The 1980s gave us some of the most memorable television shows of all time, but let’s be honest—some of them had plots that made absolutely no sense. Whether it was a crime-fighting motorcycle, a mannequin that came to life, or a caveman inexplicably living in modern America, the ‘80s didn’t hold back when it came to wild, over-the-top premises. This was the era when TV executives were willing to greenlight almost anything, and somehow, we tuned in week after week, fully invested in the nonsense. Let’s take a trip back to the ‘80s and revisit 12 TV shows that had some of the most ridiculous, yet somehow irresistible, premises of the decade.
1. Manimal (1983)
A man who can transform into any animal at will and uses this power to fight crime—what’s not to love? Dr. Jonathan Chase, played by Simon MacCorkindale, was a wealthy professor with a mysterious past who could morph into creatures like a panther or a hawk whenever the situation called for it. The show took itself completely seriously, despite its goofy concept and laughably bad special effects. Unsurprisingly, Manimal only lasted eight episodes before NBC pulled the plug, but it remains a cult favorite for just how bizarre it was.
2. Automan (1983–1984)
What if a computer-generated superhero could step off the screen and help fight crime? That was the premise of Automan, a show about a glowing, sentient hologram created by a police computer expert named Walter Nebicher. Automan, played by Chuck Wagner, could generate cars, helicopters, and even walk at 90-degree angles on walls, all thanks to ‘80s computer magic. It was essentially Tron meets Knight Rider, but unfortunately, audiences weren’t ready for a neon crimefighter, and it was canceled after just 13 episodes.
3. Small Wonder (1985–1989)
A robotics engineer builds a life-like android child and tries to pass her off as his real daughter—because what could go wrong? Small Wonder followed the bizarre story of Vicki, a robot designed to look like a little girl, who spoke in a monotone voice and had superhuman strength. Her creator, Ted Lawson, and his family tried to keep her identity a secret, which led to all kinds of wacky misunderstandings. The show lasted an impressive four seasons despite its odd concept and wooden acting, proving that ‘80s audiences had a high tolerance for weirdness.
4. Out of This World (1987–1991)
What’s better than a show about a teenager? A show about a teenager who’s half-alien and can stop time by touching her fingers together! Out of This World centered on Evie Garland, a girl who discovers on her 13th birthday that her father is from another planet and has gifted her some truly bizarre powers. With a talking crystal cube that let her communicate with her absent space-dad, this show was equal parts corny and endearing, somehow lasting four full seasons.
5. Misfits of Science (1985–1986)
Imagine a team of superheroes with the strangest, least useful powers possible, and you’ve got Misfits of Science. This short-lived show starred Dean Paul Martin as Dr. Billy Hayes, who led a ragtag group of government test subjects with bizarre abilities. One could shrink to the size of a doll, another could shoot electricity, and a third was basically just really strong. It was NBC’s attempt at a super-powered action show, but it never found its audience and only lasted one season.
6. Hard Time on Planet Earth (1989)
A warlike alien gets sentenced to live on Earth as punishment and is forced to learn about humanity—yes, this was a real show. Hard Time on Planet Earth followed Jesse, an extraterrestrial warrior who took human form and was accompanied by a floating, wisecracking robot named Control. He spent each episode learning moral lessons while dodging government agents, in what felt like a strange mix of Quantum Leap and My Favorite Martian. As bizarre as it was, the show didn’t last long, airing just 13 episodes before vanishing into TV history.
7. The Powers of Matthew Star (1982–1983)
A teenage alien prince is hiding on Earth as an ordinary high school student while secretly preparing to reclaim his home planet—because why not? The Powers of Matthew Star starred Peter Barton as Matthew, who had telekinetic abilities and was being protected by his mentor, played by Louis Gossett Jr. It was part sci-fi adventure, part teen drama, and completely ridiculous. The show only lasted one season, proving that audiences weren’t quite ready for an intergalactic prince trying to pass algebra.
8. She’s the Sheriff (1987–1989)
Suzanne Somers as a small-town sheriff trying to wrangle a bunch of bumbling deputies? That was the premise of She’s the Sheriff, a sitcom that somehow ran for two seasons despite feeling like a one-joke setup. Somers played Hildy Granger, a widow who took over her late husband’s role as sheriff and struggled to be taken seriously by the men in town. The show leaned heavily into predictable gags and fish-out-of-water humor, making it one of the more peculiar career moves for Somers after Three’s Company.
9. Riptide (1984–1986)
Two Vietnam vets and a nerd with a robot solve crimes using a high-tech boat—what more could you want? Riptide followed a trio of private investigators who ran a detective agency out of a boat in Los Angeles. They had a pink helicopter, a comically large robot named Roboz, and enough ‘80s-style action to make every episode feel like a mini movie. While it never reached the popularity of Magnum, P.I., it had just the right amount of absurdity to keep it on the air for three seasons.
10. BJ and the Bear (1979–1981)
A trucker and his pet chimpanzee travel across America solving problems and getting into trouble—because that’s exactly what TV needed. BJ and the Bear starred Greg Evigan as a free-spirited truck driver who had an unusual co-pilot in his pet monkey, Bear. The show was basically Smokey and the Bandit meets Every Which Way but Loose, and somehow, that was enough to keep it running for three seasons. It was absurd, completely illogical, and yet undeniably entertaining.
11. Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982–1983)
Inspired by Raiders of the Lost Ark, this adventure series followed a pilot named Jake Cutter as he explored the South Pacific in the 1930s. With a one-eyed dog, a shady mechanic, and an ex-girlfriend who was secretly a spy, Tales of the Gold Monkey had all the ingredients for pulpy adventure fun. Unfortunately, it never quite caught on and was canceled after just one season. Still, it remains a cult classic for those who love a good, ridiculous treasure hunt.
12. Jennifer Slept Here (1983–1984)
A teenage boy moves into a house haunted by the ghost of a glamorous Hollywood actress—who only he can see. Jennifer Slept Here starred Ann Jillian as Jennifer Farrell, a deceased movie star who decided to stick around and give life advice to a very confused teenager. It was part Beetlejuice, part My Two Dads, and entirely nonsensical. The show barely made it through one season before disappearing into TV obscurity.
The 1980s were a time when TV networks were willing to take some big, often absurd risks, and honestly, we were all better for it. Sure, some of these shows barely made it past their first season, but they left a lasting impression on those who remember watching them. Whether they were crime-fighting animals, aliens in disguise, or ghosts handing out life lessons, these wild premises made ‘80s television a goldmine of creativity. Even if they didn’t always make sense, they were always fun—and that’s why we loved them.
