Television in the 1970s was full of unforgettable characters—larger-than-life personalities that made us laugh, cry, and tune in week after week. But looking back, some of these beloved characters don’t quite hold up the way they once did. Whether it was outdated attitudes, questionable behavior, or jokes that wouldn’t fly today, these TV figures were a product of their time. While they were wildly popular in their heyday, they would likely face serious scrutiny if they appeared on television now.
1. Archie Bunker – All in the Family
Archie Bunker was one of the most iconic TV characters of the ‘70s, and there’s no denying his influence. Played brilliantly by Carroll O’Connor, Archie was a loudmouthed, opinionated, old-school working man whose blunt, often offensive remarks made him both infuriating and hilarious. He represented a generation struggling with changing social norms, and audiences either loved him or loved to hate him. Woman’s World offers a deeper dive into not just the character but the man responsible for bringing him to life.
But by today’s standards, Archie’s views on race, gender roles, and social issues would make him incredibly controversial. While the show often used him to highlight the flaws in his thinking, some viewers took his words at face value. If a character like Archie debuted now, he’d likely cause outrage rather than thoughtful conversation.
2. Fonzie – Happy Days
Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli was the epitome of cool in the ‘70s. With his leather jacket, catchphrase (“Ayyyy!”), and ability to make jukeboxes play with a single touch, he was the guy everyone wanted to be—or be with. He was smooth, confident, and always knew how to get out of a jam. The show left an impression on him as well, as Remind reports that Winkler took something in particular from set.
But Fonzie’s treatment of women, by today’s standards, would raise eyebrows. His constant flirting and smooth-talking ways were seen as charming back then, but today, they could be viewed as pushy or even inappropriate. He may still be cool, but in a modern context, The Fonz would need to tone it down.
3. J.J. Evans – Good Times
Jimmie Walker’s J.J. Evans brought humor and energy to Good Times with his over-the-top personality and signature catchphrase, “Dy-no-mite!” His exaggerated antics made him one of the most recognizable sitcom characters of the decade, and he was a breakout star of the show. The Keene Sentinel confirms that Walker himself is just as powerful a presence as ever on the stage too.
However, many critics felt that J.J.’s character leaned too much into harmful stereotypes. His portrayal as a bumbling, jobless goofball sometimes overshadowed the show’s deeper messages about African American families and struggles. While audiences loved him at the time, modern viewers might find his character problematic.
4. Hawkeye Pierce – MASH
Hawkeye Pierce, played by Alan Alda, was the quick-witted, womanizing surgeon at the heart of MASH*. His sarcastic humor and anti-authority attitude made him a fan favorite, and he often served as the moral center of the show. His deep friendships and moments of sincerity balanced out his comedic antics. ScreenRant notes that M*A*S*H came close to an episode without Hawkeye and maybe, just maybe, it could have had more.
But Hawkeye’s relentless pursuit of women, often ignoring boundaries, would not play well today. Many of his flirtations would be seen as harassment rather than charming persistence. While his character evolved over time, early seasons of MASH* featured behavior that modern audiences wouldn’t find amusing.
5. Jack Tripper – Three’s Company
John Ritter’s Jack Tripper was a lovable goofball who got into endless misunderstandings on Three’s Company. His slapstick comedy and awkward situations made him a hilarious and endearing character. The entire show revolved around him pretending to be gay so he could live with two female roommates, which was considered a bold premise at the time.
However, the entire joke of the show relied on outdated ideas about gender roles and sexuality. Jack’s “pretend” sexuality was played for laughs, reinforcing stereotypes rather than breaking them. Today, a sitcom built around this kind of humor likely wouldn’t get the same warm reception.
6. Boss Hogg – The Dukes of Hazzard
Boss Hogg was the greedy, corrupt county commissioner always scheming against the Duke boys. His over-the-top villainy and bumbling ways made him a classic ‘70s TV antagonist. With his white suit, cigar, and money-hungry antics, he was a caricature of small-town corruption.
But The Dukes of Hazzard itself has faced backlash for its Confederate flag imagery, and Boss Hogg’s representation of law enforcement corruption plays differently today. His character, meant to be a joke, now serves as a reminder of real-life issues with power and justice. What once seemed like harmless fun now feels a little more complicated.
