The 1970s were packed with TV specials that everyone tuned in for, but today, many of them have faded into obscurity. Back then, if you missed a special, that was it—no streaming, no reruns, no second chances. These were the kinds of events that brought families together, whether it was a musical variety show, a bizarre animated experiment, or a one-time-only holiday treat. Some were genuinely great, while others were just plain weird, but they all had a moment where they were must-see TV. Looking back, it’s strange that these specials once captivated the entire country, only to be nearly forgotten. Let’s take a nostalgic trip back and remember 14 TV specials from the ’70s that everyone watched but no one talks about anymore.
1. “The Krofft Superstar Hour” (1978)
Sid and Marty Krofft were behind some of the most colorful and surreal kids’ programming of the ’70s, and The Krofft Superstar Hour was their attempt to bring their signature weirdness to a variety show format. It featured segments with the Bay City Rollers, bizarre puppet characters, and skits that felt like a fever dream. It was bright, loud, and completely over-the-top, making it a hit with kids but baffling to adults.
Though the Kroffts’ work is still fondly remembered, The Krofft Superstar Hour has been mostly forgotten, likely because it didn’t last long and never got reruns. But for kids who watched it, it was a psychedelic blast of absurdity that perfectly captured the weird, wonderful spirit of ’70s children’s entertainment.
2. “The Paul Lynde Halloween Special” (1976)
If you were looking for something truly bizarre in the ’70s, The Paul Lynde Halloween Special was it. Paul Lynde, the wisecracking center square from Hollywood Squares, hosted this over-the-top variety special that featured a head-scratching mix of guest stars, including Margaret Hamilton reprising her role as the Wicked Witch of the West, KISS in one of their first TV appearances, and even Donny and Marie Osmond. It was a weird mashup of comedy, music, and Halloween hijinks, complete with campy sketches and plenty of ridiculous costumes.
Despite its absolute strangeness, this special was a huge event when it aired. It was one of the few major Halloween specials of the time, and for kids who loved Lynde’s antics or were fascinated by KISS, it was must-see TV. Over the years, it faded into obscurity, overshadowed by more enduring Halloween classics like It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown. But if you grew up in the ’70s, you probably remember watching it and wondering what on earth you had just seen.
3. “Dick Van Dyke and the Other Woman” (1975)
This oddly titled special was actually a delightful reunion of The Dick Van Dyke Show’s two biggest stars: Dick Van Dyke and Mary Tyler Moore. At the time, both had moved on to separate projects, but their chemistry remained undeniable. The special was a mix of comedy sketches and musical numbers, showing off their incredible versatility as performers. It was a nostalgic treat for fans of their sitcom and a chance to see them together one last time before moving on to separate careers.
Despite being a ratings success at the time, the special has mostly disappeared from public memory. Perhaps because it wasn’t tied to a specific holiday or theme, it never became an annual event. But for those who watched it, it was a reminder of why Van Dyke and Moore were such an incredible duo. Their effortless charm and comedic timing made it a highlight of the era, even if it’s rarely talked about today.
4. “John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together” (1979)
John Denver and the Muppets were an unlikely but perfect pairing, and their 1979 Christmas special was pure magic. Denver’s folksy charm blended seamlessly with the humor and heart of Jim Henson’s creations, resulting in one of the most beloved holiday specials of its time. It featured classic Christmas carols, original songs, and plenty of heartwarming moments, all delivered with that unique Muppet charm.
Despite its popularity at the time, this special doesn’t get as much love today as other Muppet projects like The Muppet Christmas Carol. The songs remain cherished, and some clips circulate online, but the special itself rarely gets revisited. For those who watched it back in 1979, though, it remains a treasured holiday memory, proof that John Denver and the Muppets were a match made in Christmas heaven.
5. “Baryshnikov on Broadway” (1977)
In the ’70s, ballet was bigger than you might think, and no dancer was more famous than Mikhail Baryshnikov. When Baryshnikov on Broadway aired in 1977, it was a major cultural event, introducing millions of viewers to the world of classical dance and Broadway-style performances. The special featured stunning choreography, with Baryshnikov performing alongside Broadway legends like Liza Minnelli and the iconic Twyla Tharp.
At the time, this was a huge deal, but today, it’s rarely mentioned outside of dance history circles. It was a rare moment when ballet and Broadway collided on national television, captivating audiences who may not have otherwise been exposed to that world. For those who tuned in, it was an unforgettable spectacle, showcasing one of the greatest dancers of all time at the height of his powers.
6. “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year” (1976)
After the massive success of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Rankin/Bass decided to keep the magic going with Rudolph’s Shiny New Year, a bizarre yet fascinating holiday special. This time, Rudolph wasn’t saving Christmas—he was saving New Year’s, sent on a quest to find the missing Baby New Year before time ran out. Along the way, he met some truly odd characters, including a caveman, a knight, and a vulture named Eon who was trying to stop time so he could live forever. It had that classic stop-motion charm, but the story was much weirder than the original Rudolph, making it a bit of an oddity.
While Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer remains a Christmas staple, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year has largely disappeared from annual viewing traditions. Maybe it’s because the story was more confusing, or maybe it’s because New Year’s specials never had the same staying power as Christmas classics. Either way, this one was a big deal when it aired, and if you were a kid in the ’70s, you definitely remember watching it. It may not be as beloved as its predecessor, but for a generation of kids, it was an essential part of the holiday season.
