Before streaming queues and endless channel surfing, there were just three networks and a shared bowl of popcorn. In the 1970s, television was a family event. Parents, kids, and even grumpy teenagers gathered around the same set—often in the same room—for a night of laughs, lessons, or the occasional tearjerker. These shows offered something for everyone, from slapstick humor to heartfelt storytelling, and for many of us, they weren’t just shows—they were traditions. Here are 13 unforgettable series that had the whole family tuned in and sitting close.
1. The Waltons
This gentle drama about a Depression-era family living in the Virginia mountains was a comforting weekly ritual. With John-Boy’s journal entries guiding each episode, the show reminded viewers of simpler times and the strength of family. It wasn’t flashy, but it was heartfelt, honest, and warm as a cup of cocoa. Waltons Museum also notes that the show didn’t leave an impact just on entertainment but the cultural landscape of America for literal decades to come.
Even kids found themselves drawn in by the realness of it all—disagreements, moments of joy, and those famous “Good night, John-Boy” send-offs. It brought generations together, reminding us that family resilience could be just as exciting as any car chase.
2. Happy Days
From the first strum of “Rock Around the Clock,” Happy Days brought a feel-good 1950s nostalgia that parents loved and kids quickly adopted. Richie Cunningham and his gang were relatable teens, and then there was Fonzie—the coolest of the cool—with his leather jacket and unbeatable thumbs-up. Next Avenue fondly remembers the series as something that provided many of its stars with an experience they’re grateful for to this day.
The show was lighthearted fun but still managed to sneak in lessons about growing up. And when Fonzie jumped the shark on water skis? Well, we were all watching anyway, just to see what he’d do next.
3. Little House on the Prairie
Michael Landon brought Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved books to life, and the result was a show that captured the hearts of millions. It was pioneer living filled with moral choices, sibling squabbles, and tear-inducing moments that had mom, dad, and the kids misty-eyed on a Monday night. High Country News further credits the series with shaping the face of the prairie struggle, making it accessible to households across the country.
Sure, the lessons were sometimes tough—but they were always rooted in love, forgiveness, and hard work. And even if you didn’t want to admit it, you probably had a soft spot for Pa’s hair and Laura’s spunk.
4. The Carol Burnett Show
No one did sketch comedy with heart like Carol Burnett. Her variety show was a buffet of hilarity, featuring an ensemble cast that could do just about anything—especially when Tim Conway was on a roll and Harvey Korman couldn’t keep a straight face.
The show was clean enough for the whole family but sharp enough to tickle grown-up funny bones. You never knew what characters would show up next, but you knew you’d be laughing—and maybe singing along before the goodnights.
5. All in the Family
Archie Bunker wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy, but he sure got people talking. With its living room debates and biting humor, All in the Family tackled tough topics—race, gender, class—right in prime time, while still drawing laughs from everyone.
And somehow, even through the shouting matches, there was something familiar about it all. Maybe because every family has its own Archie—or at least someone who thinks they’re always right at the dinner table.
6. The Muppet Show
Jim Henson’s Muppets weren’t just for kids—they were for everyone. With its vaudeville-style acts, celebrity guests, and those cranky balcony critics, The Muppet Show was packed with humor both silly and smart.
Kermit kept the chaos running smoothly, and kids loved the puppetry while adults caught the sly jokes. It was that rare show where everyone could laugh at the same time—but often for different reasons.
7. Eight Is Enough
The Bradford family had eight kids and a whole lot of growing pains. This dramedy blended everyday challenges with warmth and humor, showing the ups and downs of a big family trying to stay close through thick and thin.
It felt real—siblings bickered, parents worried, and yet they always circled back to love. Watching it was like checking in with old friends who somehow felt a lot like your own family.
8. The Love Boat
Every Saturday night, families took a vacation from their own problems by boarding The Love Boat. With new guest stars each week, romantic entanglements, and the smoothest crew on television, it offered escape and entertainment in equal doses.
Kids might not have gotten all the love triangle drama, but they sure liked the ship and the laughs. And let’s be honest—Captain Stubing and Gopher were practically part of the family.
9. The Brady Bunch
Sure, the situations were a bit tidy and the lawn was always suspiciously green, but The Brady Bunch was a portrait of blended family bliss. Mike and Carol managed six kids, one housekeeper, and an avalanche of sibling squabbles with sitcom charm.
The show was colorful, catchy, and endlessly quotable (“Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!”). And those singalong family moments? Pure ’70s gold.
10. CHiPs
With Ponch and Jon patrolling the California highways, CHiPs brought action to the family room. It had speed, stunts, and just enough lighthearted banter to keep the mood friendly—even with the occasional car crash.
It wasn’t too intense for the kids, but still exciting enough for dad to stay awake through the second half. Plus, Ponch’s smile could brighten any living room.
11. The Partridge Family
The Partridges made being in a family band seem like the dream life. With groovy outfits and bubblegum tunes, the show was a fun ride through the pop culture of the time. Shirley Jones kept the crew in tune while David Cassidy made teenage hearts race.
Even if you weren’t into music, it was hard not to hum along. It was a musical sitcom that never took itself too seriously—and that’s why it worked.
12. Family
A quieter drama than some of the flashier offerings of the era, Family focused on the Lawrence family navigating life’s complexities. It wasn’t about gags—it was about feelings, choices, and the little moments that shape us.
It may not have been flashy, but it was real—and viewers appreciated that. It reminded families at home that being there for each other, even quietly, made all the difference.
13. Sanford and Son
Fred Sanford and his son Lamont ran a junk business, but their banter was pure gold. Redd Foxx’s comic timing made Sanford and Son a hit with adults, while kids loved the catchphrases and antics (“This is the big one, Elizabeth!”).
The show brought a different kind of family dynamic to the screen—one rooted in grit, humor, and heart. And week after week, it kept us all laughing together, even when Fred was faking another heart attack.
These were the shows that brought us together, side by side on the couch, back when remote controls were brand-new and nobody dared touch the TV knobs during prime time. They weren’t just entertainment—they were moments we shared, lessons we learned, and laughs we still remember.
