Best Shows of 1986
1986 marked a pivotal year in television history, delivering an eclectic mix of programming that would shape the medium for decades to come. The best shows of 1986 represented a golden era where networks took bold creative risks, introducing groundbreaking dramas, innovative children's programming, and compelling long-running series that captivated millions of viewers. From anime that would spawn global franchises to quirky comedies that redefined family entertainment, the year's lineup showcased remarkable diversity in storytelling and format. Award-winning performances and visionary creators emerged from this transformative period, establishing new benchmarks for quality television. Whether you're seeking nostalgic favorites from your childhood or discovering critically acclaimed series you may have missed, this curated collection of 21 shows captures the essence of what made 1986 unforgettable. These programs not only dominated ratings and garnered critical praise during their original runs but also left lasting cultural impacts that resonate with audiences today. Explore the standout dramas, genre-defining entertainment, and must-watch television moments that continue to influence modern programming and remind us why 1986 remains a landmark year in broadcast history.
Watch a soft-spoken artist transform blank canvases into serene landscapes in real-time while offering gentle life wisdom is the simple but profoundly effective premise of this legendary instructional series. Bob Ross hosts each episode from his studio, demonstrating his wet-on-wet oil painting technique while encouraging viewers that anyone can create art. What could have been dry instruction becomes something almost meditative, as Ross's calming voice and positive philosophy turn painting lessons into something approaching therapy. The show never condescends to its audience or oversells the difficulty of what Ross accomplishes with seemingly effortless brushstrokes. Beyond technique, it's Ross's genuine warmth and his celebration of "happy little accidents" that have given the series enduring cultural relevance decades after its original run. It remains the gold standard for instructional television that understands teaching is as much about encouragement as information.
Set in the vibrant working-class world of 1980s Peckham, South London, this beloved British sitcom follows the eternally optimistic Del Boy Trotter and his younger brother Rodney as they navigate the ups and downs of market trading and get-rich-quick schemes. Created by John Sullivan, the series is an absolute triumph of character-driven comedy, with David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst delivering pitch-perfect performances that balance hilarious physical comedy with genuine emotional depth. What makes this show truly exceptional is its heart—beneath the wheeling and dealing, it's fundamentally about family, loyalty, and the unbreakable bond between brothers. The catchphrases alone have become part of British cultural DNA, but it's the beautifully crafted episodes ranging from slapstick hilarity to touching drama that have earned it a place as one of the greatest sitcoms ever made.
Fred Rogers' groundbreaking PBS series—wait, actually this is the wildlife documentary series Nature, which has been illuminating the natural world since 1982 under various producers and narrators. This extraordinary program has consistently delivered stunning cinematography and thoughtful storytelling that reveals the complexity, beauty, and fragility of ecosystems across the globe. Each episode focuses on specific animals, habitats, or environmental challenges, combining breathtaking visuals with scientific rigor and narrative accessibility. The series has chronicled everything from Antarctic penguin colonies to rainforest canopies, always balancing wonder with education and entertainment with environmental awareness. Narrators over the years, including George Page and currently Reba McEntire, guide viewers through these natural dramas with appropriate reverence and engagement. What sets Nature apart is its consistency—over four decades, it has maintained exceptional standards while adapting to new filming technologies that reveal ever more intimate details of animal behavior. It's not just excellent nature programming; it's an ongoing masterclass in documentary filmmaking that belongs on any list of television's finest achievements.
This thrilling adventure anime follows a courageous Akita Inu puppy named Gin who leaves his master to join a pack of wild dogs on a dangerous mission to defeat a monstrous bear terrorizing the Japanese mountains. What begins as a straightforward animal adventure evolves into an epic saga of loyalty, sacrifice, and survival that doesn't condescend to younger viewers by softening its stakes. The animation captures both the beauty of Japan's wilderness and the visceral intensity of the dogs' battles, with fight sequences that remain genuinely exciting despite the show's age. Creator Yoshihiro Takahashi's source material provides rich characterization for the canine cast, each dog possessing distinct personalities and fighting styles. The series explores themes of leadership, honor, and found family with surprising emotional sophistication. While anthropomorphized animal stories aren't for everyone, those who embrace the premise will find an unexpectedly moving and pulse-pounding adventure that justifies its cult following.
