Back in Time Today
The 1970s was a vibrant era for television, birthing numerous sitcoms that entertained audiences with humor and wit. While some shows became cultural icons, others faded into obscurity.
In this blog post, we explore 23 sitcoms from the 1970s that barely anyone remembers today. These hidden gems, though not as celebrated, offer a delightful glimpse into the comedic landscape of the past.
1. Arnie
“Arnie” is a sitcom that aired from 1970 to 1972, starring Herschel Bernardi as Arnie Nuvo, a blue-collar worker who unexpectedly gets promoted to an executive position.
This sudden shift thrusts Arnie into the unfamiliar world of corporate politics and high society, creating humorous situations.
The show explores the comedic clash between his working-class roots and the elite environment, highlighting the absurdities of both worlds.
Despite its clever premise, “Arnie” was overshadowed by more popular shows of its time, yet it remains a charming reflection on social mobility and identity.
With its unique angle, the sitcom offered laughs while addressing relevant social issues, making it a notable, albeit forgotten, piece of television history.
2. The Good Life
“The Good Life” aired briefly in 1971, featuring a couple who decide to leave their corporate jobs to live a self-sufficient life in suburbia.
The sitcom starred Larry Hagman and Donna Mills, showcasing their comedic chemistry as they navigated the challenges of a simpler lifestyle.
The show delved into themes of consumerism and the quest for happiness, presenting a humorous take on the back-to-the-land movement.
Although it struggled to find a foothold with audiences, its clever writing and relatable premise offered a unique perspective on the era’s cultural shifts.
“The Good Life” might have been short-lived, but its exploration of lifestyle choices and societal values still resonates today.
3. Lotsa Luck
Starring Dom DeLuise, “Lotsa Luck” was a sitcom that ran from 1973 to 1974. The show followed the misadventures of Stanley Belmont, a bachelor who manages the lost-and-found department at a New York City bus company.
With his quirky family and chaotic work environment, Stanley’s life was a humorous jumble of comedic mishaps. The show capitalized on DeLuise’s comedic timing and slapstick humor, making it an entertaining watch.
Although it failed to achieve long-term success, “Lotsa Luck” captured the charm of everyday life’s unpredictability, offering plenty of laughs through its clever portrayal of an unlikely hero.
4. We’ve Got Each Other
Aired in 1977, “We’ve Got Each Other” centered around the lives of a young married couple portrayed by Oliver Clark and Beverly Archer. The sitcom explored their everyday challenges and humorous situations, balancing work and personal life.
The chemistry between the lead actors added warmth and authenticity to the show. This slice-of-life comedy resonated with audiences for its relatable portrayal of marriage dynamics.
Despite its short run, “We’ve Got Each Other” provided a charming and insightful look into the complexities of relationships, blending humor with heartfelt moments that left a lasting impression on its viewers.
5. Doc
“Doc” aired from 1975 to 1976, starring Barnard Hughes as Dr. Joe Bogert, a kindly general practitioner in a New York City neighborhood. The sitcom focused on his interactions with patients and community, blending humor with heartfelt life lessons.
The show highlighted the importance of empathy and understanding, reflecting the changing dynamics of healthcare during the era. Although it faced stiff competition from other medical dramas, “Doc” stood out for its warmth and relatability.
Its unique approach to the medical sitcom genre made it a memorable, though often overlooked, gem in 70s television history.
6. The Texas Wheelers
“The Texas Wheelers” was a family sitcom aired in 1974, starring Jack Elam as the father of a quirky rural family. The show depicted their humorous adventures and misadventures in a small Texas town.
Emphasizing family bonds and endearing oddball characters, it delivered a charming mix of comedy and heartwarming moments. Despite its unique charm and strong performances, it struggled to capture a large audience.
“The Texas Wheelers” remains a cult favorite for those who appreciate its humorous take on familial love and rural life, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a simpler time.
7. Dusty’s Trail
“Dusty’s Trail,” aired from 1973 to 1974, is a comedic Western starring Bob Denver as Dusty, a bumbling wagon train scout. The show follows a group of mismatched settlers lost in the wilderness, trying to find their way back to civilization.
Known for its slapstick humor and quirky characters, “Dusty’s Trail” offered a lighthearted take on the Western genre. Despite its interesting premise, the show mirrored “Gilligan’s Island” too closely, resulting in limited success.
Though it failed to leave a significant mark on television history, its comedic adventures continue to entertain fans of Western comedies.
8. The Montefuscos
“The Montefuscos” aired in 1975, focusing on a large Italian-American family living in New York. The sitcom showcased their lively gatherings and humorous family dynamics, providing a comedic exploration of ethnic traditions and family bonds.
While it aimed to capture the warmth and vibrancy of family life, it struggled with ratings and lasted only a single season. Despite its brief run, the show offered a heartfelt portrayal of cultural identity and familial love.
