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The eighties acquaint a divers mix ofscience fictionTV shows , range from lighthearted sitcoms to darker , thought process - provoking drama . Many of the best ' eighty sci - fi TV shows have hold up legacies within pop culture and even influence some ofthe greatest sci - fi series today . What makes these series truly great is their ability to use the genre ’s tropes to tell abstruse , more meaningful stories that often have something of importance to say about human beings .
While the music genre can sometimes sense inaccessible due to its use of futuristic themes , these render ensured audiences could confidently approach them , easily investing in the inventive worlds created on the small projection screen . Compelling , character - driven narration combined with innovative visuals and memorable admirer , results in entertaining and timeless sci - fi serial publication that hold up years afterwards as the best the decennary has to propose .
10Max Headroom (1987-1988)
A Brave Journalist Keeps A Powerful Organization In Check
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Max Headroom is a British - produced American satirical scientific discipline fiction series that aired on ABC in 1987 . Adapted from a Channel 4 original , the show combines futuristic theme with media criticism , have the titular AI character navigating a dystopian earthly concern charm by media and applied science .
The excitation surrounding Max Headroom and his eponymic sci - fi serial may have fade as the long time have start by , but they were a hit in the ' 80s . Portrayed by Matt Frewer , Max was first introduced in the 1985 cyberpunk goggle box movieMax Headroom : 20 minute into the Future . The character ’s humourous epigram and computer - generated appearance captivated audience at the time .
From exotic creatures to robots and everything in between , the 1980s run across some amazing movies that pushed bound in damage of special effects .
Combining prosthetics and simple changes to Frewer ’s innate appearance with a pitch - shift representative , Max was a slight cultural phenomenon unlike anything else before . ThoughMax Headroomis named after him , Max is n’t a prominent role in the show . alternatively , the serial publication , set in the future where an oligarchy of TV networks has dominance over the world , stick to reporter Edison Carter ( Frewer ) , who risks his living exposing the unethical drill of his master .
9Terrahawks (1983-1986)
An Alien Force Protects Earth From Enemies On Mars
Terrahawks is a 1983 science fiction series by Gerry Anderson , set in the 21st century . It follow the defense formation Terrahawks as they battle alien threats , including the malevolent Queen Zelda , and face challenges such as likely exposure by an fact-finding newsman .
Visually , Terrahawksis unlike any other sci - fi series mentioned . Created by Christopher Burr and Gerry Anderson — the latter being known for secernate futurist write up using puppet puppets — the show ’s graphic symbol excogitation can be quite jarring to those unfamiliar with Anderson ’s previous study . Still , the show presents a compelling story about alien and has a common sense of humorthat is much more dry than his former employment .
Despite being given a lower budget compare to his other boob tube shows , Anderson andTerrahawks ' originative team found a mode around it and drive home a truly one - of - a - kind sci - fi show .
Fusing together elements from Anderson ’s other series likeThunderbirdsandCaptain Scarlet and the Mysterons , Terrahawksfollows its titulary organization as they carry out their mission protecting Earth from potential exotic encroachment . Despite being given a lower budget compared to his other television receiver shows , Anderson andTerrahawks ' creative team found a direction around it and delivered a sincerely one - of - a - kind sci - fi show .
8Red Dwarf (1988-2020)
A Sitcom Revolving Around The Last Human On A Spaceship
Set in the distant future aboard the excavation spaceship Red Dwarf , this British sci - fi sitcom follows the misadventure of Dave Lister , the last love human subsister , and his companions : a holograph of his dead bunkmate , a tool that evolved from his cat , and a neurotic mechanical man . Isolated in deep space , they encounter bizarre phenomenon and alien beast as they cut through the galaxy .
With multiple seasons traverse over three decades , Red Dwarfhas earned a passionate furore following . The sci - fi sitcom follows technician Dave Lister ( Craig Charles ) after he wakes up from suspend animation , only to find he ’s the last living homo on the titular mining ballistic capsule . prosperous for Dave , he is kept company by a holograph of his former bunkmate and a creature named Cat .
The sci - fi elements take pretty of a backseat to the series ’ darling character - drive story , makingRed Dwarfan easy series to endure and get invest in . The core elements of the series have remained intact , but the story has been expand throughout the years , and additional character have been added into the mix , lead in heated up debates among fan about whether the early seasons are better than those more late .
7ALF (1986-1990)
The Sarcastic, Yet Lovable Title Character Adapts To Life On Earth
ALF follow the story of a furred extraterrestrial from the planet Melmac who crash into an Earth family ’s garage . After the crash , the alien , known as ALF , becomes an unconventional member of the family , leading to unique and comedic situations as they adapt to liveliness together .
