The 1970s gave us some of the most memorable TV characters of all time, but let’s be honest—many of them wouldn’t last five minutes in today’s world. Whether they were offensive, outdated, or just completely inappropriate by modern standards, these characters thrived in an era when television was far less scrutinized. If they were on air today, their behavior would get them fired, canceled, or outright banned before the first commercial break. Here are 13 ’70s TV characters who would be in serious trouble if they existed in today’s world.
1. Archie Bunker (All in the Family)
Archie Bunker was the politically incorrect king of 1970s television, spouting off just about every outdated, offensive, and downright cringeworthy belief imaginable. He was openly racist, sexist, and dismissive of just about any social progress happening around him. The entire premise of All in the Family was built around showcasing his ignorance while contrasting it with more progressive viewpoints. The show’s brilliance was that it held up a mirror to America, using Archie as an example of attitudes that needed to change. As the show celebrates another yearly milestone, Variety has reflected on Archie’s legacy.
But in today’s world, Archie wouldn’t be a sitcom character—he’d be the subject of viral outrage. While All in the Family used him as a way to spark conversations about social issues, modern audiences might not be as forgiving. Even if he were written as satire, he’d be too controversial for prime-time television. In 2024, a character like Archie wouldn’t just get fired from his job—he’d be permanently canceled.
2. Fred Sanford (Sanford and Son)
Fred Sanford was the ultimate grumpy old man, and part of what made Sanford and Son hilarious was his sharp-tongued, no-filter personality. He was constantly insulting his son, Lamont, and throwing around racial stereotypes—sometimes toward his own community. His constant “heart attack” fake-outs were comedy gold in the ’70s, but today, they’d probably be seen as insensitive or inappropriate. Fred was an expert at toeing the line between playful and offensive, but in today’s world, that line is a lot thinner. NPR does offer a glowing writeup of Sanford, so maybe he should update that LinkedIn profile.
If Fred existed today, social media would be full of complaints about his outdated humor. Even though the show was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a Black-led sitcom, some of Fred’s jokes wouldn’t fly in the modern era. His jabs at other ethnic groups, his frequent belittling of his son, and his casual political incorrectness would be seen as problematic. He’d either be forced into an apology tour or written off the show entirely.
3. Howard Cunningham (Happy Days)
Mr. C was the ultimate wholesome TV dad, but one thing about him would cause serious problems today—his complete indifference to the way Fonzie interacted with women. Fonzie was beloved, but let’s be real: He was constantly catcalling, hitting on girls half his age, and treating women like trophies. And Howard Cunningham? He either chuckled or shrugged it off, acting as though that was just how things were done. According to MeTV, Tom Bosley had a lot in common with his character.
If Happy Days aired today, Howard would absolutely be criticized for his lack of concern. Audiences would expect him to step in and correct Fonzie’s behavior rather than letting it slide. While Howard himself wasn’t a problematic character, his passive attitude would make him a target. He’d either have to get a modern rewrite or risk losing his wholesome TV dad status.
4. Fonzie (Happy Days)
Speaking of Fonzie, let’s not pretend his behavior would fly today. Sure, he was cool, but his interactions with women were straight out of an outdated playbook. He snapped his fingers to summon girls, treated relationships like a game, and had a way of talking to women that would make HR departments everywhere cringe. Back in the ’70s, he was the ultimate ladies’ man—today, he’d be a walking workplace lawsuit. Though, Smithsonian Magazine argues that maybe the King of Cool didn’t actually jump the shark in the way we think.
Modern audiences wouldn’t be as charmed by Fonzie’s antics, no matter how cool his leather jacket was. His whole persona would need a serious update to avoid coming across as a sleazy pickup artist. The Fonz would either have to get a crash course in modern respectability—or he’d be canceled faster than you can say, “Ayyyy!”
5. Herb Tarlek (WKRP in Cincinnati)
Herb Tarlek was the sleazy salesman of WKRP in Cincinnati, known for his loud plaid suits and even louder personality. He was the kind of guy who thought every female coworker was fair game for flirting, constantly making inappropriate comments toward receptionist Jennifer Marlowe. His over-the-top chauvinism was played for laughs, with Jennifer always outsmarting him, but in today’s workplace, he’d be fired before the first commercial break.
In 2024, Herb wouldn’t just be the office joke—he’d be the subject of a very public HR investigation. His relentless pursuit of Jennifer, even when she made it clear she wasn’t interested, would land him in hot water. While the show made it clear that he was more buffoonish than threatening, modern audiences wouldn’t find his antics nearly as amusing. Herb’s days of schmoozing and inappropriate flirting would be over before he even got his first sales commission.
6. Boss Hogg (The Dukes of Hazzard)
Boss Hogg was the greedy, corrupt politician of Hazzard County, always scheming to make himself richer at the expense of the Duke boys. He was a caricature of the stereotypical Southern good ol’ boy, complete with shady deals, law-bending, and outright abuse of power. His portrayal was meant to be comedic, but in today’s climate, he’d be seen as a symbol of everything wrong with political corruption.
