Our list of the top 80 TV shows of the 1980s is nearly complete. (Actually, I could stretch it to 100 shows, but do we really need that many?) It's not too late to submit your favorite show. Click here to add your picks.

In the meantime, let's come to a consensus on the top 3 shows. Right now, the shows leading in votes are Miami Vice, Family Ties and Cheers (not necessarily in that order -- I gotta keep some suspense to the list).

Which of these legendary shows deserves the top spot? Let's break them down:

MIAMI VICE (1984-89)
Starring: Don Johnson, Philip Michael Thomas
The argument: Former Times TV critic Chase Squires says, "Vice is the emblematic show of the 1980s, it draws a clear divide between the 1970s and the 1980s in style and substance. ... The montage of music and action, sans dialogue, is a signature sequence that's still in use today."
Cons:

FAMILY TIES (1982-89)
Starring: Michael J. Fox, Justine Bateman
The argument: Introducing ... Michael J. Fox, who would use his success on the show to launch a powerfully entertaining career in film. Add in a dash of politics (a conservative dash too), loving ex-hippies for parents and snappy dialog.

CHEERS (1983-1993)
Starring: Ted Danson, Kelsey Grammer
The argument: Along with Seinfeld and The Simpsons, one of the funniest network TV shows of the last 30 years. An ensemble cast so talented and tight that only one of them -- Grammer -- would go on to  equal success on TV in the future.

Leave a comment with your vote. Or let me know if there's another show worthy of the top spot.