3 hard-to-find classic TV shows you can finally stream

Everyone loves a good TV show, but what makes it a classic is its ability to stand the test of time. This means immense rewatchability, cultural impact, and consistent, high-quality storytelling. Shows that do this are often nostalgic and resonate across generations, creating memorable characters and embedding themselves in the audience’s consciousness.

There’s just one problem with classic shows: They’re hard to find, especially in today’s streaming landscape and if they’re no longer in syndication. Sometimes we take a break when a canceled TV show becomes available to stream. So do the classics below, listed by year of release, and our top pick is one of the funniest sitcoms of the 1980s.

3

The Dana Carvey Show (1996)

Isn’t that special?

Dana Carvey is known for his sketch comedy abilities, so when The Dana Carvey Show debuted on ABC in 1996, audiences were delighted. This excitement didn’t last long, as only 7 of its first 10 episodes aired before being canceled. Audiences complained that the humor was too sharp and controversial for the 9:30 p.m. timeslot, which immediately followed Tim Allen’s wholesome family sitcom. Home Improvement.

The series was known for its bold, ahead-of-its-time humor, which, yes, was often controversial, but so what? Controversy makes good comedy. At the time, audiences were exposed to humor ranging from political satire (e.g., Bill Clinton nursing puppies) to absurdist sketches. Each episode also had its own sponsor and featured topical sketches, musical numbers and animated segments, including the debut of rib-tickling. Ambiguous gay duo.

Despite its failure, the sketch series is an excellent example of high-talent experimental comedy. The problem was that it just wasn’t ready to resonate with a prime-time audience. Regardless, it is now considered a classic and, in 2017, was the subject of the Hulu documentary. Too Funny to Fail: The Life and Death of the Dana Carvey Show.

The Dana Carvey Show is currently available to stream on Apple TV with a subscription.

2

The Drew Carey Show (1995)

Oh, you hate your job? There is a support group for this.

Before hosting one of America’s most popular game shows, Drew Carey and his working-class comedy were a cornerstone of 1990s sitcoms. His hit TV show, The Drew Carey Showhad a surreal streak that lasted 9 seasons, and when it ended, our accessibility increased as well, thanks to music rights issues.

The classic series starred Carey as a fictionalized version of himself. As an underperforming assistant personnel manager at Winfred-Louder’s department store in Cleveland, Ohio, he remains perpetually stuck in a dead-end job, navigating office politics, awkward romances, and treacherous daily life alongside his lifelong friends Lewis (Ryan Stiles) and Oswald (Diedrich Bader). There are also the frequent clashes with her flamboyant, eyeshadow-adorned office nemesis Mimi (Kathy Kinney) and her strict English boss Nigel (Craig Ferguson). For the most part, though, Drew’s world revolves around friendship, stalled ambition, and finding small victories in an otherwise ordinary life.

Carey’s series used popular music, including the theme songs “Moon Over Parma”, “Five O’Clock World”, and the Presidents of the United States’ hit cover of “Cleveland Rocks”, introduced in the third season. Other tracks include Joe Walsh and The Edgar Winter Group. At the time, these songs were only licensed for original release, not for home media or streaming, but now you’ll be happy to know everything that ultimately changed.

The nine seasons of The Drew Carey Show are available to stream for free on Tubi, Pluto TV, PLEX and The Roku Channel.

The Drew Carey Show

Release date

1995 – 00/00/2004

Network

ABC

Directors

Gerry Cohen, Sam Simon, Bob Koherr, Brian K. Roberts, Steve Zuckerman, Shelley Jensen, Gary Halvorson, Michael Lessac, Ryan Stiles

1

Mom’s Family (1983)

You can choose your friends but not your loved ones

One of my favorite classic series from the 1980s is Mom’s family. I grew up with Mom and loved her no time for shenanigans attitude and tough outlook on life. She made me laugh. Although it seemed abrupt, the series ultimately ended after reaching its syndication goal in 1990.

Vicki Lawrence plays Thelma “Mama” Harper, the blue-haired and angry matriarch of the Harper family. Her house would be hers, except that her son Vinton (Ken Berry) and his wife Naomi (Dorothy Lyman) were forced to move into her basement after losing money in a deal gone bad, and her delinquent grandson Bubba (Allan Kayser) was ordered to live with her after being released from prison and placed on probation. There’s also Mom’s friend and neighbor, Iola (Beverly Archer), who frequently visits the Harper household, as it’s often the site of constant and abrasive bickering.

Although the darkly comedic sitcom aired in syndication for a while, it has been extremely difficult to find in the 21st century unless you want to buy it, which of course I did. That doesn’t mean you have to, because this heartbreaking gem is finally accessible in the New World.

Mom’s family is currently available to stream on Apple TV with a subscription and for free on Pluto TV.

Mom’s family

Release date

1983 – 00/00/1990

Network

NBC, Syndication

Directors

Dave Powers, Dick Martin

Hard-to-find classic TV shows are becoming increasingly available as licensing issues expire and the streaming landscape continues to expand its acquisitions. So keep your eyes open. You never know when one of your favorite classics might reappear.