This load of vintage merchandise shows just how massive ALF was back in the 1980s

These 23 products prove ALF was the alien king of TV.

We will admit it. Back in the 1980s, we got two goldfish. We named one Mel and the other Mac, in honor of ALF's home planet of Melmac.

ALF may not have been the most popular sitcom on television (though it become the No. 10 show in America in its second season) but the furry, wise-cracking alien was the king of the marketing tie-in. Between the years 1986 and 1990, when the show aired on NBC, you could find all kinds of merchadise with ALF on it.

Were you looking for ALF games, desserts, clothing, toys or music? Well, ALF had two words for you: "No problem!"

Compiling all this stuff, we learned that ALF was particularly popular in Germany. Like Hasselhoff famous.

Do you remember seeing — or owning — any of this sweet ALF swag? 

1. Wrist watches

 

"Is that an aardvark attacking your forearm?" "Nope, it's my awesome new ALF wrist watch!" We've seen mink stoles with less fur.

Image: wishbookweb.com

2. Skateboards

 

The year 1987 was a peak for skateboard culture too, with movies and arcade games based on the growing sport. Naturally, someone had to slap ALF of a deck, and Valterra was up for it.

Image: webringjustice

3. Ice Cream

 

What do you think ALF tastes like? According to these treats, toffee, vanilla and chocolate.

Image: longwhitekid

4. Cake molds

 

You could make your own ALF-shaped desserts at home, too.

Image: vanmarkcollectables / eBay

5. Video Games

 

ALF popped up in all kinds of games, from educational disks for PCs to Sega cartridges. You can play this ALF computer game right now. Fair warning: It makes that infamous Atari E.T. game look like Super Mario Bros.

Image: archive.org

6. Pajamas

 

After all that skating and eating, it was time for bed. First, you had to slip into some cozy ALF sleepwear.

Image: wishbookweb.com

7. Sleeping Bags

 

Next, tuck up inside an official ALF sleeping bag.

Image: wishbookweb.com

8. Plush dolls

 

Don't forget to snuggle up with your ALF stuffed doll. Oh, and some of these guys could talk, too, with the help of a cassette tape.

Image: retrowaste

9. Tent

 

Then, crawl inside your official ALF tent.

Image: wishbookweb.com

10. Wait, more tents

 

Oh, did you think there was only one ALF tent available? Ha. There was this indoor sleep bivouac, as well.

Image: wishbookweb.com

11. Alarm Clocks

 

Time to wake up! ALF will have you ready for a new day.

Image: alf.wikia.com

12. Toothbrushes

 

Brush your teeth. An official ALF toothbrush will get all those cake crumbs out of your mouth.

Image: alftv.com

13. Electric Toothbrushes

 

But why do all the work when you can get an official battery-operated ALF electric toothbrush? 

Image: vintageboxedblonde / Etsy

14. Paint sets

 

There's lots to do today. Take some time to be creative, with this ALF paint set.

Image: theangryspider

15. Pop music

 

For some creative inspiration, crank up an ALF party record. You can boogie to ALF's hit (well, a hit in Germany) single "Stuck on Earth," or flip the vinyl over for "Cruisin' on Melmac Interstate."

Image: Discogs

16. Halloween costumes

 

Trick or treat! Collegeville, one of the few companies that cranked out those plastic licensed costumes you would buy at the drug store, produced this budget costume.

Image: sunboystoys / eBay

17. Action figures

 

Coleco pumped out plastic figures based on ALF and his pals from the ALF animated series.

Image: retiredmats / eBay

18. Cartoons

 

Oh, did we forget to mention there were not one, but two ALF cartoons? First up was the prequel series, ALF: The Animated Series, which was set on his home planet of Melmac. The spin-off ALF Tales followed, which parodied famous fairy tales.

Image: Wikipedia

19. Comic Books

 

If you prefer your illustrated ALF in still form, there were dozens of comics. Marvel published 50 issues of its ALF title over the span of four years.

Image: newkadia.com

20. Magazines

 

He appeared all over the newsstand.

Image: TV Guide

21. Trading Cards

 

Topps sold cards featuring both stills from the TV show and fictional "Bouillabaseball" cards of Melmac's favorite sport.

Image: alf.wikia.com

22. Lunch Boxes

 

When not chasing cats, ALF enjoyed a pile of fast food. Our parents put healthier options in this Thermos lunch box.

Image: kidscornervintage / Etsy

23. Telephones

 

Who's that calling? Probably another merchandiser looking to license ALF.

Image: alf.wikia.com

SEE MORE: 13 FURRY, OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD FACTS ABOUT 'ALF'

 

Jammin'! Learn even more fascinating bits of information about this sitcom. READ MORE

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12 Comments

Chloe 63 months ago
Are these available anywhere? I need this watch.
mrieck99002 63 months ago
This is a test for comments
mrieck99002 mrieck99002 63 months ago
Replying to myself should sent a notification
LegalEagle 63 months ago
ALF is no Perry Mason. Perry Mason would totally win in a fistfight.
Michael LegalEagle 63 months ago
What about in a catfight?
LegalEagle Michael 63 months ago
Only if "catfight" means "cat eating contest" …but even then I'm not sure.
aoryan 63 months ago
1st comment!
LegalEagle aoryan 63 months ago
1st reply to the 1st comment!
J3ad aoryan 63 months ago
1st reply!
Michael 63 months ago
There should be an ALF milk dish for cats to enjoy their favorite beverage in style.
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