The 80s were a golden age for television. Even though there were only a handful of channels, it felt like every night brought a new show worth tuning in for. And while some of those classics like The A-Team and Cheers remain etched in our memories, others have faded away—except for those catchy theme songs that still pop into your head unexpectedly! Let’s take a walk down memory lane with 12 TV shows from the 80s that you may have forgotten about… but whose theme tunes you’ll probably be humming before you reach the end of this list!
1. Scarecrow and Mrs. King (1983–1987)
A housewife who suddenly becomes a secret agent? Sounds like a recipe for adventure! Scarecrow and Mrs. King paired suburban mom Amanda King with suave spy Lee Stetson in a lighthearted, action-packed show that made spy work look like a blast. And who could forget that catchy theme song, which combined mystery and romance in the perfect blend? It might not have been the biggest hit, but it certainly had its charm.
2. Riptide (1984–1986)
Remember Riptide? It was that detective show set on a boat! The series followed two private investigators and their computer-genius buddy as they solved cases from their floating office. It had it all: fast-paced action, a bright pink helicopter named the Screaming Mimi, and an unforgettable upbeat theme song. You may have forgotten the plot twists, but that adventurous jingle probably still makes you smile when it comes to mind.
3. The Greatest American Hero (1981–1983)
Even if you forgot all about the misadventures of Ralph Hinkley—the hapless teacher who stumbles upon a superhero suit—you probably haven’t forgotten its theme song, “Believe It or Not.” The tune became more famous than the show itself, climbing the music charts and embedding itself in our brains forever. “Believe it or not, I’m walking on air…” Admit it—you’re singing it right now, aren’t you?
4. Hardcastle and McCormick (1983–1986)
If you had a soft spot for crime-fighting duos, Hardcastle and McCormick was a must-watch. The judge-turned-vigilante and his hot-headed ex-con sidekick tore up the streets in the Coyote X, a car so cool it practically had its own fan club. The plot may be fuzzy in your memory, but that revved-up theme song—“Drive!”—with its pounding rock beat still revs up nostalgic feelings.
5. Airwolf (1984–1987)
With its sleek, high-tech helicopter and adrenaline-pumping aerial stunts, Airwolf was every kid’s dream show. You’d find yourself staring at the screen, waiting for that chopper to roar into action, while the techno-synth theme music played in the background. Every time you hear those synthesizers today, it’s hard not to picture that chopper soaring against a blue sky.
6. Misfits of Science (1985–1986)
Before superheroes dominated our screens, there were the Misfits of Science—a quirky team of super-powered misfits who got into all kinds of trouble. The show was short-lived, but its mix of humor, science fiction, and adventure was unforgettable. And that upbeat theme? It was a perfect encapsulation of 80s pop rock, making you want to dance along before the first scene even started.
7. The Fall Guy (1981–1986)
You may have forgotten all the stunts and storylines of The Fall Guy, but that opening song, “The Unknown Stuntman,” is probably still clear as day in your mind. Lee Majors not only starred in the show as a stuntman moonlighting as a bounty hunter, but he also sang the theme song. It was a song that captured the spirit of the show, and let’s be honest—half the reason you tuned in was to sing along to it.
8. Starman (1986–1987)
A spin-off of the popular movie, Starman followed an alien who returns to Earth to find his lost son. It may not have been as well-known as its film counterpart, but its gentle, heartfelt storylines and ethereal theme music made it one of those quiet gems that linger in the back of your mind. That soothing melody still has the power to take you right back to that era.
9. Matt Houston (1982–1985)
A private investigator with a Texan drawl and a cool, luxurious lifestyle—what wasn’t to love? Matt Houston brought style, swagger, and a catchy jazz-inspired theme song to your screen every week. The show had a suave charm that many detective series aspired to but couldn’t quite match. And while you might have forgotten the details of his cases, that smooth, jazzy tune still resonates.
10. Automan (1983–1984)
Automan was a cutting-edge series about a computer-generated superhero and his human sidekick. It was way ahead of its time, combining science fiction and digital effects that felt groundbreaking. But while the special effects may seem dated now, that upbeat electronic theme music still gives you a sense of wonder and adventure. It may not have lasted long, but it’s a true 80s relic that left its mark.
11. Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982–1983)
If Indiana Jones was your jam, you probably tuned into Tales of the Gold Monkey, a swashbuckling adventure series set in the South Pacific. It was full of daring escapades, exotic locales, and a theme song that evoked the spirit of exploration and danger. Although it flew under the radar, that thrilling theme still captures the adventurous spirit of the show.
12. Manimal (1983)
Remember the guy who could transform into any animal? Manimal was a short-lived but totally unforgettable show about a shapeshifting hero who used his powers to fight crime. While the premise was a bit offbeat, the theme music—complete with animal roars and triumphant chords—captured the fantasy perfectly. It’s hard not to smile when you think back on this one, even if it only lived in TV land for a brief moment.
Even though some of these shows have faded into obscurity, their catchy theme songs live on. It’s funny how a few notes can transport you back to those evenings in front of the TV, a bowl of popcorn in your lap, and a world of adventure, intrigue, and laughter just a click away. Back then, TV was more than just entertainment—it was a shared experience, a chance to lose yourself in stories and characters that still feel like old friends today.