In 1980s Syria, this groundbreaking comedy series held up a mirror to Arab society with unprecedented wit and satirical bite, creating a cultural phenomenon that resonates decades later. Created by the legendary Ghawar (Duraid Lahham), "Maraya" (Mirrors) used sketch comedy to address social issues, political absurdities, and everyday hypocrisies with a cleverness that allowed it to critique while entertaining. Each episode presented standalone scenarios featuring recurring characters that became iconic across the Arab world, with Lahham's physical comedy and sharp timing elevating material that could have been merely preachy into genuinely funny social commentary. The series' influence on Arabic comedy television cannot be overstated—it demonstrated that humor could be both popular and substantive, silly and meaningful. Watching these episodes today reveals not only their historical importance but also how many of the issues satirized remain relevant, a testament to the show's insight.
Jeremy Brett brings his legendary interpretation of the great detective to life in this exceptional Granada Television adaptation that remains the gold standard for Holmes enthusiasts. Brett's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture both the detective's brilliance and his underlying melancholy make every case utterly captivating. The series faithfully adapts Arthur Conan Doyle's stories with sumptuous Victorian production design and stellar supporting work from Edward Hardwicke as Dr. Watson. From "The Empty House" to "The Second Stain," each mystery is crafted with intelligence and respect for the source material. The chemistry between Brett and Hardwicke elevates even the simpler cases into must-watch television. If you're looking for definitive Holmes, this is absolutely it.
Barry Evans stars as Jeremy Brown, the well-meaning teacher tasked with instructing a wonderfully chaotic evening English class full of adult immigrants in this absolutely delightful British sitcom. Created by Vince Powell, Mind Your Language brings together a diverse ensemble cast including Zara Nutley, Albert Moses, and Francoise Pascal as students from around the globe who clash, connect, and create comedy gold through cultural misunderstandings and language barriers. What makes this series such a joy is its warmth beneath the humor—while the fish-out-of-water scenarios and miscommunications generate consistent laughs, there's genuine affection for these characters trying to build new lives in England. The classroom setting becomes a melting pot of perspectives, with each student bringing their own personality and comic timing to the mix. It's comfort viewing at its finest, offering a snapshot of 1970s London while delivering exactly the kind of feel-good entertainment that makes you want to binge the entire series.
Science fiction television doesn't get more iconic, enduring, or downright brilliant than this British institution that has been captivating audiences across generations since its debut. The show's genius lies in its infinitely renewable format: a time-traveling alien called the Doctor, who regenerates into new bodies, explores all of time and space in a police box called the TARDIS. Created by Sydney Newman, C.E. Roberts, and Donald Wilson, the series has featured countless memorable Doctors, companions, and monsters (the Daleks and Cybermen remain genuinely chilling). Whether you're watching classic episodes from the original run or the revived series that began in 2005 with Russell T Davies at the helm, you'll find imaginative storytelling that balances humor, horror, and heart. The show's ability to reinvent itself while maintaining its essential spirit is unmatched in television history.
Based on the classic 16th-century novel by Wu Cheng'en, this legendary Chinese television adaptation transformed the epic journey of the Monkey King into appointment television across Asia. The series follows the Buddhist monk Xuanzang and his supernatural disciples—including the mischievous Sun Wukong—as they travel westward to retrieve sacred scriptures, encountering demons, spirits, and moral challenges along the way. What makes this version enduring is its perfect balance of adventure, comedy, and Buddhist philosophy, brought to life through creative practical effects and memorable performances that have become definitive for generations. The iconic theme music alone triggers instant recognition across multiple continents. Despite the limitations of 1980s television production, the storytelling remains enchanting and the performances so charismatic that this version continues to set the standard against which all subsequent adaptations are measured.
Fred Rogers hosts this gentle children's program from his iconic television neighborhood, speaking directly to young viewers with uncommon respect and emotional honesty. Over thirty-three seasons, Rogers tackled everything from everyday anxieties to difficult topics like death, divorce, and disability, always at a child's eye level. The show's deliberate pacing, which includes visits to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe with puppets like King Friday XIII and Daniel Striped Tiger, feels almost revolutionary in its refusal to overstimulate. Rogers' sincerity and warmth are undeniable, and the program's positive impact on generations of children is well-documented. However, viewed through contemporary eyes, the show's slow pace and dated production values can test modern viewers' patience, including children accustomed to faster-paced programming. The educational content, while emotionally intelligent, sometimes feels didactic. The cultural significance and Rogers' genuine compassion for children remain powerful, but the series works better as nostalgia or historical artifact than as current children's entertainment. Its legacy matters more than its present-day watchability.
