Best Shows of 1989
1989 stands as a pivotal year in television history, launching cultural phenomena that would reshape the medium for decades to come. The best shows of 1989 represent an extraordinary convergence of creative innovation, featuring groundbreaking animated series that became generational touchstones, workplace comedies that redefined observational humor, and ambitious international productions that elevated television to an art form. This carefully curated selection of 21 must-watch shows captures the diversity and brilliance of programming that emerged during this landmark year, spanning everything from revolutionary sitcoms and genre-defining anime to critically acclaimed dramatic miniseries and beloved children's programming. Whether you're seeking award-winning performances, bold storytelling experiments, or the unforgettable series that dominated water cooler conversations, these 1989 releases showcase the year's most influential creators and performers at their finest. From network primetime debuts to international gems, each show featured here left an indelible mark on television history, captivating audiences with fresh perspectives, memorable characters, and the kind of innovative vision that continues to influence modern entertainment decades later.
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.
Yoshiki Tanaka's sprawling space opera epic comes to life in this legendary anime series that puts most modern sci-fi to shame. Spanning 110 episodes, the show chronicles an interstellar war between the democratic Free Planets Alliance and the autocratic Galactic Empire, focusing on two brilliant military commanders: Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm. What sets this apart is its sophisticated examination of political philosophy, military strategy, and the nature of power itself—this is space opera for adults who want substance with their starships. The animation may be dated by today's standards, but the writing remains razor-sharp, presenting complex moral questions without easy answers. Character development is extraordinary across a massive cast, and the series takes its time building a fully realized universe with genuine historical depth. This is ambitious storytelling at its finest.
Powerful, unflinching, and absolutely essential, this documentary series stands as one of television's greatest achievements in chronicling the American Civil Rights Movement. Produced by Henry Hampton and Blackside Productions, the fourteen-part series weaves together archival footage, contemporary interviews, and historical context to create a comprehensive portrait of the struggle for racial justice from 1954 to 1965. What makes it extraordinary is its refusal to sanitize or simplify—the series presents the movement's complexity, internal conflicts, and ordinary people who became heroes through extraordinary courage. Julian Bond's narration provides gravitas without overshadowing the voices of activists, segregationists, and witnesses. Decades after its original broadcast, it remains required viewing for understanding American history and the ongoing fight for equality.
A young woman from the slums of Rio de Janeiro will stop at nothing to climb Brazil's ruthless social ladder, and what follows is one of the most electrifying and culturally significant telenovelas ever produced. Created by Gilberto Braga, Aguinaldo Silva, and Leonor Bassères, "Vale Tudo" is a masterclass in dramatic storytelling that holds up remarkably well decades after its original broadcast. Regina Duarte and Glória Pires deliver powerhouse performances as mother and daughter locked in an ideological battle that reflects Brazil's own struggles with corruption and morality. The show's unflinching examination of greed, ambition, and ethical compromise remains startlingly relevant today. With its sharp writing, complex characters, and willingness to tackle difficult questions about what people will sacrifice for success, this is essential viewing for anyone interested in the golden age of Brazilian television drama.
At its core, this is a show about the trivial frustrations and social absurdities that define everyday life, transforming mundane observations into comedy gold. Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld, with Seinfeld starring as a fictionalized version of himself, the series revolutionized the sitcom format by rejecting sentimentality and character growth in favor of petty grievances and uncomfortable social situations. The chemistry between Jerry, the neurotic George (Jason Alexander), the eccentric Kramer (Michael Richards), and the acerbic Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) remains unmatched in television comedy. What makes the show timeless is its focus on universal human experiences—waiting for a table, returning a sweater, finding a parking spot—and mining them for their full comedic potential. The writing is dense with callbacks, running gags, and plotlines that converge with satisfying precision. Nearly every episode has contributed phrases or concepts to the cultural lexicon. It's simply one of the greatest sitcoms ever made, a master class in observational comedy that hasn't aged a day.
Hilarious, innovative, and endlessly entertaining, this legendary Japanese variety show has been pushing the boundaries of comedy television for over three decades. Hosted by the comedy duo Downtown—Hitoshi Matsumoto and Masatoshi Hamada—"Gaki no Tsukai" pioneered the format of comedic punishment games and absurdist challenges that has influenced comedy programming across Asia and beyond. The show's most famous segment, the annual "No-Laughing" batsu game specials, has achieved cult status worldwide, with participants subjected to increasingly ridiculous situations designed to make them break their straight faces. What makes the series exceptional is its fearless commitment to the bit, its perfect comedic timing, and the genuine chemistry between its cast members. Whether you're discovering classic episodes or following recent installments, this is essential viewing for anyone interested in comedy that takes creative risks.
Masako Nozawa voices Goku in this legendary anime that transformed the shonen genre forever. Following the adventures of Earth's mightiest Saiyan warrior, the series delivers explosive battles, unforgettable power-ups, and emotional stakes that resonate across hundreds of episodes. Creator Akira Toriyama's vision comes alive through iconic arcs like the Frieza and Cell sagas, where each transformation and beam struggle becomes absolutely legendary. The English dub featuring Sean Schemmel has introduced generations of Western fans to Goku's heroic journey. Whether you're watching Goku go Super Saiyan for the first time or witnessing Gohan's ultimate sacrifice against Cell, this series delivers pure adrenaline and heart. The animation may show its age, but the storytelling remains timeless, blending martial arts spectacle with genuine character growth that keeps you invested through every Kamehameha and Spirit Bomb.
