Naughton first became widely known as a result of his singing and dancing appearances in Dr Pepper TV commercials and his starring role in the sitcom Makin' It. 

Makin' It was about college student Billy Manucci (David Naughton), who works at Tasty Treats icecream parlor, lives with his family, and hangs out at a disco called Inferno, Passaic's hottest disco; where he is the star dancer. It also starred John Travolta's sister, Ellen as Billy's mother.

Naughton hit the Billboard Top Ten in 1979 with the show's theme song, also titled "Makin' It." He also appeared in the television series My Sister Sam and also in episodes of MacGyver, Melrose Place, Murder, She Wrote and Seinfeld.