1. The Rookies
This police procedural was a surprising hit in the ’70s, offering a fresh take on the crime drama genre. It followed three rookie cops in a large city as they learned the ropes and dealt with the ups and downs of law enforcement. Despite its initial success, The Rookies has mostly been forgotten, overshadowed by other cop shows like Starsky & Hutch. The series gave us strong performances from its leads, including Michael Ontkean, who portrayed the idealistic Officer Mike Danko.
The show also explored more personal issues, which made it stand out from other police dramas. It wasn’t just about solving crimes; it was about the emotional struggles that come with the job. Over the course of its run, The Rookies garnered a loyal following but eventually faded into the background as the ’70s progressed. It’s a great example of a show that was a big deal at the time but didn’t quite leave a lasting legacy.
2. Roll Out
Roll Out was a unique military sitcom that aired in the early ’70s. It had a completely different tone from the usual war dramas, focusing on the comedic side of life in the Army during World War II. The show starred the charismatic Leonid Kinskey and included a humorous take on army life, which, at the time, was something audiences had never really seen before. While it didn’t last long, Roll Out was a hit during its short run.
The series was produced by the same minds behind MASH*, so it was expected to find some level of success. However, the lighter tone and more slapstick humor didn’t resonate the way its predecessor did. Despite its charm, it faded away, leaving behind a niche fanbase that still remembers it fondly.
3. The Six Million Dollar Man
While this one might ring a bell for many, it’s often forgotten just how huge it was in the ’70s. The show followed astronaut Steve Austin, who is rebuilt with bionic parts after a near-fatal crash, giving him superhuman strength. The Six Million Dollar Man was groundbreaking in its special effects, blending science fiction and superhero tropes in a way that was both futuristic and thrilling at the time.
Despite its popularity and cultural influence, many have forgotten about the series in favor of other iconic shows like The Incredible Hulk. Austin’s famous catchphrase, “We have the technology,” has become part of pop culture, but the show’s influence is often overlooked. With its unique blend of action, drama, and the superhuman, The Six Million Dollar Man deserves more recognition today.
4. Good Times
This sitcom about an African American family living in Chicago brought both laughs and important social issues into viewers’ homes. While Good Times was undoubtedly a major success during its original run, it has faded from the mainstream spotlight. The Evans family, led by John Amos and Esther Rolle, navigated the challenges of life in a tough urban environment, and the show tackled race, poverty, and family dynamics.
Despite its groundbreaking themes and enormous popularity, Good Times is often overshadowed by other sitcoms from the era. Many remember its most famous moments, like J.J.’s “Dy-no-mite!” catchphrase, but the show had a lot more to offer in terms of storytelling and social commentary. Today, it still holds a special place in TV history, but it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves.
5. The Paul Lynde Show
Paul Lynde was a beloved figure of the ’70s, known for his quirky humor and unforgettable presence. The Paul Lynde Show tried to capitalize on his popularity by casting him in a starring role as a single father trying to balance work and family life. The show had all the right ingredients for success, but despite its strong start, it never quite found a lasting audience.
The comedy was sharp and funny, with Lynde’s signature sarcasm on full display, but the show struggled to maintain consistency. It wasn’t as successful as his guest spots on Hollywood Squares, and it was quickly canceled after just one season. While it may not have had a long run, The Paul Lynde Show is an interesting footnote in the sitcom history of the ’70s.
6. The Bionic Woman
Following the success of The Six Million Dollar Man, the spinoff series The Bionic Woman introduced audiences to Jaime Sommers, played by Lindsay Wagner. Jaime, like Steve Austin, was a bionic superhero with enhanced strength, speed, and hearing. While the show gained a loyal fanbase, it’s often forgotten in favor of its predecessor, despite its success.
The Bionic Woman wasn’t just another action-packed show; it also delved into Jaime’s struggle to reconcile her humanity with her robotic enhancements. The series was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a strong female protagonist, yet it didn’t quite achieve the lasting legacy it deserved. Despite its influence on female-driven action TV, The Bionic Woman often gets overshadowed by other more prominent ’70s shows.
