1. Ron Glass (Barney Miller)
Ron Glass had an iconic run on Barney Miller, playing the ever-calm, thoughtful Detective Harris. His portrayal earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim, but it was his potential for a lead role in his own show that fans still wonder about today. After Barney Miller ended, Glass was tapped for a spinoff, Fish, but it was his charisma and sophisticated energy that suggested he could easily carry a lead role. Unfortunately, despite several pilot attempts, Glass never landed his own show in the ‘70s. It’s one of those “what could’ve been” stories that always lingers in the minds of classic TV lovers.
Though Glass did find success in the following decades with roles in Firefly and Serenity, it’s hard not to imagine what might have happened if his leading man status had been fully realized in the ‘70s. His combination of humor, depth, and undeniable presence made him an ideal candidate for a starring role. Fans could only hope that someday a network would have recognized his true potential.
2. Joyce DeWitt (Three’s Company)
Joyce DeWitt made a name for herself as the lovable, sensible Janet Wood on Three’s Company. As part of the iconic trio, she quickly became a fan favorite, and it was clear that DeWitt had a magnetic screen presence. Networks were quick to recognize her charm, and there were whispers of a spinoff that would center on Janet’s character. However, despite initial buzz, the show never materialized, and DeWitt remained a part of the Three’s Company ensemble for its entire run.
After the sitcom’s end, DeWitt’s career went in a different direction, but fans of her natural comedic timing and down-to-earth persona have long wondered what her own series could have looked like. It’s one of those missed opportunities that continues to be discussed whenever classic TV lovers dive into Three’s Company trivia.
3. Conrad Bain (Diff’rent Strokes)
Conrad Bain’s portrayal of the well-meaning, slightly befuddled Mr. Drummond on Diff’rent Strokes made him a household name. His kind yet firm approach to fatherhood struck a chord with audiences, and after the show became a hit, the idea of giving Bain a spinoff seemed almost inevitable. There were even discussions of a pilot for a show centered on his character, but unfortunately, it never made it past the idea stage. It was clear from his work on Diff’rent Strokes that Bain had the ability to headline his own show, combining humor and heart with ease.
Though Bain did continue acting in later years, including a role on Maude before Diff’rent Strokes, fans couldn’t help but imagine how a show focused on Mr. Drummond’s life might have turned out. His ability to balance comedy and drama could have made for a compelling and heartfelt sitcom that resonated well with audiences in the late ‘70s.
4. Alan Thicke (Growing Pains)
Alan Thicke’s turn as the wise and lovable dad, Jason Seaver, on Growing Pains is unforgettable, but did you know he was also considered for his own show in the late ‘70s? Before his breakthrough in the ‘80s, Thicke was a recognizable face in the entertainment world, often appearing as a charming host and actor in sitcoms and variety shows. His flair for comedy and likable personality made him a perfect candidate for a leading role, and several networks took notice. However, despite numerous pilot opportunities, a show starring Thicke never materialized.
Thicke would go on to become a household name in the ‘80s thanks to Growing Pains, but one can’t help but imagine how he might have fared in the ‘70s had he been given the starring role he deserved. With his blend of charisma and charm, it’s hard to believe that a show in his image wouldn’t have been a hit.
5. Barbara Feldon (Get Smart)
Barbara Feldon, best known for playing the elegant and sharp Agent 99 on Get Smart, was another ‘70s sitcom star who was supposed to have her own show but never quite made it. After Get Smart ended, there was significant talk of Feldon leading a show of her own. Her sharp wit and captivating presence suggested that she could easily carry a lead role. The industry was aware of her potential, but for various reasons, including timing and changes in the TV landscape, Feldon’s solo series never came to fruition.
Despite the missed opportunity for her own show, Feldon’s career continued in other roles, and she found her way back to TV in later decades. But fans still wonder what might have been if she had been given the chance to shine on her own in the ‘70s, especially considering how she brought the perfect blend of intelligence and humor to the screen in Get Smart.
