Step back in time and relive the adrenaline-pumping action of the 80s with our top picks for the best action TV shows of the decade!
The 80s was an unforgettable decade for action TV shows that kept viewers glued to their screens. From crime-fighting detectives to martial arts experts, the era brought some of the most iconic characters to life. With their gripping storylines, captivating performances, and adrenaline-pumping action scenes, these shows left a lasting impact on pop culture and continue to inspire modern-day filmmakers. So, if you’re looking for an exciting blast from the past, grab some popcorn and get ready to relive the best action TV shows of the 80s!
Introduction
The 80s was a remarkable decade for television series, particularly action shows. These series were known for their thrilling plot, intense action sequences, and iconic characters that left a lasting impression on the audiences. These shows have stood the test of time and are still popular today. In this article, we will discuss the best action TV shows of the 80s.
Magnum P.I.
Magnum P.I. was a crime drama series that aired from 1980 to 1988. The show revolved around the life of Thomas Magnum, a private investigator who lived in Hawaii. The show’s main attraction was its lead actor, Tom Selleck, who portrayed the character of Magnum with effortless charm and wit. The show was known for its stunning Hawaiian landscape, exciting car chases, and thrilling action scenes.
A-Team
A-Team was an action-adventure TV series that was popular in the 80s. The show was about a group of ex-US army commandos who were on the run after being falsely accused of a crime. The show was known for its iconic characters, including B.A. Baracus, Hannibal Smith, Murdock, and Face. The show was famous for its action-packed sequences, car chases, and gunfights.
Knight Rider
Knight Rider was a science-fiction TV series that aired from 1982 to 1986. The show was about a crime fighter, Michael Knight, who drove an advanced car called KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand). The car had several futuristic features, including artificial intelligence and the ability to communicate with its driver. The show was known for its thrilling car chases and exciting action sequences.
MacGyver
MacGyver was an action-adventure series that aired from 1985 to 1992. The show was about a secret agent, Angus MacGyver, who used his scientific knowledge and unconventional problem-solving skills to solve crimes. The show was famous for its exciting action scenes, where MacGyver would use everyday objects to create gadgets and weapons to fight against the bad guys.
Miami Vice
Miami Vice was a crime drama series that aired from 1984 to 1990. The show was set in Miami and followed the lives of two detectives, Crockett and Tubbs, who fought against drug dealers and other criminals. The show was famous for its stylish fashion, pulsating music, and groundbreaking cinematography. The show was known for its action-packed sequences, fast cars, and gunfights.
The Dukes of Hazzard
The Dukes of Hazzard was an action-comedy series that aired from 1979 to 1985. The show was about two cousins, Bo and Luke Duke, who fought against corrupt politicians and other criminals in Hazzard County. The show was famous for its iconic car, the General Lee, and its thrilling car chases. The show also had a memorable theme song, Good Ol’ Boys, which became a hit.
21 Jump Street
21 Jump Street was a police procedural TV series that aired from 1987 to 1991. The show was about a group of young undercover cops who infiltrated high schools and colleges to investigate crimes. The show was famous for launching the career of Johnny Depp, who played one of the lead roles. The show was known for its exciting action sequences and its exploration of social issues such as drug abuse and teen pregnancy.
Airwolf
Airwolf was a science-fiction TV series that aired from 1984 to 1987. The show was about a high-tech military helicopter called Airwolf, which was stolen by its creator. The government hired a pilot named Stringfellow Hawke to retrieve the helicopter. The show was famous for its aerial action sequences and its futuristic technology.
Hunter
Hunter was a police procedural TV series that aired from 1984 to 1991. The show was about a detective named Rick Hunter who fought against criminals in Los Angeles. The show was known for its intense action scenes, where Hunter would often engage in hand-to-hand combat with the bad guys. The show was also famous for its memorable catchphrase, Works for me.
Conclusion
The 80s was a decade that produced some of the best action TV shows of all time. These shows were known for their thrilling plots, iconic characters, and exciting action sequences. Many of these shows have become cultural touchstones and continue to be popular today. From Magnum P.I. to Hunter, these shows will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans.
The 80s was undoubtedly a golden era for action television shows. With iconic characters, thrilling stunts, and unforgettable plotlines, these shows captivated audiences of all ages. The A-Team, one of the most beloved action shows of the 80s, followed a group of former soldiers turned mercenaries on a mission to clear their names for a crime they were wrongly accused of committing. Magnum, P.I. was another popular action show that offered a perfect mix of suspenseful mystery-solving and light-hearted humor. Tom Selleck starred as the titular character, a private investigator who lives the high life in Hawaii. MacGyver, starring Richard Dean Anderson, was another fan favorite with its practical problem-solving and thrilling stunts. This resourceful main character could solve any problem using only his trusty Swiss Army knife and a bit of ingenuity.Knight Rider, starring David Hasselhoff, became an instant classic of the 80s with its iconic car chases and exciting action scenes. This crime drama followed two undercover detectives working to take down organized crime in Miami. With its slick style, catchy music, and thrilling car chases, Miami Vice became an instant cultural phenomenon and remains a beloved action classic to this day. The Fall Guy, starring Lee Majors as a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a bounty hunter, was a unique blend of action, adventure, and humor. With its thrilling stunts and memorable characters, The Fall Guy remains a cult classic of the 80s.Airwolf was another action-packed show that followed a secret government agency’s journey to recover a hi-tech helicopter called Airwolf. With high-stakes action scenes and edge-of-your-seat thrills, Airwolf became a must-watch series for action fans in the 80s. The Dukes of Hazzard, starring Bo and Luke Duke as a pair of good-hearted troublemakers who fight against corrupt authorities in their small Southern town, remains a beloved action sitcom of the 80s with its memorable car chases and lovable characters. T. J. Hooker, starring William Shatner as the tough-talking detective T. J. Hooker, was another classic action show in the 80s with its exciting car chases and intense crime-fighting scenes.V, a science-fiction series that followed a group of humans fighting against an alien race who invaded Earth under the guise of peaceful visitors, was a unique blend of action and sci-fi that captivated audiences in the 80s. With its thrilling twists and turns, V kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its run. In conclusion, the 80s produced some of the best action television shows of all time with unforgettable characters, thrilling stunts, and captivating plotlines that continue to inspire new generations of fans.
