Stranger Things (2016) is easily one of Netflix’s most popular and successful original series, and a lot of its popularity stems from its ‘80s nostalgia. Many viewers are yearning for the ‘80s, when the clothes, hair, music, and movies were so great. Stranger Things capitalizes on that yearning, channeling the influence of ‘80s horror and sci-fi while transporting viewers to the small-town ‘80s through Hawkins, Indiana, and its inhabitants.
However, Stranger Things is far from the only modern show capitalizing on the ‘80s. Multiple shows before and after it have tapped into the decade’s appeal, and some have even captured the spirit of the time better. Viewers can use our guide to find the best ‘80s nostalgia TV shows on platforms like Prime Video, Tubi, and more.
The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)
The Carrie Diaries is a teen comedy that follows Carrie Bradshaw (AnnaSophia Robb), who leaves Connecticut for a law internship in New York City and a journey of self-discovery. The series is set in 1984 and serves as a prequel to the rom-com series, Sex and the City (1998). In 2013, it was one of the first series to help reignite the ‘80s nostalgia era, indulging heavily in ‘80s fashion and recreating the vibrant, charming ‘80s New York.
The Carrie Diaries has the outfits and hair, but also subtler nods to the ‘80s, like references to the city’s old area codes or casual appearances of rotary phones. It really permeates the decade’s vibe and centers its characters’ ‘80s experiences a little more than Stranger Things does. On top of that, it’s a must-see for Sex and the City fans, offering a delightful prequel with charming characters and irresistible sweetness.
The Americans (2013-2018)
Set in ‘80s suburban Washington, D.C., The Americans centers on KGB spies Philip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Keri Russell), whose guise as Americans becomes increasingly complicated alongside rising Cold War tensions and feelings for one another. It’s one of the absolute best shows in recreating the ‘80s, nailing everything from the clothes to the decorations to historical events. The show truly transports you into the ‘80s, feeling like an authentic ‘80s show rather than a nostalgic interpretation, as in Stranger Things.
The Americans is an excellent drama that blends history and spy thrills into a thought-provoking tale of family, marriage, and identity. It’s a family drama reminiscent of The Sopranos (1999) in scale, conflict, and high stakes. Between the complex storytelling, tension, and authenticity, The Americans does ‘80s nostalgia like no other.
The Goldbergs (2013-2021)
The Goldbergs tells the story of the dysfunctional Goldberg family through the perspective of awkward, shy 11-year-old Adam Goldberg (Sean Giambrone), who records his family’s daily life throughout the ‘80s. Like The Americans, The Goldbergs thrives from an authentic ‘80s depiction, perfectly capturing the music, clothes, and products of the time. Since it’s loosely based on Adam F. Goldberg’s childhood, it even authentically captures the ‘80s childhood experiences and the trials and triumphs of the average kid growing up during that time.
The Goldbergs is also an excellent, comforting family sitcom. It’s reminiscent of Fresh Off the Boat (2015) and Everybody Hates Chris (2005) in its poignant coming-of-age tale and its relatable yet lovable depiction of family.
Red Oaks (2014-2017)
Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York and New Jersey, Red Oaks follows college student David Myers (Craig Roberts) as he navigates school, family, and his job at the Jewish country club Red Oaks. It’s a funny, nostalgic comedy that boasts witty dialogue, sharply drawn characters, and relatable themes of adolescence and coming-of-age. Red Oaks does ‘80s nostalgia exceptionally well, to the point that it feels almost exactly like the comedies of the period, giving off Caddyshack (1980) and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986) vibes.
In addition to feeling like it was made in the ‘80s, Red Oaks is laugh-out-loud funny, blending family drama, work relationships, and college life into one comforting, heartfelt comedy. Like The Goldbergs, it authentically captures the coming-of-age experience, but it also has a touch of screwball comedy reminiscent of Kim’s Convenience (2016).
Deutschland 83 (2015)
Deutschland 83 is a spy thriller that tells the story of undercover spy Martin Rauch (Jonas Nay), who tries to acquire NATO secrets against the backdrop of a divided 1980s Germany. The show is unique in that it finds a nice balance between realism and ‘80s nostalgia. It evokes nostalgia through the music choices and depiction of rebellious teens listening to Neue Deutsche Welle.
However, Deutschland 83 also accurately depicts the turbulent politics, paranoia, and ideological conflicts of the time. The series balances the good and bad to authentically recreate life in the ‘80s, never getting too cynical nor too idealistic. Its authenticity, alongside its thrilling spy premise and breakneck pace, set it on par with The Americans in depth, quality, and ‘80s nostalgia.
Pose (2018-2021)
Set in the late 1980s, Pose tackles the ballroom scene, centering on Blanca (Michaela Jaé Rodriguez), who forms House of Evangelista to build her own found family of fellow dancers. The show is unique for bringing ball culture to the forefront, delving into an LGBTQ+ subculture that has rarely appeared on the small screen. Creator Ryan Murphy imbues the story with soapy drama and emphasizes both the glamour and trials of the subculture, creating a riveting, exhilarating tale.
Pose also employs exquisite detail in its recreation of the 1980s. Everything, from the cars and the outfits to the hairstyles and the attitudes of the time, down to the brightness of the streetlights, is carefully crafted to evoke the ‘80s aesthetic. Stranger Things and many of the shows on this list capture the general ‘80s experience, but few tackle the ‘80s specifically from the LGBTQ+ perspective, making Pose stand out.
