Even More Forgotten TV Shows of the 80s

Amongst today’s forgotten 80s TV gems on Stuview TV, we’ve got wild west antics in the north of England, Dirty Harry played for laughs and a TV theme tune that will bring a nostalgic tear to your eye. How many of these forgotten series from the 1980s will you remember?
If you have enjoyed this video, there are lots more just like it on the Stuview TV channel. From memories of 70s and 80s TV shows and classic British comedy, to forgotten nostalgic treasures and fun 70s/80s quiz games.
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Many thanks for watching!

[@sicilia71]

OMG we used to sing the words "I'm a story teller & my stories must be told" EVERY time someone was lying in school and it's because of that programme. I'm in my 50s and i've never forgotten that tune BUT i forgot where we got it from....until now. Thank you so much. Plus i loved Sledgehammer so much. I've got it on DVD

[@stuviewtv]

Such a wonderful theme tune with so much nostalgia attached to it.

[@MacStoker]

agreed... before that we sang "jackanory tells a story" for the liars lol

[@rw8733]

I cried 😢

[@DavidNettleton-l3r]

Me too 😅😅

[@noka1979]

that is the first thing that came to mind for me, what makes it even funnier is that the person we would sing it to most was called John

[@emmettorafferty1006]

Sledge Hammer was unforgettable loved it 🎉😂❤

[@wraith7193]

And such a cool theme tune!

[@Cheepchipsable]

"I was the more efficient Elvis!"

[@tonybrett5209]

Trust me, I know what I'm doing

[@donnahollins5071]

The Storyteller and The Labyrinth . Forgotten over the decades but instantly brought back my childhood. The mind only needs that little trigger. Thanks

[@andrewsewell1518]

Story teller, one of the themes i never forgot, i still sing it out loud today,everytime i think someone is lying to me

[@badninja1971]

50+ years old & still knowing the words to story teller today is spooky. 😂

[@ukar69]

That Storybook International theme has been sitting in a locked away part of my brain for decades, yet only needs a small prompt to bring it all back.

[@stuviewtv]

That theme is incredibly nostalgic.

[@ukar69]

@@stuviewtv it hits you right in the feels.

[@Chillmax]

I remember and watched all of these, except for the first wild west one. Love Sledgehammer, just been watching it recently, a wonderful antidote to modern, zero fun garbage. I was mesmerised by Manimal, I'm sure because of the effects, but also because Simon was so dizzyingly handsome, something in the 1980's, that this little boy had to keep to himself ;-).

[@leechilds3725]

Brilliant the storyteller that brings back memories. Thanks for these clips

[@stuviewtv]

No problem Lee. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@Julie-sm7sp]

I remember watching Me & My Girl, i did love anything that Richard O'Sullivan was in though 😁 The theme tune from Storybook International certainly brought back memories, i think we all knew those words off by heart. Great video as always Stu.

[@stuviewtv]

Hi Julie. You're right about the words to the Storyteller song. Once heard never forgotten!

[@Julie-sm7sp]

​@@stuviewtvI was singing along as it was on 😅 many thanks Stu.

[@NotesOfBoredom]

After Peter Bowles was mentioned - the only opening credits playing in my head were: "I'm h - a - p - p - y. I'm h - a - p - p - y. I know I am, am sure I am.. I'm h - a - p - p - y.." Used to watch "Only When I Laugh" with my dad - miss you dad..

[@rw8733]

@@NotesOfBoredom The brilliant Richard Wilson.

[@rw8733]

So many memories. Thanks, Stu. 😢😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure as always!

[@robfellows4096]

A warm glow of nostalgia for 'Into the Labyrinth' - which I watched for the first time during lockdown in 2020! A great example of big ambitions and committed acting overcoming what would now be considered a micro-budget! Bring me the Nidus!!!

[@dawnyWestScotland]

Oh yes Story teller International I’d forgotten about until I saw the lovely animation. 🦊 Peter Bowles was a great actor!

[@robsmith6281]

Sledgehammer was on late at night remember staying up every time.

[@raresoulie]

I used to tape it

[@rw8733]

He was in Columbo. 😊

[@Algee-le3gp]

Storybook International, Me & My Girl, Manimal, and Captain Zep: Space Detective. I remember those four very well. I can't believe it's been about forty years since I saw them. Manimal stands out in particular, even though it was short lived. I found the special effects mesmerising. Thank you.

[@M2Mil7er]

Oh, I've not forgotten Manimal. I rewatched it recently, along with another niche '80s favourite of mine: Automan.

[@stuviewtv]

Automan is another series I will probably feature at some point.

