Buzz
More exciting than trading cards, less practical than a lunchbox, and ideal for weekend enthusiasts, a surprising variety of board games based on beloved ‘70s and ‘80s TV shows are still circulating today. Here’s a curated list of 20 standout examples.
1. Happy Days
Centered almost entirely around Fonzie, the Happy Days board game challenges players to earn enough “cool points” to win the Fonz’s approval. Progress is tracked by lighting up Arnold’s jukebox, and players pass the time by searching for “sumthin’ to do.”
2. Cheers
How well do you know Cheers? If your knowledge is a bit shaky, don’t fret—this trivia-based game allows you to rely on clues about the bar’s quirky patrons, which are woven into the gameplay. Be cautious of “Normie’s Olympics,” a mini-game that demands the kind of skills only a tipsy regular could excel at, blending balance with a touch of recklessness.
3. Barney Miller
The Barney Miller board game comes with unexpected twists—players don’t get to step into the shoes of the titular detective, and the game plays out like a betting-centric version of a matching challenge. Is this how police work is done? Maybe—at least in the world of TV.
4. Knight Rider
This “high-speed adventure game” may not include a miniature David Hasselhoff figure, but it challenges players to navigate an endless highway while avoiding hijackers. Clear “Trouble Spots” and pray your robotic car isn’t stolen—though you’d expect K.I.T.T. to be far too smart for that.
5. The Fall Guy
A surprisingly straightforward adaptation of the classic TV series, this game tasks players with replicating the daring feats of Lee Majors’ character—performing risky stunts and apprehending fugitives. While the box doesn’t play the iconic theme song, nothing’s stopping you from humming it yourself.
6. The A Team
Anyone who hears about the The A Team board game will feel an irresistible urge to play. Centered on a mission to recover a pilfered soda formula from a bizarre group of villains, the game captures the quirky, action-packed spirit of the beloved show.
7. Welcome Back, Kotter
Focused on its iconic catchphrase “up your nose with a rubber hose,” the Welcome Back, Kotter game revolves entirely around this quirky prop. Players use cards to spell out the famous line, and the victor is rewarded with a small piece of—you guessed it—rubber hose as a trophy.
8. CHiPS
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Recreating the high-speed antics of CHiPS would be far too dangerous, so this board game offers a safer alternative. Players step into the boots of motorcycle cops, aiming for glory by capturing at least four reckless drivers while navigating the rules of the road. Of course, the law-breaking speedsters don’t follow any traffic laws, making for a challenging and chaotic ride.
9. The Bionic Woman
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Designed with younger players in mind, The Bionic Woman game is simple and easy to grasp—assignments and points are distributed via cards, while dice rolls dictate movement on the board. While there are no bionic-themed game pieces, the board’s design oddly resembles “Candy Land.” Ideal for any young fan of Lindsay Wagner.
10. Alf
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Staying true to the quirky conflicts of the original series (yes, even a show about a wisecracking alien had its dramas), the Alf board game lets players embody the furry Melmacian as they navigate the Tanner household, all while hunting for a delicious cat snack. Meanwhile, Mrs. Ochmonek is on a mission to protect her cat Lucky from becoming an unlucky meal.
11. Columbo
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A letdown for enthusiasts of the grumpy sleuth, Milton Bradley merely rebranded their “Why” game to align with the TV series. However, Alfred Hitchcock fans might appreciate it, as the murder mystery “Why” was initially marketed as his creation.
12. Family Ties
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Letting players step into the shoes of the iconic Keaton family is a brilliant move—one that keeps frustration at bay despite the game’s intricate mechanics. The goal is to earn one hundred dollars and ensure every family member (except Skippy!) gathers for a group photo. It’s no small feat, given the Keatons’ tendency to scatter in all directions, but managing to unite all the pawns for a snapshot could lead to a truly perfect moment.
13. Charlie’s Angels
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Emphasizing teamwork, the Charlie’s Angels board game not only imparts important life lessons but also mirrors the show’s core themes. Charlie sends his trio of detectives to apprehend a criminal, and each player must leverage their unique abilities and collaborate to successfully capture the villain. It’s a stylish and engaging experience!
14. The Six Million Dollar Man
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A creative adaptation of the series, the The Six Million Dollar Man game lets every player embody the mighty Steve Austin—in a way. The objective is to demonstrate, through successfully completed missions that boost your power, that you’re the true Six Million Dollar Man. Or at least the first to make it around the board.
15. All in the Family
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A fantastic way to bond with your family—or potentially drive them apart—the All in the Family board game tasks one player with reading questions from the included answer book, while others jot down their responses. The fun lies in guessing who said what, with added amusement from “responses” by Archie and Edith. Discover just how different your family members are with this engaging game!
16. Archie Bunker’s Card Game
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For All in the Family enthusiasts looking to avoid family feuds, Archie Bunker’s Card Game provides a more laid-back alternative. This intricate blend of suits, tricks, and a “Ding Bat Tally” wheel ensures fun for (almost) everyone in the family!
17. The Dukes of Hazzard
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It’s no surprise that the The Dukes of Hazzard board game is a high-speed race where players must choose between the safer highway or the risky backroads. Competitors can sabotage each other with roadblocks and bumper crashes. While it’s not exactly safe, remember—it’s just a game.
18. Kojak
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This traditional “roll and move” game pits players against each other as rival detectives, all vying to solve four major cases. Though straightforward, it manages to turn mundane tasks like parking your car for surveillance into surprisingly thrilling challenges.
19. Fantasy Island
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Though it doesn’t include a miniature plane, the Fantasy Island game offers a variety of fantasies for players to explore. These fantasies don’t always go smoothly, but if you gather enough kisses, adventures, and money and reach the main house before anyone else, you can claim victory (at least until the next group of guests arrives).
20. Mork & Mindy
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Playfully designed as an Orkan game, the Mork & Mindy board game is filled with quirky alien terminology and unique rules. While it might appear a little “out of this world” (wink wink) initially, it’s essentially a traditional dice-rolling game enhanced with whimsical twists.
