Debuts
Domestic
- 4 January - Peter Strohm (1989–1996) (ARD)
- 12 March - Molle mit Korn (1989) (ARD)
- 30 March - Rivalen der Rennbahn (1989) (ZDF)
- 11 April - Forsthaus Falkenau (1989–2013) (ZDF)
- 12 November - Die schnelle Gerdi, first season (1989) (ZDF)
International
- 31 March -
The Real Ghostbusters (1986–1991) (Sat. 1) - 8 April - DuckTales (1987–1990) (Das Erste)
- 30 April - Ghostbusters (1986) (Tele 5)
- 14 May - BraveStarr (1987–1988) (Tele 5)
- 27 August -
The Bluffers (1986) (Tele 5) - 9 October -
Neighbours (1985–present) (Sat. 1) - 22 November -
Doctor Who (1963-1989, 2005–present) (RTL Television)
Armed Forces Network
- Shining Time Station (1989-1993, 1995)
BFBS
- 8 February - Round the Bend (1989–1991)
- 1 March - Press Gang (1989–1993)
- 13 April - Mike and Angelo (1989–2000)
- 13 April - Children's Ward (1989–2000)
- 14 April - Woof! (1989–1997)
- 26 April - TUGS (1989)
- 28 April - Windfalls (1989)
- 28 May - The Beiderbecke Connection (1988)
- 29 May - / The Heroes (1989)
- 1 June - Grim Tales (1989–1991)
- 29 September - / The Ghost of Faffner Hall (1989)
- 2 October - Bodger & Badger (1989–1999)
- 30 October - Bangers and Mash (1989)
- 30 November - The Riddlers (1989–1998)
- Barney (1988–1989)
- Home and Away (1988–present)
- Huxley Pig (1989–1990)
- When Will I Be Famous? (1989)