3 Cheesy ’80s Fantasy TV Shows That Stand Up Against Modern Series

by

While some ‘80s fantasy TV shows might seem a little dated, they’re surprisingly good and can compete with today’s best series. The decade was a turning point for television, as creators began experimenting with more innovative storytelling techniques.

Popular shows like Cheers, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and Newhart first aired, making stars out of their actors. The TV landscape was filled with brightly colored scenes and dramatic, ‘very special’ episodes, resulting in some undeniably cheesy programs. While not necessarily bad, these shows were definitely a little silly.

Fantasy wasn’t a major force on television in the 1980s, and surprisingly few fantasy shows actually came out during that decade. Still, there are a few really good ones, and even the more low-budget series hold up well when compared to the many fantasy shows available today.

Galtar And The Golden Lance (1985-1986)

Everett Collection

Following the popularity of He-Man, many similar shows were made, but Galtar and the Golden Lance is considered one of the best. This Hanna-Barbera cartoon centers around three friends – Galtar, Princess Goleeta, and her brother, Zorn – and their adventures.

Galtar possesses the legendary Golden Lance, an incredibly powerful weapon. When used with Goleeta’s Sacred Shield, it grants the user complete invincibility. However, the Lance rejects anyone unworthy, blasting them away with a surge of energy – much like Thor’s hammer, which only those deemed worthy can lift.

This TV show is delightfully over-the-top, embracing all the classic fantasy clichés and exaggerated style of its time. Despite being a bit cheesy, it’s incredibly charming and evokes a strong sense of nostalgia. What makes it really special is that it doesn’t try to be ironic or self-aware – it just fully commits, which makes it a lot of fun to watch.

Down To Earth (1984-1987)

Unlike the recent show with Zac Efron, the original Down to Earth is a fantasy series from the 1980s. It stars Carol Mansell as Ethel MacDoogan, a lively woman from the 1920s who tragically died in a trolley accident in 1925. Ethel then spends sixty years in heaven waiting to earn her wings.

Her mission to prove herself involves traveling back to the 1980s and assisting the Preston family – a normal American family – as they navigate life’s challenges. Throughout it all, she’s constantly monitored by a group of overly critical angelic supervisors. Honestly, the story is pretty predictable and over-the-top.

Even though the idea behind Down to Earth is a bit goofy, it’s a really enjoyable and sweet sitcom. The show is cleverly written and consistently sticks to its unique premise. Even when Ethel chooses to remain on Earth after getting her wings, her angelic qualities remain important, keeping a magical element alive throughout the series.

The Storyteller (1988-1990)

The Storyteller is a TV series that brings classic European folktales to life using a mix of live actors and incredible puppetry created by Jim Henson. Skilled storytellers John Hurt (in the first series) and Michael Gambon (in the second) narrate these tales, with the second series focusing on Greek myths. The show centers around an elderly storyteller character, portrayed by Hurt and later by Gambon.

Each episode, the Storyteller shares a new tale with his puppet dog. As he speaks, the cozy firelight seems to bring the story to life, and these fairytales are usually a bit spooky and always entertaining. The creature designs are often silly, and the stories have a charmingly old-fashioned feel, making the whole experience incredibly enjoyable.

Okay, so forget princesses and charming princes – Disney’s The Storyteller dives headfirst into the genuinely creepy and unusual folklore of Eastern Europe. Honestly, it’s a refreshing change of pace, and it injects a welcome dose of suspense that keeps things from getting too saccharine. Despite that shift in tone, it absolutely works as a fantastic fantasy series, and you can really feel the creative energy behind it all. It’s imaginative stuff, and I was really impressed.

Read More

2025-11-22 17:18