[@traceys8065]

That's the first time I've heard the Storyteller theme tune since the 80s yet I knew all the words. What a wonderful piece of nostalgia. 😄

[@stuviewtv]

Once heard never forgotten!

[@dominicg11]

I was exactly the same - automatically singing along

[@awall1701]

Blott on the landscape was great, Storyteller was brilliant. Into the Labyrinth was another I remember and enjoyed, Captain Zep - I dont think my brain was working properly to figure out the mystery but still watched it and hoped I would figure it out. 🤣🤣Manimal I do remember. Thank you for the trip down memory lane, great video. Keep up the great work.

[@stuviewtv]

Many thanks!

[@musicalneptunian]

Into the Labyrinth was shown in the 80s on Australian TV! Yes! I remember Rothco. I never thought on this list there would be anything I actually watched as a kid. I loved this. Those three kids would hold hands with Rothco and chant his name. It was on after school in the afternoons on ABC.

[@smudgersnature7289]

Brilliant, thanks for reigniting my memories. One programme I used to love watching was the US police show Mclains Law. Only ran for one series I think. I loved the theme tune and the lead role was by the brilliant James Arness.

[@loopymoo6468]

Never in all these years have I noticed the similarity between Simon Cadell and Rik Mayall. But I can't unsee it now.

[@lucius4556]

Did you know the lady in Doc Martin with the neckbrace is Simon Cadels sister.

[@loopymoo6468]

​@@lucius4556I had to Google her because I've never managed to get through five minutes of Doc Martin 😂 I recognised her immediately, one of those prolific actresses where you know the face but not the name. I did not know she was Simon Cadell's sister!

[@justinthehedgehog3388]

Two series I remember well from the early 80's was The Dark Side of the Sun, (I bought the soundtrack to that on cassette at the time). The other was "The Old Men at the Zoo", which terrified me, and still gives me the chills now. I emailed the BBC in 2001 and asked if it would ever be released, but was told there were no plans to. I did find a VHS rip on KZbin and kept it; think that's the best we're going to get for now.

[@tthomas5323]

My dad was is in an episode of Storybook International. He played the blacksmith in the episode “Secret Soup” which was filmed in Wales.

[@stuviewtv]

Fantastic!

[@carolebarker2195]

Bootle Saddles! That was the one! You did well finding the intro and the theme tune, Stu. Rare indeed. I remembered Debbie Arnold being in it as well. It was a good idea but I think it ran out of steam at the end. I remember Manimal, it was a big thing at the time, despite being up against Dallas. Don't remember the children's shows much as I was probably at work or out for the evening back in the 80s. I remembered Me and My Girl being on, thought it was a bit corny though.

[@stuviewtv]

Hi Carole. Yes, I was pleased I managed to find clips of Bootle Saddles. There's not much out there about it sadly.

[@carolebarker2195]

@@stuviewtv Sadly, Kenneth Cope has just passed away, aged 93.

[@shaunw9270]

The story teller! Liked Me and My Girl at the time.

[@justmyster1976]

Love this channel. Ben watching for ages but hadn't thought to subscribe until today. Brilliant content and narration.

[@stuviewtv]

Many thanks!

[@deswynne8172]

I loved the series Sledge Hammer, absolutely bonkers. Staying with forgotten TV shows, does anyone remember the cartoon series Fantomcat? It was on ITV in 1995 & Robert Powell provided the voice of our sword wielding hero. He was trapped in a painting & was released in modern day Metro City. Staying with the 80's, another forgotten Richard O'Sullivan series is Dick Turpin, I recently watched it on Rewind TV it's very enjoyable, I liked the theme tune too.

[@skinnycartman99]

Manimal! I’d almost forgotten it existed. I seem to recall Robert Powell being in some Arthurian drama series in the 80s or 90s too before he teamed up with Jasper Carrot

[@johnklimcke8875]

God some great memories again stu manimal and sledge hammer we're great to watch back then. We'll done again has always 👏👍🍻

[@stuviewtv]

Thanks as ever John.

[@gods_andmonsters]

I remember so many of these. Great TV.

[@charlottehardy822]

Blott on the landscape was amusing, even to a young me and storybook international was lovely. Manimal was awesome, used to watch it with my Dad.

[@Kapricorn1]

Into the Labyrinth was great, and hearing the Storybook International theme brought back memories.

[@raresoulie]

Loved Sledgehammer, an episode about Elvis impersonators being bumped off with a golden microphone springs to mind.

[@vinceely2906]

Always loved the one with Davy Jones as a crooked record producer.

[@Cornz38]

The curious fox always made me smile on Storyteller..

[@stuviewtv]

Me too.

