1. Flo Castleberry (Alice)
Flo was such a spitfire on Alice that she ended up with her own short-lived spinoff. But honestly, she deserved a longer-running series. With her sass, her charm, and those unforgettable one-liners, Flo could have easily anchored a show that explored her life outside the diner. Imagine her running her own bar or setting up shop in a small town, shaking things up wherever she went. Audiences loved her catchphrase “Kiss my grits,” and she had the charisma to keep people tuning in week after week.
Her independence and resilience were ahead of their time, and she stood out as a character who refused to be overlooked. A show built around Flo would have showcased her relationships, adventures, and ability to thrive in any situation. She represented a certain kind of working-class strength that viewers connected with, and giving her a full spotlight could have cemented her as a ’70s TV icon.
2. George Jefferson (All in the Family)
George Jefferson’s move from neighbor to central figure on The Jeffersons proves just how ready he was to lead. His fiery personality and sharp wit made him stand out even when Archie Bunker tried to steal the scene. George was ambitious, proud, and a little rough around the edges, which gave audiences a lot to love and argue about. He made social commentary entertaining, and his constant back-and-forth with Louise was a masterclass in sitcom banter.
Had his story been picked up even earlier, fans would have gladly followed George through his business ventures and family drama. He was complex, often stubborn, but also deeply relatable in his drive to succeed. His voice and perspective were unique for the time, and a show centering him sooner would have been groundbreaking.
3. Florence Johnston (The Jeffersons)
As the wisecracking maid on The Jeffersons, Florence was a scene-stealer every time she opened her mouth. Her comebacks to George were sharp enough to stop him in his tracks, and her dry delivery made her one of the funniest supporting characters of the era. You could picture Florence navigating her own world, maybe running a boarding house or managing a new family, where her sarcasm would shine even brighter. Her perspective as a working woman with a sharp sense of humor could have added fresh depth to TV.
She represented the kind of character who didn’t take nonsense from anyone, and viewers admired her for it. Giving Florence her own show would have allowed her to be more than just the maid in someone else’s household. She had the potential to be a lead that reflected resilience, independence, and humor in equal measure.
4. Schneider (One Day at a Time)
Dwayne Schneider, the building superintendent, became the unintentional glue of One Day at a Time. With his tool belt, mustache, and easy humor, he brought levity to even the heavier storylines. Yet beneath the jokes, Schneider was a loyal friend and father figure to the Romano family. He had the warmth and complexity that could have supported a show all on his own.
Imagine a sitcom following Schneider’s daily life managing a building full of quirky tenants. Each episode could feature new neighbors with their own dilemmas, giving him room to shine as both comic relief and an unlikely mentor. He was lovable, flawed, and always surprising, which is exactly the mix that works for a sitcom lead.
5. Lenny and Squiggy (Laverne & Shirley)
Every time Lenny and Squiggy burst into a room on Laverne & Shirley, you knew something hilarious was about to happen. Their goofy energy and offbeat humor made them unforgettable, and they already felt like stars in their own right. The duo’s misadventures could have easily filled their own sitcom, whether chasing girls, starting a band, or stumbling into odd jobs. Their friendship had a sweetness that balanced out their ridiculous antics.
They were the kind of underdogs audiences root for, even when they messed everything up. A spinoff focusing on their mischief would have been lighthearted fun, and their chemistry was strong enough to carry it. They were eccentric but endearing, and fans would have tuned in to see what they got themselves into next.
6. Reverend Jim (Taxi)
Reverend Jim Ignatowski was the eccentric heart of Taxi. With his spaced-out delivery and unconventional wisdom, he stole every scene. He was quirky to the core, but he also had depth and heart that made him more than just comic relief. A sitcom centered on Reverend Jim navigating life outside the garage could have been endlessly entertaining, mixing his bizarre worldview with heartfelt moments.
He embodied the free-spirited side of the ’70s, a character who didn’t quite fit in but didn’t seem to care. Watching him stumble through everyday challenges while offering strange pearls of wisdom could have been both funny and touching. He had the makings of a lead who could keep audiences laughing while surprising them with unexpected insights.
7. Rhoda Morgenstern (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Rhoda was so beloved that she did get her own spinoff, but it never quite got the recognition it deserved. On The Mary Tyler Moore Show, she was a witty, relatable best friend who spoke her mind. Her humor and honesty made her instantly likable, and audiences felt like they knew her personally. A better-crafted vehicle for her could have cemented Rhoda as one of TV’s most iconic leads.
She was funny, vulnerable, and real, representing women who were carving out their independence in the ’70s. Giving her more room to explore her relationships, career, and self-discovery could have created a long-running hit. Rhoda had the rare blend of charm and relatability that makes a sitcom character timeless.
