1981 in television

See also:

Debuts

• January 12 - Dynasty premieres on ABC (1981-1989).
• January 15 - Hill Street Blues premieres on NBC (1981-1987).
• May 16 - SCTV Network 90, a repackaging of the Canadian series SCTV, debuts on NBC (1981-1983).
• September 14 - Entertainment Tonight premieres in syndication (1981-present).
• September 15 - Only Fools and Horses premieres in the UK (1981-1983, 1985-1993, 1996-1997, 2001-2003).
• September 26 - Game for a Laugh premieres in the UK (1981-1986).
• October 28 - The Fall Guy premieres on ABC (1981-1986).
• October 29 - Gimme a Break premieres on NBC (1981-1987).
• November 24 - Simon & Simon premieres on CBS (1981-1988).
• December 4 - Falcon Crest premieres on CBS (1981-1990).
• Postman Pat premieres in the UK (1981, 1996, 2004-present).
• Today's Special premieres in Canada (1981-1987).