show – “Pilot”
When The Cosby Show debuted in 1984, no one knew it would change the face of American television. The very first episode introduced viewers to the Huxtables, a middle-class Black family portrayed with warmth, humor, and depth that TV had largely avoided until then. Bill Cosby’s Cliff Huxtable scolding his son about money while making the lesson funny was instantly iconic. This single episode set the stage for one of the most influential sitcoms of all time.
What really resonated was how normal the family felt while also breaking stereotypes. The pilot showed a successful doctor married to a lawyer, raising their kids with equal parts love and discipline. It redefined what sitcom families could look like and gave representation that had long been missing. Ratings shot through the roof, and networks scrambled to replicate its success.
3. Cheers – “Give Me a Ring Sometime”
The pilot of Cheers in 1982 didn’t start out with the massive audience it would later have, but the episode laid the foundation for one of the best-loved sitcoms ever. Introducing the quirky mix of barflies and staff, it was a slow burn that found humor in everyday conversations. Sam and Diane’s flirtatious bickering immediately hinted at a dynamic that would carry the show for years.
Though ratings were dismal at first, critics recognized the potential. The natural banter and warm setting pulled viewers in over time, and the pilot now feels like meeting old friends for the first time. It showed that a sitcom didn’t need big set pieces to succeed—just smart writing and characters people wanted to hang out with.
4. Diff’rent Strokes – “The Reporter”
In 1983, Diff’rent Strokes made history with the episode “The Reporter,” which addressed child sexual abuse. At a time when sitcoms usually focused on lighthearted stories, this “very special episode” dared to confront a serious issue head-on. Viewers saw Arnold and Dudley lured by a seemingly kind man, which shocked many who tuned in expecting laughs.
The episode was widely praised for raising awareness and giving parents a way to talk to their kids about difficult topics. It was proof that sitcoms could do more than entertain—they could educate. Though it was heavy, it became one of the most remembered moments from the show’s run.
5. Growing Pains – “Second Chance”
In 1989, Growing Pains brought in Leonardo DiCaprio as Luke Brower, a homeless teen taken in by the Seaver family. The episode “Second Chance” marked his first appearance and gave the series a fresh emotional layer. DiCaprio’s performance stood out immediately, hinting at the star he would become.
By introducing Luke, the show tackled the reality of homelessness in a way that connected with viewers. Fans still recall how the Seavers’ kindness made the story feel both heartfelt and aspirational. It added depth to what had mostly been a lighthearted family comedy and helped define the show’s later years.
6. M*A*S*H Finale Rerun on CBS in 1983
Though technically a ‘70s show, the finale of M*A*S*H aired in early 1983 and is often remembered as part of the cultural landscape of the ‘80s. “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen” became the most-watched television broadcast in U.S. history at the time. Fans wept as they said goodbye to Hawkeye, B.J., and the rest of the 4077th in a way that felt deeply personal.
The sheer scale of the event—viewing parties, streets going quiet during broadcast—made it clear TV could unite people like nothing else. Its success showed the power sitcoms had in people’s lives, not just as comedy but as shared cultural moments. The aftershocks of that finale influenced how future shows planned their endings.
7. The Golden Girls – “Isn’t It Romantic?”
In 1986, The Golden Girls aired “Isn’t It Romantic?” in which Dorothy’s friend Jean develops feelings for Rose. It was one of the earliest network sitcom episodes to address same-sex attraction with sensitivity and humor. The show didn’t mock or vilify Jean but instead let her feelings be treated with compassion.
This was groundbreaking in an era when LGBTQ+ storylines were rarely handled with care. Fans appreciated how the episode made the subject relatable and empathetic. It reminded viewers that sitcoms could push boundaries while still delivering laughs.
8. ALF – “Pilot”
When ALF debuted in 1986, it was instantly unlike anything else on TV. A wisecracking alien crashing into the Tanner family’s garage set up a premise both absurd and endearing. The pilot struck a balance between silly jokes and genuine family warmth, which helped it take off.
It wasn’t just another sitcom—it blended puppetry, science fiction, and domestic comedy in a way that captured imaginations. Kids loved ALF’s sarcasm and antics, while adults related to the family’s exasperation. That first episode made clear this wasn’t just a novelty but a cultural phenomenon.
