10 Best '80s Television Comedies

The 10 best '80s comedies all had cult followings back in the days before there were hundreds of useless television channels. Back then, there was actually something good to watch on the tube. Sitcoms became super popular in the 1980s and are credited to keeping families home and laughing together. These movies all captured America's hearts during this decade of neon socks and big hair.

Mama's Family- This slapstick comedy made us all glad for the mamas we were given. While the show only lasted a few seasons, it made a lasting impression on mama's boys and the women who marry them. Mama's family earned its right to be placed in the 10 best '80s comedies of the decade.

Charles In Charge- In it's meager 126 original episodes, Charles In Charge gained a massive cult following. Being the man in charge always seemed to get Charles in trouble with somebody, especially Walter, the stern grandfather and head of the household. The sitcom aired for only four short seasons, but became an iconic show that definitely deserves a spot on the 10 best '80's comedies list.

The Cosby Show- The Cosby Show dominated the airwaves every Thursday night for eight straight years. The plot featuring a doctor (Heathcliff Huxtable), his attorney wife (Clair Huxtable), and their five children revolved around the mischievous antics of the children and the witty ways of their father. The Cosby show will forever be known as one of the greatest sitcoms in television history.

Roseanne- Just a working class family struggling through life's ups and downs, the Connor family was the family most American's could relate to. Yes, they were dysfunctional in every way, but who didn't love Darlene's satire, Becky's snotty teenage attitude, or DJ's adorable awkwardness? Roseanne ran for nine seasons and was one of the most successful comedies of all time.

Growing Pains- Definitely one of the top 10 '80s best comedies, this show had it all, the handsome teenage slacker, the brainiac less-than-popular sister, and the little brother who idolized his big bro. Growing Pains was not only funny, but helped tackle some important issues in teenage life like peer pressure, bullies, and loss.

Full House- This sitcom was about as unconventional as you got on '80s cable television, but it worked. Three men living under one roof raising four girls was a fresh and new take on the average American household. The sitcom helped launch the careers of some of TV's most famous personalities, including too-cute for words twins Ashley and Mary-Kate Olson.

Cheers- Just your average, every day round the corner bar, Cheers drew in millions of viewers every week during its momentous eleven year run. It seems that the reason for its success was that Cheers had something for everyone. Everyone knew someone who reminded them of one of the main characters, whether it be handsome playboy Sam Malone, goody-two-shoes Diane, or know-it-all Cliff Claven, everyone seemed to be able to relate to the patrons of Cheers in some way.

Golden Girls- You could not have a 10 best '80s comedies list without mentioning the Golden Girls. This geriatric themed sitcom was a smash hit from the get-go. Sassy Blanche, sarcastic Dorothy, clueless Rose and ever-so-popular Sophia fed off each other's strengths and weaknesses so well that we let them in our households every week for seven seasons.

ALF- ALF became wildly popular during its four-year run during the 1980s. Cuddly yet mischievous ALF (short for alien life form) crash-landed into the garage of the Tanner family and became a permanent fixture in the household. The family cat was always a target for the spunky ball of fur but he earned his keep by keeping the Tanners in check.

Family Ties- Alex P. Keaton became a household name during this show's seven-year primetime TV slot. With his charismatic charm, boyish good looks, and republican beliefs, girls all over the US fell in love with Michael J. Fox's most popular character. The riff in the cultural divide between all of the characters of the show was a sure shot for success and was wildly popular among teens and young adults in the early to mid-'80s.