7. “The Carpenters: A Christmas Portrait” (1978)
The Carpenters were one of the biggest musical acts of the ’70s, and their holiday special A Christmas Portrait was a must-watch event in 1978. Featuring Karen Carpenter’s angelic voice and Richard Carpenter’s signature arrangements, the special included classic Christmas songs, lighthearted skits, and an overall warm, cozy feel. Special guests like Gene Kelly and Kristy McNichol joined in on the festive fun, making it a true holiday event for families.
At the time, it was hugely popular, but unlike other Christmas specials from the era, this one didn’t become a recurring tradition. While The Carpenters’ Christmas album remains beloved, the special itself has largely faded into obscurity. For those who watched it, though, it remains a cherished memory, capturing the simple elegance of Karen’s voice and the holiday spirit of the late ’70s. It’s one of those specials that deserves to be rediscovered.
8. “The Star Wars Holiday Special” (1978)
The Star Wars Holiday Special has become infamous, but back in 1978, it was one of the most anticipated TV events of the decade. Coming just a year after Star Wars became a cultural phenomenon, fans couldn’t wait to see their favorite characters return to the screen. Instead, they got a bizarre story about Chewbacca trying to get home to his family for Life Day, complete with long stretches of Wookiee dialogue (with no subtitles), musical numbers from Bea Arthur and Jefferson Starship, and a weird virtual reality performance from Diahann Carroll.
It was widely panned even when it first aired, and George Lucas famously tried to bury it, but for those who watched it in real-time, it was a big deal. It’s now mostly remembered as a curiosity, something that fans joke about but rarely revisit in full. Still, if you were a kid in 1978, you probably begged your parents to let you stay up late for it, only to be left thoroughly confused by what you just watched.
9. “The Captain & Tennille in Hawaii” (1978)
During the height of their fame, Captain & Tennille were everywhere, and their Hawaiian-themed TV special was a huge event. Combining their signature soft-rock sound with tropical visuals, this special was a mix of concert performances, lighthearted comedy, and travelogue-style segments. It featured guest appearances from Hawaiian musicians and a laid-back, beachy vibe that made it feel like a vacation in TV form.
While Captain & Tennille had their moment in the spotlight, their TV specials didn’t have the lasting impact of some of their contemporaries. The Captain & Tennille in Hawaii was a snapshot of a specific moment in pop culture, back when variety specials were everywhere. If you watched it, you probably remember the easygoing charm of Toni Tennille’s voice paired with the sunny, breezy atmosphere of the special. It may not have stood the test of time, but it was pure ’70s fun.
10. “Mac Davis: Sounds Like Home” (1977)
Mac Davis was one of the biggest singer-songwriters of the ’70s, known for his storytelling country-pop hits and charismatic TV presence. Sounds Like Home was a prime-time variety special that combined musical performances with heartfelt monologues and special guest appearances. The special was meant to capture the essence of Davis’s down-home charm, complete with sentimental songs and a friendly, casual feel.
At the time, Mac Davis was a major star, but his TV specials never achieved the lasting impact of some of his contemporaries. Sounds Like Home was a one-time event, airing in an era when variety shows were king, but it never became an annual staple. Still, for fans who watched it, it was a comforting, feel-good special that showcased Davis’s easygoing personality and knack for storytelling through music.
11. “The Wild Wild World of Animals” (1973–1978)
This wasn’t a one-time special but rather a series of nature-themed TV specials that ran throughout the ’70s, narrated by William Conrad. Unlike today’s high-budget nature documentaries, these specials had a rougher, more straightforward feel, with dramatic narration and grainy footage of wild animals in action. They covered everything from lions on the savanna to deep-sea creatures, bringing the natural world into living rooms at a time when wildlife shows weren’t as common.
Though incredibly popular at the time, The Wild Wild World of Animals has been largely forgotten, overshadowed by later nature documentaries like those from National Geographic and the BBC. But for kids in the ’70s, these specials were often their first introduction to the wonders of the animal kingdom. The dramatic voiceovers and occasionally shocking footage made them memorable, even if they don’t get talked about much today.
12. “The Mysterious Monsters” (1976)
Before In Search Of… became the go-to show for paranormal mysteries, The Mysterious Monsters was a TV special that had everyone talking. Hosted by Peter Graves, it explored the world of Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other cryptids, using “expert” interviews and dramatic reenactments to convince viewers that these creatures might actually be real. The eerie tone and spooky footage made it the kind of special that kids would talk about on the playground for weeks afterward.
Though it was a big deal when it aired, The Mysterious Monsters has largely been forgotten, replaced by more modern cryptozoology specials. At the time, though, it felt groundbreaking, tapping into the growing fascination with the unknown. If you watched it, you probably remember the chills it gave you—and the way it made you question whether Bigfoot might be lurking in your own backyard.
13. “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” (1977)
Bing Crosby’s Christmas specials were a yearly tradition, but the 1977 edition was particularly memorable because it featured a now-legendary duet with David Bowie. The two performed Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy, a moment that has since become iconic. But the special itself, which had a British countryside theme and featured various skits and performances, has largely faded into obscurity outside of that one song.
At the time, the special was a big deal, marking one of Crosby’s final TV appearances before his passing. Today, the duet remains famous, but the rest of the special is rarely revisited. For those who watched it, though, it was a perfect blend of old-school Christmas charm and unexpected musical surprises.
The 1970s were filled with unforgettable TV specials, but many of them have been lost to time. Unlike today, where everything is archived and easily accessible, these specials existed in a time when you had one chance to see them, and then they were gone. They may not get talked about much anymore, but for those who watched them, they left lasting impressions. What TV specials do you remember that no one seems to talk about anymore? Let’s dig up some of those lost gems together!
