1. All in the Family – “Sammy’s Visit” (1972)
There’s a reason people still talk about the episode where Sammy Davis Jr. visits the Bunker household. Watching Archie try to hold onto his prejudices while sharing the screen with Sammy is both hilarious and uncomfortable, and it captures the tension of the times. The moment where Sammy plants a kiss on Archie’s cheek is one of those TV moments you can’t forget. It’s comedy, but it’s also a cultural snapshot.
The episode works so well because Carroll O’Connor plays Archie with such conviction that you believe his discomfort. Meanwhile, Sammy is warm, funny, and completely in control. The clash between them makes the payoff even better. It’s one of those episodes that feels both risky and groundbreaking even today.
2. M*A*S*H – “Abyssinia, Henry” (1975)
This one shocked viewers everywhere. When Henry Blake is discharged and heading home, it feels like the happiest ending—until Radar walks into the operating room with heartbreaking news. The suddenness of it stunned fans, and it remains one of the most powerful moments in TV history.
The genius of M*A*S*H was always how it mixed humor with the harsh realities of war. This episode embodies that perfectly, making you laugh and then tearing your heart out. It showed that sitcoms didn’t have to shy away from tragedy. Even now, it’s a reminder of how television can push boundaries.
3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show – “Chuckles Bites the Dust” (1975)
If you only watch one episode of this classic, make it this one. The newsroom attends the funeral of a beloved clown who died in the most absurd way possible, and Mary can’t stop laughing. The way the show balances comedy and genuine grief is masterful.
By the time Mary breaks down in tears at the end, you’ve gone from giggles to something much deeper. The writing and performances make it one of the best sitcom episodes of all time. It’s a perfect example of how laughter and sadness often live side by side.
4. Good Times – “The Big Move” (1974)
The Evans family is finally about to leave the projects, and the excitement is contagious. But in classic sitcom fashion, things don’t go as planned. It’s a mix of hope, disappointment, and humor that resonates with anyone who’s ever dreamed of a better future.
The heart of the episode is in how the family sticks together through it all. Florida and James remind their kids—and viewers—that even when circumstances let you down, love and unity can keep you going. It’s emotional without losing the laughs.
5. Happy Days – “Hollywood: Part 3” (1977)
This is the famous “jump the shark” episode, where Fonzie literally water-skis over a shark. It’s become shorthand for TV shows that go a little too far, but honestly, it’s fun to watch. Henry Winkler’s charm keeps it from being ridiculous.
Even if the phrase “jumping the shark” was born here, the episode is worth revisiting because it shows how bold the show had become. Fonzie was larger than life, and this stunt just cemented that. It’s campy, but it’s also pure ’70s television.
6. The Jeffersons – “The Jefferson Curve” (1975)
George Jefferson was never shy about saying exactly what he thought, and this episode shows it perfectly. He tries to get his hands on a doctor’s test results and winds up causing a frenzy. The mix of health scares and George’s over-the-top reactions makes it both hilarious and relatable.
What makes it stand out is the way the show tackled real issues while keeping the laughs coming. Sherman Hemsley was always a force of nature, and this episode gives him room to shine. It’s a reminder that sitcoms could be both outrageous and thoughtful.
7. Barney Miller – “Hash” (1978)
This is one of those episodes that’s legendary among sitcom fans. The squad accidentally eats hash brownies, and chaos follows. Watching usually serious characters dissolve into giggles is comedy gold.
What’s great is that the humor never feels cheap. The actors commit fully, and the episode becomes a showcase of physical comedy and timing. It’s one of the most rewatchable sitcom episodes of the ’70s.
8. Three’s Company – “A Night Not to Remember” (1979)
Jack, Janet, and Chrissy’s misunderstandings were the stuff of legend, and this episode is a prime example. A night of heavy drinking leads to Jack and Chrissy wondering if something happened between them, and the fallout is hilarious.
The charm of the show was always in how far they could stretch a simple misunderstanding, and this one does it brilliantly. John Ritter’s physical comedy is unmatched, and it’s easy to see why audiences loved him. This episode is both funny and quintessentially Three’s Company.
9. WKRP in Cincinnati – “Turkeys Away” (1978)
If you’ve ever seen the famous Thanksgiving episode, you know why it’s on this list. Mr. Carlson’s turkey drop is one of the funniest disasters in sitcom history. “As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly” is an all-time great line.
The buildup is what makes it so good. You know something ridiculous is coming, but the reveal is even better than expected. It’s a perfect example of WKRP’s offbeat humor.
10. Sanford and Son – “The Blind Mellow Jelly Collection” (1974)
Fred Sanford was always scheming, and in this episode, he thinks he’s stumbled upon a rare blues record worth a fortune. His antics as he tries to sell it are laugh-out-loud funny.
What keeps you watching is the dynamic between Fred and Lamont. Redd Foxx’s sharp wit and Demond Wilson’s exasperation make them one of the best duos of the decade. It’s classic sitcom storytelling at its best.
11. Taxi – “Latka the Playboy” (1979)
Latka, usually the shy and quirky mechanic, undergoes a big personality change after a breakup. Suddenly, he’s charming, confident, and even a little seductive, which shocks everyone around him. Andy Kaufman is fantastic in the role.
It’s a funny episode, but it also shows how versatile Kaufman was as a performer. The humor comes from both the absurdity of Latka’s transformation and the reactions of the other characters. It’s Taxi at its most playful.
12. Maude – “Maude’s Dilemma” (1972)
This two-part episode caused a stir when it first aired. Maude finds herself unexpectedly pregnant and has to make a difficult decision. The show didn’t shy away from controversial topics, and this one was groundbreaking.
Bea Arthur’s performance gives the story weight and authenticity. The laughs are still there, but the honesty of the subject matter makes it unforgettable. It’s one of those episodes that pushed television forward.
13. Laverne & Shirley – “Guinea Pigs” (1977)
Laverne and Shirley volunteer for a medical experiment to make some extra money, and of course, things spiral out of control. The antics that follow are some of the show’s funniest.
What makes it so entertaining is the chemistry between Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams. They throw themselves into the physical comedy with total abandon. It’s silly, chaotic, and completely delightful.
14. Welcome Back, Kotter – “The Great Debate” (1976)
The Sweathogs are tasked with competing in a debate, and the results are both funny and surprisingly inspiring. Watching them struggle with serious topics while still being their goofy selves is classic Kotter.
What stands out is how the episode balances humor with genuine heart. You see the potential in the kids, even when they’re messing up. Gabe Kaplan’s warmth as Kotter ties it all together, making it a feel-good episode worth revisiting.
