The 1980s were a golden era for sitcoms, with household staples like Cheers and The Golden Girls dominating the airwaves. But for every long-running hit, there were shows that shined brightly for a brief moment before fading into obscurity. These sitcoms had potential, charm, and loyal fans, but for one reason or another, they didn’t last. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at 13 forgotten ’80s TV sitcoms that were gone too soon.
1. Square Pegs (1982–1983)
Square Pegs was a quirky high school sitcom that followed best friends Patty and Lauren, two misfits trying to fit in with the cool crowd. Starring a young Sarah Jessica Parker, the show perfectly captured the awkwardness of teenage life with humor and heart.
Despite its clever writing and strong cast, Square Pegs only lasted one season. Critics praised its authentic take on adolescence, but low ratings and behind-the-scenes drama led to its cancellation. For fans, it remains a cult classic that ended far too soon.
2. Bosom Buddies (1980–1982)
This sitcom featured a pre-superstardom Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari as two men who disguise themselves as women to live in an affordable all-female apartment building. The premise was zany, and the comedic chemistry between the leads made it a fan favorite.
While Bosom Buddies had a unique concept and plenty of laughs, it struggled to find a consistent audience. After just two seasons, it was canceled, but its charm and Hanks’s eventual rise to fame have kept it alive in nostalgic conversations.
3. It’s Your Move (1984–1985)
It’s Your Move starred a young Jason Bateman as Matthew Burton, a scheming teen who constantly tried to outwit his mother’s boyfriend. With its sharp writing and Bateman’s undeniable charisma, the show was a hidden gem of the mid-’80s.
Unfortunately, It’s Your Move only lasted 18 episodes before being axed. Fans of Bateman’s later work, like Arrested Development, often look back on this short-lived sitcom as an early glimpse of his comedic brilliance.
4. The Charmings (1987–1988)
What if Snow White and Prince Charming were transported to suburban America? That was the premise of The Charmings, a whimsical sitcom about fairy-tale characters adapting to modern life. With its unique blend of fantasy and comedy, the show had a lot of potential.
Despite its creative concept, The Charmings struggled to find a stable audience and was canceled after two seasons. Today, it’s remembered as an ambitious and quirky entry in ’80s TV.
5. My Sister Sam (1986–1988)
Starring Pam Dawber as Sam, a photographer adjusting to life with her teenage sister Patti (Rebecca Schaeffer), My Sister Sam was a heartfelt sitcom with a strong focus on family dynamics. Its blend of humor and emotion made it a standout show of its time.
Tragically, Rebecca Schaeffer’s murder in 1989 cast a shadow over the series, cutting short its potential legacy. Though it lasted two seasons, My Sister Sam remains a bittersweet memory for those who loved it.
6. Love, Sidney (1981–1983)
Love, Sidney was groundbreaking for its time, featuring Tony Randall as Sidney Shorr, a single, middle-aged gay man who becomes a father figure to a single mom and her young daughter. While the show downplayed Sidney’s sexuality, it was still a bold move for early ’80s television.
Despite its progressive premise, Love, Sidney struggled to gain mainstream acceptance and was canceled after two seasons. It’s now remembered as an early step toward greater LGBTQ+ representation on TV.
7. Day by Day (1988–1989)
Day by Day followed a married couple who left their high-pressure careers to run a daycare out of their home. The show offered a mix of heartfelt family moments and workplace comedy, with a standout performance by Julia Louis-Dreyfus as a narcissistic neighbor.
Though Day by Day only lasted one season, its clever writing and relatable premise left a lasting impression on its small but loyal fanbase.
8. Jennifer Slept Here (1983–1984)
This supernatural sitcom starred Ann Jillian as the ghost of a Hollywood starlet who haunts a family’s new home, befriending their teenage son. With its campy humor and unique premise, Jennifer Slept Here had all the makings of a cult favorite.
However, the show’s mix of comedy and the paranormal didn’t resonate with enough viewers, leading to its cancellation after just one season. For fans of quirky sitcoms, it’s a hidden gem worth revisiting.
9. We Got It Made (1983–1984)
We Got It Made followed two bachelors who hire an attractive live-in maid, leading to plenty of comedic misunderstandings. While the premise was light and formulaic, the show had a fun energy that appealed to fans of escapist comedy.
Despite a brief revival in syndication, We Got It Made never achieved long-term success, leaving it as a forgotten piece of ’80s TV history.
10. Mr. Merlin (1981–1982)
What if the legendary wizard Merlin lived in modern-day San Francisco and worked as a mechanic? That was the quirky premise of Mr. Merlin, which followed Merlin and his teenage apprentice as they navigated magical hijinks in the 20th century.
Though its concept was intriguing, the show only lasted one season, leaving fans wondering what other spells and adventures could have been.
11. Out of This World (1987–1991)
This sitcom followed Evie, a teenage girl who discovers she’s half-alien and has inherited superpowers from her extraterrestrial father. The show’s mix of coming-of-age humor and sci-fi elements gave it a unique charm.
Despite lasting four seasons, Out of This World has largely been forgotten by mainstream audiences. For those who remember it, the show’s quirky premise and campy effects still bring a smile.
12. Madame’s Place (1982–1983)
Madame’s Place was a bizarre sitcom centered on Madame, a puppet created by ventriloquist Wayland Flowers, who hosted a late-night talk show. The series blended sitcom antics with satire, creating a show unlike anything else on TV.
Its niche appeal meant it only lasted one season, but its eccentric premise and memorable puppet star left an impression on those who tuned in.
13. Nothing Is Easy (1986)
This sitcom followed a married couple juggling careers and raising their two kids while tackling contemporary social issues with humor and sensitivity. The show’s grounded, relatable tone set it apart from the broader comedies of the time.
Unfortunately, it failed to find a strong audience and was canceled after just one season. Its heartfelt approach to family dynamics makes it a hidden gem for fans of thoughtful ’80s sitcoms.
The 1980s were packed with unforgettable TV, but these sitcoms prove that even the best ideas can fade into obscurity. Whether they were ahead of their time or simply unlucky, these shows remind us of the creativity and risks that defined the era’s television landscape.
