Ten Out Of This World TV Shows From The 1980s
Sci-fi TV shows are super fun to watch, with strange science theories and wondrous otherworldly technology that make the whole storyline totally mind blowing. But do you know what really makes a sci-fi show out of this world? Aliens, that's what!
Here are ten classic 80s TV shows that feature aliens, or alien technology, as a main part of the plot:
1. The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983)-
Mild mannered teacher Ralph Hinkley is given the opportunity of a lifetime when a group of aliens bestow a supersuit upon him, giving him a bunch of super powers he must learn to control before he can become a true hero.
2. The Great Space Coaster (1981-1986)-
The Great Space Coaster took children's television to an asteroid called Coasterville on the outer edge of the galaxy, and introduced them to all kinds of fun creatures like newscaster Gary Gnu, Edison the alien elephant thing and the space clown Baxter.
Family fun took a wrong turn when the Sterlings were out exploring the Great Pyramid of Giza at the same time as a planetary conjunction and found themselves transported to another planet.
Now the Sterlings must adjust to life on the planet Thel, which may or may not be an alternate version of Earth.
4. Out Of This World (1987-1991)-
Out Of This World is the tale of typical teenager Evie, a half alien girl who possesses strange powers and communicates with her extraterrestrial father via glowing crystal communicator.
It's mostly teen oriented sitcom fluff, but Evie's powers make for some interesting plot twists.
5. Alien Nation (1989-1990)-
Aliens have come to Earth in search of a planet to cohabit, and these Newcomers have to learn to coexist with humans who don't necessarily want them here and adjust to more Earthly ways.
Alien Nation is a TV adaptation of the movie with the same name, a buddy cop show at its core, but Alien Nation also has lots to say about bigotry, xenophobia and male pregnancy.
6. ALF (1986-1990)-
Everybody knows and loves the old ALFster, he's that wisecracking alien from Melmac who crash lands on the Tanner's garage and changes their boring middle class lives forever.
ALF teaches the Tanners how to love an alien who causes them nothing but trouble, and he learns that he's got it better here on Earth than he ever did on Melmac.
7. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)-
The original Star Trek series was extremely short lived, so it's safe to say that the Star Trek empire wouldn't be what it is today without the addition of The Next Generation.
TNG quickly became a fan favorite thanks to the incredible acting, amazing alien races such as the Borg and the fantasy fun Holodeck episodes that brought pop culture to the new and improved USS Enterprise.
8. Mork & Mindy (1978-1982)-
With a cry of "Na-Nu Na-Nu!" and a wacky face wiggle that only Robin Williams could deliver, Mork & Mindy quickly became a big hit with both sitcom and sci-fi fans.
Mork first came to Earth on the show Happy Days, where he encountered the most powerful being on Earth known simply as The Fonz, and Garry Marshall liked Robin's performance so much he gave him his own show.
9. V (1983)-
V was a simply named two part miniseries that took the television airwaves by storm when it premiered in 1983.
It's the story of alien invaders known as "The Visitors" who pretend to come in peace but actually want to control the Earth. Now where have I heard that plotline before?
10. Hard Time On Planet Earth (1989)-
When an alien named Jessie is banished to Earth for rebelling against his planet's ruling council, he's in for one hell of a ride!
Seeing our world through an alien's eyes, and watching him help people out like some sort of wandering Hulk, made the show equal parts campy and endearing.
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