8. Arnold Horshack (Welcome Back, Kotter)
Arnold Horshack was the class clown with a big heart. His unique laugh, his raised hand, and his goofy energy made him stand out among the Sweathogs. But behind the comedy, Horshack had a sweetness and vulnerability that audiences adored. He could have carried a show centered on his life outside of school, where his oddball charm might have led to hilarious but touching stories.
He was the kind of character who could make you laugh and then surprise you with genuine emotion. A spinoff about Horshack might have followed him navigating adulthood, trying to balance his quirks with the demands of everyday life. It would have been a comedy with a lot of heart, just like Horshack himself.
9. J.J. Evans (Good Times)
J.J. Evans lit up Good Times with his charisma, catchphrases, and big personality. He had an energy that made him unforgettable, and audiences couldn’t get enough of “Dy-no-mite!” While he was part of a family ensemble, J.J. had the star power to lead his own series. A show centered on his artistic ambitions could have combined comedy with stories about creativity and determination.
J.J.’s humor and optimism made him appealing to viewers of all ages. His journey could have reflected the struggles and triumphs of chasing a dream, while still delivering plenty of laughs. He had the kind of personality that could fill the screen, and his spinoff could have become a standout of the decade.
10. Juan Epstein (Welcome Back, Kotter)
Juan Epstein’s hilarious “notes from my mother” routine made him a standout Sweathog. He was tough, funny, and full of personality, and he had a unique backstory that could have easily supported its own show. Imagine a sitcom following Epstein’s family life and his attempts to make it in the world outside school. His blend of street smarts and humor would have made for great television.
He was a character who always kept you guessing, and his sharp wit kept audiences laughing. Giving him more room to shine could have revealed even more depth. Epstein had the mix of charm and edge that could have made him a breakout star on his own.
11. Phyllis Lindstrom (The Mary Tyler Moore Show)
Phyllis Lindstrom was Mary Richards’ quirky neighbor, and her eccentric personality made her memorable. She actually did get a spinoff called Phyllis, but like Rhoda, it didn’t quite live up to her potential. Cloris Leachman’s comedic talent deserved better writing and a stronger concept. A show that leaned into Phyllis’ oddities and social climbing could have been pure gold.
Phyllis was delightfully unpredictable, always chasing status while unintentionally creating chaos. Audiences would have loved to watch her navigate different social circles and awkward situations. She had the kind of comedic energy that could have carried a much more successful series.
12. Herb Tarlek (WKRP in Cincinnati)
Herb Tarlek, the plaid-suit-wearing salesman, was the lovable sleazeball of WKRP in Cincinnati. His attempts to land advertising clients were often hilariously misguided, but there was something endearing about his persistence. A show following Herb’s daily grind as a salesman could have been both funny and relatable. He was always trying too hard, but that’s exactly what made him so entertaining.
Herb represented the kind of character you couldn’t help but root for, even as you cringed at his choices. His misadventures in the world of radio sales could have been the foundation for a sharp workplace comedy. He was flawed, funny, and unforgettable, all the ingredients for a sitcom lead.
13. Mama Carlson (WKRP in Cincinnati)
Mama Carlson was the wealthy, no-nonsense owner of the station, and she always kept her employees on their toes. Her cool demeanor and sharp business sense made her a fascinating character. You could easily picture a sitcom built around her managing her business empire and dealing with her eccentric family. She had authority, humor, and presence that demanded attention whenever she appeared on screen.
A spinoff centered on Mama Carlson could have explored both her personal and professional life, showing the human side of someone with power and money. She was a strong woman in a position of control, which was still relatively rare on TV at the time. Her show could have been both funny and empowering.
14. Frank DeFazio (Laverne & Shirley)
Frank DeFazio, Laverne’s father, was a warm and lovable presence on Laverne & Shirley. He ran his pizza parlor with a mix of gruffness and heart, and he always had a soft spot for the girls. A show centered on Frank could have been a classic family sitcom, focusing on his life as a single dad and small business owner. His everyday struggles and humor would have made for plenty of storylines.
Audiences connected with Frank’s down-to-earth personality and his deep love for his daughter. He represented the hardworking parent trying to do his best, which resonated with many viewers. Giving him the lead role could have created a heartfelt comedy that balanced laughs with family values.
15. Florence Unger (The Odd Couple)
Florence Unger, the female version of Felix, appeared in The Odd Couple and instantly showed she could hold her own. She was meticulous, organized, and hilariously high-strung, just like Felix. A sitcom about Florence navigating her own friendships and relationships could have been both funny and charming. She had the comedic timing and quirks to make her a standout lead.
In a time when female leads were gaining more attention, Florence could have brought a fresh spin to the classic “odd couple” formula. Her character was familiar yet different enough to carry a series with her unique perspective. She had all the traits of a sitcom star just waiting for her spotlight.
