1. The Rookies
In the early ’70s, The Rookies became a must-watch drama, depicting the lives of three rookie police officers in a big city. The show captured the gritty realities of law enforcement and made stars out of its leads, including Michael Ontkean, who played Officer Mike Danko. With its realistic approach and compelling characters, The Rookies quickly became a hit, attracting millions of viewers every week. It was praised for tackling social issues such as police corruption and urban decay, which were quite daring for TV at the time.
However, over time, The Rookies faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the rise of other cop shows like Hill Street Blues. Despite its success in the ’70s, it’s rarely brought up in discussions of iconic TV dramas. The show’s blend of drama and action was ahead of its time, but sadly, its influence seems to have been lost as new generations discovered other police procedurals. It’s a reminder of just how easily a once-popular show can fade from memory.
2. The Partridge Family
Though it’s often remembered as a lighthearted family sitcom, The Partridge Family was a sensation in its heyday. Starring Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, it followed the adventures of a musical family touring the country. The show became a pop culture phenomenon, producing hit songs like “I Think I Love You,” which topped the charts in 1970. The cast became household names, and the series ran for four seasons, drawing huge viewership numbers.
Yet, despite its success, The Partridge Family is often overlooked today, with many forgetting how influential it was in its prime. The idea of a family band wasn’t new, but the show popularized it for a generation, leading to a brief wave of musical family sitcoms. Now, it’s a nostalgic favorite for those who remember the catchy tunes and wholesome family antics, but it rarely gets the credit it deserves in the wider conversation about ’70s TV.
3. Starsky & Hutch
Starsky & Hutch brought a dynamic duo of cops to the small screen, blending action, drama, and friendship in a way that captivated audiences. Paul Michael Glaser and David Soul played the titular characters, navigating the streets of Bay City to solve crimes and face off against villains. The show was praised for its fast-paced action sequences and memorable catchphrases, becoming a massive hit during its run from 1975 to 1979.
Despite its popularity, Starsky & Hutch isn’t as frequently discussed in modern TV retrospectives. While the show remains beloved by a certain group of fans, it has largely been overshadowed by more recent crime procedurals that have taken its place in the public consciousness. It’s a shame, considering the series was one of the most iconic cop shows of its time, with an undeniable impact on ’70s action television.
4. Welcome Back, Kotter
Welcome Back, Kotter made stars out of Gabe Kaplan and John Travolta, becoming a staple of ’70s TV. The show followed a group of high school students, known as the “Sweathogs,” and their quirky teacher, Mr. Kotter, played by Kaplan. The show’s witty humor and memorable catchphrases made it an instant hit, and it enjoyed a successful run from 1975 to 1979. Travolta’s portrayal of the lovable but mischievous Vinnie Barbarino launched his career and turned him into a teen heartthrob.
However, as the years went by, Welcome Back, Kotter became somewhat forgotten, relegated to the archives of classic TV. Despite its huge influence on TV comedies, the show’s irreverent humor and focus on troubled youth seemed to fall out of step with the changing landscape of television. Today, it’s often remembered for launching Travolta’s career more than for its lasting impact on the genre of sitcoms.
5. Barney Miller
Barney Miller was a quirky police procedural that stood out from other cop shows of the ’70s due to its ensemble cast and character-driven stories. Set in a fictional New York City police station, the show followed the day-to-day lives of the officers, with Hal Linden playing the level-headed Captain Barney Miller. The series combined humor with drama, exploring social issues and the dynamics between the characters in a way that was ahead of its time. Its realistic portrayal of city life, mixed with witty dialogue and clever writing, made it a hit with viewers.
Despite its early success and critical acclaim, Barney Miller has faded into relative obscurity over the years. While it was groundbreaking in its approach to the police genre, blending comedy with police work, it is often overshadowed by more famous crime dramas. Nevertheless, it remains a cult classic for those who appreciate its unique take on the genre, but it is rarely mentioned in broader TV retrospectives.
6. The Waltons
Although The Waltons is often remembered for its sentimental portrayal of rural life, it was one of the most popular TV shows of the ’70s. Set during the Great Depression and World War II, the series followed the Walton family as they navigated life in a small Virginia town. The show’s warmth and strong family values made it a weekly fixture in many American households, earning it multiple awards and accolades throughout its run from 1972 to 1981.
Today, The Waltons is often forgotten amid the more fast-paced and edgy shows that have come since. However, its impact on family-oriented dramas cannot be overstated. While it may not be as frequently discussed as other ’70s hits, The Waltons remains a beloved classic that captured the heart of the American family during a time of societal change.
