Unearthing the Supernatural: A Journey Through 1980s Paranormal TV Shows

The 1980s was a captivating era for television, offering viewers a myriad of paranormal experiences, from spine-tingling encounters with ghosts to otherworldly visitors and eerie mysteries. As we turn back the pages of TV history, we embark on a journey to revisit the bygone days when shows filled with aliens, monsters, and supernatural phenomena became a staple of our small screens. Join us as we delve into the ethereal realm of 1980s paranormal TV, where the inexplicable thrived, and the unexplained took center stage.

1. The Twilight Zone (1985-1987) A revival of the classic series, presenting a wide range of eerie and thought – provoking stories. Hosted by Robin Ward.

2. Tales from the Darkside (1984-1988) An anthology of horror and supernatural tales, often with unexpected twists. Created by George A. Romero.

3. Unsolved Mysteries (1987-1989) Investigating unsolved crimes, paranormal events, and mysteries with reenactments. Hosted by Robert Stack.

4. Friday the 13th: The Series (1987-1990) Two cousins run an antique store, unknowingly selling cursed objects that must be retrieved. Created by Larry B. Williams.

5. The Greatest American Hero (1981-1983) A high school teacher gains superpowers but struggles to control them and use them for good. Created by Stephen J. Cannell, stars William Katt.

6. Poltergeist: The Legacy (1986-1999) A secret society combats supernatural threats and investigates paranormal phenomena. Created by Richard Barton Lewis.

7. Sightings (1989-1998) Examining unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings and cryptids. Narrated by Tim White.

8. War of the Worlds (1988-1990) Survivors of an alien invasion battle extraterrestrial forces in a post-apocalyptic world. Created by Greg Strangis.

9. Monsters (1988-1991) Anthology series featuring a wide array of monsters, aliens, and supernatural creatures. Various directors and writers.

10. Werewolf (1987-1988) A man cursed with lycanthropy seeks a way to end his werewolf transformation. Created by Frank Lupo.

11. The Hitchhiker (1983-1991) Anthology series featuring mysterious and often chilling stories. Various directors and writers.

12. Beyond Reality (1985-1991) Two parapsychologists investigate supernatural occurrences and phenomena. Created by Stephen J. Cannell.

13. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994) Set in the 24th century, the crew of the USS Enterprise explores new worlds and encounters various life forms. Created by Gene Roddenberry, stars Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard

14. V (1983), V: Final Battle (1984), V: The Series (1984-1985) Aliens arrive on Earth, but their true intentions become increasingly sinister. Created by Kenneth Johnson, starring Marc Singer and Jane Badler.

15. Amazing Stories (1985-1987) An anthology of science fiction, fantasy, and supernatural tales, created by Steven Spielberg. Created by Steven Spielberg.

16. The Powers of Matthew Star (1982-1983) A young man with extraterrestrial abilities navigates high school life while hiding his powers. Peter Barton as Matthew Star.

17. Highway to Heaven (1984-1989) An angel named Jonathan and his companion help people in need, often involving ghostly encounters. Michael Landon and Victor French in lead roles.

18. Freddy’s Nightmares (1988-1990) An anthology series inspired by the “A Nightmare on Elm Street” films. Hosted by Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund).

19. Tales from the Crypt (1989-1996) An anthology series featuring horror, comedy, and suspense stories hosted by the Crypt Keeper. Various directors and actors.

20. The Ray Bradbury Theater (1985-1986) Adaptations of Ray Bradbury’s science fiction and fantasy short stories. Hosted by Ray Bradbury.

The 1980s was truly a golden age for paranormal television, offering a delightful mix of chills and thrills, otherworldly adventures, and unforgettable stories. These shows captured the imagination of a generation, leaving us with enduring memories of UFOs, haunted houses, and interstellar travel. Whether you grew up watching these shows or are just discovering them, the supernatural mysteries of the ’80s continue to captivate, proving that the allure of the unexplained is timeless, and its presence in our lives, as demonstrated by these TV gems, is undeniable.

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About the author

Walt Frasier is an actor, comic, singer, producer and now an author. While most of his books are educational tools for actors and comics, Paranormal POV is a new passion project for sharing both historical fantasy and legends as well as original stories.

Interactive musical improv comedy live from Times Square NYC and touring nationwide since 2002