The 1970s was a golden era for television, where creativity blossomed, and new genres began to take root. While many iconic shows from that era, like MASH* and Happy Days, have secured their place in history, there are some gems that, for one reason or another, have faded into the background. But for those of us who were glued to the screen on those weeknights or lazy Sunday afternoons, these forgotten TV shows hold a special place in our hearts. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back and remember the 70s TV shows that deserve a proper comeback.
1. “Kolchak: The Night Stalker” (1974-1975)
This show might have been a bit too ahead of its time. A blend of investigative journalism and the supernatural, Kolchak spent his days digging into stories no one else believed. There were werewolves, vampires, and even aliens. What makes Kolchak ripe for a comeback is the trend of supernatural crime dramas we see today. Kolchak was like The X-Files before The X-Files, and in a world obsessed with the mysterious and the paranormal, Kolchak could easily be the gritty investigator we need on screen again.
2. “Barbary Coast” (1975-1976)
Barbary Coast was a short-lived western-adventure show starring William Shatner and Doug McClure, set in 19th-century San Francisco. Think Mission Impossible meets the Wild West. Shatner’s character, Jeff Cable, was a master of disguise who, along with his partner, used trickery to take down criminals in a gold rush town. This show had charm, action, and a sense of fun that could easily be revived today. The blend of historical settings and espionage is something we don’t see enough of, and it’s a forgotten gem begging for a second chance.
3. “James at 15” (1977-1978)
If there was ever a show that captured the awkwardness of adolescence, it was James at 15. It followed the life of a sensitive, thoughtful teenage boy named James, who had just moved across the country and was struggling to fit in. The show was groundbreaking in its honest portrayal of teen life, tackling topics like friendship, first loves, and identity in a way that felt ahead of its time. In today’s world of complex teen dramas, this forgotten show would feel right at home—and could offer a fresh take on coming-of-age stories.
4. “The Ghost & Mrs. Muir” (1968-1970)
Okay, so it technically started in the late 60s, but it carried into the early 70s and deserves a spot on this list! The Ghost & Mrs. Muir was about a widow who moves into a seaside cottage, only to discover it’s haunted by the ghost of a cantankerous sea captain. What followed was a quirky, endearing romantic comedy as Mrs. Muir and the ghost developed an unlikely friendship—bordering on romance. It was sweet, funny, and surprisingly emotional at times. In today’s world of reboots and heartwarming dramas, this show could make a fantastic comeback with modern twists.
5. “Quark” (1977-1978)
If you were a sci-fi fan in the 70s, Quark was an absolute riot. It was a quirky, space comedy that spoofed Star Trek and other popular sci-fi series of the time. The show followed Adam Quark, the captain of a space garbage ship, as he and his oddball crew got into hilarious adventures across the galaxy. Though it only lasted a single season, it had a cult following, and its offbeat humor would resonate with today’s audiences who love shows like The Orville. Space comedies are rare gems, and Quark is long overdue for a return to orbit.
6. “The Bold Ones: The New Doctors” (1969-1973)
Medical dramas are everywhere today, but The Bold Ones: The New Doctors was an early, trailblazing take on the genre. The show focused on cutting-edge medicine, following a team of doctors who took on medical cases that were new and, at the time, considered “futuristic.” With modern advancements in medicine, a reboot could explore all kinds of new and exciting medical dilemmas, much like House or Grey’s Anatomy. It was ahead of its time and could thrive in today’s TV landscape.
7. “The New People” (1969-1970)
The New People was a bold concept ahead of its time. The show followed a group of college students who, after a plane crash, are stranded on a deserted island designed for post-apocalyptic experiments by the government. With no adults in sight, they were left to form a new society, grappling with the moral and ethical dilemmas that came with it. Think of it as Lost meets Lord of the Flies, but with a 70s twist. The idea of young people creating their own rules and navigating a world without guidance is still incredibly relevant today. A reboot could explore even deeper social themes, making it perfect for today’s audiences who love dystopian survival dramas.
8. “The Rookies” (1972-1976)
Long before the wave of police procedurals we know today, there was The Rookies, a drama that followed three rookie cops fresh out of the academy as they navigated the dangerous streets of an unnamed city. The show was gritty, often exploring complex social issues, and had a realism that made it stand out. With the popularity of cop shows now, a reboot could tackle contemporary issues in law enforcement while capturing the raw, character-driven storytelling of the original.
9. “The Fantastic Journey” (1977)
The Fantastic Journey was one of those high-concept sci-fi series that came and went quickly, but its idea was pure gold. A group of explorers finds themselves trapped in the Bermuda Triangle, encountering strange lands, time warps, and futuristic societies. Each episode was an adventure in a new realm, exploring different sci-fi themes. In today’s age of fantasy and world-building series, this forgotten show could make a dazzling return, playing into our love for strange new worlds and the unknown.
10. “Apple’s Way” (1974-1975)
Apple’s Way was a family drama with heart, following the Apple family as they moved from city life to a simpler existence in rural America. The show touched on values of family, hard work, and the challenges of adjusting to a slower-paced life. In today’s era of feel-good family series like This Is Us, a reboot of Apple’s Way could provide the same comforting, emotional storytelling with a modern-day lens.
11. “Banacek” (1972-1974)
Banacek was a part of NBC’s Mystery Movie rotation, and it had all the swagger a 70s detective show needed. George Peppard played Thomas Banacek, a suave and eccentric Polish-American insurance investigator who specialized in solving seemingly impossible thefts. The show was full of clever puzzles, witty banter, and Banacek’s trademark aphorisms. With the current love for stylish mystery-solving shows like Sherlock, this series could make a thrilling comeback, filled with intricate heists and a modern flair.
12. “Love, American Style” (1969-1974)
Love, American Style was a unique anthology series that featured short, lighthearted vignettes about love and romance, often with a comedic twist. It was quirky, fun, and always unpredictable. Each episode had a different cast and a new storyline, making it the perfect show to dip in and out of. With today’s fascination with anthology series like Black Mirror and Modern Love, a reboot could bring fresh stories about love in the modern world, filled with humor and heart.
13. “Alias Smith and Jones” (1971-1973)
The western genre was already fading in the 70s, but Alias Smith and Jones was a breath of fresh air. This light-hearted Western followed two outlaws, Hannibal Heyes and Kid Curry, trying to go straight while being constantly pursued by bounty hunters. The charm of the show came from its humor and the chemistry between the leads. With today’s renewed interest in Westerns thanks to shows like Yellowstone, this show could ride again, blending action and comedy with the Western backdrop.
14. “Switch” (1975-1978)
Switch was a buddy-cop show, but with a clever twist. It paired ex-cop Frank MacBride (played by Eddie Albert) and ex-con Pete Ryan (Robert Wagner) as partners who ran a private investigation firm. Their dynamic was full of playful banter, and their cases often involved elaborate cons to catch the bad guys. The mix of crime-solving and charming characters made it an enjoyable watch. A modern reboot could bring a fresh dynamic, combining wit, clever heists, and charismatic leads that audiences today would love.
These forgotten 70s shows remind us of a time when TV wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about pushing boundaries, taking creative risks, and telling stories with heart. Many of these shows deserve a second life, bringing back the excitement, laughter, and intrigue they originally gave us while captivating a whole new generation.
