TMC
07-01-2026, 08:39 PM
0pgvMo6ZKrA
Some of the biggest sitcoms of the 1980s were almost cancelled before they ever found an audience. From Cheers finishing 74th out of 77 shows to Seinfeld getting the worst pilot test report in NBC history, these 12 shows had no business lasting as long as they did.
Full description:
Some of the biggest sitcoms of the 1980s were almost cancelled before they ever found an audience. From Cheers finishing 74th out of 77 shows to Seinfeld getting the worst pilot test report in NBC history, these 12 shows had no business lasting as long as they did.
In this video, we count down 12 eighties sitcoms that were nearly cancelled, publicly boycotted, schedule-shuffled to death, or straight-up axed by their networks — and then stuck around for years longer than anyone predicted.
Shows featured in this video:
🔹 Coach (ABC, 1989–1997)
🔹 Growing Pains (ABC, 1985–1992)
🔹 Who's the Boss? (ABC, 1984–1992)
🔹 The Golden Girls (NBC, 1985–1992)
🔹 Designing Women (CBS, 1986–1993)
🔹 Charles in Charge (CBS/Syndication, 1984–1990)
🔹 Full House (ABC, 1987–1995)
🔹 Family Matters (ABC/CBS, 1989–1998)
🔹 Night Court (NBC, 1984–1992)
🔹 Married... with Children (Fox, 1987–1997)
🔹 Seinfeld (NBC, 1989–1998)
🔹 Cheers (NBC, 1982–1993)
📺 Which 80s sitcom surprised you the most? Drop your pick in the comments!
Throwback Network explores how iconic eighties sitcoms overcame near-cancellation, controversy, and network instability to achieve long-term success. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected production choices that helped these legendary series defy early ratings struggles and sustain popularity for years.
Some of the biggest sitcoms of the 1980s were almost cancelled before they ever found an audience. From Cheers finishing 74th out of 77 shows to Seinfeld getting the worst pilot test report in NBC history, these 12 shows had no business lasting as long as they did.
Full description:
Some of the biggest sitcoms of the 1980s were almost cancelled before they ever found an audience. From Cheers finishing 74th out of 77 shows to Seinfeld getting the worst pilot test report in NBC history, these 12 shows had no business lasting as long as they did.
In this video, we count down 12 eighties sitcoms that were nearly cancelled, publicly boycotted, schedule-shuffled to death, or straight-up axed by their networks — and then stuck around for years longer than anyone predicted.
Shows featured in this video:
🔹 Coach (ABC, 1989–1997)
🔹 Growing Pains (ABC, 1985–1992)
🔹 Who's the Boss? (ABC, 1984–1992)
🔹 The Golden Girls (NBC, 1985–1992)
🔹 Designing Women (CBS, 1986–1993)
🔹 Charles in Charge (CBS/Syndication, 1984–1990)
🔹 Full House (ABC, 1987–1995)
🔹 Family Matters (ABC/CBS, 1989–1998)
🔹 Night Court (NBC, 1984–1992)
🔹 Married... with Children (Fox, 1987–1997)
🔹 Seinfeld (NBC, 1989–1998)
🔹 Cheers (NBC, 1982–1993)
📺 Which 80s sitcom surprised you the most? Drop your pick in the comments!
Throwback Network explores how iconic eighties sitcoms overcame near-cancellation, controversy, and network instability to achieve long-term success. Discover the behind-the-scenes stories and unexpected production choices that helped these legendary series defy early ratings struggles and sustain popularity for years.