[@Cornz38]

@@stuviewtv Whatever happened to jackanory???

[@markrowley2739]

I always watched the fox. Such intrigue, innocence and curiosity...oddly enough I'm a hunt sab member now 😂

[@stuviewtv]

@@Cornz38 Wonderful series.

[@Cornz38]

@@stuviewtv Also on youtube!!!!!!!

[@garetjax19]

Along with The labyrinth, there was The Children of the Stones and The Box of Delights, some of the most imaginative, intelligent, accessible, escapist children's TV, that I was lucky enough to have as part of my early teens. Also wished Ron Moody could have been Dr Who. Peace All

[@kp7032]

The Box of Delights was always a favourite. I still watch it occasionally now when I’m feeling nostalgic.

[@clangerbasher]

Anything with Pamela Salem in it has its good points.

[@zappababe8577]

There are around a dozen or so episodes of Storybook International on KZbin, I found them a while ago. Yes, they're very comforting old stories. "The good end happily, the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means." - Miss Prism, The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Unfortunately, still very true.

[@paul-hutt.3686]

Manimal was brilliant... those knuckles when he changed is the most memorable part.

[@CarlB_1962]

I enjoyed Lytton’s Diary, Hannay and Me & My Girl. Richard O’Sullivan made anything he appeared in worth watching imo.

[@stuviewtv]

Absolutely. Always very likeable.

[@alisonjordan]

Hello Stu🙋‍♀️ Not so forgotten trip down TV 📺 Memory Lane. I loved watching “Blot on the Landscape” “Bootle Saddles” and “Hannay.” I thought “Bootle Saddles” was quite popular at the time, but the BBC Didn’t want to go to the expense of commissioning another Series. I didn’t realise that Kenneth Cope, of “Randall and Hopkirk (deceased)” played the lead Character... Thanks again. Looking forward to another nostalgic video📹😃

[@stuviewtv]

Hello Alison. Such a shame that Bootle Saddles isn't better known today. A very underrated comedy.

[@alisonjordan]

@@stuviewtv Hello Stu😎 Thanks for your reply,and I totally agree. Sometimes a wonderful programme is shown, and never seen or heard of again... and the same dross is shown again and again and...

[@DoctorFigo]

Blott on the Landscape was a masterpiece and easily my favourite Tom Sharpe adaptation (although a big shout out to Channel 4's Porterhouse Blue). I've rewatched it on numerous occasions and it never pales. Great writing, great cast.

[@scotttait2197]

6:41 Ironically, someone called SALEM playing a witch!

[@JuliaHarrisx]

I loved Manimal and have never found anyone who remembers it or has a clue what I’m on about. Until now. 😁

[@martinharris6469]

I've seen some of these... but I was always out in the 80s out watching metal gigs or playing darts... and training in martial arts... great video low...

[@nanasdad100]

Me too Night Diving spearfishing swimming cycling drinking and rumpy-pumpy, a lot on the beach Happiest time of my life, not watching TV But love this channel

[@stephaniemurphy3443]

So many great shows I forgot about thanks for great the memories

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it Stephanie. Thanks!

[@OutandAboutwithDave]

Wow there is a blast from the past, i remember all except the following `Bootle Saddles' i dont remember that one, as always a great video thanks ave.

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave. Many thanks!

[@Dave-mr3qx]

Sledge hammer was one of the funniest series of the 80's, I absolutely loved it. Completely forgot about it until you included it here, so fair play for that, gonna have to catch up on it now 👍

[@stuviewtv]

I've been watching it again myself and it still makes me laugh.

[@iandawe948]

RIP Kenneth Cope. Forever remembered as marty, in the great Randall and Hopkirk.

[@iammyriad71]

Man, I feel old!!! 🤔😭😭😜😜😜😜

[@jack1d1XB]

Don't know if you covered it but there was one about a Boy who got in a Lift but never arrived at the destination he wanted, instead found different darkly ( zones )with strange people? This would have been a 70s era on TV.

[@nicolasykes6637]

I remember watching the labyrinth with Ron Moody and story teller.

[@Discomike999]

I loved Into the Labyrinth.. Rothgo was replaced by Lazlo in the second series and only one of the kids came back.. Luckily I picked up the DVD of this a few years back 😊

[@carolinefinley5632]

I remember watching Me and my girl.Manimal I remember his skin wiggling when he transformed in to a animal.I absolutely loved watching Sledgehammer.I was 12 and was allowed to stay up late to watch it.

[@stuartscott8099]

Captain Zep - I can still remember the theme tune. "Super Space Detective....."

