1. Valerie Bertinelli
When One Day at a Time premiered, Valerie Bertinelli quickly became the bright-eyed, relatable teenager that audiences adored. As Barbara Cooper, she played the role of the “good girl” with warmth and humor, always balancing out her more rebellious sister. Even as a teenager, she showed strong comedic timing and an ability to carry dramatic storylines, something not every young actor could manage.
Many fans thought Bertinelli could have led her own series that followed a young woman learning to balance school, relationships, and family life in a changing world. Her approachable charm made her the type of star that viewers would tune in for week after week. With her natural likability and a steady fan base, she had all the makings of a leading lady who could headline a sitcom of her own.
2. John Amos
As James Evans on Good Times, John Amos gave audiences one of the most memorable father figures in television history. He brought both grit and tenderness to the role, making James a man who was tough on his kids but always guided by love. Amos had the rare ability to make audiences laugh one moment and choke up with emotion the next.
While he had plenty of time in the spotlight on Good Times, it wasn’t hard to imagine him leading a show of his own. A workplace drama, for instance, centered around a blue-collar man trying to provide for his family, could have worked perfectly. With his commanding presence and natural authority, Amos had the gravitas to be a central figure in any type of series.
3. Suzanne Somers
Suzanne Somers stole the show as Chrissy Snow on Three’s Company, becoming a breakout star almost overnight. Her bubbly, naive character was written for laughs, but it was Somers’ comedic timing that made Chrissy so endearing. Audiences fell in love with her wide-eyed delivery and quirky charm, making her one of the most talked-about sitcom stars of the decade.
If she had been given her own show, it could have capitalized on her charisma in a more focused way. A spinoff where Chrissy strikes out on her own, or even a fresh series about a young woman making her way in the big city, would have been a natural fit. Somers had the star power and personality to carry a show completely on her own.
4. Howard Hesseman
Howard Hesseman became a cult favorite as Dr. Johnny Fever on WKRP in Cincinnati. He brought a dry, rebellious sense of humor to the role, making Johnny one of the coolest characters on television. With his sunglasses, shaggy hair, and rock-and-roll attitude, he embodied the spirit of the ’70s counterculture.
Fans loved him so much that he could have easily fronted a spinoff about a DJ navigating both the music industry and his unpredictable personal life. Imagine a series built around his adventures in and out of the radio booth—it would have been equal parts funny and fascinating. Hesseman had the charisma to make audiences want to follow his character anywhere.
5. Lynda Carter
As Wonder Woman, Lynda Carter became an icon of both strength and beauty. She brought a unique balance of elegance and determination to Diana Prince, making her more than just a comic-book heroine. Audiences tuned in not just for the action, but for Carter’s magnetic performance and warm screen presence.
Carter had such a commanding presence that she could have led another series in addition to Wonder Woman. Whether in a drama, a variety show, or even a sitcom, she had the versatility to make it work. She was more than just a superhero—she was a true star who could have built an entire career around multiple leading roles.
6. Jimmie Walker
Jimmie Walker made television history with his role as J.J. Evans on Good Times. His quick wit and comedic energy made him a standout character, and his catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!” became a national sensation. Walker’s larger-than-life personality brought joy to millions, and he had the kind of presence that demanded attention.
With his natural comedic flair, he could have easily led his own sitcom. A show that followed J.J. on his artistic pursuits, or even a completely new character, would have given him room to shine. His energy and comedic instincts were strong enough to carry a series on their own.
7. Joyce DeWitt
On Three’s Company, Joyce DeWitt often played the voice of reason as Janet Wood. While John Ritter got the physical comedy and Suzanne Somers got the punchlines, DeWitt kept the trio balanced with her sharp wit and charm. She was funny, relatable, and often the one who grounded the show when the antics got too wild.
She had all the makings of a lead star in her own right. A spinoff centered around Janet’s career in the flower shop or her personal life would have allowed DeWitt to shine. With her comedic timing and warmth, she could have easily carried a show that mixed humor with heartfelt moments.
8. Sherman Hemsley
Sherman Hemsley proved his star power even in a limited role on All in the Family as George Jefferson. His quick comebacks, unique delivery, and fiery personality made him unforgettable. Audiences loved him so much that he eventually headlined The Jeffersons, one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.
Even before The Jeffersons, though, it was clear Hemsley could have led any project. His energy and comedic ability were strong enough to center an entirely different type of series, whether dramatic or comedic. He had that rare quality of commanding a room every time he stepped on screen.
