10 Iconic TV Shows from the 1970s That You Need to Binge Right Now
When you think about television in the 1970s, it’s impossible not to marvel at the incredible variety of shows that left a lasting impact on pop culture.
The decade brought a burst of creativity and innovation to the small screen, drawing viewers in with unique characters, groundbreaking themes, and unforgettable moments. So why did these shows captivate an entire generation?
Television in the 1970s didn’t just entertain; it reflected the society and times in which people lived.
From sitcoms that challenged social norms to dramas that brought real-life issues into living rooms, these TV shows resonated deeply with audiences.
Dive into this list to explore why these ten shows continue to be cherished, talked about, and rewatched decades later.
1) MAS*H
MAS*H is set during the Korean War and follows a team of doctors and staff at a mobile army surgical hospital.
The show mixed humor and drama, making it unique for its time.
It started in 1972 and quickly became one of the most popular shows on TV.
The characters, like Captain Hawkeye Pierce, made the show memorable.
Hawkeye’s wit and sarcasm kept you laughing, even during serious moments.
The show tackled important issues too, like the horrors of war and the value of friendship.
MAS*H ran for 11 seasons and earned numerous awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes.
It was known for its strong writing, and many episodes are considered classics.
When the final episode aired in 1983, it became one of the most-watched TV events ever.
2) All in the Family
You might remember “All in the Family” for its bold approach to social issues.
This American TV show aired from 1971 to 1979 on CBS.
The show was created by Norman Lear and starred Carroll O’Connor as the outspoken Archie Bunker.
Set in Queens, New York, the show focused on the Bunker family.
Archie, his wife Edith, their daughter Gloria, and her husband Mike lived together.
Conflicts and laughs ensued as they dealt with topics like race, gender, and politics.
“All in the Family” stood out because it tackled real-life problems head-on.
This was pretty unique for a TV show in that era.
It didn’t shy away from controversial subjects, making you think while you laughed.
Many popular spin-offs emerged from this show. “The Jeffersons” and “Maude” are two of the most well-known examples.
These spin-offs further explored the characters and themes introduced in “All in the Family.”
The show was so influential that it led to many more TV programs focusing on social issues.
If you’re looking to understand the impact of TV in the 1970s, “All in the Family” is a must-watch.
3) The Brady Bunch
The Brady Bunch, a classic family sitcom, aired from 1969 to 1974.
The show follows the lives of the Brady family, a blended family with six kids.
Mike and Carol Brady, each with three children from previous marriages, bring their families together under one roof.
Each episode features the misadventures and challenges of this large family.
The themes often revolve around everyday family situations and sibling dynamics.
Characters like Marcia, Greg, and Alice (the housekeeper) became household names.
You’ll find humor and heartwarming moments in almost every episode.
Even though The Brady Bunch wasn’t highly rated initially, it gained massive popularity over time.
Reruns and syndication helped cement its place in pop culture history.
Watching The Brady Bunch gives you a glimpse into the values and lifestyle of the late 60s and 70s.
It’s a fun, light-hearted show that families could enjoy together.
4) Happy Days
You couldn’t think of the 1970s without remembering Happy Days.
This show brought you into the everyday lives of the Cunningham family, set in the 1950s in Milwaukee.
It was full of fun and nostalgia for a time gone by.
One character everyone loved was Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli.
He was the cool biker with a heart of gold and became a cultural icon.
His famous catchphrase “Ayyy!” and trademark leather jacket defined coolness for an entire generation.
The show was created by Garry Marshall and ran from 1974 to 1984.
It was a massive hit, staying in the Top 10 ratings for years.
The mix of humor, memorable characters, and catchphrases made it unforgettable.
Happy Days didn’t just entertain; it also dealt with various issues like teenage love, friendship, and family values.
It introduced spin-off shows like Laverne & Shirley and Mork & Mindy, expanding its impact even further.
The show left a lasting mark, making everyone wish for those simpler times.
5) The Mary Tyler Moore Show
When you think of iconic TV shows from the 1970s, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” might come to mind.
The series aired from 1970 to 1977 and starred Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards.
Mary was a single, independent woman focused on her career as an associate producer for a news show.
Set in Minneapolis, Mary navigates work and personal life with humor and grace.
Her character broke new ground by showing viewers that a woman can be successful and happy without being married.
The show won multiple awards and introduced memorable characters like Lou Grant, played by Edward Asner, and Rhoda Morgenstern, played by Valerie Harper.
It cleverly mixed comedy with issues like gender roles and career challenges.
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” remains a classic, not just for its laughs but for its impact on TV.
Its realistic portrayal of a working woman set a standard for future sitcoms.
You can still see its influence on modern shows, proving its lasting legacy in television history.
If you haven’t watched it, it’s definitely worth checking out.
6) Laverne & Shirley
Laverne & Shirley is a classic American sitcom from the 1970s.
It aired on ABC for eight seasons from 1976 to 1983.
This show is a spin-off of Happy Days.
You follow the lives of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney, played by Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams.
These two friends work as bottle-cappers in the fictional Shotz Brewery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The show is set in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
You get to see their friendship and the funny situations they get into at work and home.
The characters often find themselves in hilarious and awkward moments.
Laverne is the tough, confident one, while Shirley is sweet and positive.
Their different personalities make for great comedy.
Many people loved the show for its humor and relatable characters.
It became one of the highest-rated shows on TV during its run.
If you enjoy shows about friendship and everyday life, Laverne & Shirley is definitely one to watch.
7) Charlie’s Angels
You can’t talk about 1970s TV without mentioning “Charlie’s Angels.” Debuting in 1976, this show brought something new and exciting to television.
It followed three women working as private detectives in Los Angeles.
The original cast featured Farrah Fawcett, Kate Jackson, and Jaclyn Smith.