7. Latka Gravas – Taxi
Andy Kaufman’s Latka Gravas was a standout character on Taxi with his quirky personality, odd accent, and catchphrases. He was a lovable, naive immigrant who stole every scene he was in. His gibberish-speaking alter ego, “Vic Ferrari,” added another layer of absurdity to his character.
However, his exaggerated foreign accent and portrayal as a clueless outsider wouldn’t sit well today. What was once considered innocent humor now feels like a stereotype that mocks rather than celebrates immigrant experiences. While Latka was beloved in his time, modern audiences might cringe at his portrayal.
8. George Jefferson – The Jeffersons
Sherman Hemsley’s George Jefferson was a character who broke barriers, portraying a wealthy Black businessman who was unapologetically proud of his success. His sharp wit, quick temper, and hilarious one-liners made him a fan favorite. His constant put-downs of his white neighbor, Tom Willis, flipped the script on racial humor in TV.
However, George’s frequent use of offensive language and stereotypes wouldn’t sit well today. His insults toward various groups were meant to mirror Archie Bunker’s, but modern TV avoids this kind of humor. While his confidence and success are still admirable, his harsh jokes wouldn’t pass today’s standards.
9. Louie De Palma – Taxi
Danny DeVito’s Louie De Palma was one of TV’s most iconic bosses—loud, rude, and completely self-absorbed. His short stature and big attitude made him a hilarious antagonist to the rest of the Taxi crew. He was selfish, scheming, and somehow still likable.
But Louie’s frequent inappropriate comments and sleazy behavior toward women would not hold up today. What was once dismissed as “just Louie being Louie” would now be considered outright harassment. While DeVito’s performance remains brilliant, his character would need a serious rewrite in modern times.
10. Steve Austin – The Six Million Dollar Man
Steve Austin, played by Lee Majors, was the ultimate action hero of the ‘70s. With his bionic enhancements, slow-motion jumps, and iconic sound effects, he was the sci-fi character everyone wanted to be. He was tough, heroic, and always saved the day.
However, Steve Austin embodied the overly macho, emotionless hero trope that has largely faded from modern storytelling. His relationships with women were often one-dimensional, and his “might makes right” approach to problem-solving wouldn’t be as celebrated today. While still an action icon, Steve Austin would likely be rewritten with more depth if introduced in a modern series.
11. Larry Dallas – Three’s Company
Larry Dallas was the smooth-talking, mustachioed ladies’ man who frequently visited Jack Tripper and his roommates. Played by Richard Kline, Larry was charming, funny, and always ready with a slick pick-up line. His exaggerated playboy persona provided plenty of laughs, and he was a staple of the show’s comedic misunderstandings.
But by today’s standards, Larry’s behavior would come across as pushy at best and inappropriate at worst. His relentless pursuit of women, often without taking no for an answer, wouldn’t be considered harmless comedy anymore. While he was a lovable goofball in the ‘70s, modern audiences would likely find his antics more cringeworthy than charming.
12. Captain Kirk – Star Trek
William Shatner’s Captain James T. Kirk was a trailblazing TV icon—bold, fearless, and always ready to take command. His leadership on the USS Enterprise made him a hero to a generation, and his adventurous spirit embodied the excitement of space exploration. He also broke boundaries, including being part of one of TV’s first interracial kisses.
However, Kirk’s approach to women wouldn’t sit well in today’s world. His flirtations, frequent romances, and habit of kissing female characters without much warning would raise major red flags. While he remains one of the most beloved sci-fi characters of all time, his ‘70s-era attitude toward relationships would need a serious update for modern audiences.
Jim Ignatowski – Taxi
Christopher Lloyd’s Jim Ignatowski was one of the most unforgettable characters on Taxi. As the show’s resident burnout, Jim was a lovable but completely spaced-out former hippie who stumbled his way through life with bizarre wisdom and hilarious confusion. His unpredictable antics and offbeat personality made him a fan favorite, often stealing scenes with just a few words.
However, Jim’s character was essentially built around the stereotype of a perpetually drug-addled dropout. While played for laughs in the ‘70s, his portrayal as a permanently “fried” former radical would be handled much differently today. While still an iconic comedic character, modern audiences might find the humor around his hazy mental state less amusing and more concerning.
These ‘70s TV characters were larger than life, shaping pop culture and defining an era of television. While they remain beloved for their impact, many aspects of their humor, attitudes, and behavior would face serious scrutiny today. Their popularity made them icons, but time has revealed just how much TV—and society—has changed since their heyday.
