Every decade of television offers countless shows that will appeal to every sign of the zodiac. This article selects a series that exemplifies the kinds of stories, characters, and images that will most entertain from the 1980s.
Eighties television and the rise of cable
According to the California Cable & Telecommunications Association, 1984 was the year the cable “got loose.” The passage of “the Cable Act of 1984 created a more favorable regulatory framework for the industry, spurring investment in cable factories and programming at unprecedented levels.” Between 1984 and 1992, the cable industry spent more than $15 billion wiring homes in America.
The industry has spent many more billions on program development, expanding the channels available to most Americans from essentially four (ABC, NBC, CBS and PBS) to more than 70. From 1980 to 1989, the number of cable networks increased from 28 to 79, and the number of subscribers reached over 50 million.
Many of the shows that emerged from this era continued into the 1990s. The Simpsons, which is still on the air with new episodes, arrived in 1989. Below are suggested shows for your sun sign.
Aries – Knight Rider (1982-1986)
Aries likes shows with a strong, individualistic hero or heroine. Numerous shows from that era fit this picture, but Knight Rider is the highest in popularity at the time.
IMDB summary:
A lone crime fighter battles the forces of evil using a virtually indestructible and artificially intelligent supercar.
Taurus – TJ Hooker (1982-1986)
Stier appreciates shows with a family atmosphere, which uphold traditions, even when challenged by young, ‘newfangled’ ideas. TJ Hooker is a cop show with heart, humor and positive values about law enforcement.
IMDB summary:
The weekly adventures of tough veteran police officer Sgt. TJ Hooker, riding the beat with his rookie partner Vince Romano.
Gemini – MacGyver (1985-1992)
Gemini will love a story where the main character is super intelligent and a master problem solver. In the 80s, MacGyver was the best in the business.
IMDB summary:
The adventures of a secret agent armed with near-infinite scientific ingenuity.
Cancer – Growing Pains (1985-1992)
There’s nothing a Cancer will love more than a family drama or comedy. Growing Pains was one of the best family comedies of that period. And one of the first shows to feature two working parents as the main part of the show.
IMDB summary:
The misfortunes of a family with a father who works from home and a mother who is a journalist.
Leo – Dynasty (1981-1989)
Power, intrigue, beautiful people living dramatic lives, what more could a Leo ask for in his or her entertainment. The title of the show says it all: Dynasty!
IMDB summary:
The trials and tribulations of two feuding families, the Carringtons and the Colbys, both oil-rich families in Denver, Colorado.
Virgo – Remington Steele (1982-1987)
Virgo will appreciate a show where the real work is done by the smarter, more capable character, while the flashy character needs all the help they can get. He can solve problems while playing the charismatic face of the Remington Steele detective agency.
IMDB summary:
The cases of a female private investigator who teams up with a former thief who takes on the role of fictional detective in the company.
Libra – Nachthof (1984-1992)
Libra appreciates legal matters and a good laugh, which Night Court will deliver. The range of characters and compassion of the judge, played by Harry Anderson, will be spot on!
IMDB summary:
An eccentric, cheerful judge is in charge of an urban night court and all the silliness that takes place there.
Scorpio – Miami Vice (1984-1989)
Scorpio loves moody dramas with sex, drugs, and morally compromised characters. The seedier the feel of the show, the more they will enjoy it. Miami Vice set a whole new tone for police procedurals where it’s hard to tell the good guys from the bad guys.
IMDB summary:
Brilliant with authentic ’80s music, fashion and atmosphere, ‘Miami Vice’ follows two undercover detectives and their extended team through the mean streets of Miami, Florida.
Sagittarius – Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
Sagittarius wants to explore the world, so it’s even better if they can explore space. Star Trek is making a comeback with its first syndicated show since the 1960s original. The Next Generation is every Sagittarius’ dream show.
IMDB summary:
Nearly 100 years after Captain Kirk’s five-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers embark on their own mission in the USS Enterprise-D to go where no man has gone before.
Capricorn – Doogie Howser, MD (1989-1993)
Growing up before their peers; that’s a very strong Capricorn story. There’s no better show to explore Capricorn’s progressive achievements and humor than Doogie Howser, MD. A teenage prodigy becomes a medical professional, played brilliantly by the young Neil Patrick Harris.
IMDB summary:
A teenage genius deals with the usual problems of growing up, in addition to being a licensed doctor in a difficult residency program.
Waterman – Mystery Science Theater 3000 (1988-1999)
Aquarians love the eccentric show, something that makes you feel like you’re watching the circus when it’s in town. What better way to get an Aquarius’ attention than a sci-fi show about being forced to watch and review B-rated movies.
IMDB summary:
In the not too distant future Joel Robinson is held captive by Dr. Forrester and TV’s Frank, forced to watch B-Class movies on the Satellite of Love with the help of his robot friends: Cambot, Gypsy, Tom Servo, and Crow T. Robot.
Pisces – Beauty and the Beast (1987-1990)
Pisces love something with a spiritual or mystical twist, add some fear and tragedy, and you have a series that will keep them glued to their seats. If you want to see a very young Linda Hamilton (of Terminator fame) and hear Ron Perelman’s beautiful voice, then you want to watch Beauty and the Beast
IMDB summary:
The adventures and romance of a sensitive and cultured Lion Man and a Crusader Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan, New York City.
