Step back in time to the radical ’80s and immerse yourself in the awesomeness of Nickelodeon’s greatest shows from that era. Prepare to be transported to a world of animated adventures, hilarious game shows, and side-splitting live action comedies.
Leading the pack is the iconic Hey Dude, showcasing a talented cast of child actors, including the wonderful Christine Taylor, who later rocked the big screen in movies like The Brady Bunch Movie and The Wedding Singer. Brace yourself for another gem from that era – Count Duckula, a show that will quack you up!
But hold on tight, because You Can’t Do That on Television takes the cake for its one-of-a-kind concept. If guests uttered certain words, they were drenched in green slime! Talk about a messy situation! This list is packed with other notable shows that will tickle your funny bone, including Double Dare, The Tomorrow People, and the hilariously unpredictable Out of Control.
Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting. We want to know your thoughts on the best Nickelodeon ’80s shows. Did your favorites make the cut? Take a trip down memory lane and share your top picks. Let’s see where they land among the cherished Nick shows of the ’80s.
(Psst… Keep an eye out for Finders Keepers – it’s the talk of the town and the most buzz-worthy show on this list!)
1. You Can’t Do That on Television
Get ready, folks, because this sketch comedy series was a wild ride of hilarious skits and non-stop laughter. It’s no surprise that phrases like “I don’t know” – which led to the famous green slime – have become ingrained in our memories as everyday sayings. Coming all the way from Canada, this show brought together a group of talented young performers, launching the careers of stars like Alanis Morissette, and pushing the limits of ’80s television in the most delightful way.
Premiered: 1979
Actor: Les Lye
2. Inspector Gadget
Get ready to be amazed by this animated series if you’re into wacky inventions and evil villains. It’s a perfect blend of hilarious comedy and clever detective work that had viewers hooked. Our clumsy cyborg hero always found himself in crazy situations as he battled the elusive Dr. Claw. And let’s not forget about the unbeatable team that often came to the rescue – Gadget’s niece Penny and her loyal dog Brain. You can’t help but cheer on Gadget with his famous catchphrase, “Go, Gadget, go!”
Premiered: 1983
Actor: Don Adams
3. Double Dare
Considered the granddaddy of kids’ game shows, this show really took audacity to a whole new level. I mean, it left audiences literally gasping for breath! Marc Summers, the host, guided teams through a series of challenging trivia and delightfully messy physical tasks. But here’s the real kicker – the grand finale featuring the wild obstacle course. And trust me, it was epic! There was the infamous human hamster wheel and the sundae slide. Can you even imagine the excitement this concoction created? It was a recipe for pure exhilaration.
Premiered: 1986
Actors: Lou Ferrigno, Jennifer Malone, ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic
4. Hey Dude
Yeehaw! Come on over to the Bar None Dude Ranch and hang out with the fun bunch of characters that made this live-action show such a blast. The storylines are relatable and the youthful vibe adds an extra spark, so it’s no wonder that audiences got hooked on the everyday adventures of this lovable gang.
Premiered: 1989
David Brisbin, Debrah Kalman, Christine Taylor
5. Eureeka’s Castle
Welcome to a delightful world filled with puppets that will spark the imagination of young minds. This enchanting show is like stepping into a fantastical storybook that comes alive before your eyes. Meet a lovable cast of whimsical characters, such as the main character Eureeka, the friendly dragon Magellan, and the mischievous Batly. And if that’s not enough, there are toe-tapping tunes that add an extra touch of magic to the experience.
Premiered: 1989
Actors: Pam Arciero, Cheryl Blaylock, Johnny Grasso
6. DangerMouse
This British animated sensation, straight from across the pond, brings us the globe-trotting adventures of a resourceful rodent secret agent and his timid hamster sidekick, Penfold. With their wit and daring, they successfully thwarted countless dastardly plans, keeping us on the edge of our seats and leaving us wanting more.
Premiered: 1981
David Jason, Terry Scott, Edward Kelsey
7. Today’s Special
This enchanting Canadian production was an absolute delight! They combined live-action, puppetry, and animation to create something truly magical. Imagine a department store transformed into a wonderland as soon as the lights went out. It was a feast for the eyes!
The story revolved around a sweet-natured mannequin named Jeff, who, along with his friends, embarked on a journey through life’s ups and downs. It was heartwarming to see them navigate various situations and learn valuable lessons along the way. This production had us grinning from ear to ear throughout!
The combination of different techniques, from live-action to puppetry and animation, was simply brilliant. It added an extra layer of charm and brought the story to life in a unique way. The creators truly knew how to captivate their audience and keep us engaged from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a feel-good experience that will leave you with a warm and fuzzy feeling, this Canadian production is a must-watch. It’s a perfect blend of creativity, entertainment, and life lessons that will surely touch your heart.
Premiered: 1981
Actors: Nikki Tilroe, Bob Stutt, Jeff Hyslop
8. Count Duckula
Draped in the trappings of Gothic horror, this clever take on the classic vampire story had people laughing out loud. Our main character, a vegetarian duck, was joined by his faithful butler Igor and nanny-housekeeper as they embarked on exciting adventures around the world. Along the way, they encountered comical mishaps that had everyone in stitches.
Premiered: 1988
David Jason, Ruby Wax, Jimmy Hibbert
9. Pinwheel
This beloved series holds the honor of being Nickelodeon’s first-ever flagship program. It was a total blast for the younger crowd, basically a variety show with a mix of live-action skits, animation, and a bunch of awesome puppets. The main goal was to both teach and entertain, and it totally rocked at sparking the imagination of so many young viewers.
Premiered: 1977
Actors: Franci Anderson, C.C. Loveheart, Lindanell Rivera
10. Out of Control
Whirlwinds and daredevils, listen up! Get ready for a comedy/infotainment program that will blow your mind. This show will completely change the way you see TV. With their clever parodies of television broadcasting and crazy segments, they will redefine entertainment. And let’s not forget about Dave Coulier, the enthusiastic host who will keep you hooked from start to finish. Plus, the lovable cast of characters will make you fall in love with the show even more. Brace yourself for an unpredictable and thrilling experience that will leave you wanting more.
Premiered: 1984
David Alan Coulier, David Stenstrom
11. Picture Pages
Educational programming received a significant boost from this iconic series, led by none other than Bill Cosby. With captivating visuals and memorable tunes, our desire for knowledge was both sparked and satisfied. And now, we eagerly wonder, “Picture, Picture on the Wall” – what else do you have in store for us?
Premiered: 1974
Actor: Bill Cosby
