15 Sitcoms From The 1970s That Barely Anyone Remembers
This post may contain affiliate links.
Throughout the 1970s, there was great innovation and variety in the sitcom market. More than 100 new sitcoms were aired in the United States during this time. Shows such as “All in the Family” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” were juggernauts that pulled millions of viewers weekly.
Although these sitcoms may not enjoy the same recognition as their contemporaries, their unique narratives and characters contributed mightily to the 1970s television comedy scene.
“What’s Happening!!” (1976-1979)
This ABC sitcom charmed audiences with its lighthearted portrayal of Black teen life in Los Angeles. You might recall the triple threat—Raj, Dwayne, and Rerun—as they navigated high school hijinks. The series was a mild success over its three-season run.
However, critics quickly pointed out its limited plotlines and repetitive humor. Variety called the film “gentle and mildly engaging, but missing any bite with which to leave a lasting mark. “What’s Happening!!” did beget a sequel series, “What’s Happening Now!!,” in the mid-’80s.
“Barney Miller” (1975-1982)
ABC’s Barney Miller was set in a New York City police precinct and took a quieter, but no less biting, tack with the law-and-order show. With Hal Linden leading the cast as the titular cop, Barney Miller was a one-of-a-kind show that combined humor with social commentary.
The New York Times called it “one of television’s most accurate and intelligent sitcoms.” It also won primetime Emmy awards, including one for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1982. However, the eight-season run that the sitcom enjoyed didn’t originate moments that would be readily memed or quoted today.
“Chico and the Man” (1974-1978)
This NBC comedy, starring Jack Albertson and Freddie Prinze, focused on the warm but wacky relationship between Ed Brown, an aged cranky garage owner, and Chico Rodriguez, his young, energetic Chicano helper.
The sad passing of Freddie Prinze in 1977 left a hole that the show could not overcome, even with new arrivals joining the cast. Chico and the Man had been a Nielsen top 20 performer for its first two seasons. The show was a powerhouse in its own right during its time, anchored by relevant stories of race dynamics and cross-generational friendship, even if it’s less well-remembered today.
Temperatures Rising (1972-1974)
This sitcom first centered on the hospital’s bizarre staff, led by Paul Lynde. Let’s be honest, though—it wasn’t all smooth sailing for this series. It shuffled through three different iterations during its run, almost like a sick patient searching for the correct diagnosis.
The New York Times points out that the frequent revamps left the show without much of an identity—sitcom whiplash. After its first season, Temperatures Rising’s ratings declined drastically.
“Maude” (1972-1978)
The show followed the life of Maude Findlay, a liberal, outspoken homemaker living in suburban New York. Its biting dialogue and groundbreaking depiction of fierce female characters on TV raised eyebrows.
Although it was critically praised and won several awards, including a Golden Globe for Best Actress in 1977, “Maude” is one of the decade’s lesser-remembered gems. A large part was its willingness to tackle subjects others would avoid, such as women’s liberation, civil rights struggles, and even ab*rtion, which were very polarizing issues back in that day.
“Sanford and Son” (1972-1977)
It was set in a junkyard in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles. The show offered a comedic but poignant look at Black life that dealt with themes of race and class served up with a light touch. “Sanford & Son” made a giant impression in Nielsen ratings when it was on the air. Its second season was the No. 2 show in America!
It was a hit, and the series would go on to receive various nominations at the Golden Globe Awards, with Redd Foxx taking home his Best Television Actor in a Musical or Comedy win in 1973. Having said that, the series was always a bit of an under-the-radar cultural property. Part of this is due to the horrible racial tension and social unrest of the times, sometimes outweighing any comedic approach.
“Welcome Back, Kotter” (1975-1979)
Premiering on ABC, the show followed Gabe Kotter, a high school teacher returning to his rough Brooklyn alma mater to teach a group of misfit students known as the “Sweathogs.” According to Nielsen Ratings, “Welcome Back, Kotter” ranked as high as 18th during its second season.
However, the show experienced a ratings dip in its fourth season due to well-worn storylines and leading man John Travolta scaling back his involvement as his film career heated up. Its cultural footprint was massive, from defining catchphrases like “Up your nose with a rubber hose” to portraying urban education struggles.