7. The Match Game
The Match Game of the ’70s was far different from the tame version we see today. It was a wild, freewheeling game show full of cheeky humor, risqué jokes, and celebrities who were willing to play along. Hosted by Gene Rayburn, The Match Game was a sensation, drawing viewers in with its unpredictable moments and hilarious answers from panelists like Charles Nelson Reilly and Betty White.
Despite its success, it’s often forgotten when people look back at the game shows of the era. The show was ahead of its time in blending comedy and competition, but it’s overshadowed by more traditional game shows that followed. Yet, it remains a beloved relic for those who remember the unscripted fun it brought to daytime TV.
8. The Incredible Hulk
Before the big-budget films, there was The Incredible Hulk TV series, which was a huge hit in the ’70s. It starred Bill Bixby as Dr. David Banner, a mild-mannered scientist who transforms into the monstrous Hulk whenever he gets angry. While the show had a strong following, it often gets lost in the shuffle compared to the Marvel movies and shows that followed.
Though it didn’t have the special effects of today’s blockbusters, The Incredible Hulk was effective in portraying the emotional journey of a man struggling with a dangerous alter ego. The show’s mix of drama, action, and occasional humor captured the imagination of viewers, but its impact is often overlooked in today’s Marvel-dominated media landscape.
9. Mork & Mindy
While most people remember Mork & Mindy for launching Robin Williams into stardom, it’s easy to forget just how big the show was in the late ’70s. The sitcom followed the quirky Mork, an alien from Ork, who comes to Earth to study human behavior, much to the confusion and frustration of his human friend Mindy. Robin Williams’ improvisational genius made the show a true standout, and it was one of the first to feature a major comedic performance from an actor who was relatively unknown at the time.
Despite being a major cultural moment during its run, Mork & Mindy often gets left behind in the shadow of Robin Williams’ film career. The show was incredibly popular, with Mork’s oddball antics and zany humor making it a must-watch. Yet, as the ’70s ended, it slowly faded from the spotlight, leaving behind just a few iconic moments, like Mork’s famous “Nanu Nanu” greeting.
10. Chico and the Man
Chico and the Man was a groundbreaking sitcom that tackled serious social issues through its comedic lens. It starred Freddie Prinze as Chico Rodriguez, a streetwise young man who teams up with Ed Brown (Jack Albertson), a curmudgeonly mechanic, in a small garage. The show was one of the first to feature a Latino lead, making it a major milestone in representation on television.
Despite its groundbreaking nature, the show faced challenges, especially after the tragic death of Freddie Prinze in 1977. The series continued for another season with a new focus, but it never quite regained its initial magic. Today, Chico and the Man is remembered fondly by those who appreciated its blend of humor and social commentary, but it’s often forgotten in the broader history of ’70s TV.
11. Maude
Maude was a spin-off of All in the Family, focusing on Edith Bunker’s outspoken cousin, Maude Findlay, played by Bea Arthur. The show was a groundbreaking comedy that explored a wide range of social and political issues, from women’s rights to abortion, all through Maude’s unique lens. The character of Maude was bold and unapologetic, and the show was ahead of its time in dealing with controversial topics.
Though Maude was a major hit during its run and made Bea Arthur a household name, it’s often forgotten today, especially when compared to All in the Family and other sitcoms from the era. The show’s fearless approach to taboo subjects made it both groundbreaking and controversial, but its impact has been overshadowed by the many other sitcoms that came after it.
12. Banacek
This detective series, which aired from 1972 to 1974, starred George Peppard as Thomas Banacek, a suave and sophisticated insurance investigator who specialized in solving elaborate thefts and disappearances. Set against the backdrop of the high-society world, Banacek was part of the NBC Mystery Movie rotation, alongside other iconic shows like Columbo and McCloud. Peppard’s charismatic portrayal of the brilliant, yet somewhat eccentric detective made him a standout.
