The 70s were the golden age of television. Families would gather around the TV, adjusting the rabbit ears just right, so they wouldn’t miss their favorite shows. Whether it was laughter, drama, or intrigue, these iconic shows gave us something to talk about at school the next day. Here are the TV shows from the 70s that kept us glued to the screen—programs we just had to watch, week after week.
1. M*A*S*H
Blending humor and heartache, “MAS*H” gave us a unique look at life during the Korean War. Hawkeye, Radar, and the rest of the crew had us laughing one minute and tearing up the next. It wasn’t just a war show—it was a show about humanity, and it kept us coming back for its perfect mix of wit and warmth. It’s no wonder this show also enjoyed historic viewership for its finale!
2. Happy Days
“Happy Days” was the ultimate nostalgia trip, even back in the 70s. Set in the 50s, this show made us fall in love with the leather-jacket-wearing Fonz, who could fix anything with a snap of his fingers. Richie, Joanie, and the gang made us all want to hang out at Arnold’s Diner, and we couldn’t wait to see what the Cunningham family was up to next.
3. The Brady Bunch
Who could resist the charm of “The Brady Bunch”? The perfect blend of blended family fun, we watched as Marcia, Greg, Peter, and the rest of the kids navigated the ups and downs of growing up with Alice’s trusty guidance and Carol and Mike’s solid parenting. And don’t get us started on the catchy theme song—it’s still stuck in our heads to this day.
4. All in the Family
Archie Bunker was one of the most memorable characters of the decade. “All in the Family” tackled tough issues of the time, like racism, gender roles, and politics, all through the lens of a family sitting around the dinner table. It was groundbreaking and sometimes controversial, but we tuned in every week to see Archie, Edith, and their family debate and bicker in ways that felt oh-so-familiar.
5. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Mary Richards was the working woman we all looked up to. She was spunky, independent, and living the single life in Minneapolis. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was full of laughter, but also tackled real-life issues like equal pay and women’s rights. And who could forget that iconic hat toss in the opening credits?
6. The Six Million Dollar Man
Steve Austin was the bionic man we all wished we could be. “The Six Million Dollar Man” was filled with action-packed adventures, as Steve used his enhanced strength, speed, and vision to save the day. Watching him run in slow motion was thrilling—back then, that was peak special effects, and we couldn’t get enough of it.
7. Laverne & Shirley
If you were looking for laughs, “Laverne & Shirley” delivered every time. Laverne and Shirley were two single women living in Milwaukee, working at a brewery, and getting into one hilarious situation after another. Their friendship was the heart of the show, and their famous “Schlemiel! Schlimazel!” chant is one we all repeated at least once in our lives.
8. Charlie’s Angels
Three beautiful women fighting crime for a mysterious boss? “Charlie’s Angels” was a groundbreaking show in the 70s, bringing strong, fearless women to the forefront of action television. Sabrina, Jill, and Kelly took on bad guys and solved cases, all while looking impossibly stylish. We couldn’t wait to see what thrilling adventures awaited the Angels each week.
9. Good Times
“Good Times” was a show about family, resilience, and making the best out of tough situations. The Evans family, living in the projects of Chicago, faced their share of struggles, but they stuck together through it all. And J.J., with his trademark “Dy-no-mite!” catchphrase, always brought the laughs, even when times were hard.
10. Three’s Company
The premise was simple but oh-so-effective. “Three’s Company” had us laughing week after week with the misadventures of Jack, Chrissy, and Janet, three roommates trying to live together in a world full of misunderstandings and hijinks. The physical comedy was top-notch, and Mr. Roper’s deadpan looks to the camera were classic.
11. WKRP in Cincinnati
For those of us who loved music, “WKRP in Cincinnati” was the ultimate TV show. Following the quirky staff at a struggling radio station, the show had plenty of laughs, but also a great soundtrack. From Dr. Johnny Fever’s antics to Les Nessman’s news reports, it was pure fun from start to finish.
12. Little House on the Prairie
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, “Little House on the Prairie” transported us to a simpler time, where life was hard, but family and faith kept people going. The show had plenty of heartwarming moments, but also tackled serious topics like illness, poverty, and loss. We cried along with the Ingalls family and couldn’t wait for the next week’s installment.
13. Starsky & Hutch
“Starsky & Hutch” gave us two of the coolest detectives on TV. Driving around in their iconic red car, these two took on crime in the big city, making us wish we could be as smooth as they were. Their partnership, filled with action, humor, and just a little bit of danger, kept us on the edge of our seats every week.
14. The Partridge Family
If you loved music and family-friendly comedy, “The Partridge Family” was must-see TV. Following the adventures of a musical family on the road, the show gave us plenty of catchy tunes (who doesn’t remember “I Think I Love You”?) and wholesome fun. And David Cassidy’s heartthrob status didn’t hurt either!
15. The Love Boat
Every episode of “The Love Boat” was like taking a mini-vacation. With new guest stars boarding each week, we got to experience romance, comedy, and drama, all while cruising on the Pacific Princess. Captain Stubing, Gopher, and Julie were always there to guide us through the show’s feel-good vibes.
16. Columbo
“Columbo” was unlike any other detective show. Peter Falk’s portrayal of the rumpled, seemingly clueless detective who always outsmarted the criminals was pure genius. Each episode was like a puzzle, and watching Columbo crack the case with his famous “Just one more thing” catchphrase was endlessly satisfying.
17. The Odd Couple
Felix and Oscar were the ultimate mismatched roommates. “The Odd Couple” took the classic “neat freak vs. slob” dynamic and turned it into pure comedy gold. Felix’s fastidious nature clashed with Oscar’s laid-back messiness in every episode, and we couldn’t help but laugh at the chaos that ensued.
18. Sanford and Son
Fred Sanford’s quick wit and biting humor made “Sanford and Son” a standout show. As the cantankerous junk dealer, Fred constantly clashed with his long-suffering son, Lamont, but you could tell underneath it all, they had a lot of love. Fred’s dramatic heart attack declarations—“This is the big one, Elizabeth!”—became a part of 70s pop culture.
These TV shows weren’t just entertainment; they were part of the fabric of our lives. Whether we were laughing, crying, or sitting on the edge of our seats, they gave us moments we’d never forget. In an era before binge-watching, these shows were appointment viewing—and they’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.
