The 1980s was a fantastic decade for television. From colorful characters to catchy theme songs, shows from this era shaped pop culture in a way that still influences us today. Whether you were glued to your TV screen after school or huddled around it with family at night, those moments are filled with nostalgia for many. Who can forget iconic series like “The A-Team,” “Cheers,” and “Full House”? These shows not only entertained us but also created unforgettable memories that we still cherish.
Today, we’re going to test your knowledge with some fun trivia about 80s TV shows. Can you remember the names of the characters, the catchphrases, and the unforgettable moments that made these programs so special? Whether you’re an expert or just someone who enjoyed watching those shows, this trivia is sure to bring back some great memories. Get ready to challenge yourself and see how much you really know about one of the most exciting times in television history!
80’S TV Trivia
Classic Characters from 80’s TV Shows
1. Who played the character of Alex P. Keaton in “Family Ties”? (Answer: Michael J. Fox)
2. What was the name of the father in “Full House”? (Answer: Danny Tanner)
3. Who was the female lead on “Cheers”? (Answer: Diane Chambers)
4. What character is known for the phrase, “Did I do that?” in “Family Matters”? (Answer: Steve Urkel)
5. Who was the main protagonist in “The A-Team”? (Answer: Hannibal Smith)
6. Which character in “The Golden Girls” is known for her love of cheesecake? (Answer: Rose Nylund)
7. What is the name of the time-traveling scientist in “Quantum Leap”? (Answer: Sam Beckett)
8. In “Cheers,” who is the bar’s owner? (Answer: Sam Malone)
9. What was the name of the alien in “ALF”? (Answer: Gordon Shumway)
10. Who did Kelsey Grammer play in “Frasier”? (Answer: Frasier Crane)
Cult Classics: 80’s TV Iconic Moments
1. What event in “Dallas” left everyone asking “Who shot J.R.?” (Answer: A shooting)
2. What significant event happened in “The Day After”? (Answer: A nuclear holocaust)
3. Which show featured the iconic line “I pity the fool”? (Answer: The A-Team)
4. In which series did the characters experience alternate realities due to a mysterious phenomenon? (Answer: Quantum Leap)
5. What character famously said “Live long and prosper”? (Answer: Spock from Star Trek)
6. Which show ended with the cast on a rooftop, celebrating under the stars? (Answer: M*A*S*H)
7. What was the main twist in the “Knots Landing” finale? (Answer: A wedding)
8. In “Cheers,” who receives a marriage proposal from Rebecca at the bar? (Answer: Sam Malone)
9. What shocking plot twist occurred in the final season of “Dynasty”? (Answer: A character returns from the dead)
10. What series featured a magician with a talk show called “The Tonight Show”? (Answer: Johnny Carson)
Memorable Catchphrases from 80’s TV Shows
1. What catchphrase did Arnold use when he wanted something in “Diff’rent Strokes”? (Answer: “What you talkin’ about, Willis?”)
2. What phrase does Fonzie famously say before he jumps the shark in “Happy Days”? (Answer: “Hey!”)
3. Which phrase from “Full House” was a signature of Danny Tanner? (Answer: “Have mercy!”)
4. What catchphrase does the character B.A. Baracus use in “The A-Team”? (Answer: “I ain’t gettin’ on no plane!”)
5. What line does Gopher use on “The Love Boat”? (Answer: “The Love Boat!” – as a soft intro)
6. What famous catchphrase does Lucy use in “I Love Lucy”? (Answer: “Lucy, you’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do!”)
7. What phrase does Stewie Griffin use in “Family Guy”? (Answer: “Victory is mine!”)
8. In “Cheers,” what phrase does Norm say as he enters the bar? (Answer: “Norm!”)
9. What phrase is commonly used by Dorothy in “The Golden Girls”? (Answer: “Picture it, Sicily.”)
10. What phrase signals the end of “Saturday Night Live”? (Answer: “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!”)
