As a proud member of Generation X, my fondness for popular series like Love Boat and Family Ties is undeniable. However, the shows that truly tug at my heartstrings are the lesser-known gems that aired for just one or two seasons. Back then, as a young girl in my oversized corduroy pants and a Dorothy Hamill haircut, these series felt groundbreaking and captivating.
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Double Trouble (1984–85)
What’s more entertaining than twins? This series featured the incredibly stylish and charming twins, Jean and Liz Sagal, who were the sisters of Katey Sagal from Married…With Children and Sons of Anarchy. In its first season, they lived in Des Moines, hanging out in their father’s dance studio. The second and final season took them to New York City to live with their eccentric aunt, leading to comedic twin mix-ups and contrasting personalities. I even tried to emulate their style with a pair of pink neon suspenders, but it was a failed attempt. -
Spencer (1984–85)
This show lasted only six episodes but followed Chad Lowe as a mischievous teen constantly landing in trouble. Afterward, the show was rebranded as Under One Roof with a new actor. I was one of the few devoted fans who followed both iterations. -
It’s Your Move (1984–85)
Now that Jason Bateman is a household name, many like to reference his early role in It’s Your Move, where he portrayed a teenage trickster who engaged in light-hearted scams like selling term papers. The show was short-lived, competing against Dynasty in its time slot. -
Jennifer Slept Here (1983–84)
Ann Jillian, known for It’s a Living, starred in Jennifer Slept Here as the ghost of an actress haunting her former home, visible only to a teenage boy. Despite its absurd premise, I adored the show and particularly loved the theme song, which was a nostalgic blend of passion and cheesiness that’s missing from today’s television. -
Throb (1986–88)
This series centered on a recently divorced woman working at a record label. Her son was portrayed by a young Paul Walker, and her roommate was Jane Leeves from Frasier. I doubt anyone else remembers this show as vividly as I do. -
Three’s a Crowd (1984–85)
While Three’s Company had its flaws, Three’s a Crowd attempted to continue the story of Jack Tripper, who no longer had to pretend to be gay to rent an apartment since he was living with his girlfriend, Vicky. However, with Vicky’s intolerant father as the landlord, the original misunderstandings persisted. Even as a child, I sensed that the absence of the original cast made it less enjoyable, yet I sat through all 22 episodes. -
Square Pegs (1982–83)
Fans of Square Pegs often wonder, “What became of Lauren Hutchinson?” While her friend Patty Greene, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, found success, Lauren (Amy Linker) disappeared from the spotlight. This series resembled a PG version of Sixteen Candles, chronicling the lives of two high school misfits who seemed so sophisticated. The catchy theme song by The Waitresses was a bonus! -
The Littles (1983–85)
Only fans of the original book series appreciated The Littles, which depicted tiny human-like creatures living in a family’s walls. While the concept was intriguing in print, the animated adaptation fell short of expectations. -
Joanie Loves Chachi (1982–83)
This spinoff of Happy Days captured the youthful romance between Erin Moran and Scott Baio as they attempted to make it big as musicians in the city. The theme song was so emotional that it could easily bring tears to my eyes. -
My Sister Sam (1986–88)
I viewed My Sister Sam as a sort of sequel to Mork & Mindy, primarily because of Pam Dawber’s involvement. It followed Sam, a photographer, as her younger sister (Rebecca Schaeffer) moved in with her in San Francisco. The tragic death of Schaeffer by a stalker a year after the show’s cancellation left a profound impact on viewers. -
Marlo and the Magic Movie Machine (1977–80)
This is a deep cut, even for ’80s enthusiasts. I had faint memories of Marlo and the Magic Movie Machine, a peculiar educational series from Saturday mornings. It featured Marlo, a programmer, who conversed with a giant computer named “Machine” in his basement office, engaging viewers with flashy graphics and movie-related games.
These shows may have faded from memory, but for those of us who grew up during that era, they hold a special place in our hearts.
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Summary
This article revisits 11 lesser-known television shows from the 1980s that left a lasting impression on Generation X-ers. From the quirky adventures of twins in Double Trouble to the heartfelt moments in My Sister Sam, these series may have been short-lived but continue to evoke nostalgia for those who grew up watching them.