The 1970s were a golden era for television, with sitcoms redefining comedy and bringing unforgettable characters into our homes. While some, like All in the Family and The Mary Tyler Moore Show, still get their due, others have quietly slipped into obscurity. Here’s a nostalgic look at 15 sitcoms from the ‘70s that deserve a second glance.
1. Barney Miller
Set entirely in a New York police precinct, Barney Miller combined humor with surprisingly thoughtful social commentary. The quirky detectives and their dry-witted captain made it a standout. It’s a gem that managed to be both funny and deeply human, and it holds up beautifully today.
2. Chico and the Man
This trailblazing sitcom starred Freddie Prinze as Chico, a charming young mechanic, and Jack Albertson as the cantankerous “Man” he works for. The show explored cultural divides with humor and heart, long before diversity was a TV buzzword.
3. Soap
A satirical soap opera parody, Soap was hilariously over-the-top and featured storylines that were scandalous for their time. Billy Crystal’s portrayal of Jodie Dallas, one of TV’s first openly gay characters, made this a groundbreaking—and hilarious—series.
4. Maude
A spinoff of All in the Family, Maude tackled heavy topics like women’s liberation, mental health, and abortion with Bea Arthur’s bold wit leading the charge. While it broke barriers, it doesn’t get the recognition it deserves today.
5. The Bob Newhart Show
Before Newhart, there was The Bob Newhart Show, where Newhart played a psychologist surrounded by eccentric patients and friends. The deadpan humor and his impeccable timing made this a comedic masterclass that’s ripe for rediscovery.
6. Good Times
A spinoff of Maude, Good Times showcased the struggles and triumphs of the Evans family in a Chicago housing project. While best remembered for J.J.’s “Dy-no-mite!” catchphrase, its exploration of poverty and resilience still resonates.
7. The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
Bill Bixby starred as a widowed father navigating parenthood with the help of his precocious son. Their heartfelt bond made this show tender and relatable, and its theme song, “Best Friend,” still warms hearts.
8. Phyllis
Cloris Leachman’s Phyllis Lindstrom, a fan favorite from The Mary Tyler Moore Show, got her own spinoff in this quirky sitcom. Phyllis’s antics as a widow starting over in San Francisco brought laughs with a side of sophistication.
9. Alice
This diner-set sitcom followed a single mom, played by Linda Lavin, juggling work, motherhood, and the zany personalities of her coworkers. With a sharp feminist edge and iconic lines like “Kiss my grits!” from Flo, it’s a feel-good classic.
10. Rhoda
Another Mary Tyler Moore spinoff, Rhoda gave Valerie Harper’s brash and lovable character her time to shine. Watching Rhoda navigate love and life in New York City feels as refreshing today as it did then.
11. The Jeffersons
While everyone remembers its theme song, “Movin’ On Up,” the sharp wit and groundbreaking portrayal of a successful Black family often gets overshadowed. The Jeffersons tackled racial and class issues with humor and courage, making it ahead of its time.
12. What’s Happening!!
This laid-back sitcom followed three teens navigating life in Los Angeles. From Rerun’s unforgettable dance moves to Dee’s sassy one-liners, What’s Happening!! captured youthful energy in a way that still feels fresh.
13. One Day at a Time
A divorced mom raising her two daughters might not sound revolutionary today, but in the ‘70s, One Day at a Time was a trailblazer. The mix of humor and real-life struggles, anchored by Bonnie Franklin’s warm performance, makes it worth revisiting.
14. The Odd Couple
Tony Randall and Jack Klugman brought Neil Simon’s play to TV perfection, with Felix and Oscar’s mismatched roommate dynamic creating endless comedic sparks. Its humor, rooted in opposites attracting, is timeless.
15. Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman
This offbeat satire of soap operas and consumer culture pushed boundaries like no other sitcom. Louise Lasser’s portrayal of Mary, a housewife unraveling under suburban pressure, was both hilarious and haunting.
These sitcoms didn’t just entertain—they reflected the culture, struggles, and quirks of their time. Whether you’re discovering them for the first time or taking a trip down memory lane, they’re worth a spot on your watchlist.