This investigative journalism documentary series has set the standard for long-form television reporting for over four decades. Produced by PBS, "Frontline" tackles everything from political scandals to social justice issues to international conflicts with unwavering commitment to depth and accuracy. The series doesn't chase viral moments or easy answers; instead, it invests the time necessary to truly understand complex issues, often dedicating full hours to single topics. Its correspondents and producers consistently deliver meticulously researched pieces that challenge viewers while respecting their intelligence. In an era of fragmented media and declining trust in institutions, this series remains an essential source of substantive journalism that holds power accountable and illuminates stories that demand attention.
John Keister leads this Seattle-based sketch comedy institution that captured the spirit of the Pacific Northwest with sharp wit and local flavor. Running for over a decade, "Almost Live!" became a cultural touchstone for the region, launching the careers of several comedy talents including Bill Nye before his Science Guy fame. The show brilliantly balanced absurdist sketches with pointed satire about Seattle life, from the infamous "Mind Your Manners with Billy Quan" segments to the Speed Walker superhero parody. Created as a local alternative to "Saturday Night Live," it developed its own distinct voice that resonated far beyond its regional roots. The writing remained consistently clever throughout its run, making it essential viewing for anyone interested in sketch comedy's evolution during the late '80s and early '90s.
This classic Soviet animated series perfectly captures the timeless cat-and-mouse chase formula through the perpetual rivalry between a mischievous hare and the wolf who's determined to catch him. Created by Vyacheslav Kotyonochkin and spanning nearly two decades of production, the wordless episodes rely on expressive animation, slapstick humor, and memorable musical cues to tell their stories. The wolf's elaborate schemes to capture the clever hare always backfire in inventive and hilarious ways, following a formula that never grows stale thanks to the animators' creativity and attention to detail. What elevates this beyond simple children's entertainment is the cultural richness embedded in each episode—the characters visit recognizable Soviet locations, and the series subtly reflects the changing times across its many installments. Generations of viewers across Russia and Eastern Europe grew up with these characters, and the show's popularity endures because the comedy is genuinely funny and the craftsmanship evident in every frame. It's a treasure of animation history that transcends language barriers.
Set against the backdrop of Cold War-era East Germany, this gripping series plunges viewers into the shadowy world of espionage and political intrigue. "Den of Wolves" masterfully recreates the paranoia and moral ambiguity of life behind the Iron Curtain, where loyalty is currency and trust is a dangerous luxury. The production design authentically captures the stark aesthetic of 1960s communist Europe, while the writing refuses to paint anyone as simply hero or villain. Director Rainer Wolffhardt guides an ensemble cast through labyrinthine plots involving intelligence agencies, double agents, and ordinary citizens caught in extraordinary circumstances. Each character feels fully realized, with motivations that shift as allegiances are tested. The pacing allows for both tense action sequences and quieter character moments that reveal the human cost of living under constant surveillance. This is intelligent thriller television that respects its audience.
Christopher Timothy brings warmth and charm to James Herriot, the young veterinarian navigating the challenges of rural practice in 1930s Yorkshire. Created by Bill Sellars and based on Herriot's beloved memoirs, this long-running BBC series captures the beauty and hardship of country life with genuine affection. Robert Hardy and Peter Davison round out the excellent cast as Herriot's mentor Siegfried Farnon and his younger brother Tristan. The episodic structure follows James as he treats everything from prize cattle to beloved house pets, while courting the farmer's daughter Helen and learning the quirks of his eccentric colleagues. The series excels at balancing humor with touching moments, and the Yorkshire Dales serve as a stunning backdrop throughout. It's comforting television that celebrates community, dedication, and the bond between humans and animals.
This Italian crime epic stands as one of television's most ambitious examinations of the Mafia's infiltration into every level of society, politics, and business. Created by Sandro Petraglia and Stefano Rulli, La Piovra (The Octopus) follows various law enforcement officials and prosecutors over multiple seasons as they attempt to combat organized crime's sprawling tentacles throughout Italy. Michele Placido stars in early seasons as Commissioner Cattani, whose relentless pursuit of Mafia networks comes at devastating personal cost. What distinguishes the series is its refusal to simplify the battle between justice and corruption—victories are temporary, allies become compromised, and the octopus constantly regenerates. The show's scope expands across its ten seasons, exploring how organized crime adapts and evolves, moving from street-level violence to sophisticated financial manipulation. The writing is dense and requires attention, but rewards viewers with nuanced character development and intricate plotting that reflects Italy's real struggles with the Mafia during the 1980s and 1990s. Though long and occasionally melodramatic by modern standards, La Piovra remains essential viewing for understanding how Italian television dramatized one of its greatest social crises with seriousness and artistic ambition.
