Every decade offers its own pop culture icons that reflect the time period, but it’s hard to compete with the 1980s. Whether it’s music, movies, or television, the 1980s produced some of the most legendary pieces of work that are still enjoyed today. It was an era that saw groundbreaking ideas come to television, and with it, iconic characters who remain influential in modern programming.
There are countless characters that made watching television in the decade appointment viewing, but above all the rest, there are some unquestionable stars who take top honors. From a genius action adventurer to a furry funny man, these are the most iconic ‘80s TV characters. Ranked by how big they were on the small screen, the following characters are what viewers think of most when remembering ‘80s television.
10
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
‘The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ (1987–1996)
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles eating pizza in the 1987 animated seriesImage via CBS
When four ordinary turtles are covered in a glowing ooze, they become the lean, green, toy-selling machines, The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Since each turtle has their own unique defining qualities, such as acquiring a West Coast accent while living in New York City sewers, the brothers will have to settle for a four-way tie in the rankings. This shouldn’t be a problem, as they shared their battles, pizza, and domination of ’80s children’s entertainment equally.
Turtle mania was impossible to escape in the late ’80s, and even if you didn’t have a child begging for one of their toys, it was likely you knew all four of their classical artist-inspired names. The children’s cartoon, which was based on a comic book series by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, ran for a whopping 193 episodes of Turtle Power. The mega franchise was also turned into a series of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle movies, a live stage show, and continued to produce new content under the Nickelodeon banner.
9
Arnold Jackson
‘Diff’rent Strokes’ (1978–1986)
Gary Coleman as Arnold Jackson smiles with his hand on his chin on Diff’rent Strokes.Image via NBC
The sitcom Diff’rent Strokes follows the hilarity that takes place when the wealthy Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain) adopts his recently deceased housekeeper’s sons, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and his older brother Willis (Todd Bridges). Viewers immediately fell in love with Arnold, whose sarcastic wit implied a wisdom and sense of humor beyond his years.
The ’80s were a simpler time of television, where one memorable catchphrase could will a sitcom into multiple seasons of the stars aligned. “What you talkin’ about Willis?” helped turn Coleman into a household name, and the precocious nature of Arnold resonated with audiences waiting to see what he would say next. Coleman’s popularity reached a peak when the actor received the highest honor in the ’80s: receiving a Saturday Morning cartoon called The Gary Coleman Show, which ran for 13 episodes.
8
Zack Morris
‘Saved by the Bell’ (1989–1992)
Zack smiles for the camera in Saved by the Bell.Image via NBC
High school never looked as appealing as it did on the pre-teen sitcom Saved by the Bell. Following the lives of the students at Bayside High, audiences were treated to the thoughts and schemes of lead character Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) when he would frequently break the fourth wall to address the camera. Known for causing mischief that would usually land him and his friends in hot water with Principal Belding (Dennis Haskins), Zack was the coolest troublemaker on ‘80s TV.
The jury’s still out on whether Zack was a force of good or evil, but his charm was the fulcrum for Saved by the Bell’s success. There were many copycat teen comedies, but none could find their own version of Zack that could serve as a heartthrob and comedic foil in the same way. The character remains a favorite among kids of the ’80s who followed him to college in Saved by the Bell: The College Years and to public office in the 2020 reboot Saved by the Bell.
7
Jessica Fletcher
‘Murder, She Wrote’ (1984–1996)
Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote’s “Nan’s Ghost” episodeImage via CBS
Based on her success rate in solving murders, more people in the ’80s would have contacted Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury) from Murder, She Wrote than the police. As a professional mystery writer, Jessica knew a thing or two about how to commit the perfect crime, but thankfully, she used her forces for good as an amateur detective. When someone committed a murder in her home in Cabot Cove, Maine, the only chance of getting away with it was for Jessica not to find out it had happened.
Murder, She Wrote was a massive success for CBS, andThe mystery series lasted for 12 seasons of Jessica on the case. Jessica Fletcher is widely considered one of the best TV detectives of all time, and her thoughtful analytical approach to crime solving appealed to viewers looking for an alternative to male-driven detective shows that networks usually push. Demand for character remained high and Jessica returned to solve crimes in four TV movies afterMurder, She Wrotewound up in 1996.
6
ALF
‘ALF’ (1986–1990)
source media ‘(max-width :767 px)’data -srcset =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads / shared images / alf – shirt.jfif ? q = 70 & fit = crop & w = 800 & dpr = 1 ‘srcset =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads / shared images / alf – shirt.jfif ? q = 70 & fit = crop & w = 800 & dpr = 1 ‘/ >
source media ‘(max-width :1023 px)’data -srcset =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads / shared images / alf – shirt.jfif ? q = 70 & fit = crop & w = 825 & dpr = 1 ‘srcset =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads / shared images / alf – shirt.jfif ? q = 70 & fit = crop & w = 825 & dpr = 1 ‘/ >
img width =’825’hight =’413’loading =’lazy’decoding =’async’alt =’ALF wearing a shirt and looking off to side.’data -img-url =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads / shared images / alf – shirt.jfif ? q = 70 & fit = crop & w = 825 & dpr = 1 ‘src =’ https :// static . collider images . com / wordpress / wp – content / uploads/shared/images/alfs-shirt.jfif? q ==70& fit ==crop&w ==825& dpr ==1’/ >
‘ALF wearing a shirt and looking off to side.Image via NBC
This one might have required being alive in the 1980s to appreciate but a puppet was one of biggest TV stars thanks to show ALF An alien visitor from planet Melmac, ALF short for Alien Life Form crashes into Tanner family’s lives literally when he makes emergency landing in their garage. The family soon warms to odd wisecracking alien and they agree to keep him sheltered in their home while he looks for way to fix his ship.
Created operated and voiced by Paul Fusco ALF became improbable sensation when he reached Earth. Along with sitcom ALF merchandise that included plush dolls and anything else possible could barely stay on shelves and he starred Saturday morning cartoon as well. ALF would remain on air for four seasons but continues pop up occasionally such as his talk show named wait for it ALF’s Hit Talk Show.
Sarah Parker is a research analyst and content contributor with a strong interest in business strategy, organizational behavior, and social development. With a background in sociology and public policy, she focuses on exploring the intersection between research and real-world application. Sarah regularly contributes articles that bridge academic insights and practical relevance, aiming to foster critical thinking and innovation across sectors.
