See also: 1984 in television, other events of 1985, 1986 in television and the list of 'years in television'.
Hit Television Shows
- The Cosby Show (1984-1992)
- Cheers (1982-1993)
- Family Ties (1982-1989)
Other Popular Television Shows
- The A-Team (1983-1987)
- Alice (1976-1985)
- Dallas (1978-1991)
- Dr Who (1963-1989)
- Jeopardy! (1984-present)
- Late Night with David Letterman (1982-1993)
- Saturday Night Live (1975-present)
- Sesame Street (1969-present)
- The Tonight Show (1954-present)
- The Wheel of Fortune (1975-present)
Events
- August 19 - David Letterman interrupts the Today Show with a megaphone while both shows are on the air. Letterman leaned out the window of his building and announced "My name is Larry Grossman (then president of NBC News) and I'm not wearing any pants!". The Today Show was taping an interview several stories below.
- NBC becomes the first commercial television network to use satellite interconnection for its stations.