[@SiL-uj2zl]

Child of the 80s here (7-17) and cannot for the life of me recall "Storybook international"

[@richardm6332]

I remember watching Manimal, but I think it was on Irish television RTE. I enjoyed all three movie versions of The 39 Steps, but never knew about Hannah until a few years back. Very enjoyable. I still have the DVDs.

[@dawnyWestScotland]

I know this is to be great! 💛💙💙💙

[@KarrierBag]

I remember many of these but during the 80's I was one of those 'Hippy types' and was squatting unused council buildings in Brighton (one was bought by that famous crazy boxer Eubank who lives in Brighton still, so didn't have a TV much of the time, weirdly my parents ran a TV, Radio, Stereo sales and repair shop only 7 miles away 🤣

[@lifeisbutadreamsodreamon]

The Storyteller ❤❤❤ loved the animation and the song of the title... still do 😊

[@80sandretrogubbins25]

Some good ones here. I live in hope of finding more footage of old fairly obscure kid's TV like Captain Zep.

[@jimmyviaductophilelawley5587]

Great stuff Stu! Storyteller International was great! Never saw Into the Labyrinth. No idea why. Looks right up my street! Sledge Hammer was a stone cold classic. Captain Zep is a new one to me as well.

[@stuviewtv]

Hello Jimmy. I've been watching a few episodes of Sledge Hammer again recently. Still very funny!

[@DavidNettleton-l3r]

Im a storyteller wow id forgotten about that thanks stu youve made my day 😊😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@keithshortland609]

Travelling Man with Leigh Lawson was a favourite of mine.

[@DBIVUK]

I have that on DVD - stands up well. Apparently Leigh Lawson hated it because it was filmed over winter in unheated narrowboats from which the windows had been removed so the cameras could see in.

[@macman3676]

OMG Storybook International theme tune! Im 52 and remember that so well.

[@antfrancis9941]

Anyone remember hunter, rugged 80's cop with his female psrtner?

[@DiRicher]

Works for me. 😊

[@thefrecklepuny]

I remember that in The Beano (or was it Whizzer and Chips?) there was a spoof of Manimal called 'Animalad'.

[@michaelwebster8666]

Another great video! Manimal I remember, Into the Labyrinth, Capt Zep.and of course Thr Storyteller. TV was just so good back then 👍

[@stuviewtv]

Glad you enjoyed it! Many thanks.

[@flashtheoriginal]

Anyone remember Square Pegs? Loved it

[@jonjoco]

Wow. You are the best.I had an early internet argument trying to prove Manimal existed. I am also one of the sad children who turned over as soon as the story teller started to sing his song.

[@helenlogan6481]

I absolutely loved storybook international. My mum always said how lovely the fox’s eyes were

[@margaretdownie4407]

Oh my god, the storyteller, wow i forgot about this, but how i loved this 💜

[@bongofury3176]

storyteller made me cry...sledgehammer made me laugh. 40 years has passed quickly

[@stephen3511]

Crikey! Storyteller. Used to live that show. Thanks for the upload 👍🏻👍🏻

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure.

[@Twirlyhead]

Loved Sledge Hammer ! back then and I had quite a crush on Dori.

[@dmorgs07]

Captain Zep! Still have a cassette of Tony Blackburn’s morning show playing the whole theme tune!

[@Jute511]

After all these decades, I still sang along to the Storybook International intro.

[@dametrot]

Awww Blott on the landscape is still one of those really special seminar shows to me. I think it’s probably one of the first Big adult comedies I ever watched. And of course, gosh I know what it is about the title music to storybook international literally gets me but it really does. Into the labyrinth I think is still one of the greatest themes and titles of British TV up there with Blake seven and Doctor Who. And I’m glad I still have my DVD I think … I’ve still got the VHS’s to be fair.

[@stuviewtv]

Same here with the Storybook International theme music. There is just something so nostalgic and evocative about it.

[@Autopsy6]

No one could forget Manimal.

[@bobbiescrisps9208]

I had but now remember

[@vinceely2906]

The transformations were well done. But boy, did they freak out a 10 year old me😄

[@UncleFeedle]

Bootle Saddles - so that's what it was called. I always vaguely remembered there being this weird 80s sitcom that was set in the wild west but with a cast of Brits. I once mentioned it in a TV discussion forum but nobody had a clue what I was talking about!

[@griersson]

Interesting. The chap who sings the Bootle Saddles theme could be Ken Barrie, the voice of Postman Pat!

