Discover the Top 10 Unforgettable TV Shows of All Time!

In the midst of the vast array of TV shows available today, it can be challenging for individuals to keep track of and watch every series, particularly those from past decades. This includes the following 10 shows that have been largely forgotten. In the past, viewers only had a limited number of network TV and cable shows to keep up with. However, with the introduction of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV Plus, Max, Amazon Prime, and Peacock, virtually every television comedy and drama in history has become easily accessible to anyone with a smart TV or device.

While many shows have gained critical acclaim and achieved enormous popularity during their original airing, earning various accolades and awards for being the best programs on TV, some have faded into obscurity. These beloved series once captivated audiences nationwide with their intriguing and complex characters, unexpected plot twists, hilarious moments, and unforgettable catchphrases. Some of these shows still resonate with viewers today, particularly younger audiences who are discovering these hidden gems for the first time. However, there are 10 shows that, despite their previous popularity, are now rarely remembered.

10 Moonlighting

Moonlighting, which aired on ABC from 1985 to 1989, marked a turning point in the careers of both Cybil Shepherd and Bruce Willis. The show centered around the Blue Moon Detective Agency and its two investigators, Madolyn "Maddie" Hayes and David Addison Jr., who frequently dealt with eccentric criminal cases.

Despite its popularity, Moonlighting is currently not available on streaming platforms. However, the series creator recently announced that it will soon be accessible for streaming. Viewers were captivated by the chemistry between the stylish and intelligent Maddie and the quick-witted David, as well as the unpredictable adventures they encountered while working on cases. Additionally, the show's unique breaking of the fourth wall added to its appeal. Notably, the second season of Moonlighting received 16 Emmy Award nominations.

9 Designing Women

The sitcom Designing Women was a ratings success for CBS, running for seven seasons from 1986 to 1993. Set in Atlanta, Georgia, the show followed the lives of four women working at an interior design firm. It gained popularity for its talented ensemble cast, witty dialogue, and entertaining storylines that conveyed important lessons about relationships and treating others with respect. One standout character, Julia Sugarbaker, portrayed by Dixie Carter, was admired for her grace, sophistication, and fearless advocacy against injustices. Additionally, the series served as a launching pad for the careers of Jean Smart and Annie Potts, who continue to captivate audiences in their current roles in Hacks and Young Sheldon.

8 Northern Exposure

Northern Exposure was a popular and unique series that aired on CBS from 1990-1995. It followed the story of Joel Fleischman, a neurotic Jewish doctor from New York who was assigned to be the primary care physician in the small town of Cicely, Alaska. The show garnered high ratings and received numerous awards, including seven Emmy Awards, two Golden Globes, and two Peabody Awards. During its run, Northern Exposure generated a wide range of merchandise, including clothing, posters, coffee mugs, cookbooks, and a successful soundtrack. Viewers were captivated by the fascinating and eccentric characters of Cicely, as well as the captivating storylines that delved into Native American and Alaskan culture, the charm of small-town living, and the complexities of community dynamics.

7 Caroline In The City

Fresh from her triumph in the highly acclaimed Back to the Future film trilogy, Lea Thompson secured the lead role in the NBC sitcom Caroline in the City. Spanning four seasons and occupying NBC's coveted "Must See TV" slot between Seinfeld and ER, the series followed the life of Manhattan-based cartoonist Caroline Duffy. Throughout the episodes, viewers were immersed in Caroline's relentless pursuit of success as a cartoonist, her romantic escapades, and her propensity for meddling in the lives of both friends and strangers. One of the key factors contributing to the show's achievement was the complex love triangle involving Caroline, her on-again, off-again boyfriend Del, and Richard, the colorist who harbored deep feelings for her.

6 Thirtysomething

Thirtysomething was a popular TV show in the late 80s and early 90s that revolved around a group of friends in their 30s. It explored the challenges they faced in their family and professional lives, reflecting the experiences of the baby boomer generation. The series propelled the careers of Timothy Busfield and Patricia Wettig, who went on to deliver memorable performances in other TV shows and movies. With its authentic portrayal of family dynamics during that time, Thirtysomething garnered a dedicated following and received 13 Emmy Awards. However, one of the most shocking moments in television history occurred when the creators decided to kill off the beloved character Gary. He tragically died in a car accident while en route to visit Nancy at the hospital.

5 China Beach

The critically acclaimed series China Beach, airing on ABC from 1988 to 1991, depicted the Vietnam War through the eyes of women, military personnel, and civilians stationed at the 510th Evacuation Hospital and R&R facility (known as the "Five-and-Dime") on My Khe Beach in Da Nang. First Lt. Colleen McMurphy, portrayed by actress Dany Delay, emerged as the central character and gained widespread recognition, earning her an Emmy award. The show fearlessly portrayed the harsh realities of war and its lasting effects, propelling many cast members to successful careers in popular television series such as Desperate Housewives, The Wonder Years, ER, CSI, and Spin City.

4 L.A. Law

L.A. Law, the award-winning and groundbreaking courtroom drama, captivated viewers from 1986 to 1994. The show's talented cast fearlessly tackled a wide range of important and controversial issues, including capital punishment, abortion, racism, homophobia, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and the HIV/AIDS crises. Notably, L.A. Law made television history by featuring the first lesbian kiss and highlighting interracial relationships, which was quite rare at that time. The unpredictable and gripping storyline of the show constantly kept audiences on the edge of their seats, leading to lively discussions around the water cooler the next day. One particularly shocking twist involved the revelation that senior law partner Leland McKenzie was engaged in a romantic relationship with his adversary, lawyer Rosalind Shays.

3 Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman

Jane Seymour's beloved television series, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, captivated audiences for six seasons on CBS and even inspired two TV movies. Set in the late 1860s, the show revolved around the life of Quinn, also known as "Dr. Mike," a respected and affluent female physician hailing from Boston. After her father's passing, Quinn relocated to Colorado Springs, a small western town, to establish her medical practice. With the help of mountain man Byron Sully and birthing specialist Charlotte Cooper, she seamlessly adjusted to her new life. In a heartwarming turn of events, Quinn eventually became the adoptive mother of Charlotte's three children, gracefully juggling her roles as a doctor and a devoted parent while constantly proving to the skeptical townsfolk that gender does not determine one's ability to excel in medicine.

2 Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under, HBO's inaugural television success, garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of grief and dysfunctional family dynamics. Despite its conclusion almost two decades ago, Six Feet Under remains widely regarded as one of the greatest series of all time, thanks to its darkly humorous moments and poignant examinations of relationships, infidelity, mortality, and religion within the fictional Fisher and Sons Funeral Home in Los Angeles. The show shocked audiences from its very first episode by killing off the family's patriarch and funeral home director, Nathaniel Fisher Sr., setting the tone for each subsequent plot by beginning with the death of an individual who would ultimately find themselves at the funeral home.

1 Hill Street Blues

Hill Street Blues, praised by critics as the pioneer of contemporary police dramas, captivated viewers for seven seasons on NBC from 1981 to 1987. With an impressive collection of 26 Emmy Awards, the show depicted the inner workings of a police station situated on Hill Street in an unnamed city. Audiences and critics alike were drawn to its compelling portrayal of the daily challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers in a world plagued by crime and suffering. Notably, Hill Street Blues broke new ground by featuring Black actors in prominent roles, showcasing interracial and interethnic police partnerships, and fearlessly addressing moral issues such as police corruption and racism on the small screen.