Though Banacek never reached the level of fame enjoyed by Columbo, it was still a beloved show during its run and has earned a place in the hearts of ’70s TV fans. The series combined elements of classic whodunit mysteries with a more glamorous and sophisticated vibe, making it unique at the time. While it wasn’t a massive hit, Banacek remains a memorable part of the detective genre and often gets forgotten in favor of its more iconic peers.
13. The Starlost
This Canadian sci-fi series from the early ’70s was ahead of its time in terms of its premise. Set in a massive space station housing thousands of people, the show explored the lives of its residents as they struggled to survive in space after their ship goes off course. Though The Starlost never became a major hit, it still remains a cult favorite for science fiction fans.
The series had high hopes, with special effects that were ahead of its time and a storyline that could have sparked deeper explorations into human survival. However, despite its strong concepts, The Starlost never captured the mainstream audience it needed to thrive. Today, it remains a hidden gem for sci-fi enthusiasts who appreciate its ambitious approach to storytelling.
14. The White Shadow
This drama series focused on a high school basketball team and its coach, played by Ken Howard, who comes from a background as a former NBA player. The White Shadow was one of the first shows to tackle issues like racism, teenage rebellion, and the struggles faced by inner-city youth. It was a progressive show that resonated with many for its honesty and depth.
Although The White Shadow was critically acclaimed and gained a loyal following, it was overshadowed by other sports-themed shows and teen dramas that followed. Despite its relatively short run, the series had a lasting impact on TV, opening the door for more stories about underrepresented communities. It’s easy to forget, but it was one of the first to portray the struggles of urban youth in such a nuanced way.
15. Welcome Back, Kotter
Welcome Back, Kotter was a beloved sitcom that introduced the world to the wisecracking, street-smart teacher Gabe Kotter, played by Gabe Kaplan, who returns to his old high school to teach a group of misfit students known as “The Sweathogs.” The show became a major hit, thanks in large part to its memorable cast, including John Travolta as the charming but clueless Vinnie Barbarino.
Though it was hugely popular during its run, Welcome Back, Kotter has largely faded from the cultural conversation, especially in comparison to the careers that its stars went on to have. John Travolta’s success in film, particularly with Saturday Night Fever, overshadowed the show, and it has since become a nostalgic piece of ’70s pop culture that isn’t often discussed today.
16. All’s Fair
This short-lived sitcom from 1976 starred Richard Crenna and Bernadette Peters as two political opposites who fall in love. Set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., the show tackled politics, relationships, and differing worldviews with humor and heart. Despite its critical acclaim, All’s Fair struggled to find a large audience and was canceled after just one season.
Although it didn’t last long, the show was notable for the chemistry between Crenna and Peters. The series was smart, witty, and tackled issues that were very relevant at the time. It’s a perfect example of a show that was ahead of its time but didn’t get the recognition it deserved.
17. One Day at a Time
One Day at a Time was a groundbreaking sitcom that focused on the life of a divorced single mother raising her two children. The show was notable for addressing serious issues like divorce, depression, and gender roles, while also bringing plenty of humor and heart. Valerie Bertinelli and Mackenzie Phillips starred as the daughters, and Bonnie Franklin played their mother, Ann Romano.
Despite its popularity and long run, the show is often forgotten today in favor of other family-oriented sitcoms from the era. The series tackled many difficult subjects with sensitivity, making it a pioneering show for its time. Though it remains a nostalgic favorite for many, it doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves when looking back at the era.
18. The Odd Couple
Based on the hit Broadway play, The Odd Couple TV show starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as two mismatched roommates, the neat-freak Felix Unger and the messy Oscar Madison. The series was a huge hit in the ’70s, thanks to its clever writing and the undeniable chemistry between its leads. The two actors played off each other perfectly, making their odd-couple dynamic endlessly entertaining.
Though the show enjoyed a long run, The Odd Couple is sometimes overlooked when discussing iconic sitcoms from the ’70s. It’s easy to forget how groundbreaking the show was for its time, paving the way for future sitcoms that focused on quirky, mismatched characters. Despite being overshadowed by other, more memorable shows from the era, The Odd Couple remains a beloved classic for its sharp wit and memorable performances.
