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.