“The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-1978)
Despite being a much-lauded series during its six-season run, The Bob Newhart Show is not the first title to spring to mind when considering ’70s sitcoms. Starring comedian Bob Newhart as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, the show masterfully balanced dry humor with the quirks of therapy sessions.
The show was celebrated for its subtle comedy style and realistic work-life and married life portrayal. The New York Times called it “a master class in conversational comedy,” applauding Newhart’s deadpan delivery.
“The Jeffersons” (1975-1985)
This All in the Family spin-off depicted the rise of George and Louise Jefferson, African-American entrepreneurs who moved their family from a working-class neighborhood to a luxurious Manhattan apartment. This show was one of the pioneers of a high-class African American family. This ultimately led to breaking down stereotypes, paving the way for future diverse programming.
The Jeffersons aired for 10 years—one of the longest television sitcom runs in history. The show received 13 Emmy nominations and won two, indicating exceptional performances and intriguing storylines.
“Good Times” (1974-1979)
Set in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing project, Good Times was a spin-off from Maude. The story follows the Evans family as they tackle the trials and triumphs of life in the face of adversity.
Although it addresses themes of poverty, racism, and family dynamics with humor and unabashed flair, its initial groundbreaking portrayal gradually shifted, leading to mixed reviews. The mid-series corrections were more concerned about J.J.’s antics and also his iconic catchphrase “Dy-no-mite!” burying more intricate pedagogical issues under the rug.
“Me and the Chimp” (1972)
This lighthearted sitcom was Garry Marshall’s brainchild. It starred Ted Bessell as Mike Reynolds, a meek dentist who is stuck sharing his home with an adorable chimp named Buttons.
The show failed to find much of an audience or court-critical acclaim and was canceled after only 13 episodes.
“One Day at a Time” (1975-1984)
The show aired on CBS from 1975 to 1984 and followed a newly divorced mom, Ann Romano, played by Bonnie Franklin, as she tried to make her life work with two teenage daughters in Indianapolis. Despite its innovative approach to showcasing a single-parent family—a topic not widely explored then—the show eventually slipped beneath the radar for many viewers.
The series tackled serious issues like teen pregnancy, su*cide, and addiction, wrapped within a comedic framework. As social mores changed over the years, some of what had seemed revolutionary began to feel a little like relic TV, and correspondingly, viewer interest waned.
“Soap” (1977-1981)
A satirical take on soap operas, “Soap” was groundbreaking for its format and controversial storylines. Premiering on ABC in 1977, it introduced audiences to the convoluted lives of the Tate and Campbell families.
The series received rave reviews from some publications, like TV Guide, which named it one of the “50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time.” However, the constant battle with censors and, later, with the National Citizens Committee for Broadcasting (NCCB) hampered its success. The network’s affiliate stations declined to air it.
“Three’s Company” (1977-1984)
John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, and Suzanne Somers starred in this trend-setting series that began in 1977, exploring social taboos while inspiring comedy through misunderstandings. Nielsen ratings frequently placed it among the top shows of its time, with peak viewership in the third season reaching over 25 million viewers.
The show’s premise heavily relied on comical deceits and farcical setups, ideas that tend to age poorly with modern sensibilities. In addition, internal spats — with stars like Suzanne Somers — narratively and tonally hurt the show’s continuity and consistency.
“Bridget Loves Bernie” (1972-1973)
This CBS sitcom focused on a young newlywed couple, Bridget (a rich Irish Catholic) and Bernie (a working-class Jewish cab driver), navigating interfaith marriage with humor and heart. Its ratings were solid, measuring as the fifth most-watched show of the 1972-1973 season.
Their fairy tale love, however, would not endure. Because the show depicted interfaith relationships, it was heavily criticized by religious groups, causing such a stir that it became hard to pacify. As a result, this blowback outshone its success, and CBS canceled Bridget Loves Bernie after one season.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
Affordable Home Entertainment: 11 Must-Have Finds For Enhancing Your Family Movie Nights
18 New Cars to Avoid at All Costs
18 New Cars to Avoid at All Costs
Top 15 Longest Movies of All Time
Prepare for a grand spectacle! Unfurl the crimson carpet, dim the luminance, ensure an ample supply of popcorn, and embark on an immersive cinematic marathon! For film enthusiasts who relish the phrase “the longer, the better,” buckle up; there’s a treat for you. Delve headfirst into the record-breaking realm of the top 15 longest movies.