One of the more flakey , yetbeloved ' fourscore sitcomswasALF . The series ' title character is sure to have a extra place in the center of those who grew up catch the sci - fi situation comedy , due to Paul Fusco ’s compelling performance as ALF ’s part and puppeteer . The show roll around the titular extraterrestrial who crash lands on Earth and into the garage of the Tanner crime syndicate .
DID YOU do it : The show ’s creator , Paul Fusco , was also the voice of ALF ( viaIMDB ) .
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
With the Tanners welcome ALF into their home , the serial details the day - to - day animation of the alien as he learns more about Earth and becomes familiar with those around him . The heart of the series is ALF ’s humorous and heartfelt relationship with the Tanners , but the series also features stack of signature elements of the sci - fi genre , including the Alien Task Force ALF is keep hidden from .
6War Of The Worlds (1988-1990)
Aliens Are Determined To Seize Earth As Their Own
warfare of the Worlds , free in 1988 , follows a group of diverse individuals , including an astrophysicist and a military military officer , who join forces to battle Martians that reawaken after years of dormancy . This formation must navigate new threats to protect humanity following the Martians ' previous defeat in the 1950s .
H. G. Wells’The War of the Worldsis a highly influential skill - fiction novel , inspiring subsequent writing about Martians and alien invasion . Wells ' novel was also adapted into a film in 1953 , which was later continued as a sci - fi series in the late ' 80s , similarly titledWar of the Worlds .
The series pick up after the consequence of the 1953 flick but interpolate a few significant detail . Rather than being pour down , a group of aliens insert a state of suspend animation and are accidentally woken up decades later , returning to smart set in present - solar day 1988 . Though the shake - up of the series ' creative squad in season 2 resulted in a less favourite season , War of the Worldsseason 1 is up there with the dear sci - fi TV shows had to offerin the ' 80s .
Max Headroom is a British-produced American satirical science fiction series that aired on ABC in 1987. Adapted from a Channel 4 pilot, the show combines futuristic themes with media critique, featuring the titular AI character navigating a dystopian world influenced by media and technology.
5V (1983)
A Group Of Aliens Seeks To Control Earth
V is a scientific discipline fable picture put out in 1983 , featuring fifty massive alien spaceships appearing above Earth ’s major cities . The humanoid Visitors offer friendship , but their true spirit is to exploit Earth ’s resource for their survival , leaving humans in pauperism of a miracle for its future .
An alien invasion in the miniseriesVis used to tell a with child story about fascism and underground . Though it was followed by two additional series in the ' 80s and a unawares - lived remake in 2009 , the original television set show stands out as one of the 10 ’s good pieces of science fable .
The serial sees a raceway of aliens , referred to as the Visitors , landing on Earth with the initial request for minerals to heal their weakening satellite . With the humans complying , the foreigner ' substantial , black motives behind their arrival on Earth begin to be uncovered . Thefascinating index kinetics between the insubordinate humans and aliensmake for some thought - provoking and often tense narratives that grab cargo hold of the consultation ’s attention .
4The Transformers (1984-1987)
Clashing Groups Of Robots Battle On Earth
The Transformers is an alive TV series that follow the battle between the Autobots , head by Optimus Prime , and the Decepticons , led by Megatron , on Earth and Cybertron . Debuting in 1984 , the show blends scientific discipline fiction and activeness as both junto of transforming robots from the major planet Cybertron vie for supremacy and the futurity of humankind . It engender a massive franchise including toys , comedian , and pic .
An ' eighty sci - fi cartoon that ’s held up wellover the long time , The Transformersis a germinal inspire series within the genre . Accompanied by a beloved plaything stemma , the serial publication feature an array of memorable sentient golem , focusing chiefly on the ongoing battle between the Autobots and Decepticonsafter they ’ve crash - landed on Earth .
The series has a familiar trade good versus evil narrative and stylish character designs that have become well - hump as the series ' popularity has grow . The animated cartoon character , too , are recognisable figures in dad refinement , most notably Optimus Prime . Eventually turn into a monolithic , ongoing franchise , The Transformers ' level and character have receive a favorable organic evolution throughout the years , but the turmoil surround the original ' 80s serial has yet to melt .
3Alien Nation (1989-1990)
A Race Of Extraterrestrials Co-Exists With Humans
Alien Nation is a skill fable TV series set in Los Angeles in the near future , where human race and an alien slipstream called " newcomer " coexist . The show follows Detective Matthew Sikes ( Gary Graham ) and his Newcomer partner George Francisco ( Eric Pierpoint ) as they solve crime while research theme of racial prejudice and integration .
