The 1970s brought us some of the best television, especially when it came to comedy. It was a golden age of sitcoms and sketch shows that felt like they were made for all of us. Whether it was after-school laughs or Saturday mornings filled with our favorite animated and live-action characters, these shows became an unforgettable part of our lives. Every character, every catchphrase, every theme song—they all had their special place in our daily routines. Let’s dive back into the comedy shows from the ’70s that gave us laughter, memorable moments, and a whole lot of heart.
1. “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978)
Bob Newhart’s dry humor as Dr. Bob Hartley, a psychologist in Chicago, made for a subtly hilarious show. His deadpan delivery in response to his quirky patients and the classic telephone bits turned this into a show that was somehow both calming and laugh-out-loud funny. It’s a true classic of subtle comedy.
2. “Chico and the Man” (1974-1978)
With Freddie Prinze’s quick wit as Chico and Jack Albertson’s gruff charm as Ed, this show tackled cultural differences in a funny and thoughtful way. It was a groundbreaking show in many ways, and the chemistry between Chico and Ed made for some of the most heartfelt moments on TV.
3. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” (1970-1977)
Mary Richards made it cool to be a single, independent woman in the workplace. Her newsroom adventures with her quirky colleagues—Lou, Ted, Rhoda, and the unforgettable Phyllis—were not just funny; they were groundbreaking. Watching Mary toss her hat in the air made us all feel a little bit braver, too.
4. “Sanford and Son” (1972-1977)
Fred Sanford’s cantankerous insults and his constant “I’m coming, Elizabeth!” had us in stitches. His relationship with his son, Lamont, was both hilarious and heartwarming, and the banter between them felt like watching a real family bicker. Fred’s antics and his endless get-rich-quick schemes made this a show we looked forward to every week.
5. “Good Times” (1974-1979)
This show was all about family, love, and survival—and it was funny too! The Evans family tackled some heavy topics, but J.J.’s trademark “Dy-no-mite!” made us laugh every time. It was a show with soul, giving a voice to families we didn’t see enough of on TV while bringing humor to even the toughest of times.
6. “The Carol Burnett Show” (1967-1978)
Carol Burnett and her fabulous crew, including Harvey Korman and Tim Conway, had us laughing until we couldn’t breathe. The spoofs, the slapstick, and the genuine chemistry among the cast created comedy gold. And who didn’t wait for the moment when Carol tugged on her ear to say goodnight? It felt like she was reaching out to all of us.
7. “Laverne & Shirley” (1976-1983)
Laverne and Shirley were best friends, roommates, and factory workers with big dreams. They made us laugh with their ridiculous schemes and their unbreakable bond. Watching them do their iconic chant—“Schlemiel! Schlimazel! Hasenpfeffer Incorporated!”—during the intro was just the start of the fun.
8. “Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979)
Gabe Kaplan brought his comedic chops to the classroom, and the Sweathogs—led by none other than Vinnie Barbarino (a young John Travolta)—gave us some of the funniest moments on TV. This show brought school hijinks to life in a way we all could relate to, and its theme song alone takes us right back to those years.
9. “Three’s Company” (1977-1984)
Jack, Janet, and Chrissy were the quirky trio whose misunderstandings kept us laughing every episode. Between landlords Mr. Roper and Mr. Furley, and Jack’s awkward attempts to pretend he wasn’t interested in the girls, this show had comedy wrapped up in misunderstandings, slapstick, and pure ’70s style.
10. “Happy Days” (1974-1984)
From Richie Cunningham to the Fonz, Happy Days was a tribute to the 1950s with a healthy dose of ’70s humor. The Cunningham family, Arnold’s Drive-In, and Fonzie’s “Aaay!” made it an instant classic. Watching Fonzie fix anything with a simple hit (or a snap of his fingers) was TV magic, and it was a show that made us feel good.
11. “The Odd Couple” (1970-1975)
Felix and Oscar were the ultimate mismatched roommates—one a neat freak, the other a total slob. Their friendship, despite their very different personalities, gave us one laugh after another. Tony Randall and Jack Klugman had perfect comedic timing, and their banter was comedy gold that never got old.
12. “Police Woman” (1974-1978)
Starring Angie Dickinson as Officer Pepper Anderson, Police Woman brought action, drama, and humor all in one. This wasn’t just a cop show; it was one of the first times we saw a female lead handling tough situations with wit and determination. It paved the way for more strong, dynamic women in TV dramas and remains a classic.
13. “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985)
As one of TV’s most memorable families, George and Weezy Jefferson “moved on up” to a deluxe apartment in the sky, giving us plenty of laughs along the way. George’s blunt humor, Weezy’s strong character, and their neighbors, the Willises, made this one of the funniest—and most beloved—comedies of the era.
14. “Taxi” (1978-1983)
Taxi gave us a hilarious look at the lives of New York City cab drivers, with a cast that included the unforgettable characters of Louie De Palma, Reverend Jim, and Latka Gravas. This show brought together an incredible mix of characters, all trying to make ends meet, and gave us laughs that still hold up today.
15. “The Partridge Family” (1970-1974)
A family band on a psychedelic bus? Only in the ’70s! The Partridge Family entertained us with their fun-loving personalities and catchy music. With stars like Shirley Jones and David Cassidy, the show had its own fan following, and songs like “I Think I Love You” became earworms for a whole generation.
16. “All in the Family” (1971-1979)
Archie Bunker wasn’t afraid to say what was on his mind, and sometimes that mind was…a little outdated, to put it mildly! Watching Archie spar with his son-in-law “Meathead” while Edith tried to keep the peace gave us some of the most memorable TV moments of the decade. It was real, it was raw, and somehow, it managed to be hilarious even when it pushed the envelope.
It’s hard not to smile thinking about these classic shows that defined our Saturday mornings and weeknights. They were part of what made growing up in the ’70s feel so special, and they gave us humor that has stood the test of time. Those were the days!