More importantly, The Dukes of Hazzard itself has come under scrutiny in recent years for its portrayal of the Confederate flag, prominently displayed on the General Lee. While the show was meant to be lighthearted, modern audiences wouldn’t be so forgiving. Boss Hogg’s small-town corruption might have been funny in the ’70s, but today, he’d be more likely to be the subject of a true crime documentary than a sitcom villain.
7. J.J. Evans (Good Times)
J.J. Evans, played by Jimmie Walker, was a breakout star on Good Times, known for his over-the-top personality and famous catchphrase, “Dy-no-mite!” While he was intended to be a lovable goofball, his character quickly became a source of controversy. Many felt that J.J.’s exaggerated behavior reinforced negative stereotypes rather than breaking them down. Even his own castmates, including John Amos and Esther Rolle, were frustrated by how much focus was placed on his comedic antics instead of the show’s more serious themes.
In today’s world, J.J. would likely face backlash for being a caricature rather than a fully developed character. Viewers would expect more depth and nuance, rather than slapstick humor at the expense of a larger message. While Good Times tackled important issues like poverty and systemic racism, J.J.’s portrayal sometimes distracted from those conversations. If he existed today, he’d either be rewritten with more complexity—or cut from the show entirely.
8. Louie De Palma (Taxi)
Danny DeVito’s portrayal of Louie De Palma on Taxi was one of the funniest (and meanest) boss characters in TV history. As the dispatcher for the Sunshine Cab Company, Louie was loud, rude, and endlessly insulting to his employees. He was openly sexist, constantly harassing Elaine Nardo, and made fun of just about everyone who worked for him. While his behavior was meant to be comedic, in today’s world, he’d be fired for workplace misconduct almost immediately.
Louie’s style of management wouldn’t survive in the modern workplace, where HR policies take harassment and discrimination seriously. His crude jokes and power-hungry personality would make him a walking lawsuit. While DeVito’s performance was undeniably brilliant, Louie De Palma would never make it past a pilot episode today. If he did, it would be in a very different form—probably as the villain of a serious workplace drama rather than a sitcom antihero.
9. Major Frank Burns (MASH)
Frank Burns was MASH*’s resident antagonist, a bumbling, self-righteous military doctor who was both incompetent and deeply hypocritical. He was known for his pompous attitude, strict adherence to military rules (except when it benefited him), and his constant snitching on Hawkeye and Trapper. But his biggest offense? His blatant misogyny and constant inappropriate behavior toward nurses, particularly Major Margaret Houlihan.
In today’s world, Burns’ conduct would be grounds for immediate dismissal, not just from the show but from the military itself. His condescending attitude toward women and subordinates, combined with his inability to actually do his job well, would make him an easy target for modern criticism. While MASH* made him the butt of the joke, today’s audiences wouldn’t tolerate his presence. He wouldn’t just be an annoying character—he’d be an example of everything wrong with toxic workplace culture.
10. Mr. Roper (Three’s Company)
Mr. Roper, the original landlord of Three’s Company, was the nosy, judgmental, and often inappropriate neighbor who constantly misinterpreted what was happening in Jack, Janet, and Chrissy’s apartment. He frequently made homophobic jokes about Jack (who pretended to be gay to keep his lease), making light of a situation that would be considered deeply problematic today. His humor was based on outdated and offensive assumptions, even though the show played his ignorance for laughs.
In today’s world, Mr. Roper would be called out for discrimination and possibly even sued for harassment. His casual jabs and invasive behavior wouldn’t be seen as quirky landlord antics—they’d be seen as serious legal issues. While audiences of the ’70s found him funny, modern viewers would find him cringeworthy at best. Even his replacement, Mr. Furley, who had similar tendencies, wouldn’t stand a chance in today’s climate.
11. Tony Banta (Taxi)
Tony Banta, the struggling boxer-turned-cabbie on Taxi, was lovable but constantly in over his head. The problem? He was portrayed as a bit too dim-witted, often to the point where it was hard to believe he could function in the real world. His lack of intelligence was a constant joke, and today, that kind of character would likely be seen as insensitive or offensive.
Modern sitcoms try to balance “lovable but clueless” characters without making them the punchline in a way that feels demeaning. Tony’s portrayal might be rewritten to make him more endearing and less of a caricature. While audiences loved him back then, his character would need a serious update to survive today’s expectations.
12. The Sweathogs (Welcome Back, Kotter)
The Sweathogs were the lovable, rowdy troublemakers of Welcome Back, Kotter, but their behavior wouldn’t be tolerated in today’s classrooms. They openly mocked their teachers, disrupted lessons, and engaged in behavior that would result in immediate suspension in a modern school. While they were meant to be underdogs with potential, their antics would likely lead to disciplinary action rather than comedic hijinks today.
In the modern education system, the Sweathogs would be seen as a group in need of intervention, not just laughs. Schools today emphasize behavioral support and mental health rather than just letting “problem students” run wild. While their humor and charm made them beloved in the ’70s, they’d be rewritten entirely if the show were made today.
These characters were once beloved, but in today’s world, they’d be in serious trouble. What was once considered funny, charming, or just “how things were” would now spark social media backlash, HR complaints, or outright cancellation. While they made sense in the 1970s, modern audiences have different expectations—and these characters would either have to evolve or disappear completely. One thing’s for sure: If they existed today, they wouldn’t last long!
