Forgotten ’80s Kids Shows You Need to Watch Now!

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As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’d say the 1980s were like a treasure trove for me as a kid. Every Saturday morning was an enchanting ritual, filled with a kaleidoscope of animated escapades that graced our television screens. From the mystical realms of Dungeons & Dragons to the cosmic battles of Thundercats, the decade was brimming with imaginative and fantastical shows. The animation back then was a testament to passion and dedication, as each frame was painstakingly crafted to create a visually stunning world that would instantly captivate me. The tales spun within these cartoon realms were no less captivating and deeply relatable.

Over time, numerous treasured programs from the ’80s have slipped into the recesses of our memories, reduced to mere fragments of nostalgia. A fortunate few have retained their iconic status, but a large number of ’80s children’s shows have been swallowed by the sands of time. With a wistful heart and immense respect, we proudly share with you 10 ’80s kids shows that, while perhaps obscure today, were nothing short of enchanting in their heyday.

10
‘Bananaman’ (1983 – 1986)

Bananaman” is a British animated series that tells the story of Eric, a typical schoolboy living at 29 Acacia Road, who turns into an extremely powerful superhero when he consumes a banana. This transformation leads to humorous antics and battles against wicked villains like Dr. Gloom and General Blight, while managing both his ordinary life and his extraordinary persona.

Bananas and Superpowers

The series was filled with amusing antics and banana-themed jokes that kept viewers chuckling on Saturday mornings. Its clever humor, witty puns, and outlandish scenarios, infused with a hint of British charm, earned it a devoted following. Tim Brooke-Taylor and Bill Oddie’s excellent voice acting added to the show’s enjoyable absurdity when it was first broadcasted.

9
‘Snorks’ (1984 – 1989)

The animated series takes place in the vibrant underwater city of Snorkland, populated by the Snorks – small, colorful sea creatures with snorkels on their heads. This show follows their exciting escapades beneath the waves. Each episode presents a new adventure, whether it’s settling local disputes or facing off against menacing sea villains.

A Forgotten Underwater Gem

Fundamentally, Snorks represented an exultation of human creativity’s boundless potential. While it shared a superficial resemblance with The Smurfs, which added to its charm, it also distinguished itself by showcasing its own distinctive flair on screen. The Snorks boasted innovative underwater devices and a society rich in minute details, making it fresh and entertaining, particularly for the mid-’80s. However, the cherished Hanna-Barbera series has since slipped into forgetfulness.

8
‘God Mars’ (1981 – 1983)

In a captivating tale that seamlessly blends futuristic elements with deep emotional resonance, God Mars chronicles the journey of Takeru, an adolescent brought up on Earth. Upon reaching maturity, he discovers his destiny: to pilot the colossal God Mars robot and annihilate the planet. However, Takeru harbors a profound affection for Earth, and this loyalty wavers, pushing him to confront his own kind and defend humanity from the brink of extinction.

A Mecha Masterpiece

In contrast to many mecha shows from that period, “God Mars” stood out by focusing on more than just intense battles and spectacular fights. Instead, it concentrated on Takeru’s personal struggle, a battle within himself as he grapples with his alien origins versus his human upbringing. This shift in focus made the series less about fighting adversaries and more about character growth. It also delved into profound themes such as destiny, free will, and identity, expanding the limits of storytelling for children’s entertainment during that time.

7
‘M.A.S.K.’ (1985 – 1986)

In the creation of Terrence McDonnell, M.A.S.K. presents a fictional universe where vehicles undergo transformations into advanced battle machines. A team of heroic individuals, each equipped with distinctive masks imbued with special abilities, form the M.A.S.K. (an acronym for Mobile Armored Strike Kommand). They engage in combat against the malevolent V.E.N.O.M. (Vicious Evil Network of Mayhem), employing their cunning and agility to outsmart and outmaneuver their adversaries.

A Toy-Driven Cartoon From the ‘80s

The 80’s animated series transcended geographical borders by immersing children in a dynamic world filled with espionage, conflicts, and cutting-edge technology. Under the command of Matt Trakker, the transformable vehicles like cars, motorcycles, and helicopters were hard to resist due to their cool factor, while the episodes, brimming with creativity and excitement, presented a clear good-versus-evil narrative where right ultimately prevailed. Although it didn’t reach the fame of shows like Transformers or G.I. Joe, this series has since slipped into relative obscurity.

6
‘Centurions’ (1986 – 1987)

In this thrilling journey, we delve into another extraordinary tale titled “Centurions”. This story revolves around three exceptional characters – Ace McCloud, Max Ray, and Jake Rockwell. They possess the ability to transform into the main characters due to their mastery of advanced technology. The narrative unfolds as they confront a formidable adversary named Doc Terror. In critical moments, by uttering “Power Xtreme!”, each hero taps into power from various elements like air, water, and more. They then convert this energy into weapons to overcome the challenges ahead.

