I wouldn't be willing to nail my colours to the mast and claim that US TV is/was better than UK TV, or vice versa. Both countries have, and still do, produce some excellent stuff, and both have produced absolute dross. We also get a bit of a false perspective as only the "best" US shows tend to be aired over here in good old Blighty.
I'm with 'jawbone' to a certain extent in that it's easy to look back at the "the good old days" (not the TV show of that name, I hasten to add!) and just remember the highlights. TV was also more of an "event" as there was a lot less choice and no direct competitors such as VHS or DVD. In addition, we'll look back at a period of 10 or 20 years, then compare it to the last 1 or 2 years ... which is hardly fair!
I took at look at the BBC listings for 14th December 1985 (picked at random).
Evening viewing ...
5.20 The Krankies
5.50 Noel Edmonds Late Late Breakfast Show
6.40 Bob's Full House
7.15 Juliet Bravo
8.05 Only Fools & Horses
This was followed by The News, a film I've never heard of, 75 minutes of International Show Jumping, and another film which certainly hasn't lodged in my memory!
Hmmm ... I wonder why I used to go to the pub so often in the 80's?
For those who are interested, nostalgic or bored, have a browse at the following ...
http://tvlistings.thetvroomplus.com/
It makes for depressing reading, and the rose tint rapidly fades from the glasses!