This Czech stop-motion series explores the fundamental human drive to fix, build, and improve our surroundings—and the inevitable complications that arise when enthusiasm exceeds expertise. Wordless and universally understood, Pat & Mat features two mustachioed handymen whose DIY projects spiral into elaborate Rube Goldberg-style solutions before eventually succeeding through persistence and creative problem-solving. Created by Lubomír Beneš and Vladimír Jiránek, the series demonstrates remarkable ingenuity in its stop-motion animation, creating comedy purely through physical movement and expressive gestures. Each episode follows a predictable structure—simple task, escalating complications, surprising resolution—yet the execution remains consistently delightful across decades. The show's gentle humor and celebration of determination over competence has earned it a devoted international following spanning generations, proving that some stories transcend language and cultural boundaries through sheer charm and craftsmanship.
Joyful, educational, and endlessly inventive, this groundbreaking children's series has been teaching generations of kids letters, numbers, and life lessons since its debut over five decades ago. Created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett, the show uses a brilliant combination of puppetry, animation, celebrity appearances, and catchy songs to make learning irresistible. The beloved Muppet characters—Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Oscar the Grouch, and many more—have become cultural icons, each bringing distinct personalities that resonate with young viewers. What makes the show remarkable is its commitment to addressing real-world issues age-appropriately, from diversity and inclusion to emotional regulation and kindness. The educational content is research-backed and seamlessly woven into entertaining sketches that never feel like lessons. Decades of innovation have kept the format fresh while maintaining the warmth and humanity that make it special. It remains an essential part of childhood, proving that television can be both entertaining and genuinely enriching.
An aging, poetry-quoting barrister defends London's underdogs from his chambers at the Old Bailey while battling pompous judges, his ambitious colleagues, and his formidable wife Hilda—whom he refers to as "She Who Must Be Obeyed." Leo McKern inhabits Horace Rumpole so completely that it's impossible to imagine anyone else in the role, bringing warmth, wit, and world-weariness to John Mortimer's beloved creation. The series works as both entertaining courtroom drama and character study, with Rumpole's cases serving as vehicles for exploring British class dynamics, justice system absurdities, and moral complexity. Mortimer's writing crackles with intelligence and dry humor, giving McKern dialogue that's quotable and substantive in equal measure. The supporting cast, including Marion Mathie and later Peggy Thorpe-Bates as Hilda, provides perfect foils for Rumpole's rebellious streak against authority and convention. While production values are necessarily modest and the pacing more leisurely than contemporary legal dramas, the series rewards patience with rich characterization and stories that trust viewers to think. It remains a gem of British television.
This military sitcom remains one of television's sharpest comedies, showcasing Phil Silvers in a career-defining performance as the scheming Master Sergeant Ernest Bilko. Created by Nat Hiken, the series follows Bilko's endless moneymaking schemes at a Kansas army base, where he runs the motor pool like his personal fiefdom while staying one step ahead of his exasperated commanding officer, Colonel Hall (Paul Ford). Silvers' rapid-fire delivery and impeccable comic timing elevate every episode, supported by a talented ensemble cast that includes Harvey Lembeck and Allan Melvin as Bilko's loyal accomplices. The writing is remarkably clever, with plots that layer complications upon complications before resolving in satisfying fashion. What could have been a one-joke premise instead became a masterclass in character-driven comedy that influenced countless shows to follow, earning multiple Emmy Awards and demonstrating that intelligent humor never goes out of style.
In this series from executive producer Michael Mann, the battle between law enforcement and organized crime plays out across 1960s Chicago with the stylistic flair and attention to period detail that would define Mann's career. Dennis Farina stars as Chicago Police Lieutenant Mike Torello, who becomes obsessed with taking down ambitious mobster Ray Luca (Anthony Denison) in a cat-and-mouse game that eventually spans from the Midwest to Las Vegas. The show distinguished itself from other crime dramas through its cinematic production values, sophisticated storytelling, and willingness to let its cop protagonist cross ethical lines in pursuit of justice. The period setting is meticulously realized, capturing the era when traditional organized crime faced new challenges and law enforcement tactics were evolving. Chuck Adamson's work as a writer brought authenticity from his own experience as a Chicago detective. It's procedural television with ambition and style.