6. Robert Reed (The Brady Bunch)
Robert Reed is most famously known as Mike Brady, the devoted father on The Brady Bunch. While the show became iconic in its own right, Reed was often considered for a spinoff, thanks to his strong performance and enduring appeal. Although The Brady Bunch was a family ensemble show, Reed’s grounded and nurturing portrayal of Mike Brady made him the perfect candidate for a starring role in his own sitcom. However, the spinoff never came to be, leaving fans wondering what a show starring Reed could have looked like.
Reed continued his career in television, but it’s easy to imagine how he could have led his own series, especially with his knack for playing both the everyman and the father figure. His legacy as Mike Brady remains unmatched, but the “what ifs” of a solo show still linger for those who adored his performance.
7. Susan Saint James (Kate & Allie)
Susan Saint James charmed audiences with her portrayal of the vibrant and quirky Kate in the ‘80s sitcom Kate & Allie, but before that, she was already on the radar for a potential solo show in the ‘70s. Known for her bubbly personality and sharp comedic timing, Saint James was a natural fit for a starring role. In the ‘70s, she was already making waves with roles in McMillan & Wife, where she starred opposite Rock Hudson. Her mix of humor and intelligence caught the eye of producers who saw potential in her leading a sitcom. However, despite being well-liked and sought after, a solo series never materialized for Saint James in the ‘70s.
After Kate & Allie, Saint James found success, but fans still look back and wonder what could have been had she been given a shot at her own series during the ‘70s. With her range and likable presence, it’s easy to imagine her as the center of a classic ‘70s sitcom, one that could’ve perfectly showcased her comedic chops.
8. Gavin MacLeod (The Love Boat)
Gavin MacLeod, who became iconic as Captain Stubing on The Love Boat, was another actor whose potential for a solo show was often discussed. While MacLeod became synonymous with the role of the well-meaning yet often frazzled cruise ship captain, his career prior to The Love Boat showed that he had the range to headline his own series. In the late ‘70s, there were murmurs of a possible spinoff based on his character, especially after The Love Boat’s massive success. However, despite the interest, MacLeod’s solo series never made it past the pilot stage.
While MacLeod enjoyed a fruitful career following his Love Boat success, many fans still feel that a show focused on his character’s adventures would’ve been a hit. His ability to mix humor with sincerity made him an ideal candidate for leading his own sitcom, and it’s a missed opportunity that still lingers in pop culture discussions today.
9. Ted Knight (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Ted Knight’s portrayal of the pompous yet lovable Ted Baxter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show made him a standout star, but there were also whispers of him landing his own show. His over-the-top performance as the bumbling newscaster was one of the highlights of the show, and producers saw potential in expanding his character into a spinoff. In the early ’70s, Knight was indeed considered for a series of his own, but despite some pilot discussions, the show never materialized.
Ted Knight eventually found success with Too Close for Comfort, but one can’t help but wonder how his character’s unique comedic style could have been showcased in a lead role during the ’70s. His comedic timing, paired with his lovable yet pompous character traits, made him a perfect candidate for a solo sitcom, one that could’ve captured the essence of ’70s TV humor.
10. Jo Ann Pflug (M*A*S*H)
Jo Ann Pflug, who played the tough yet caring Lieutenant Dish on M*A*S*H, was another actress who had the potential to lead her own show in the ‘70s. Her role on the show was short-lived but memorable, and fans took notice of her strong presence and acting skills. After M*A*S*H, there were talks about a spinoff focusing on her character, and even though it didn’t come to fruition, the idea seemed to have legs. Pflug’s mix of charm and seriousness made her a standout in the ensemble cast.
Though her potential for a solo series wasn’t realized in the ‘70s, Pflug’s career didn’t end there. She continued to act in various TV shows and films, but it’s fun to imagine what could have happened had she led a show of her own. A series that combined humor with a little bit of military drama could have been an interesting blend for the era.
11. Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman)
Before Lynda Carter became the iconic Wonder Woman, she had already proven herself as a charismatic, engaging presence on television. Though Wonder Woman would eventually make her a household name in the late ‘70s, there were earlier moments when Carter was considered for her own show. Prior to landing her superhero role, Carter had appeared in a few TV specials and guest spots, where her charm and poise caught the eye of producers. They saw her as someone who could carry a solo series, but it wasn’t until Wonder Woman that she truly got the chance to shine.
