Television in the 1970s was a treasure trove of unique programming that somehow managed to fade from collective memory. These shows once dominated living rooms across America, capturing the imagination of millions before seemingly vanishing into thin air. For those who lived through this golden era of television, some of these forgotten gems might spark a moment of nostalgic recognition.
1. “Baretta”
Robert Blake starred in this crime drama about a streetwise detective with an unconventional approach to solving cases. The show ran for three seasons and was notable for Blake’s memorable character and his trademark cockatoo. Despite its initial popularity, the show became overshadowed by Blake’s later controversial legal troubles. Television Academy also notes its milder tones that bring to mind Toma, starring Tony Musante.
The series followed Detective Tony Baretta, who used unorthodox methods to fight crime in an unnamed city. Blake’s character was known for his street smarts and unique style of detective work. Viewers were captivated by the show’s gritty portrayal of urban crime-fighting.
2. “The Rookies”
This police drama followed young police officers navigating the challenges of law enforcement in the early 1970s. The show attempted to capture the idealism and struggles of new cops trying to make a difference in their community. It ran from 1972 to 1976 and featured an ensemble cast of fresh-faced actors. Collider also notes that the series had roots in a very real story, further grounding its content.
The series explored the personal and professional lives of its young police officers, offering a more nuanced look at law enforcement. It was part of a wave of police procedurals that dominated television during that era. Despite its initial popularity, the show gradually faded from public consciousness.
3. “Lucas Tanner”
David Birney starred in this short-lived drama about a dedicated high school teacher working in a tough urban environment. The show attempted to tackle serious social issues through the lens of education and youth development. It aired for just one season but left a lasting impression on those who watched it. Television Obscurities praises the show’s ability to deliver such quality content in the short time it was on air.
The series tried to present a more realistic portrayal of urban education and the challenges faced by dedicated teachers. Birney’s character was seen as a compassionate and innovative educator trying to make a difference. Despite its noble intentions, the show struggled to find a consistent audience.
4. “Land of the Giants”
Irwin Allen’s science fiction adventure series followed the crew of a spaceship stranded on a planet of giant beings. The show ran from 1968 to 1970, pushing the boundaries of special effects technology for its time. Viewers were fascinated by the innovative visual techniques used to create the giant world.
Each episode followed the crew’s attempts to survive and escape from a planet where everything was massive compared to human scale. The show combined adventure, science fiction, and survival elements in a unique package. Despite its creative premise, it gradually lost viewership and was ultimately canceled.
5. “The Mod Squad”
This groundbreaking series featured three young undercover police officers who represented a more progressive approach to law enforcement. The show was revolutionary for its time, featuring a racially diverse cast that worked together to solve crimes. It ran from 1968 to 1973 and was initially praised for its innovative approach.
The series followed Pete, Linc, and Julie, young cops who approached law enforcement with a counterculture sensibility. They were seen as hip and rebellious, challenging traditional police procedural formats. Despite its initial cultural impact, the show slowly faded from popular memory.
6. “Here Come the Brides”
Set in 1860s Seattle, this quirky series followed a group of women brought to the Pacific Northwest to help establish a growing community. The show combined elements of romance, comedy, and historical drama in a unique package. Bobby Sherman became a teen idol through his role in the series.
The premise involved bringing marriageable women to a logging community to help balance the male-to-female ratio. It explored themes of frontier life and community building in a lighthearted manner. Despite its initial popularity, the show struggled to maintain long-term viewership.
7. “The Odd Couple” (TV Series)
Based on Neil Simon’s play, this sitcom starred Jack Klugman and Tony Randall as mismatched roommates. The show ran from 1970 to 1975 and was a popular comedy of its era. While many remember the concept, the original TV series has largely been forgotten.
Klugman played Oscar Madison, a messy sportswriter, while Randall portrayed Felix Unger, an obsessively neat photographer. Their comedic chemistry drove the show’s humor and popularity. Despite its success, younger generations have largely overlooked this classic sitcom.
8. “Adam-12”
This police procedural followed two Los Angeles police officers as they patrolled the streets of their beat. The show was known for its realistic portrayal of police work and daily challenges. It ran from 1968 to 1975 and was a staple of 1970s television.
Martin Milner and Kent McCord starred as Officers Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, respectively. The show attempted to provide a more authentic look at police work than previous television depictions. Despite its initial popularity, it has been largely forgotten by younger generations.
9. “Room 222”
This groundbreaking series explored social issues through the lens of a high school environment. It ran from 1969 to 1974 and was praised for its progressive approach to addressing racial and social topics. The show won several Emmy Awards during its run.
The series followed the lives of teachers and students at Walt Whitman High School. It tackled complex social issues with sensitivity and nuance rarely seen on television at the time. Despite its critical acclaim, the show has largely disappeared from cultural memory.
10. “The Cowboys”
Based on the John Wayne film, this Western series starred Robert Wilke and followed a group of young cowboys. The show attempted to capture the spirit of the Old West through the eyes of young ranch hands. It ran for a short time but left an impression on Western genre fans.
The series explored themes of coming of age, responsibility, and frontier life. It provided a unique perspective on the Western genre by focusing on younger characters. Despite its initial appeal, the show failed to maintain long-term viewership.
11. “Alias Smith and Jones”
This Western comedy-drama followed two reformed outlaws trying to earn amnesty by staying on the right side of the law. The show ran from 1971 to 1973 and was a popular entry in the Western genre. Pete Duel and Ben Murphy starred as the lead characters.
The series explored themes of redemption and second chances in the Old West. It combined humor, adventure, and drama in a unique television package. Tragically, the show was cut short by the untimely death of Pete Duel.
12. “The Magician”
Bill Bixby starred in this unique series about a stage magician who used his skills to solve crimes. The show ran for one season but captured the imagination of viewers with its innovative premise. Bixby’s character combined entertainment with detective work in a novel approach.
The series followed Tony Blake, a professional magician who used his illusion skills to help law enforcement. Each episode featured Bixby performing elaborate magic tricks while solving criminal cases. Despite its creative concept, the show struggled to find a consistent audience.
13. “Make Room for Granddaddy”
Danny Thomas returned to television with this sequel series to his popular “Make Room for Daddy” sitcom, attempting to recapture the magic of his earlier hit. The show followed an older Danny Williams and his family, trying to update the premise for a new decade. Despite Thomas’s previous success, the series struggled to find its footing in the changing television landscape.
The sitcom attempted to blend family humor with the changing social dynamics of the 1970s. Danny Thomas played a version of himself, surrounded by his grown children and extended family. The show represented a nostalgic attempt to reconnect with the family comedy format that had made Thomas a television star.
14. “The Girl with Something Extra”
This quirky supernatural sitcom starred Sally Field as a woman with psychic abilities, long before shows about supernatural powers became commonplace. The series explored the comedic possibilities of a wife who could read her husband’s thoughts, creating unique relationship challenges. It ran for just one season but left a memorable impression on viewers of the era.
The show followed Sally Field’s character, Sally Patterson, and her husband John, navigating the complexities of marriage with her extraordinary ability. Each episode played with the comedic potential of complete mental transparency between spouses. Despite its creative premise, the show was ahead of its time and failed to find a consistent audience.
Television in the 1970s was a remarkable era of experimentation and creativity that often gets overlooked. These shows represent a time capsule of storytelling, social issues, and entertainment that shaped a generation. While they may have slipped from our immediate memory, they remain an important part of television history.