These Angels took orders from a mysterious man named Charlie, whom they never saw, only heard through a speakerphone.
“Charlie’s Angels” combined action, adventure, and glamour, making it a standout show of its time.
It wasn’t just about the cases they solved but the way these women carried themselves with confidence and style.
The series became an instant hit, capturing the public’s imagination and maintaining steady ratings throughout its five-season run.
It played a role in shaping the portrayal of women in television and remains a cultural touchstone.
8) Three’s Company
You might remember the fun and laughter that came with watching “Three’s Company.” This show was all about the misadventures of Jack Tripper and his two female roommates, Janet Wood and Chrissy Snow.
They lived together in a Santa Monica apartment, leading to funny situations and misunderstandings.
“Three’s Company” aired on ABC from 1976 to 1984.
It stood out for its slapstick humor and catchy theme song.
Jack was played by John Ritter, and his physical comedy skills made the show a hit.
The show also had memorable supporting characters. Mr. Roper, the nosy landlord, and his wife added to the comedy.
Later, Mr. Furley, played by Don Knotts, took over as the new landlord with just as much hilarity.
“Three’s Company” was known for pushing boundaries.
It featured a lot of innuendos and comedic mix-ups.
This sometimes got it into trouble with censors, but the audience loved it.
People still enjoy watching reruns of the show today.
It remains a classic example of 1970s television and continues to make people laugh decades later.
9) Sanford and Son
Sanford and Son debuted in 1972 and quickly became a beloved TV show.
It was created by Norman Lear, who was also behind other popular shows like All in the Family.
The show centers on Fred Sanford, a grumpy junk dealer, and his patient son, Lamont, living in South Central Los Angeles.
Redd Foxx played Fred Sanford, bringing a unique humor and charisma to the role.
His catchphrase, “You big dummy!” became iconic.
Demond Wilson starred as Lamont, the level-headed son who often had to deal with his father’s antics.
Their chemistry was a key part of the show’s success.
This sitcom was groundbreaking for featuring an all-Black cast and tackling social issues with humor.
It followed in the footsteps of other Norman Lear shows, breaking stereotypes and offering a new perspective on American life.
The show was a big hit, reaching high ratings and staying popular throughout its run.
Sanford and Son ran for six seasons until 1978.
Its humor, memorable characters, and impact on television make it an iconic show from the 1970s.
If you watch reruns today, you’ll see why it still holds a special place in TV history.
10) Good Times
Good Times aired from 1974 to 1979.
The show followed the Evans family living in a Chicago housing project.
James and Florida Evans were the parents trying to keep their family afloat.
Their children, J.J., Thelma, and Michael, each had unique personalities.
J.J.’s catchphrase, “Dy-no-mite!” became incredibly popular and still gets recognized today.
The show tackled social issues like poverty, unemployment, and racism.
Despite the tough topics, it had plenty of humor and heart.
Good Times reflected the real struggles of many families during the 70s.
It had a big impact on TV audiences and is remembered fondly.
Cultural Impact of 1970s TV Shows
Television in the 1970s didn’t just entertain; it reflected and sometimes challenged societal shifts.
These shows broke norms and set trends, shaping the television landscape we know today.
Breaking Norms and Setting Trends
In the 1970s, TV shows began tackling subjects that were once taboo.
Shows like “All in the Family” brought discussions about race, gender, and politics into the living room.
This was groundbreaking because these topics were rarely addressed on prime-time TV before.
“Good Times” and “The Jeffersons” presented African-American families in leading roles, helping to break stereotypes and promote visibility.
These shows mirrored societal changes and pushed for more honest portrayals of diverse communities.
Fashion and slang from these shows also seeped into everyday life.
You could see people modeling their looks after characters from “Charlie’s Angels” or quoting catchphrases from “Happy Days.” TV from this era was not just a mirror but a driver of cultural trends.
Influence on Modern Television
Many formats and themes you see today were influenced by 1970s shows.
Sitcoms like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” showcased strong, independent women, paving the way for modern female leads in series like “30 Rock” and “Parks and Recreation.”
Family dramas like “The Waltons” set a template for later shows that focus on generational stories and complex character development. “MAS*H,” with its mix of comedy and drama, inspired genres to blend and experiment.
The groundwork laid by these 1970s shows allowed modern TV to explore a wider array of stories and characters.
They were the pioneers, breaking away from formulaic patterns and opening new storytelling avenues.
Popular Genres and Themes
The 1970s brought a wide range of TV shows that catered to different tastes, from hilarious comedies to gripping dramas.
Sitcoms and Comedies
Sitcoms were a staple of 1970s TV.
Shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and All in the Family broke new ground with their humor and social commentary. The Mary Tyler Moore Show focused on the life of a single woman working in a newsroom, touching on topics like workplace dynamics and gender roles.
All in the Family tackled controversial issues head-on, using humor to explore politics, race, and societal changes. Three’s Company added to the mix with its slapstick comedy and misunderstandings, featuring John Ritter as the bumbling Jack Tripper.
Whether through laughter or thought-provoking plotlines, sitcoms of the 70s set the stage for today’s TV comedies.
Dramas and Soap Operas
The 1970s were also rich with compelling dramas and soap operas. MASH*, a dramedy set during the Korean War, blended humor and serious themes, making it one of the highest-rated shows. Dallas and Dynasty brought the world of soap operas to prime time, with their tales of family feuds, power struggles, and scandalous secrets.
Dallas in particular became famous for its cliffhangers, like the “Who shot J.R.?” mystery. The Six Million Dollar Man introduced viewers to a world of action and science fiction, following an astronaut turned cyborg who takes on dangerous missions.
These shows captivated audiences and set the template for modern serialized storytelling.