As the 80s rolled around, television viewers were in for a treat as some of the best action TV shows of all time hit the airwaves. These shows featured heart-pumping action, intense drama, and unforgettable characters that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Here are some of the best action TV shows of the 80s:
- The A-Team: This classic show followed the adventures of a group of ex-military operatives who were wrongly accused of a crime. With their unique skills and a knack for improvisation, the team used their talents to help those in need while trying to clear their names.
- Magnum, P.I.: Tom Selleck starred as the charismatic private investigator Thomas Magnum in this Hawaii-based series. The show was known for its thrilling action sequences and the witty banter between Magnum and his friends.
- MacGyver: Richard Dean Anderson played the title character in this popular series about a resourceful secret agent who could solve any problem with his knowledge of science and engineering. MacGyver was known for his unconventional methods and his ability to improvise in any situation.
- Hill Street Blues: Though not strictly an action show, Hill Street Blues was known for its gritty realism and intense drama. The show followed the lives of police officers working in a run-down precinct, dealing with everything from everyday crimes to major catastrophes.
- The Equalizer: Edward Woodward starred as Robert McCall, a retired intelligence agent who uses his skills to help those in need. The show was known for its dark tone and its depiction of urban crime.
These shows were groundbreaking in their time, and their influence can still be seen in modern TV shows today. Whether you’re a fan of high-octane action or gripping drama, these shows are sure to deliver.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the best action TV shows of the 80s. We hope this article has brought back some fond memories of your favorite characters and moments from that era.As we’ve discussed, the 80s was a golden age for action television, with a wide variety of shows that catered to different audiences. From high-tech crime-fighting to martial arts mayhem and everything in between, there was something for everyone to enjoy.While many of these shows have since been surpassed by newer, more modern offerings, they still hold a special place in the hearts of fans who grew up watching them. The characters, music, and styles of the 80s are timeless, and it’s always fun to revisit them from time to time.We hope you’ve enjoyed our trip down memory lane, and we encourage you to revisit some of these classic shows if you get the chance. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just looking for some fun nostalgia, there’s no denying the impact that these programs had on popular culture and the action genre as a whole.Thank you again for visiting our blog, and we look forward to bringing you more informative and entertaining content in the future. Keep watching, stay safe, and never forget the classics!
When it comes to the best action TV shows of the 80s, people have a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions people ask:
- What are some of the best action TV shows of the 80s?
- Which 80s action TV shows still hold up today?
- Are there any underrated 80s action TV shows worth watching?
Let’s answer these questions one by one.
1. What are some of the best action TV shows of the 80s?
- The A-Team: This classic action-adventure series followed a group of ex-military soldiers who were on the run from the law while helping those in need.
- Magnum, P.I.: Tom Selleck starred as the titular private investigator in this Hawaii-based series that featured plenty of action, humor, and drama.
- MacGyver: This unique series followed the adventures of a resourceful secret agent who could seemingly solve any problem with nothing more than his wits and a Swiss Army knife.
- Knight Rider: David Hasselhoff starred as Michael Knight, a crime-fighter who teamed up with his high-tech car KITT to take down bad guys.
- Miami Vice: This stylish crime drama set in Miami featured plenty of action, fashion, and music that became synonymous with the 80s.
2. Which 80s action TV shows still hold up today?
- The A-Team: While the show can be a bit cheesy at times, it’s still a lot of fun to watch and has plenty of memorable characters and moments.
- Magnum, P.I.: Tom Selleck’s charm and the show’s mix of action, humor, and drama make it a timeless classic.
- MacGyver: The show’s unique premise and Richard Dean Anderson’s likable performance still make it a must-watch for fans of action and adventure.
3. Are there any underrated 80s action TV shows worth watching?
- Riptide: This lesser-known show followed the adventures of a group of private detectives who ran a boat charter service in Southern California. It had plenty of action, humor, and heart.
- The Highwayman: This short-lived series followed a futuristic lawman who patrolled the highways of America in a high-tech truck. It’s a bit campy, but it’s also a lot of fun.
- Sledge Hammer!: This irreverent comedy-action series starred David Rasche as a trigger-happy detective who frequently found himself in absurd situations. It’s definitely not for everyone, but it has a loyal cult following.
Whether you’re a fan of classic action-adventure or just looking for some nostalgia, the 80s had plenty of great TV shows to choose from.