9. Designing Women – “Killing All the Right People”
In 1987, Designing Women aired “Killing All the Right People,” tackling the AIDS crisis during a time when many avoided the subject. The story centered on a young man with AIDS asking the women to design his funeral, while Julia gave a memorable speech shutting down bigotry. It was powerful, poignant, and unflinching.
The episode stood out not just for its message but for its courage in addressing such a stigmatized issue. It gave a human face to the epidemic and encouraged empathy. Fans often cite it as one of the most important sitcom episodes of the decade.
10. Night Court – “Her Honor”
The two-part season four opener “Her Honor” in 1986 introduced a storyline where Christine Sullivan became the new public defender. It changed the dynamic of Night Court in a big way, bringing in Markie Post full-time. Her character’s clashes and chemistry with Judge Harry Stone reinvigorated the series.
The episodes are remembered because they marked a turning point for the show’s cast and tone. It became clear that Post was the missing piece, and fans quickly embraced her. Sometimes an episode makes history not for shocking content, but for solidifying what makes a show click.
11. Full House – “Our Very First Show”
When Full House premiered in 1987, it felt like the start of a new kind of family sitcom. The idea of three men raising three little girls was fresh, and the pilot introduced audiences to the Tanner family in a heartwarming way. It struck the balance between sweet and funny, setting up the blend that would define TGIF television.
Though critics weren’t initially impressed, fans latched onto the chemistry right away. The pilot’s success proved that heartfelt family stories still had a place on TV. It’s now remembered as the launch of a cultural juggernaut that helped define late ‘80s and ‘90s television.
12. Married… with Children – “Pilot”
When Married… with Children premiered in 1987, it was clear from the start that it wasn’t going to be like other sitcoms. The pilot introduced the dysfunctional Bundys, who gleefully broke every family-sitcom rule. Al and Peg’s bickering set a tone of sarcasm and cynicism that shocked some viewers and thrilled others.
It made TV history by redefining what a family sitcom could be. Instead of perfect parents and wholesome lessons, audiences got a gritty, exaggerated version of real-life frustrations. That first episode set the stage for FOX as a daring new network willing to push boundaries.
13. Family Matters – “Mama’s Wedding”
Before Steve Urkel took over the show, Family Matters made history in 1989 with “Mama’s Wedding.” The episode featured Harriet Winslow’s mother tying the knot, and it brought together the whole family in a celebration of love and humor. It highlighted the strong focus on family bonds that defined the show.
The episode also marked the beginning of the Winslows’ identity as one of TV’s most beloved families. While Urkel would soon change the series’ trajectory, this early episode showed the heart at its core. It’s a reminder that before the catchphrases, Family Matters was about family first.
14. Roseanne – “Life and Stuff”
The pilot of Roseanne in 1988 introduced viewers to a working-class family that looked and sounded different from most sitcom households. Roseanne Conner juggling kids, work, and bills felt real in a way that resonated instantly. The humor was sharp, and the relatability made it stand out.
This episode made history by breaking away from glossy, idealized sitcom families. It showed the struggles of blue-collar life with honesty and humor. Audiences embraced it because they saw themselves on screen, and it changed the sitcom landscape overnight.
15. Who’s the Boss? – “Pilot”
In 1984, Who’s the Boss? began with Tony Micelli moving in as a live-in housekeeper for Angela Bower. The pilot flipped traditional gender roles on their head, showing a male housekeeper working for a high-powered businesswoman. It was fresh, funny, and had immediate chemistry between the leads.
The episode made history by presenting a nontraditional family setup that audiences quickly warmed to. It challenged stereotypes while still delivering lighthearted comedy. That first night established a beloved show that would run for eight seasons.
16. Murphy Brown – “Pilot”
When Murphy Brown premiered in 1988, Candice Bergen’s sharp, career-driven journalist was unlike any female character on TV. The pilot showed Murphy returning to work after a stint in rehab, setting the tone for a character who was unapologetically strong and complex. It was bold, funny, and refreshing.
This debut episode made history for its portrayal of a modern, independent woman. Bergen’s Murphy wasn’t a sidekick or a stereotype—she was the star. The show became a cultural force, and it all started with this first episode making clear it wasn’t afraid to shake things up.