Top 80’s TV Comedies
1. What comedy featured a group of friends hanging out at a bar in Boston? (Answer: Cheers)
2. What sitcom followed the misadventures of an alien trying to fit in with a suburban family? (Answer: ALF)
3. Which show showcased the lives of a blended family with three girls and three boys? (Answer: The Brady Bunch)
4. What series starred Bob Newhart as a psychologist? (Answer: The Bob Newhart Show)
5. In “Family Ties,” who play the role of the liberal parents? (Answer: Elyse and Steven Keaton)
6. What show featured a survivor from a shipwrecked story on an island? (Answer: Gilligan’s Island)
7. In “Perfect Strangers,” what is the name of the character who moves from Malta to Chicago? (Answer: Balki Bartokomous)
8. Who were the main characters in “3rd Rock from the Sun”? (Answer: A family of aliens)
9. Which series revolves around friends who work at a cafe in a fictional town? (Answer: Central Perk from Friends)
10. What show made fun of sitcom tropes with a unique storytelling style? (Answer: The Wonder Years)
Classic 80’s TV Dramas
1. What legal drama stars attorneys on the side of justice in their firm? (Answer: L.A. Law)
2. Which in-depth series focuses on a college professor’s complicated relationship with his family? (Answer: Family Ties)
3. What drama hits the theme of class struggle through the life of a young boy? (Answer: The Wonder Years)
4. Who are the lead detectives in “Miami Vice”? (Answer: Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs)
5. What show depicts the struggles of a police officer amidst crime in a tough city? (Answer: Hill Street Blues)
6. What series follows the lives of four sisters in a multi-generational household? (Answer: The Golden Girls)
7. What series centers around a famous detective named Magnum? (Answer: Magnum, P.I.)
8. What show features the complex life of a family through personal testimonies? (Answer: Thirtysomething)
9. Which drama features a cop investigating crimes in high society? (Answer: Hunter)
10. What popular drama focuses on the lives of law enforcement in a booming city? (Answer: Cagney & Lacey)
Animated Wonders of the 80’s
1. What cartoon features a group of kids fighting evil with their magical powers? (Answer: The Care Bears)
2. Who narrates the adventures in “DuckTales”? (Answer: Scrooge McDuck)
3. What animated series features a group of muscle-bound heroes? (Answer: He-Man and the Masters of the Universe)
4. What cartoon was about the struggles of a small green alien escaping from the government? (Answer: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial)
5. Which animated series follows the adventures of a bumbling bear? (Answer: Yogi Bear)
6. What show starred two anthropomorphic cats and their zany misadventures? (Answer: Felix the Cat)
7. Who is the witty character who talks to the audience in “Garfield and Friends”? (Answer: Garfield)
8. What iconic show featured a dog who solved mysteries with a group of kids? (Answer: Scooby-Doo)
9. Which animated series featured a family of superheroes? (Answer: The Jetsons)
10. Who is the heroic cat alongside his sidekick in “The Adventures of Teddy Ruxpin”? (Answer: Teddy Ruxpin)
80’s TV Shows That Made a Comeback
1. What series returned with original cast members in a new revamp in the 21st century? (Answer: Full House – Fuller House)
2. Which 80’s show was rebooted as a blockbuster movie starring a famous actor? (Answer: Miami Vice)
3. What beloved animated show was revived in the 80’s with new characters? (Answer: Scooby-Doo)
4. What classic television sitcom returned for a special reunion episode with the cast? (Answer: Friends)
5. What popular series about two unlikely friends returned with many beloved guest stars? (Answer: Will & Grace)
6. Which animated superhero series made a massive comeback on various platforms? (Answer: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
7. What comedy centered around Mrs. Garrett returned in a spin-off series? (Answer: The Facts of Life)
8. What classic series about the McCoy family continued with the theme of family humor? (Answer: The Cosby Show)
9. Which adventure cartoon was rebooted focusing on the next generation? (Answer: Transformers)
10. What feel-good family drama returned for its legacy stories? (Answer: One Day at a Time)
Final Thoughts
We hope you enjoyed this fun trip down memory lane with our 80’s TV trivia. The decade was filled with unforgettable characters, hilarious moments, and iconic catchphrases that many of us still hold dear. From classic comedies to dramatic storylines, the shows from the 80s laid the foundation for many series we love today.
Whether you were a fan of the wacky adventures in cartoons or the heartfelt moments in family dramas, the 80s brought a unique blend of entertainment that we cherish. If you want to explore more about 80’s TV shows, check out our 80s TV Trivia or dive into the fascinating world of 80s Pop Culture Trivia!
Thank you for joining us on this nostalgic journey. Keep the memories alive and enjoy sharing them with friends and family!