15 Popular TV Shows from the ’80s That Ended Abruptly
These ’80s TV favorites left audiences hanging when they unexpectedly vanished from the airwaves.
- Chris Graciano
- 4 min read
The 1980s brought us some of the most iconic television shows. However, not all of them got the endings they deserved. Whether due to low ratings, behind-the-scenes drama, or sudden cancellations, many fan-favorite series were cut short without proper closure. Let’s revisit 15 popular ’80s TV shows that ended far too soon.
1. ALF (1986–1990)
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This lovable, wisecracking alien crash-landed into American homes but never got a proper send-off. The final episode ended on a dark cliffhanger, with ALF being captured by the government.
2. Moonlighting (1985–1989)
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Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd’s sizzling chemistry made this detective dramedy a hit, but behind-the-scenes tension led to its downfall. As their on-screen romance fizzled, so did audience interest, resulting in an abrupt cancellation.
3. Manimal (1983)
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This sci-fi series about a man who could transform into various animals had a wild concept but never found its audience. Despite its short-lived run, it gained a cult following after cancellation.
4. The Colbys (1985–1987)
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A glitzy spin-off of Dynasty, this soap opera had all the drama but failed to capture the same magic. The final episode ended with a character being abducted by aliens—one of the strangest cliffhangers in TV history.
5. Voyagers! (1982–1983)
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This time-travel adventure followed a young boy and a rogue historian fixing historical mishaps. It had potential, but low ratings led to its cancellation after just one season.
6. Max Headroom (1987–1988)
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A cyberpunk satire featuring the world’s first AI TV personality, Max Headroom was ahead of its time. Unfortunately, its dystopian themes and complex storytelling didn’t connect with mainstream audiences.
7. Square Pegs (1982–1983)
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A quirky high school comedy starring a young Sarah Jessica Parker, Square Pegs captured teen awkwardness like no other show. Despite critical praise, low ratings doomed it after one season.
8. Riptide (1984–1986)
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A mix of action, mystery, and humor, Riptide followed three private investigators solving cases from their high-tech boat. The show had a dedicated fanbase but wasn’t enough to keep it afloat.
9. The Powers of Matthew Star (1982–1983)
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This sci-fi teen drama followed a high schooler with secret alien powers but struggled to find its footing. A mix of genre confusion and behind-the-scenes changes led to its quick demise.
10. Crime Story (1986–1988)
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A gritty, serialized crime drama ahead of its time, Crime Story followed a cop’s years-long battle with a mobster. The second season ended on a massive cliffhanger—an exploding plane—with no resolution.
11. Automan (1983–1984)
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A neon-glowing, computer-generated superhero fighting crime? Automan was ambitious but too far ahead of its era. Poor ratings led to a quick cancellation, and the show ended before it could expand its high-tech universe.
12. Tales of the Gold Monkey (1982–1983)
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This action-adventure series, inspired by Indiana Jones, followed a cargo pilot in the South Pacific. While it had everything from lost treasures to spy intrigue, it couldn’t keep up in the ratings game.
13. The Charmings (1987–1988)
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This fantasy sitcom had a unique premise: a modern-day take on Snow White and Prince Charming adjusting to life in suburbia. Unfortunately, it didn’t resonate with audiences and was canceled before its storylines could develop.
14. Misfits of Science (1985–1986)
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A team of super-powered misfits taking on weird science adventures should have been a hit, but it never caught on. Despite starring a young Courteney Cox, the series was canceled after just one season.
15. Spenser: For Hire (1985–1988)
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A gritty detective drama based on the Robert B. Parker novels, this show had all the makings of a long-running series. However, declining ratings and network decisions cut it short.