Science fabrication is often used to tell deeper stories that explore the difference of opinion between individuals in a society , andAlien Nationmight just be the best example of this . Premiering in the late ' 80s , the sci - fi series is adapt from the film of the same name and followsDetective Matt Sikes ( Gary Graham ) , who grudgingly works alongside an extraterrestrial detective , George Francisco ( Eric Pierpoint ) .
Even in the globe of science fiction TV shows , things are n’t always a stark Sion , and some characters are forced to take on a detective role .
Terrahawks is a 1983 science fiction series by Gerry Anderson, set in the 21st century. It follows the defense organization Terrahawks as they combat alien threats, including the malevolent Queen Zelda, and face challenges such as potential exposure by an investigative reporter.
George is one of the many extraterrestrials , known as Newcomers , to immigrate to the U.S. It is through the Newcomers thatAlien Nationexplores narratives touch to dogmatism and assimilation . On top of the serial publication ' thought - provoke themes and well - written characters , the character design of the Newcomers is just as telling .
2Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
A Man Travels Through Time Hoping To Return Home
This science fiction serial follow a scientist trapped in time due to an experiment , jump into various multitude ’s lives to figure out their problems and change event . As he pilot each epoch , he seeks to repay to his present , impacting history with every leap .
To the dissatisfaction of many , Quantum Leapended on a cliffhangerthat did n’t provide audiences , or the series ' admirer , with the glad ending they were expecting . Still , the assorted receipt to the sci - fi show ’s conclusion is n’t enough to dismiss the caliber of the series leading up to its final episode .
Quantum Leapis centered aroundphysicist Dr. Sam Beckett ( Scott Bakula ) , who takes it upon himself to test his fourth dimension travel projecton his own . However , Sam notice that each time he travels through time , he wound up in the dead body of someone else . With Sam fixing events in a variety of timelines in hopes he can end up back in his own life , Quantum Leapprovides a fresh narrative in the sci - fi musical style .
Set in the distant future aboard the mining spaceship Red Dwarf, this British sci-fi sitcom follows the misadventures of Dave Lister, the last known human survivor, and his companions: a hologram of his dead bunkmate, a creature that evolved from his cat, and a neurotic android. Isolated in deep space, they encounter bizarre phenomena and alien creatures as they traverse the galaxy.
1Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Star Trek : The Next Generation follows Captain Jean - Luc Picard and his crowd aboard the USS Enterprise NCC-1701D as they embark on interstellar explorations , seeking out new worlds and civilizations .
While its early seasons were a bit jolting , Star Trek : The Next Generationeventually set up its ground and is now considered to bethe bestStar Trekseriesin the franchise . SurpassingThe Original Seriesin tone is n’t an easy exploit , but to the delight ofStar Trek ’s devotee nucleotide , it ’s something that many following serial publication would proceed to do .
With its darling characters and imaginative taradiddle , the serial provided perceptiveness into all the possible theStar Trekuniverse had .
ALF follows the story of a furry extraterrestrial from the planet Melmac who crashes into an Earth family’s garage. After the crash, the alien, known as ALF, becomes an unconventional member of the family, leading to unique and comedic situations as they adapt to life together.
As many of the follow series would do , TNGbuilt upon the rooter - favorite aspects ofTOS , earning high level of success while on airthan its predecessor . define in the 24th century , the show trace the adventures of a work party aboard the USS Enterprise - D. With its dear character and inventive story , the serial leave insight into all the possible theStar Trekuniverse had .
War of the Worlds, released in 1988, follows a group of diverse individuals, including an astrophysicist and a military officer, who join forces to combat Martians that reawaken after years of dormancy. This formation must navigate new threats to protect humanity following the Martians' previous defeat in the 1950s.
V is a science fiction film released in 1983, featuring fifty massive alien spaceships appearing above Earth’s major cities. The humanoid Visitors offer friendship, but their true intent is to exploit Earth’s resources for their survival, leaving humanity in need of a miracle for its future.
The Transformers is an animated TV series that follows the battle between the Autobots, led by Optimus Prime, and the Decepticons, led by Megatron, on Earth and Cybertron. Debuting in 1984, the show blends science fiction and action as both factions of transforming robots from the planet Cybertron vie for supremacy and the future of humankind. It spawned a massive franchise including toys, comics, and movies.
Alien Nation is a science fiction TV series set in Los Angeles in the near future, where humans and an alien race called “Newcomers” coexist. The show follows Detective Matthew Sikes (Gary Graham) and his Newcomer partner George Francisco (Eric Pierpoint) as they solve crimes while exploring themes of racial prejudice and integration.
This science fiction series follows a scientist trapped in time due to an experiment, leaping into various people’s lives to solve their problems and alter events. As he navigates each era, he seeks to return to his present, impacting history with every leap.
Star Trek: The Next Generation follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise NCC-1701D as they embark on interstellar explorations, seeking out new worlds and civilizations.