7. Maude
A spin-off of All in the Family, Maude tackled issues like feminism, abortion, and politics with a bold, progressive attitude. Starring Bea Arthur as the title character, the show was known for its unapologetic exploration of controversial topics. Arthur’s portrayal of Maude Findlay, a woman of strong opinions and unfiltered views, earned her critical acclaim, and the show became an instant hit.
Yet, despite its relevance at the time, Maude is often overlooked today, particularly in discussions of classic TV comedies. Its exploration of political and social issues was groundbreaking for its time, but the show’s more nuanced approach doesn’t always get the credit it deserves in today’s TV landscape. While it was ahead of its time, the show’s impact on the genre seems to have been overshadowed by other feminist icons that emerged in later decades.
8. One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time was a sitcom that tackled serious issues like divorce, single motherhood, and mental health with a humor and sensitivity that resonated with audiences. Starring Bonnie Franklin as the recently divorced mother of two teenage girls, the show presented a refreshing take on the struggles of modern family life. It was widely praised for its portrayal of strong women and relatable family dynamics, making it a standout series of the ’70s.
Over time, however, One Day at a Time faded from mainstream TV discussions. While the show’s influence on later family sitcoms is undeniable, it’s often overshadowed by flashier, more dramatic series. Despite this, it remains a beloved gem for those who appreciate its groundbreaking approach to family issues, making it worth revisiting for today’s viewers.
9. The Bob Newhart Show
Known for its dry humor and sharp wit, The Bob Newhart Show was a standout sitcom of the ’70s, revolving around a Chicago psychologist and his quirky patients. Bob Newhart’s deadpan delivery became iconic, and the show’s ensemble cast, including Suzanne Pleshette, provided plenty of comedic moments. It struck a perfect balance between situational humor and character-driven comedy, earning it a dedicated fanbase.
Though it was a hit during its run, The Bob Newhart Show is now often overshadowed by other sitcoms of the era, like MASH* and All in the Family. While Newhart’s later work would keep him in the spotlight, this series is often forgotten when discussing TV comedies. It’s a reminder that, sometimes, even the most clever and well-written shows can slip through the cracks over time.
10. All in the Family
Although All in the Family remains one of the most culturally significant shows of the ’70s, it’s easy to forget just how revolutionary it was at the time. Tackling issues like racism, sexism, and politics with a mix of satire and sharp humor, it introduced audiences to the unforgettable character of Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor. The show broke new ground in terms of how television could engage with societal issues, and its influence on future TV can’t be overstated.
Despite its groundbreaking nature, All in the Family has been eclipsed by other TV shows from the era in terms of cultural discussion. While it remains highly regarded in the history of television, it’s often overshadowed by the work of later shows that adopted its irreverent tone. The series may not be as frequently referenced as other classic sitcoms, but its impact on television remains immeasurable.
11. The Six Million Dollar Man
Combining action, science fiction, and drama, The Six Million Dollar Man introduced audiences to Steve Austin, a former astronaut turned cyborg, played by Lee Majors. The show was a massive hit, known for its cutting-edge special effects and iconic slow-motion running scenes. Austin’s superhuman abilities, combined with a strong sense of justice, made the series a staple of ’70s television.
While The Six Million Dollar Man was wildly popular during its run, it has been largely overshadowed by newer action-packed series. Its influence on the superhero genre is undeniable, but today, it’s often forgotten in favor of more modern action TV shows. For fans of the genre, though, The Six Million Dollar Man remains an early example of sci-fi TV at its best.
12. The Rockford Files
A detective show with a twist, The Rockford Files starred James Garner as Jim Rockford, a private investigator with a laid-back style and a knack for getting into trouble. Known for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and humorous undertones, the series was a hit throughout the ’70s. Rockford’s unconventional methods and personal flaws made him an antihero that viewers could root for.
Despite its strong run and critical acclaim, The Rockford Files has faded from popular discussion in the years since its cancellation. While it still holds a special place in the hearts of crime drama enthusiasts, it doesn’t always get the attention it deserves when discussing iconic TV shows from the ’70s. Its blend of detective work and dry humor was ahead of its time, making it a hidden gem worth rediscovering.
13. Good Times
Good Times was one of the most influential sitcoms of the ’70s, exploring the challenges and joys of a Black family living in a Chicago public housing project. The show’s heartfelt humor, combined with its exploration of issues like poverty and racism, made it stand out in an era dominated by more lighthearted sitcoms. The Evans family, led by the iconic Esther Rolle as Florida, quickly became beloved by audiences, tackling serious topics with warmth and humor.
Despite its success and cultural significance, Good Times isn’t as widely discussed today as other sitcoms from the same era. While it made an impact on television by giving voice to marginalized communities, its legacy often gets overshadowed by shows that have become part of the mainstream conversation. However, for those who remember the show, Good Times remains a cherished piece of ’70s television that deserves more recognition.
