Rated T for TeenLooking for movies and TV shows that are rated T for Teen? These lists feature great movies and TV programs about teens, enjoyed by people of all ages.
Updated October 18, 2019 2.3K votes 575 voters 53.6K views
Over 500 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best 1980s Teen Shows
Voting Rules
Vote up the best young adult shows that aired in the '80s
It seems like the '80s were a golden age for, well, coming-of-age stories on television. These are the best 1980s teen shows, ranked from best to worst by user votes. Some of the best 80s teen shows packed each episode with a message that kids could act on in their own lives, while others were less concerned with teaching lessons and more concerned with supplying a few laughs. There is certainly room for both on TV.
What are some examples of TV shows you can expect to find on this 1980s teen shows list? The Wonder Years, which premiered in 1988, set the standard for every teen series that followed. Though it aired in the 1980s and '90s, the plot of the show followed Arnold Family throughout the '60s and '70s. Saved By the Bell was another great young adult program that was on television in the 1980s. It's also worth bringing up the fact that before she was Carrie Bradshaw, Sarah Jessica Parker starred as Patty Greene in another top 80s teen show, Square Pegs.Â
So, which is the best 80s teen series? Vote up your favorites and see if other Ranker voters agree with you!
Exploring the complexities of adolescence, The Facts of Life navigates the lives of four young girls as they forge lasting friendships and discover their unique identities. Set within a prestigious all-girls boarding school, this coming-of-age sitcom cleverly addresses societal issues and challenges faced by teenagers. With memorable performances by Charlotte Rae as housemother Edna Garrett, and Nancy McKeon as the rebellious Jo Polniaczek, the show garnered critical acclaim throughout its nine-season run. The series' impactful storytelling and ensemble cast earned it multiple award nominations, solidifying its place as a beloved classic in television history.
Actors: Charlotte Rae, Lisa Whelchel, Kim Fields, Mindy Cohn, Nancy McKeon
A nostalgic trip back to the halls of Bayside High, Saved by the Bell delivers a lighthearted, yet impactful exploration of teenage life in the 90s. Grappling with relatable themes such as friendship, romance, and ambition, the series is anchored by a talented ensemble cast, including the charismatic Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and the fiercely driven A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez). The show's enduring charm has not only resonated with its original audience but also captivated newer generations, earning it a reboot in 2020. With its timeless appeal, Saved by the Bell continues to be a beloved staple in the world of television comedy.
Actors: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Mario López, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, Dustin Diamond
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a historically black college, A Different World masterfully explores the lives and relationships of its diverse ensemble cast. With six critically acclaimed seasons, this groundbreaking sitcom broke barriers by delving into social issues and college life from a fresh perspective. The series boasts a talented lineup, including the ambitious Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy) and the lovable Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison). Garnering prestige throughout its run, A Different World resonated with audiences and critics alike for its authentic portrayal of growth, friendship, and the search for identity.
Actors: Lisa Bonet, Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Dawnn Lewis, Darryl M. Bell
In this heartwarming medical drama, viewers are introduced to the life of a teenage prodigy who faces the challenges of balancing adolescence and a thriving career as a physician. Doogie Howser, M.D., portrayed by Neil Patrick Harris, captures the essence of a young doctor navigating both personal and professional growth. The show garnered multiple accolades, including several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations, which is a testament to its engaging storytelling and strong performances. Throughout its four-season run, audiences were treated to a mix of humor, emotion, and thought-provoking moments that left a lasting impression on the landscape of television dramas.
Actors: Neil Patrick Harris, Max Casella, Belinda Montgomery, James B. Sikking, Kathryn Layng
Head of the Class is an American sitcom that ran from 1986 to 1991 on the ABC television network.
The series follows a group of gifted students in the Individualized Honors Program at the fictional Monroe High School in Manhattan, and their history teacher Charlie Moore. The program was ostensibly a vehicle for Hesseman, best known for his role as radio DJ Dr. Johnny Fever in the sitcom WKRP in Cincinnati. Hesseman left Head of the Class in 1990 and was replaced by Billy Connolly as teacher Billy MacGregor for the final season. After the series ended, Connolly appeared in a short-lived spin-off titled Billy.
The series was created and executive produced by Rich Eustis and Michael Elias. Rich Eustis had previously worked as a New York City substitute teacher while hoping to become an actor.
Actors: Leah Remini, Billy Connolly, Robin Givens, Brian Robbins, Howard Hesseman
The White Shadow (CBS, 1978) is an American drama television series. The show follows Ken Reeves (Ken Howard), a white former professional basketball player who takes a job coaching basketball at an impoverished urban high school with a racially mixed basketball team.
Actors: Ken Howard, Kevin Hooks, Jason Bernard, Thomas Carter, Stoney Jackson