[@derekhorne8076]

Ok, so Me and My Girl was brilliant. I always loved it. Such a great cast, Richard O'sullivan and Tim Brooke-Taylor but above all the truly magnificent Joan Sanderson. From Doris "rotten" Ewell to Eleanor Prescott (including Mrs Richards and Nell Truscott) she was always sublime and the theme tune was great!

[@sonicstoryteller]

The story book was my favourite that song is timeless wonderful. And sledgehammer he was a nutjob lol brilliant stu TFS Phil from the shire 👍

[@stuviewtv]

Cheers Phil!

[@NobletheSavage]

I love the theme of Storybook International. It's so wholesome. I really enjoyed Me and My Girl too.

[@eleanormorgan44]

Into the Labyrinth but forgot who was in it so thank you for letting us know.

[@evelynwilson1566]

My old Geography teacher 'Did anyone see Sledgehammer last night?' Us: ' Aye, it was brilliant. ' Mr McIntyre ' What were you lot doing up when Sledgehammer was on?'😅 I always remember The Storyteller and his song but I can't remember any of the stories. I remember Manimal, Me and My Girl, Hannay, Lytton's Diary and Blott on the Landscape. I don't remember watching the last two though. Honestly, i' d give most of them a try again.

[@phil7301]

Excellent, thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

[@leighmonty13]

Loved sledgehammer, remember most of these ,surprised you've not mentioned streethawk only did 13 episodes

[@stuviewtv]

Street Hawk is on the list to be featured in a future video.

[@nicolavallely8076]

❤manimal and also Sledge Hammer 🔨 loved Me and My Girl as well, thank you for the video xx

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@werdna1690]

I loved captain zep especially the theme tune 😃🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@VixGB]

Storybook International was lovely ❤ I also remembered Into the Labyrinth, which was great scary fun with Ron Moody! 😊 I remembered many of these programmes - thank you 😊

[@stuviewtv]

My pleasure!

[@SafetyProMalta]

My kids loved the storyteller

[@lucius4556]

When I seen the fox I thought it was the animals of farthing wood at first, my eldest used to love that.

[@rw8733]

@@SafetyProMalta And my kids, too.

[@XXLaffinGravyXX]

This just came up in my timeline the same day as Kenneth Copes passing. RIP Kenneth ( Randall and Hopkirk deceased)

[@alanprior7650]

I remember Captain Zep. It was great trying to solve the mystery...I remember Paul Greenwood in Rosy. A good series that one. Manimal's special effects/make up were fantastic.

[@stewartfooter3580]

What a great look look back stu, storybook was outstanding,the intro takes me to a great time and wish they would bring it back as it would un fog kids minds and get em off cosoles,manimal was dire but i had to watch it lol and remember...stay alert

[@stuviewtv]

Such a wonderfully nostalgic theme tune for Storybook International. So many memories.

[@ModelsExInferis]

I think Manimal might be a prime candidate for the Mandela Effect, because I vividly remember watching it every week for... well, weeks. Not just eight weeks, but for what would have been a full series back in those days. When I found it had finally been released on DVD a few years ago I was staggered to find it was only eight episodes! I thought it'd suffered from, what I'm going to affectionately call Doctor Who syndrome; episodes had gone missing. But nope, just eight were made. Regardless, I LOVED Manimal! Simon MacCorkindale was legit my first crush too! I'd forgotten all about Storybook International, but that theme and animation brought it flooding back! I'm going to have to look that up again. Me and My Girl was a great show as far as I can remember! Might have to find that again too! [On a tangential Mandela Effect note, does anyone remember watching the Tokusatsu show Uchuu Kaiji Gavan in what would have been the early 80's on UK TV? It came out in 1981 and, as far as I'm aware, was never given the Power Rangers treatment (thank the Goddess!), but when I watched it a couple of years ago I knew I'd seen it before. If anyone would know it'd be people in this channel's comments! Cheers!]

[@DavidPalin]

Some classics there. Have done Kinvig or shoestring? Demcy and Makepeice?

[@stuviewtv]

Kinvig has been featured in a previous forgotten TV video but not the other two just yet.

[@Lisafer15]

I remember most of these but was mostly distracted by that hideous triangle pattern that kept popping up as my nan had that as wall paper! Urgh!

[@LittleMissGrosser]

I remember Blott on the Landscape! Storybook International holds so many memories for me and my sister. I vaguely remember Hannay, or rather the opening credits. I remember Me and My Girl being a really sweet show. Manimal was so cheesy! I have some vague recollection of Sledge Hammer.

[@StoffelDilligas]

Manimal was brilliant. I loved it as a kid. This and automan were brilliant.

[@BarryFrancis]

I remember the Storybook International theme tune but not so much of the episodes themselves. I also used to enjoy Me & My Girl.