1. The Partners
The Partners aired in 1971 and featured two mismatched detectives, played by Don Adams and Wayne Rogers, who had to learn to work together to solve crimes. The comedy came from their vastly different personalities—Adams played a straight-laced cop, while Rogers was more of a laid-back, street-smart detective. Their odd-couple dynamic led to plenty of hilarious moments, and despite the show’s charm, it only lasted one season.
Even though The Partners didn’t make a lasting impact, it was a noteworthy attempt at blending crime-solving with comedy. It may be forgotten today, but for those who remember it, the show was a delightful mix of suspense and laughs, often overshadowed by longer-running police procedurals of the time.
2. The Rookies
The Rookies debuted in 1972, following the lives of three rookie police officers in a tough urban environment. The show balanced drama with humor, showing the personal and professional lives of the officers as they navigated the dangers of the job. It featured a young cop, an experienced officer, and a tough but compassionate rookie, each bringing a unique perspective to their work. The chemistry between the lead characters was a major draw, and the show quickly gained a loyal following.
Despite its popularity, The Rookies didn’t have the lasting impact of other police dramas of the time. It was eventually overshadowed by shows like Starsky & Hutch, but its raw portrayal of law enforcement lives remains a standout in TV history. For those who remember, The Rookies was an exciting, gritty take on the genre that is sometimes forgotten when discussing ‘70s classics.
3. Maude
Maude was a groundbreaking sitcom that hit the airwaves in 1972, starring Bea Arthur as the sharp-tongued, liberal feminist Maude Findlay. A spinoff of All in the Family, the show tackled social issues with wit and humor, addressing topics like abortion, women’s rights, and aging. Maude was strong-willed, independent, and unafraid to speak her mind, which resonated with many viewers who were ready for a female-driven comedy.
Despite its success during its run, Maude is often forgotten when discussing the top ‘70s sitcoms, overshadowed by other shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show. However, its legacy is undeniable in paving the way for more female-centric comedies in later decades. For fans who remember Maude, it was an iconic portrayal of female empowerment at a time when television wasn’t known for progressive characters.
4. Three’s a Crowd
Three’s a Crowd was a spinoff of the wildly popular Three’s Company, but it didn’t quite capture the same magic. The show, which aired in 1984, focused on Jack Tripper (played by John Ritter) moving in with his girlfriend and her father, leading to some hilarious but awkward situations. While it had a promising premise and a familiar face in Ritter, Three’s a Crowd only lasted one season.
Though it didn’t have the staying power of its predecessor, Three’s a Crowd still offered a fun, lighthearted escape for those who tuned in. It was a good attempt at recapturing the humor and charm of Three’s Company, but it ultimately didn’t resonate with audiences in the same way.
5. One Day at a Time
This sitcom, which debuted in 1975, followed the life of a recently divorced mother, played by Bonnie Franklin, raising her two daughters with the help of her mother, played by Nanette Fabray. One Day at a Time was revolutionary in its portrayal of a single mother, tackling everything from relationships to financial struggles. It was known for its heartwarming moments and a healthy dose of humor, which helped it resonate with families during the ’70s.
Though the series has seen a reboot in recent years, the original One Day at a Time is often forgotten today in discussions about classic sitcoms. Its importance lies in its ability to address real-life challenges with sensitivity while still keeping audiences entertained, making it a true hidden gem from the ’70s.
6. Soap
Soap was one of the most daring sitcoms of the ’70s, blending satire and dark humor with the world of soap operas. The show, which ran from 1977 to 1981, was a parody of the popular daytime soaps of the time, featuring a sprawling cast of eccentric characters and absurd storylines. It was one of the first network sitcoms to deal with controversial issues such as homosexuality and infidelity in a comedic context.
Despite its edgy humor and strong performances, Soap was often overshadowed by more traditional sitcoms of the era. However, its influence on TV comedy is undeniable, with shows like Arrested Development and The Office drawing inspiration from its subversive take on the sitcom format.
7. The Odd Couple
Although The Odd Couple ran from 1970 to 1975, it’s often overlooked when recalling major ’70s sitcoms. The show starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as mismatched roommates, one neat and meticulous, the other messy and carefree. It was based on Neil Simon’s successful Broadway play and later adapted into a popular TV series. While The Odd Couple was successful, it is often overshadowed by other sitcoms of the time, despite its clever writing and witty one-liners.
The show’s central theme of two completely different people trying to live together in harmony resonated with audiences, and it still has a loyal fan base. It may not always make the top lists of ’70s sitcoms, but its influence on future buddy-comedies and sitcom formats is still apparent today.
8. Mork & Mindy
Mork & Mindy debuted in 1978 and starred Robin Williams in his breakout role as Mork, an alien from the planet Ork, sent to Earth to observe human behavior. The sitcom’s zany humor and Williams’ infectious energy made it a fan favorite. It became a pop culture phenomenon and helped solidify Williams’ place as a comedic genius.
Although Mork & Mindy had a successful run, it’s sometimes forgotten today when people think of classic sitcoms. The quirky premise and Williams’ hilarious improvisational style made it a standout during the late ’70s, but its fleeting popularity often gets overshadowed by other TV comedies of the era.
9. Good Times
Good Times was a sitcom that ran from 1974 to 1979 and followed an African American family living in a Chicago housing project. The show tackled themes like poverty, racism, and family unity, all while offering humor and warmth. It was a groundbreaking show for its time, addressing serious social issues with a lighthearted touch.
While Good Times has left a lasting legacy in the world of TV sitcoms, it’s often overshadowed by other shows from the same era, even though its cultural significance is immense. The show was both funny and poignant, and it continues to be remembered fondly by those who appreciated its portrayal of Black family life in a time when representation was rare on TV.
10. The Love Boat
The Love Boat set sail in 1977 and became a beloved fixture in TV history. It revolved around the romantic and humorous escapades of the passengers and crew aboard a cruise ship, with each episode featuring a different set of guest stars. Although it ran for 9 seasons, its episodic nature and focus on light-hearted romance sometimes causes it to be overlooked in favor of other ’70s sitcoms.
Despite this, The Love Boat remains one of the most iconic series from the era. It introduced audiences to a star-studded cast of guest stars each week and captured the carefree spirit of the late ’70s, making it a show that fans still fondly remember today.
11. WKRP in Cincinnati
WKRP in Cincinnati debuted in 1978 and became an unexpected hit, following the quirky staff of a struggling radio station. The series was known for its ensemble cast and offbeat humor, mixing satire with social commentary. Its blend of absurd situations and memorable characters, like the bumbling DJ Johnny Fever, gave it a lasting appeal.
However, despite its popularity, WKRP in Cincinnati often gets overlooked when discussing the top ’70s sitcoms. Its legacy, though, is evident in how it influenced future workplace comedies, particularly those with ensemble casts. WKRP still holds a place in the hearts of viewers who appreciated its witty writing and lovable characters.
12. Fish
Fish premiered in 1977 as a spinoff of Barney Miller and followed the character of Detective Philip Fish, played by Abe Vigoda, as he navigated his new life as a patrolman after being promoted. The show focused on Fish’s struggles to adapt to a quieter, less chaotic job, which contrasted with his more action-packed past. The sitcom introduced a fresh, humorous perspective on the challenges of life after retirement, showcasing Fish’s adjustment to working in a different environment.
Despite being a spinoff, Fish didn’t capture the same audience as Barney Miller and was short-lived, lasting only one season. While it didn’t achieve long-term success, it still offered a delightful glimpse into the world of Fish and his humorous attempts to cope with change. Those who remember it fondly appreciate its unique take on life after retirement and its memorable lead performance by Vigoda.
