The 1980s gave us some of the greatest sitcoms of all time, from Cheers to Family Ties. But not every show got the chance to thrive. Some sitcoms shined brightly for a moment before being unceremoniously canceled. Whether they were ahead of their time, overshadowed by bigger hits, or victims of bad time slots, these forgotten gems deserve another look—especially now, when we’re more nostalgic than ever for shows with heart and humor.
1. Square Pegs (1982-1983)
This quirky high school comedy starred Sarah Jessica Parker as a socially awkward teen trying to fit in. It perfectly captured the awkwardness of adolescence and the MTV-inspired vibe of the early ’80s. Despite its cult following, it was canceled after just one season. With today’s appetite for nostalgia and coming-of-age stories, Square Pegs could hit the right notes all over again.
2. Buffalo Bill (1983-1984)
Starring Dabney Coleman as a narcissistic and abrasive talk show host, this dark comedy was way ahead of its time. Its cynical tone didn’t resonate in the era of feel-good TV, but with modern audiences appreciating antiheroes and flawed characters, Buffalo Bill might finally find its audience.
3. The Charmings (1987-1988)
This whimsical sitcom imagined Snow White and Prince Charming waking up in 1980s suburbia. It was a clever fish-out-of-water premise with plenty of fairy tale-inspired humor. With the resurgence of fairy tale reimaginings in modern media, The Charmings could fit right in today.
4. It’s Your Move (1984-1985)
Starring a young Jason Bateman as a scheming teenager always outsmarting adults, this sitcom was clever and full of potential. Its cancellation came too soon, just as the storylines were gaining momentum. Considering Bateman’s massive popularity now, a reboot or revival could be gold.
5. Day by Day (1988-1989)
This family sitcom about parents who opened a daycare in their home offered sweet, relatable humor. Its most famous episode—a Brady Bunch spoof—showed its potential for clever writing, but it never got the chance to grow. In today’s era of heartfelt family comedies, Day by Day would feel right at home.
6. The New Gidget (1986-1988)
A continuation of the classic Gidget franchise, this show followed Gidget as an adult navigating life, love, and the beach. While it wasn’t groundbreaking, its feel-good, breezy vibe was pure ’80s charm. In a world craving comforting nostalgia, The New Gidget could ride the wave again.
7. Mr. Smith (1983)
A talking orangutan who worked as a government consultant—what’s not to love? This delightfully bizarre sitcom leaned into absurdity but couldn’t sustain its premise. Given today’s love for quirky, offbeat comedies, Mr. Smith might find a niche audience with a modern revamp.
8. Foley Square (1985-1986)
This legal comedy-drama starring Margaret Colin as a young assistant district attorney had wit, heart, and a strong female lead. It was canceled after just one season, but its mix of humor and social issues would resonate strongly with today’s audiences.
9. Amanda’s (1983)
This short-lived remake of Fawlty Towers starred Bea Arthur as the owner of a chaotic seaside inn. While it didn’t quite capture the magic of the original, Arthur’s comedic brilliance shined. A reboot could modernize the premise while honoring her legacy.
10. Jennifer Slept Here (1983-1984)
This supernatural comedy starred Ann Jillian as a ghost haunting a family in Los Angeles. Its mix of slapstick humor and heart made it a fun, lighthearted watch. With the current love for supernatural-themed shows, Jennifer Slept Here could easily charm a new generation.
11. We Got It Made (1983-1984, 1987-1988)
A sitcom about two bachelors who hire an attractive live-in maid, this show played with classic tropes but had genuine humor and charm. Its lighthearted premise might seem dated, but with the right updates, it could explore modern relationships and gender roles in a fresh way.
12. Brothers (1984-1989)
One of TV’s first sitcoms to feature an openly gay character, Brothers tackled important issues with humor and heart. It was groundbreaking for its time but didn’t gain the recognition it deserved. A revival could continue the legacy of inclusion and representation, with even more depth today.
13. Hot Hero Sandwich (1979-1980)
Okay, technically a hybrid of the ’70s and ’80s, this educational comedy tackled teen issues with humor, music, and sketches. It was wildly innovative but struggled to find a steady audience. In today’s age of nostalgia-driven reboots, Hot Hero Sandwich could resonate with parents and teens alike.
These forgotten sitcoms each brought something special to the table, whether it was quirky humor, heartfelt storytelling, or groundbreaking representation. They remind us of an era when TV was finding new ways to make us laugh—and perhaps, with the right updates, they could do it all over again.