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.
Boldly optimistic and intellectually engaging, this Star Trek series represents science fiction at its most thoughtful and aspirational. Created by Gene Roddenberry, The Next Generation follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart in a career-defining role) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D as they explore strange new worlds a century after the original series. The show elevates the franchise with sophisticated storytelling that tackles complex moral dilemmas, philosophical questions, and social issues through the lens of futuristic adventure. The ensemble cast—including Jonathan Frakes, Brent Spiner, LeVar Burton, and Marina Sirtis—creates a genuine sense of camaraderie and professionalism. Stewart's commanding yet nuanced performance as Picard anchors the series in gravitas while episodes range from thrilling action to contemplative character studies. The Next Generation proves that science fiction can inspire, challenge, and entertain simultaneously, setting a standard that few series in any genre have matched.
In this sweeping Western epic, two aging Texas Rangers decide to drive a cattle herd from the Rio Grande to Montana, embarking on one final grand adventure. Based on Larry McMurtry's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and directed by Simon Wincer, this miniseries is an absolute masterpiece that redefined what television Westerns could achieve. Robert Duvall and Tommy Lee Jones deliver career-best performances as Gus McCrae and Woodrow Call, friends whose contrasting personalities anchor a story spanning thousands of miles and exploring themes of friendship, mortality, and the closing of the frontier. The scope is cinematic, with stunning landscapes and a sprawling cast of memorable characters, yet the storytelling remains intimate and character-driven. It's nearly six hours long, but every minute earns its place in what remains one of the finest miniseries ever produced—essential viewing for anyone who appreciates ambitious, emotionally resonant storytelling.
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.
From the Australian outback to coastal bushlands, this groundbreaking 1988 series revolutionized how audiences viewed wilderness survival and indigenous food culture. Les Hiddins, affectionately known as the Bush Tucker Man, takes viewers on extraordinary adventures through Australia's most remote regions, demonstrating traditional Aboriginal food-gathering techniques and survival skills with infectious enthusiasm. Each episode is a masterclass in respect for the land and indigenous knowledge, as Hiddins samples everything from witchetty grubs to native fruits with genuine curiosity and humor. His down-to-earth presentation style makes complex survival techniques accessible, while his deep appreciation for Aboriginal culture elevates the series beyond simple entertainment. The cinematography captures Australia's diverse landscapes beautifully, showcasing environments most viewers will never experience firsthand. This isn't just educational television—it's an essential document of cultural knowledge and environmental awareness that remains remarkably relevant decades later.
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.
Satirical brilliance meets animated absurdity in this cultural institution that has been dissecting American life for over three decades. Created by Matt Groening, The Simpsons follows the misadventures of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie in the fictional town of Springfield. The show's longevity speaks to its remarkable ability to evolve while maintaining the sharp social commentary that made it revolutionary. The voice cast, led by Dan Castellaneta and Julie Kavner, brings depth and humanity to what could be simple cartoon characters. At its best, the series delivers jokes that work on multiple levels—physical comedy for kids, biting satire for adults. The show's golden era produced some of television's most quotable episodes, and even recent seasons contain flashes of that genius. Its influence on comedy and animation cannot be overstated, having paved the way for countless adult animated series. Essential viewing for understanding modern television comedy.
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.
Gleefully absurd and endlessly inventive, this cult sensation turns bad movies into comedy gold through the simple premise of watching someone watch terrible films. Created by Joel Hodgson, the show follows a man trapped on a satellite forced to endure the worst cinema has to offer, accompanied by robot friends he built for company. Tom Servo and Crow T. Robot join Joel (later Mike Nelson) in riffing on everything from sci-fi disasters to incomprehensible international features, delivering a rapid-fire stream of jokes that rewards multiple viewings. The wit ranges from sophisticated cultural references to delightfully dumb puns, creating a humor style entirely its own. The silhouette format—mimicking a movie theater experience—remains iconic, and the show's influence on internet comedy culture is immeasurable. Whether you're discovering it for the first time or revisiting beloved episodes, MST3K offers something genuinely special: comedy that's smart, silly, and wonderfully welcoming.
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.
This documentary series stands as public television's definitive chronicle of American history, delivering consistently excellent historical programming for over three decades. Produced by WGBH Boston, American Experience examines pivotal events, influential figures, and transformative movements that shaped the nation, from the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge to the Space Race. The series distinguishes itself through meticulous research, compelling archival footage, and thoughtful narrative construction that brings history to life without sensationalizing it. Each episode benefits from strong production values and interviews with leading historians who provide context and analysis. The writing respects viewers' intelligence while remaining accessible, making complex historical periods understandable without dumbing them down. Whether exploring forgotten stories or reexamining familiar events, the series consistently delivers educational content that's genuinely engaging. For anyone interested in understanding American history through well-crafted documentary filmmaking, this series remains an invaluable resource and a benchmark for the genre.
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.