In 2025, some of the most iconic TV shows of 1975 will officially hit their 50-year milestone. These shows brought humor, drama, and action to our screens and left a lasting impact on pop culture. Whether you tuned in weekly or caught episodes years later, these ‘75 classics are still worth celebrating as they reach the big five-oh.
1. Starsky & Hutch
This buddy-cop drama became a cultural icon with its flashy action sequences, stylish wardrobes, and the beloved red-and-white Ford Gran Torino. Starsky & Hutch was pure ‘70s cool and inspired a wave of buddy-cop shows that followed.
2. The Jeffersons
Spinning off from All in the Family, The Jeffersons brought us George and Weezy moving up to the East Side and breaking barriers on television with its portrayal of a successful Black family. Their 10-year journey introduced unforgettable catchphrases and tackled important social issues with humor and heart.
3. One Day at a Time
This Norman Lear sitcom focused on a single mother raising two teenage daughters in Indianapolis. One Day at a Time was one of the first shows to explore single-parent households and had a unique blend of humor and heartfelt moments that connected with audiences and inspired a modern-day reboot.
4. Baretta
Baretta starred Robert Blake as a quirky, street-smart undercover cop with his pet cockatoo, Fred, by his side. Known for the line, “Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time,” the show was gritty, full of suspense, and stood out for its hard-hitting approach to crime drama.
5. Saturday Night Live
Debuting in October 1975, Saturday Night Live became a late-night institution. Created by Lorne Michaels, it changed the landscape of sketch comedy and helped launch countless careers, from John Belushi to Eddie Murphy to Tina Fey. It’s one of the longest-running shows in TV history, still delivering laughs and controversy.
6. Welcome Back, Kotter
Set in Brooklyn, Welcome Back, Kotter introduced us to a group of lovable high school misfits known as the Sweathogs and their sarcastic but caring teacher, Mr. Kotter, played by Gabe Kaplan. It made John Travolta a star and remains an iconic look at high school humor and heart.
7. Good Morning, America
Though not a sitcom or drama, Good Morning, America became an essential part of American mornings when it launched in 1975. For 50 years, it has been keeping viewers updated on everything from breaking news to celebrity gossip, becoming a staple in American culture.
8. Fawlty Towers
This British sitcom, though short-lived with only 12 episodes, has been beloved by audiences worldwide since 1975. John Cleese’s portrayal of the irritable and eccentric hotel owner Basil Fawlty gave us a masterclass in physical comedy and wit, with humor that remains timeless.
9. Space: 1999
Sci-fi fans got hooked on Space: 1999, a British series following the crew of Moonbase Alpha as they navigate space after a nuclear explosion knocks the moon out of Earth’s orbit. It was ambitious, visually stunning for its time, and has a dedicated fanbase that remembers its eerie vibe.
10. The Invisible Man
This short-lived yet intriguing series put a modern spin on H.G. Wells’ classic story. It followed Dr. Daniel Westin, who turns invisible after an experiment and becomes a secret agent, using his powers for good. While it didn’t last long, the premise and effects were groundbreaking for the mid-’70s.
11. Ellery Queen
Starring Jim Hutton as the clever, crime-solving writer Ellery Queen, this detective series stood out with its unique “whodunit” format, inviting viewers to solve the mystery right along with Queen. Though it only ran for one season, it left a lasting impact on the genre.
12. Medical Story
An early version of the medical drama, Medical Story focused on realistic portrayals of the struggles doctors and patients face, often with a rotating cast of guest stars. It paved the way for later medical shows like ER and Grey’s Anatomy, focusing on the human side of healthcare.
13. Phyllis
A spinoff of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Phyllis starred Cloris Leachman as the lovable and quirky Phyllis Lindstrom, navigating life as a widow. Though short-lived, it showed audiences another side of Leachman’s impeccable comedy chops and the character they loved to love.
14. Three for the Road
This heartfelt family drama followed a father and his two sons as they traveled across the country in an RV after the mother’s passing. Although it was brief, Three for the Road touched viewers with its themes of family and healing.
Saturday Night Live and The Jeffersons may still hold strong in memory, but even the more obscure Phyllis or Three for the Road shaped an era when storytelling was simpler, and families gathered around the TV. Fifty years later, they’re a testament to the creativity and uniqueness of ‘70s television.