9. Erin Moran
As Joanie Cunningham on Happy Days, Erin Moran captured the hearts of viewers who watched her grow up on screen. She was sweet, funny, and relatable, providing a counterbalance to the bigger personalities on the show. Moran had a natural ability to play both comedy and heartfelt drama, which made her stand out.
Though she eventually starred in Joanie Loves Chachi, it wasn’t quite the right vehicle for her talents. A show that allowed her to explore Joanie’s independence and life as a young adult might have been more successful. Moran had the talent to hold her own as the star of a series and deserved a better chance.
10. Gabe Kaplan
Gabe Kaplan’s dry humor made him a memorable lead on Welcome Back, Kotter. He played the straight man to the wild Sweathogs, but his timing and delivery always made him stand out. Kaplan’s appeal came from his everyman quality—viewers could see a bit of themselves in his character.
Outside of the classroom, Kaplan could have headlined another sitcom that played off his personality. His understated style and clever comedic instincts gave him the ability to carry a show that wasn’t just about teaching. He had the quiet kind of star power that could have sustained a long-running series.
11. Mackenzie Phillips
Mackenzie Phillips brought energy and edge to One Day at a Time as Julie Cooper. She was the rebellious foil to Valerie Bertinelli’s Barbara, and her fiery personality gave the show much of its spark. Phillips had an ability to be funny, dramatic, and vulnerable all in the same scene.
That mix of traits made her a natural candidate to lead her own series. A show centered on a young woman carving her own path could have given Phillips a chance to shine even brighter. She had the charisma and presence to pull audiences in and keep them coming back.
12. Henry Winkler
As Fonzie on Happy Days, Henry Winkler went from a side character to the star of the show. His charisma, cool demeanor, and hidden sensitivity made the Fonz an icon of the ’70s. Winkler had a unique ability to make audiences cheer just by walking into a room.
A spinoff focusing on Fonzie, or even a brand-new series built around Winkler’s star power, would have been an easy win. He had the rare combination of charm and acting ability that made him a natural leading man. There’s no doubt he could have headlined a show of his own.
13. Linda Lavin
Linda Lavin’s role on Alice proved she was a strong leading actress. She brought warmth, strength, and relatability to the role of Alice Hyatt, a single mom making the best of her situation. Lavin had a quiet confidence that made audiences root for her.
While Alice gave her a platform, she could have easily carried another series as well. Her versatility meant she could move between comedy and drama with ease. She was the kind of actress who could take on any role and make it her own, and she deserved more leading opportunities.
14. Ted Lange
Ted Lange made Isaac the bartender one of the most beloved characters on The Love Boat. He had an easy smile and a kind demeanor, instantly making passengers and viewers feel at home. Isaac often acted as the voice of reason, balancing out the wilder storylines.
Lange had the kind of warmth and charisma that could have supported a series of his own. Whether as Isaac in a spinoff or in a completely different role, he had the presence to make audiences care. His natural charm would have made any show he led both entertaining and heartfelt.
15. Debralee Scott
Debralee Scott had a knack for stealing scenes, whether on Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman or Welcome Back, Kotter. She had a quirky charm and the ability to make even small roles memorable. Scott’s offbeat comedic style made her stand out in every project she worked on.
She could have headlined her own sitcom where her unique humor took center stage. Audiences would have loved watching her play an unconventional lead, someone a little unpredictable but always entertaining. Scott’s presence was strong enough to make her the star of her own show.
16. Robert Guillaume
Robert Guillaume became a breakout star on Soap as Benson, the sharp-witted butler who never missed a chance to deliver a cutting remark. His charisma and intelligence made him a fan favorite, and his presence was undeniable.
Viewers loved him so much that he did eventually get his own spinoff, Benson. But even before that, it was clear he had what it took to lead. Guillaume had the range to play both comedy and drama, making him one of the most versatile actors of the era.
17. Loretta Swit
As Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan on M*A*S*H, Loretta Swit transformed what could have been a one-dimensional role into something rich and layered. She blended toughness with vulnerability, creating a character who was both commanding and sympathetic.
Swit’s talent made her a natural candidate for her own spinoff or a brand-new leading role. She had the dramatic chops for serious storylines and the timing for comedy. With her range, she could have headlined a show that was both funny and meaningful.
18. Tony Randall
Tony Randall was unforgettable as Felix Unger in The Odd Couple. His fussiness, sophistication, and razor-sharp timing made him a standout performer. Randall had the kind of talent that could draw laughs from the smallest gestures or facial expressions.
While he thrived alongside Jack Klugman, he could have easily led a show on his own. A comedy built around his neurotic but lovable persona would have been perfect. Randall had the sophistication and wit to anchor any project, making him one of the great untapped leading men of the ’70s.
