1. Maude
Maude might have been one of the most talked-about sitcoms of the ’70s, but these days, it’s often forgotten despite being a groundbreaking show for its time. Created by Norman Lear, the series followed the politically outspoken Maude Findlay, played by Bea Arthur, as she navigated life with her unconventional family. The show tackled some seriously bold topics for its time, including abortion, women’s rights, and marriage, which made it stand out on TV.
Despite its early success and cultural impact, Maude has faded into obscurity. While Bea Arthur’s performance is remembered fondly by fans of The Golden Girls, many have forgotten her role in this political sitcom. Even though the show ran for six seasons, Maude has largely slipped through the cracks in the public’s memory, overshadowed by other classic sitcoms from the same era.
2. One Day at a Time
Before The Facts of Life and Diff’rent Strokes, there was One Day at a Time. The show centered around a single mother, Ann Romano, played by Bonnie Franklin, and her two teenage daughters navigating life in Indianapolis. The show was notable for dealing with real-life issues like divorce, depression, and finding independence, all while keeping a light comedic touch.
Although One Day at a Time had a healthy run, lasting nine seasons, it seems to have become a forgotten gem in the vast landscape of ’70s sitcoms. Today, it’s remembered mostly by those who watched it in its prime. Despite a recent reboot on Netflix, the original series has largely disappeared from mainstream conversation, overshadowed by other more iconic shows.
3. Good Times
Good Times captured the lives of an African-American family living in a Chicago public housing project. The show started off as a lighthearted look at a working-class family but quickly took a more serious turn, tackling issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality. It became famous for its standout characters, including the fiery matriarch Florida Evans, played by Esther Rolle, and the charismatic JJ, played by Jimmie Walker.
Even though Good Times was one of the most successful shows of the ’70s, it’s a bit of a forgotten classic now. While the show is fondly remembered by its fans, it often gets overshadowed by the likes of All in the Family or The Jeffersons, and the deeper social issues it raised seem to have been lost to time. Despite its influence on later sitcoms, the impact of Good Times is often overlooked in pop culture today.
4. What’s Happening!!
What’s Happening!! was a sitcom that captured the adventures of three teenagers, Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun, as they navigated life in their working-class neighborhood. Set in the heart of Los Angeles, the show blended humor with lessons on friendship and growing up. Raj, played by Ernest Thomas, was the group’s level-headed leader, while Dwayne and Rerun provided comic relief with their antics.
While What’s Happening!! gained a solid following during its original run, it has largely been forgotten in the years since. The show was a significant part of the cultural landscape of the ’70s but is often overshadowed by other sitcoms from the era. Despite its strong impact at the time, including a memorable theme song, What’s Happening!! has slowly faded from popular memory, with only the most dedicated fans still remembering it fondly today.
5. The Rookies
The Rookies was a police drama sitcom that followed the lives of three rookie officers in a big city. Unlike other cop shows at the time, it leaned heavily into the personal lives of the officers, focusing on their relationships and struggles. The show’s gritty realism and emotional storytelling gave it an edge over traditional sitcoms, but it still blended in the humor of a light comedy.
While The Rookies enjoyed a solid fan base during its original run, the show has mostly been forgotten today. It’s overshadowed by the long-lasting impact of shows like Starsky & Hutch or Hill Street Blues. While The Rookies tackled complex issues, including race and police brutality, it never reached the same level of cultural recognition as other police dramas from the era.
6. Temperatures Rising
Temperatures Rising was a hospital sitcom that introduced audiences to the zany lives of the staff at a fictional hospital. Set in a Southern town, it combined the typical wacky humor of a sitcom with the setting of a hospital, creating an unusual mix. Characters like Dr. Garth and the nurse, played by Patricia Harty, led the charge in making the hospital a quirky, often hilarious setting for personal and medical drama.
Even though Temperatures Rising had its fair share of laughs and a dedicated audience, it never made the same cultural impact as other sitcoms in the ’70s. It aired for only two seasons before being canceled, largely forgotten by the public today. The unique premise wasn’t enough to keep it afloat, and it was quickly overshadowed by later medical dramas and more enduring sitcoms.
7. The Partridge Family
Though The Partridge Family seems like it should still have a place in pop culture history, it has surprisingly faded from the public’s consciousness. The show, which starred Shirley Jones and David Cassidy as a family of musical performers, was one of the quintessential ’70s family sitcoms. With its catchy tunes and wholesome charm, it became a fan favorite, even inspiring real-life musical success for David Cassidy.
Today, The Partridge Family feels like a relic of a bygone era, often forgotten amid the rise of more complex family sitcoms and dramas. While the show’s influence is still felt in the music world and its cast’s enduring fame, the sitcom’s legacy has been overshadowed by other shows from the era. Its place in TV history is cemented, but its popularity has slowly diminished, leaving behind just the nostalgia of its music and quirky family dynamics.