“The Montefuscos” remains a nostalgic reminder of the diversity of 1970s television, with its unique blend of humor and tradition.
9. On the Rocks
“On the Rocks” was a sitcom set in a minimum-security prison, airing from 1975 to 1976. It featured the comedic escapades of a group of inmates, highlighting their interactions and the absurdity of prison life.
The show balanced humor with themes of redemption and camaraderie, offering a unique perspective on life behind bars. Despite its innovative setting, it struggled to capture mainstream success.
“On the Rocks” remains an interesting artifact of 70s television, presenting a comedic glimpse into prison dynamics and humanizing its colorful characters through laughter and wit.
10. Fay
“Fay” featured Lee Grant as a recently divorced woman navigating her new life, aired in 1975-1976. The sitcom explored themes of independence and self-discovery, capturing the spirit of the evolving social norms of the 70s.
Grant’s character, Fay, faced various comedic situations as she embraced singlehood, offering a fresh perspective on the challenges of starting anew. Despite its engaging storyline and strong performances, the show faced stiff competition.
“Fay” remains a notable attempt to portray the changing roles of women during the era, blending humor with insightful social commentary.
11. The New Dick Van Dyke Show
“The New Dick Van Dyke Show” aired from 1971 to 1974, featuring Dick Van Dyke as a talk show host balancing work and family life. The sitcom offered a comedic take on the entertainment industry and domestic challenges.
Known for Van Dyke’s signature charm and humor, the show blended slapstick comedy with witty writing. Despite its star power, it struggled to achieve the same acclaim as Van Dyke’s previous work.
Nevertheless, it provided audiences with a delightful mix of laughter and relatable themes, capturing the essence of a talented performer in a changing television landscape.
12. A Touch of Grace
“A Touch of Grace” aired in 1973, starring Shirley Booth as Grace Simpson, a witty widow navigating life with her daughter and son-in-law. The sitcom provided heartwarming humor through Grace’s adventures and life lessons.
The show highlighted themes of aging and family, reflecting Booth’s charm and comedic timing. Despite its short run, “A Touch of Grace” was praised for its warmth and relatable portrayal of senior life.
While it may not be widely remembered, the series offers a nostalgic glimpse into the era’s depiction of wisdom and laughter in the golden years.
13. Roll Out
“Roll Out” was a sitcom set during World War II, focusing on the lives of African American soldiers in a transportation unit. Aired in 1973-1974, it aimed to provide a humorous yet insightful look at military life.
The show tackled themes of race and camaraderie, blending comedy with social commentary. Despite its unique perspective, “Roll Out” faced challenges in gaining a wide audience.
Though short-lived, it remains a significant attempt to diversify television programming of the era, offering humor and reflection on historical and cultural themes.
14. The Ropers
“The Ropers” was a spin-off from the popular “Three’s Company,” airing from 1979 to 1980. It starred Norman Fell and Audra Lindley as the quirky landlords Stanley and Helen Roper, exploring their suburban adventures.
The show delved into the couple’s humorous misadventures and domestic life, capturing the charm and chemistry of its leads. Although it failed to match the success of its predecessor, “The Ropers” delivered plenty of laughs.
Its comedic exploration of marriage and suburban life remains a nostalgic reminder of 70s sitcoms, celebrating the endearing antics of its unforgettable characters.
15. Karen
“Karen” aired in 1975, focusing on the comedic exploits of a college student portrayed by Karen Valentine. The sitcom captured the vibrant spirit of campus life and the humorous challenges of navigating young adulthood.
With its engaging lead and relatable storylines, the show resonated with audiences, though it struggled to achieve lasting success. “Karen” highlighted the joys and frustrations of college experiences, offering a lighthearted take on growing up.
While it may not be widely remembered, the series remains a charming exploration of youth and independence during a transformative decade.
16. The Bob Crane Show
Aired in 1975, “The Bob Crane Show” starred Bob Crane as a doctor who changes careers to work in television. The sitcom explored the comedic side of career transitions and personal growth.
Crane’s charm and comedic timing added a delightful touch to the show, though it struggled to find a long-term audience. The series offered humor and insight into the unpredictability of life changes.
Despite its brief run, “The Bob Crane Show” provided a memorable look at the challenges and laughs that come with reinventing oneself, capturing the spirit of the 70s.
17. Phyllis
A spin-off of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Phyllis” aired from 1975 to 1977, featuring Cloris Leachman as Phyllis Lindstrom. The sitcom followed her adventures in San Francisco after moving with her daughter.
With Leachman’s comedic brilliance, the show offered humor and heart as Phyllis navigated new beginnings and friendships. Despite its strong lead, “Phyllis” faced challenges maintaining the success of its predecessor.
Still, it remains a delightful piece of television history, highlighting the joys and trials of reinvention with wit and warmth, resonating with audiences long after its original airing.
18. