Where To Watch
Pick: What would you watch on TV in 1981?
TV was in red, green and blue — with Mork, Hulk and the Smurfs.
Image: Unsplash / Tracy Thomas
It's 1981 and the times are changing. The Reagan Era has begun. Disco is dead. A new cable channel called MTV has started up and suddenly there seem to be far more options — if you're willing to pay.
Well, we're all about free TV so we're sticking with the networks. Here's what you could find on the television that year. Pick what you would watch in 1981 and see how your choices stack up against the others.
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We begin on a Monday. The first work and school day of the week is over. Now settle in and watch something at 9PM.
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Here's a typical Tuesday lineup. Turn the knob to a channel at 8PM.
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What about Wednesday, you ask? Well, here's the Hump Day menu. What's on your TV at 8:30PM — comedy, superheroes or reality?
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On Thursday evening at 8PM are you in the mood for outer space or something more down to earth?
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Okay, now that you're comfortable on the sofa. Pick something at 9:30PM on a Thursday evening.
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Here are the options at 8PM on a Friday night. Why go out?
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It's the best part of the week — Saturday morning. Plop on the floor and pick a cartoon at 9AM.
Image: CBS
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No reason to budge. Refill the cereal bowl and pick something at 10:30AM.
Image: CBS
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We've arrived at Sunday evening. Your belly is full of meatloaf and peas. What's on the tube at 8:30PM?
Image: The Everett Collection
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Sweet! The following Monday is a holiday! Since you don't have to be anywhere, watch something at 11AM.
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Finally, here's one for the adults. What national evening news would be on in your household?
Image: AP Photo
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Pick: What would you watch on TV in 1981?
Your Result...
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Garfield - Boo!
$19.95
Jaws - Comic Book
$19.95
Waves Fanny Pack
$29.95
TV Test Fanny Pack
$29.95
80's Zebra Print Fanny Pack
$29.95
80's Shapes Fanny Pack
$29.95
Cheetah Print Fanny Pack
$29.95
Fitness Fanny Pack
$29.95
Atomic Pattern Fanny Pack
$29.95
90's Pattern Fanny Pack
$29.95
70's Stripes Fanny Pack
$29.95
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22 Comments
Some of these shows I either hated or never watch
56% similar
56% similar
5% similar. But then, in 1981 the only channel we could get consistently was our local NBC affiliate. Didn't give us much of a choice.
87 percent similar - watched a lot of tv in the early 80's instead of doing home work. Of course, late Sunday nights were reserved for Benny Hill reruns and followed the next night by Monday Night Football
Come on MeTV -- you need to start adding "NONE OF THE ABOVE" to these selections!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree. Only 41%.
But, although I later watched the Hulk, I did enjoy "Harper Valley P.T.A." In the summer of 1981, my Dad (may he rest in peace) and I went to California to visit my grandparents (may they also rest in peace), and we went to see the Universal Studios Hollywood tour. I remember seeing the set where "Harper Valley" was filmed. ("The Incredible Hulk" was also made at Universal, but I don't remember seeing any parts of the lot where that show was filmed.)
But, although I later watched the Hulk, I did enjoy "Harper Valley P.T.A." In the summer of 1981, my Dad (may he rest in peace) and I went to California to visit my grandparents (may they also rest in peace), and we went to see the Universal Studios Hollywood tour. I remember seeing the set where "Harper Valley" was filmed. ("The Incredible Hulk" was also made at Universal, but I don't remember seeing any parts of the lot where that show was filmed.)
69% similar. 😁😁😁😁😁
71% similar
71% similar to the most popular responses
71% similar to the most popular responses
60%. I can't understand why people would watch Love Boat reruns than watch The Price Is Right.
93% similar
Got 78%, but it got haaarrrrd...:s
Pick: What would you watch on TV in 1981?
47% similar
47% similar to the most popular responses
47% similar
47% similar to the most popular responses
62% similar
62% similar to the most popular responses
62% similar to the most popular responses
I didn't even take the survey. Most of those shows I didn't watch because they "jumped the shark" several seasons earlier.
71% similar
71% similar to the most popular responses
71% similar to the most popular responses
Buck Rogers in the 15th Century? Did he meet Johannes Gutenberg?
Guess he time traveled in the wrong direction.
80% similar.
71% similar
71% similar to the most popular responses
got: 56% similar!
there should be a choice for "Other" or "none-- i selected some only because these were not the-- for eg. I have not watched Sat am tv/cartoons since I was a kid-- mighty mouse and heckle and jeckle come to mind
Really. While I loved Saturday morning cartoons, I didn't watch any of the ones they listed.
they ended before I woke up