The 1980s was a fantastic time for television. Classic shows like “The A-Team,” “Cheers,” and “The Golden Girls” kept us laughing, crying, and on the edge of our seats. Iconic characters became household names, and the catchy theme songs are still stuck in our heads. Whether you were into action, comedy, or drama, there was something for everyone in the TV lineup. Many of these shows left a lasting impact and are still beloved today, even decades later.
Today, we’re going to test your knowledge with some fun trivia about 80s TV shows. How much do you really remember about those zany plots, memorable catchphrases, and beloved characters? You might learn something new or surprise yourself with how much you know! Gather your friends and family for a trivia challenge, or just enjoy the trip down memory lane as we uncover some cool facts and figures from this amazing era of television. Get ready for a blast from the past that will be sure to bring back fond memories!
80s TV Show Trivia
Remembering the Greats of 80s TV Shows
1. What show featured a group of Vietnam War veterans who became mercenaries? (Answer: The A-Team)
2. Which sitcom was set in a Boston bar where everybody knows your name? (Answer: Cheers)
3. What show featured a golden girl named Blanche? (Answer: The Golden Girls)
4. What was the name of the high school in “Saved by the Bell”? (Answer: Bayside High)
5. Who played the character of David Hasselhoff in “Knight Rider”? (Answer: Michael Knight)
6. In “Family Ties,” what was Alex P. Keaton’s family known for? (Answer: Being liberal)
7. What was the name of the spaceship on “Star Trek: The Next Generation”? (Answer: USS Enterprise)
8. Who starred as the lead in “MacGyver”? (Answer: Richard Dean Anderson)
9. Which show featured a woman who ran a family restaurant while raising her kids? (Answer: Valerie)
10. In “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” what city did Will come from? (Answer: West Philadelphia)
The Iconic Characters of 80s Television
1. What character did Nancy McKeon play on “The Facts of Life”? (Answer: Jo Polniaczek)
2. Who was the character known for the catchphrase “Did I do that?” on “Family Matters”? (Answer: Steve Urkel)
3. Who portrayed the housekeeper named Florence on “The Jeffersons”? (Answer: Marla Gibbs)
4. Which character did Bob Newhart play in “The Bob Newhart Show”? (Answer: Bob Hartley)
5. What role did Don Johnson play in “Miami Vice”? (Answer: Sonny Crockett)
6. Who was the star of the show “Moonlighting”? (Answer: Bruce Willis)
7. In “Cheers,” who was the waitress that had a crush on Sam Malone? (Answer: Diane Chambers)
8. Who voiced the character of Shaggy in “Scooby-Doo” during the 80s? (Answer: Casey Kasem)
9. What character did Redd Foxx play in “Sanford and Son”? (Answer: Fred Sanford)
10. Which character was known for the phrase “Yada yada yada” on “Seinfeld”? (Answer: Jerry Seinfeld)
Memorable Catchphrases from 80s TV Shows
1. What was the popular phrase said by the Fonz on “Happy Days”? (Answer: “Hey!”)
2. What catchphrase was associated with the character of B.A. Baracus? (Answer: “I pity the fool!”)
3. Which show popularized the phrase “The truth is out there”? (Answer: The X-Files)
4. What was the catchphrase of Chachi in “Happy Days”? (Answer: “Wa wa!”)
5. What did Rose say about St. Olaf on “The Golden Girls”? (Answer: “Back in St. Olaf…”)
6. What phrase did George Costanza frequently misuse on “Seinfeld”? (Answer: “It’s not you, it’s me”)
7. What was the famous sign-off phrase used by Ted Baxter on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”? (Answer: “Good night and good news”)
8. Which character often exclaimed “Cowabunga!” in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”? (Answer: Michelangelo)
9. What was the iconic phrase used by Optimus Prime in “Transformers”? (Answer: “Roll out!”)
10. Who was known for the saying, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” on “The A-Team”? (Answer: Hannibal Smith)
