5 Shows That Do '80s Nostalgia Better Than Stranger Things
Thanks to hits like Stranger Things, the 1980s have become a fertile, neon-lit playground for TV shows to stretch our imaginations, bringing us jaded modern viewers back to a seemingly simpler time before smartphones stole our attention and spontaneity. Some of the best modern series set in the ‘80s bring out the decade’s sparky spirit in fresh, emotional, and downright addictive ways—injecting some much-needed hope from the past into these dark modern times.
If you think Stranger Things owns the ‘80s revival crown, though, think again. These five series, which are ranked below in ascending order, deliver nostalgic vibes with more heart, pizzazz, and banging soundtracks, which make them must-watch escapes through the decade’s music, culture, and analogue life.
Set in Sheffield in 1989, Mix Tape is a tender coming-of-age romance that follows teenagers Alison and Daniel’s first love, their messy fallout, and their eventual reconnection decades later, sparked by a shared soundtrack of pop anthems.
Adapted from Jane Sanderson’s novel of the same name, Mix Tape delicately weaves the power of music with raw emotional truths about love lost and found. The seamless shifts between ‘80s flashbacks and the present day make this a beautifully nostalgic yet deeply modern story, enhanced by needle drops that hit all the right notes.
Glamming up the golden era of women’s wrestling, GLOW is a vibrant, witty, and heartfelt look at the women behind the neon-lit ring in 1980s Los Angeles. Actress Ruth Wilder and a host of other women who don’t fit the typical Hollywood mould show up to audition for a mysterious pilot: The Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). The women of all shapes and sizes find expression, competition, and camaraderie as they (literally) fight to keep the series alive.
Unfortunately, GLOW was cancelled after its third season due to COVID-19-related budget cuts, but don’t let that stop you! The series balances camp performances with genuine struggles over identity, ambition, and friendship. Through electric fashion, iconic music, and empowering storytelling, GLOW brings to life a forgotten slice of ‘80s culture with charm and grit that beats mere nostalgia.
Set against the backdrop of the ‘Satanic Panic’, Hysteria! follows the story of a rowdy group of punk teens who pretend to be satanists to gain clout for their new heavy metal band. But things start to spiral out of control when dark, supernatural happenings begin to plague their small town—and the band are the prime suspects.
The show skillfully blends dark humour, horror, and ‘80s nostalgia with an authentic rock-and-roll soundtrack. It captures the chaotic energy of a town caught between fear and fascination, making it a wild ride full of twists that goes beyond your typical throwback entertainment to explore how mass panic and identity collide in unforgettable ways.
Ryan Murphy’s Pose follows the complex, vibrant, and deeply emotional stories of the dancers, models, and socialites at the centre of the ballroom dance scene in late ‘80s to late ‘90s New York. It’s a celebration of resilience, love, and expression during a time when AIDS was devastating lives, but hope shone brightest in the fiercest performances.
Over three seasons, Pose offers incredible insight into the ballroom culture of the city’s LGBTQ+ community with dazzling costumes, fierce dance battles, and heart-stopping drama. Pose rewrites the typical ‘80s narrative to include voices and struggles often ignored, making it essential viewing for anyone craving a fuller picture of that unique time.
A sharp coming-of-age comedy, Red Oaks follows the story of David Meyers, a newly accepted college student who lands a summer job at the Red Oaks Country Club in New Jersey, 1985. There, he rubs shoulders with its elite members and even falls in love with the owner’s daughter, Skye. Meanwhile, his own parents find their relationship drifting apart as they explore new territory in middle age.
Red Oaks effortlessly blends teenage hormones, class tensions, and awkward romances with colourful flashbacks and classic ‘80s rock tunes. But under the laughs and nostalgia are deeper themes of socioeconomic mobility, family pressures, and the uncertainties of early adulthood. David’s summer is full of memorable moments—from filming an awkward adult party to navigating his relationship with Skye and career dilemmas—all while trying to find his path in a rapidly changing world.
It’s the perfect blend of humour, heart, and sharp ‘80s style that captures the spirit of the decade in a way that’s fresh, funny, and surprisingly emotional.