Carter’s success in Wonder Woman cemented her place in television history, but her earlier opportunities in the ‘70s were missed chances for other potential projects. If given a lead role during that time, it’s easy to see how her star power might have taken off even earlier, leading to a successful series of her own.
12. Shelley Long (Cheers)
Shelley Long may be synonymous with her role as Diane Chambers on Cheers, but before that, she was already a popular name in TV comedy. Long’s big break came in the late ‘70s with several sitcom roles, which led to the idea of a potential solo show. While Cheers was eventually where Long would make her mark, there were early whispers in Hollywood about giving her a chance to headline a series. Her sharp wit, coupled with her ability to play both quirky and endearing characters, made her an ideal candidate for a leading role.
Though Long would go on to become one of the most beloved actresses of the ‘80s thanks to Cheers, her early ‘70s attempts at landing a show offer an intriguing “what if.” If she’d been given a leading role sooner, the landscape of TV comedy might have looked very different.
13. Richard Mulligan (Soap)
Richard Mulligan is best remembered for his hilarious portrayal of the eccentric and often outrageous Burt Campbell on Soap. His unique comedic style made him a standout on the show, and there was much speculation about him getting his own series after Soap ended. Mulligan had the perfect balance of slapstick and heartfelt moments that made his character memorable, leading to discussions of a potential spinoff. However, despite the buzz, Mulligan never found himself headlining a solo sitcom during the ’70s.
Mulligan’s career, of course, continued with Empty Nest in the ‘80s, but it’s still easy to wonder what a sitcom revolving around his distinctive comedic style could have looked like. His knack for playing off-the-wall characters could have led to a unique and enduring show in the ‘70s.
14. Larry Linville (M*A*S*H)
Larry Linville’s portrayal of the snobbish and often detestable Major Frank Burns on M*A*S*H earned him both laughs and boos, but his sharp comedic timing and dedication to the role made him a fan favorite. While Burns wasn’t always the most likeable character, Linville’s ability to bring nuance to the role suggested he had the chops to carry his own show. Talks of a spinoff featuring his character or even a completely different role for Linville were often in the works. Unfortunately, none of these projects came to fruition during the ‘70s.
After M*A*S*H, Linville remained a beloved character actor and appeared in various guest roles, but the idea of him leading a sitcom still lingers as a missed opportunity. His quick wit and ability to balance comedic absurdity with depth could have made for an unforgettable show.
15. Joyce Bulifant (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Joyce Bulifant’s portrayal of the sweet and slightly ditzy receptionist, Marie Slaughter, on The Mary Tyler Moore Show made her a standout character. Her role was beloved by fans, and her bubbly, kind-hearted nature led to speculation that she could carry her own show. In the late ‘70s, she was in talks for a potential spinoff based on her character, but unfortunately, it never materialized. Bulifant’s impeccable comedic timing and warmth suggested she had the potential to headline a show, but the industry’s focus on other projects meant she never quite got her chance.
Although she found success in later roles, including The Love Boat and Match Game, fans still wonder how a sitcom starring Bulifant might have played out. Her natural charm could have led to a perfect light-hearted comedy, and the “what if” remains one of TV’s greatest missed opportunities.
16. Bob Denver (Gilligan’s Island)
Bob Denver’s portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing Gilligan on Gilligan’s Island made him a household name, and after the show ended, there were plenty of discussions about him leading his own series. Fans and producers alike recognized Denver’s ability to play lovable characters, and a spinoff seemed like a natural next step. However, despite the interest, his solo series never quite came to fruition. A proposed spinoff, which would focus on Gilligan’s adventures after the island, never made it past early discussions.
Denver would go on to star in The Good Guys and other TV projects, but it’s hard not to wonder what might have happened if his Gilligan character had been given a new series. His quirky style and charming awkwardness could have carried a sitcom in the ‘70s and beyond.
