These iconic tv show duos from the 80s

23/07/2020

If nowadays shows are mostly centered on a group of friends, it wasn't always the case. Especially during the 80s where legendary duos and big dynasties hit the mark. Here are some of the most cult duos that we discovered through the 80s...

Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs from Miami Vice

Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs

You don't have to be born in the 80s to have had heard of Miami Vice. Behind the two most popular cops of the Miami police, are Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas, who played Sonny Crockett and Ricardo Tubbs. This duo's strength? Their differences. Incidentally, it is at the heart of the show: these two men have nothing in common, whether it's their personalities or their physics, and yet, together, they are going to solve more than one case.

Arnold and Willy from Diff'rent Strokes
Arnold and Willy

If the show was first broadcasted in 1978, it became popular during the 80s. Billionaire widower Mr Drummond (Conrad Bain), promised at the deathbed of his housekeeper that he'd take care of her two sons. He then became the guardian of Arnold and Willy (Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges), two young boys who came from a poor neighborhood of Harlem. Better than a duo, the show benefits from a great trio who leads to multiple hilarious situations resting mainly on culture shock.

Amanda King and Lee Stetson from Scarecrow and Mrs. King
Amanda King and Lee Stetson

A secret service agent decides to include a divorcee housewife to his investigations. Here is the pitch for Scarecrow and Mrs. King with Lee Stetson, aka Scarecrow, played by Bruce Boxleitner; and Amanda King, the housewife played by Kate Jackson. Together they form one of the most iconic duos of spy shows. Cherry on the cake, we wouldn't want to spoil anything but this little game is going to help Amanda find her true calling...

Sam Beckett and Al from Quantum Leap
Sam Beckett and Al

At the end of the 80s, the sci-fi show Quantum Leap introduced to the audience a duo as unusual as it is legendary. Formed by Samuel Beckett (Scott Bakula) and Admiral Al Calavicci (Dean Stockwell), who appears as an hologram in the show, they defy time and space. Final proof that this duo is iconic, both actors have received a Golden Globe at the beginning of the 90s: best actor in a supporting role for Dean Stockell (1990) and best actor in a drama series for Scott Bakula (1992).

Magnum and Jonathan Quayle Higgins III from Magnum P.I.
Magnum and Jonathan Quayle Higgins III

Is there something more mythical than Tom Selleck in Magnum P.I.? Hardly. Incidentally, the actor is inseparable from his character Thomas Magnu. In charge of the personal security of a famous author, Magnum has to cope with the butler of the house, who has a very different personality. If he is a bit stiff, Magnum can be a little (too?) relaxed. Magnum is also a private investigator who solves many cases. John Hillerman and Tom Selleck's interactions are hilarious and put both actors amongst the most iconic tv show duos of the 80s, without a doubt.

Michael Knight and K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider
Michael Knight and K.I.T.T.

For this last duo, let's talk about this unusual relationship between David Hasselhoff and... his car! You only have to read "Knight Rider" to automatically have its theme song in mind. Here David Hasselhoff, also widely known for playing Mitch Buchannon in Baywatch, is Michael Knight and is in charge of bringing justice for a mysterious company. To do so, he is partnered with the best teammate ever: a super enhanced and smart car named K.I.T.T. Even today you won't find a better duo.

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