8 ‘80s Sci-Fi Shows That Need To Be Remade

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These days, it seems like many older TV shows are getting rebooted or remade, and there are a few 1980s science fiction series that could be worth revisiting. While remakes can be very successful – we hear about new ones all the time – they’re also risky. To work, a show either needs to bring back fond memories for viewers, or have a compelling idea that would still resonate with audiences today.

Modern remakes of classic sci-fi TV shows have a real advantage today. Special effects and technology have improved dramatically since the 1980s, meaning older shows can be updated and look fantastic. Combine that with a good story and people’s fond memories, and you have a winning formula. Hopefully, we’ll see some of these beloved shows reimagined soon.

Knight Rider (1982 – 1986)

Knight Rider is a classic, over-the-top TV show from the 1980s that many people still love. David Hasselhoff played Michael Knight, an undercover detective, and William Daniels famously provided the voice for KITT, his intelligent, talking car. While there was a Knight Rider movie in 2008 and other attempts to remake it as a film have stalled, a new TV series could really capture the spirit of the original.

It’s rare to see science fiction shows with self-contained episodes these days—most viewers now prefer longer, more complex sci-fi series that explore deeper ideas. That’s exactly why bringing back Knight Rider could work well. A reboot tapping into ’80s nostalgia, and intentionally evoking that era’s style, could be very popular.

Tales From the Darkside (1983 – 1988)

The sci-fi horror series Tales from the Darkside was an anthology show, much like the classic The Twilight Zone. But Tales from the Darkside stood out because it skillfully mixed in comedy, which is exactly the kind of thing viewers today would enjoy.

Many episodes of Tales from the Darkside were based on stories and novels by well-known authors, including two by Stephen King. It would be fantastic to see a new Tales from the Darkside series adapt works by a range of contemporary or classic writers. Stephen King, for example, has written many more stories since 1988 that would be perfect for the show.

Otherworld (1985)

The sci-fi series Otherworld didn’t last very long, which is unfortunate because it showed a lot of promise. The show followed the Sterling family’s unexpected journey to another planet, beginning with a trip through the Great Pyramid of Gaza, and surprisingly offered thoughtful observations about society. That kind of insightful storytelling is what resonates with viewers of sci-fi TV today.

As a movie lover, I’ve always been fascinated by the world of Otherworld. It really digs into some big ideas – like what happens when a society gets totally controlled, how stories can be metaphors for real life, and our obsession with buying things. But what I think would be amazing is a modern TV show that focuses on how all of that impacts a family today. It could really resonate with audiences if it showed those issues through the lens of everyday family relationships in the 21st century.

Misfits Of Science (1985 – 1986)

There have been plenty of shows about teen superheroes, but Misfits of Science stands out. Although it didn’t initially succeed when it aired in the 1980s, it’s gained a following over time. This is probably thanks to Courtney Cox being part of the cast early in her career, before she became a household name.

The show Misfits of Science is very much a product of the 1980s, and that’s exactly why it would be perfect for a modern remake. A new version should keep the ’80s setting and focus on a group of teens with superpowers, aiming for a feel similar to Stranger Things, but with a slightly more lighthearted tone.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy (1981)

Originally a radio show in 1978, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy quickly expanded into other formats. A book version came out in 1979, and plans for a TV series began around the same time. The show, which aired in 1981, instantly gained a dedicated and devoted fanbase.

While there was a Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy movie in 2005, it didn’t quite live up to the quality of the original TV series – the movie format just wasn’t long enough to capture everything. A new TV adaptation, though, could be really successful. The 1981 series was made on a small budget, so it would be exciting to see what today’s filmmakers could achieve with more resources.

Alien Nation (1989 – 1990)

The sci-fi series Alien Nation was unfortunately cancelled after only one season due to unexpected budget problems at Fox. Despite its short run, the show gained a following through reruns and, like many good science fiction stories, offered thoughtful commentary on American society.

The original Alien Nation blended action and partnership, presenting its story as a series of engaging police cases. A potential remake could shift the focus to a more conventional science fiction drama, giving its social themes a stronger impact. While a remake series has been officially announced, it’s been stuck in development for over ten years.

Voyagers! (1982 – 1983)

Time travel has always been a popular idea in science fiction, and the 1980s show Voyagers! was a great example of this. It was a fun, family-friendly series with plenty of adventure and lessons that still resonate with audiences today, just as much as they did back then.

As a big sci-fi fan, watching Voyagers! really reminded me of Doctor Who – it feels just as classic. I was thinking, a modern update could be really cool if they kept young Jeffrey as a kid from the 80s, instead of making him from today. With all the time travel already happening, keeping that 1982 vibe would add a really fun, nostalgic layer to the whole show, I think.

Starman (1986 – 1987)

The TV series Starman continues the story from the 1984 film of the same name. It’s a heartwarming and funny show that explores themes of aliens, relationships, what it means to be human, and the importance of family. However, despite the movie’s popularity, the series wasn’t well-received by critics when it originally aired in the 1980s.

While the original Starman was a bit unusual, its main problem was that it sometimes lacked excitement. Today, that kind of strangeness is exactly what viewers want from science fiction. A new version could blend the best parts of the movie and TV series into a single, more engaging story. Reviving classic sci-fi like this offers a great opportunity to captivate a new generation.

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2025-11-22 04:20