Plot Twists and Turns of 80s Television
1. In “Dallas,” who was shot that led to the cliffhanger episode? (Answer: J.R. Ewing)
2. What shocking twist occurred in “Knots Landing”? (Answer: Death of major characters)
3. What was the central mystery in “Twin Peaks”? (Answer: Who killed Laura Palmer?)
4. What major plot twist occurred in “The Cosby Show”? (Answer: Denise’s sudden marriage)
5. In “Cheers,” what unexpected event happened during Sam and Diane’s romance? (Answer: Their breakup)
6. Who had a double life as a crime-fighter in “Moonlighting”? (Answer: David Addison)
7. What twist involved Pamela’s brother in “Dallas”? (Answer: He became a villain)
8. What major change happened in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” after the first season? (Answer: Aunt Viv was recast)
9. Who switched identities in “Remington Steele”? (Answer: Laura Holt)
10. What shocking event happened in “Family Ties”? (Answer: Mallory’s engagement)
Cult Classics and Forgotten Gems of 80s TV
1. What was the name of the animated series about a battle of magical warriors? (Answer: “He-Man and the Masters of the Universe”)
2. Which show followed a team of Space Rangers? (Answer: “G.I. Joe”)
3. What quirky show featured a character named Max Headroom? (Answer: “Max Headroom”)
4. What series followed the lives of a family of robots? (Answer: “Small Wonder”)
5. What show had a plot revolving around aliens visiting Earth? (Answer: “ALF”)
6. Which cooking show featured an unusual host, Julia Child? (Answer: “The French Chef”)
7. What show was known for its wild mix of adventure and comedy featuring time travel? (Answer: “Quantum Leap”)
8. What was the premise of “Beauty and the Beast” starring Ron Perlman? (Answer: A love story set in the sewers)
9. Which show starred a young Steve Carell about a family and their crazy adventures? (Answer: “The Office” – Pt. 1)
10. What was the title of the late-night series hosted by David Letterman? (Answer: “Late Night with David Letterman”)
The Music of 80s Television
1. What TV show had the famous theme song “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”? (Answer: Cheers)
2. Who performed the “Miami Vice” theme? (Answer: Jan Hammer)
3. What sitcom had the catchy theme song “Just the Way You Are”? (Answer: “Family Ties”)
4. Which show featured the famous “Knight Rider” theme? (Answer: Stu Phillips)
5. Who wrote the theme for “The Cosby Show”? (Answer: Bill Cosby)
6. What band performed the “Perfect Strangers” theme song? (Answer: The B-52’s)
7. Which actress and singer recorded the “Growing Pains” theme? (Answer: Linda Ronstadt)
8. What was the name of the song that opened each episode of “The Jeffersons”? (Answer: “Movin’ on Up”)
9. What song introduced “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”? (Answer: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air Theme”)
10. Who composed the famous theme for “M*A*S*H”? (Answer: Johnny Mandel)
Intelligent Comedy and Heartfelt Moments in 80s TV
1. What show starred a family living in a Chicago high-rise? (Answer: “Perfect Strangers”)
2. In “M*A*S*H”, what did Hawkeye Pierce specialize in? (Answer: Surgery)
3. What story did “The Wonder Years” portray? (Answer: Coming of age)
4. Who played the father figure in “The Cosby Show”? (Answer: Bill Cosby)
5. What show revolved around three single women living together? (Answer: “3’s Company”)
6. What comedy featured the character of D.J. Tanner? (Answer: “Full House”)
7. In “Growing Pains”, who played Jason Seaver? (Answer: Alan Thicke)
8. What character from “The Golden Girls” was known for being the naive one? (Answer: Rose Nylund)
9. What series dealt with the challenges of raising a teenage girl? (Answer: “Family Ties”)
10. What sitcom took place in a classic diner setting? (Answer: “Alice”)
Final Thoughts
As we look back on the iconic television shows of the 1980s, it’s clear that this decade was filled with unforgettable characters, hilarious moments, and memorable catchphrases. From sitcoms that kept us laughing to dramas that had us on the edge of our seats, the influence of 80s TV is still felt today. Whether you enjoyed the comedy of “Cheers,” the drama of “Dallas,” or the heartwarming stories from “The Golden Girls,” there’s no denying the impact these shows have had on pop culture. If you want to learn more about this amazing era, check out our 80s TV trivia or dive into more specific shows like “Saved by the Bell.” Relive those memories and share the joy of 80s television with others.
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