Ultimate Fusion of Man and Machine

In this children’s action cartoon, the implications were always beyond just the world. Besides its innovative concept, “Centurions” captivated audiences with its stunning visuals. The imaginative designs and ideas behind the show were the genius work of comic book creators Jack Kirby and Gil Kane. With powerful voice acting by Pat Fraley and Neil Ross, and epic battles to match, it was one of the most daring animated productions from that era.

5
‘Ulysses 31’ (1981 – 1982)

31st-century space odyssey named Ulysses 31 places the ancient Greek hero Odysseus in the cosmos. This French-Japanese collaboration was broadcasted between 1981 and 1982, with the storyline focusing on Odysseus and his team’s journey aboard a spaceship to return home. Throughout their adventure, they encounter peculiar extraterrestrial beings, revered ancient gods, and grapple with the challenge of preserving hope amidst isolation from reality.

Reinventing a Classic Using Science Fiction

Each episode of the animated series, Ulysses 31, is a voyage through imaginative realms. It stands out for its bold visual style and pioneering blend of modern science fiction and ancient mythology. The distinctive animation, a joint effort between TMS Entertainment and DIC Audiovisuel, imbued the screen with an otherworldly, dream-like atmosphere that enriched the characters’ journeys even further. The 1980s demonstrated a rich well of creativity and narrative prowess.

4
‘Mysterious Cities of Gold’ (1982 – 1983)

In terms of animation and narrative style, “Mysterious Cities of Gold” is a series that unfolds in the 16th century, a time when adventures spanned vast oceans and continents. The protagonist, Esteban – a young Spanish boy – embarks on a quest to discover the legendary Golden Cities. Along his American journey, he encounters Zia, an Incan girl, and Tao. United, they seek out mythical riches, all while evading their pursuing adversaries.

Journey of Myth and Mystery

The series shares a similar feel to both “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Indiana Jones,” yet it distinguishes itself by not just focusing on the excitement of treasure hunting, but rather exploring historical aspects extensively and imparting educational facts in every episode. This innovative blend of atmosphere, education, and drama sparked discussions, but unfortunately, this unique approach may have contributed to the series, “Mysterious Cities of Gold,” being undervalued.

3
‘Jem’ (1985 – 1988)

Remarkably captivating in every aspect, the character named Jem, occasionally recognized as Jem and The Holograms, provides an insightful look into the realm of music and celebrity through Jerrica Benton’s perspective. As the proprietor and overseer of Starlight Music, she leads a dual existence; during the day as Jerrica, and in the evening as Jem, the lead vocalist for the band “Jem and the Holograms.” With Synergy, a sophisticated holographic computer, Jerrica assumes her alternate persona, and their band competes against “The Misfits” in a fierce rivalry.

A “Gem” Lost to the Ages

Jem’s charm and ingenuity stemmed from its fearless celebration of all things daring and stunning. The melodramatic plotlines intertwined with catchy, feminine musical sequences made the series captivating, offering a depth not typically found in children’s shows. This program was the top-rated syndicated cartoon series according to Nielsen due to its extravagant visuals and prescient storylines. Despite dwindling popularity in later periods, Jem remains a cherished emblem of nostalgia for those who came of age in the ’80s.

2
‘Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future’ (1987 – 1988)

In contrast to other children’s TV shows during that time, Captain Power and the Soldiers of the Future depicted a dystopian future unlike any other. The story unfolded in the 22nd century after the Metal Wars, a catastrophic conflict where humans were betrayed by their own machines turning against them. The series centered around Jonathan Powers, a valiant soldier equipped with an advanced suit, who joined forces with an elite squad to battle Lord Dread and his robot-dominated empire.

Bold Visuals and Engaging Plot

The program blended real-life scenes and computer-generated imagery to immerse audiences in a grim, thrilling future filled with fighting, where the only thing fighters held onto was the dream of surviving the technological turmoil they themselves created. The combination of conflicts and ethical quandaries kept children captivated, week after week, and encouraged them to interact with the story through Mattel toys that synchronized with the broadcast – a groundbreaking idea for its era.

1
‘Turbo Teen’ (1984 – 1985)

Initially just a typical high school student, Brett Matthews experienced an extraordinary twist of fate that led him to collide with a lab in his car. This unintended incident granted him the unique ability to morph into a swift, crimson high-performance sports car under intense heat conditions. Alongside his companions Patty, Alex, and faithful dog Rusty, Brett employs this power to pursue nefarious characters and untangle complex enigmas.

Hot Wheels Spin on Superpowers

The idea behind Turbo Teen – a teenager transforming into a car – is undeniably one of the most eccentric and entertaining concepts to come from ’80s animated television. With its quick-moving action sequences and peculiar humor, Turbo Teen presents a cheerful spin on the superhero genre. Although it was unusual, this show was admired for the enjoyment it brought to children. However, due to its brief duration and mixed reviews, Turbo Teen did not manage to achieve enduring popularity.

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2025-04-10 05:03