Lately, we've witnessed a wave of nostalgia for the '80s in modern shows like Stranger Things [1] and GLOW [2]. The '80s were a turbulent time in history, marked by the presidency of Ronald Reagan, the end of the Cold War, and — perhaps to the consternation of our fashion sensibilities today — the advent of flamboyant neon Jazzercise apparel [3]. The decade also gave rise to some of the most foundational shows in television history. If you're keen on learning more about television then, Netflix offers a diverse selection of shows that hail from that wild era, from the widely beloved Cheers to the meme-inspiring He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Though a spinoff of the original Star Trek, Star Trek: The Next Generation stood on its own and won 17 Emmys over the course of its seven seasons. Patrick Stewart stars as Captain Picard, leading the starship Enterprise to faraway alien planets.
Watch it now [4].
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
Before becoming an internet meme, He-Man was protecting the realm of Eternia and Castle Grayskull from the evil sorcerer Skeletor in He-Man and the Masters of the Universe.
Watch it now [5].
She-Ra: Princess of Power
He-Man actually has a twin sister: Princess Adora, or She-Ra. Similar to how He-Man protects Eternia from Skeletor, She-Ra protects Etheria from the sorcerer Hordak.
Watch it now [6].
Pee-wee's Playhouse
Paul Reubens stars as the goofy Pee-wee Herman in this classic children's show.
Watch it now [7].
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!
It's likely that you know about the iconic video-game characters Mario and Luigi, but did you know that they had a brief show of their own in the late '80s?
Watch it now [8].
Danger Mouse: Classic Collection
This goofy British children's show revolves around a superspy mouse and his reluctant assistant, who travel around the world and fight evil crimes.
Watch it now [9].
Highway to Heaven
Jonathan is an angel who's been put on probation. He teams up with a retired policeman named Mark to help troubled individuals on Earth, and the result is an emotional show that'll make you sob profusely.
Watch it now [10].
Jem and the Holograms
Jerrica Benton, the manager of Starlight Music, uses her father's holographic computer (called Synergy) to transform into the pop star Jem in this glammed-out '80s show.
Watch it now [11].
The Real Ghostbusters
Fans of the original live-action Ghostbusters are in for a treat with five seasons of this imaginatively animated spinoff.
Watch it now [12].
Cheers
You'll laugh and cry watching the barflies and staff at Cheers put themselves in ridiculous scenarios. You might recognize Cheers alumni like Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, and Woody Harrelson.
Watch it now [13].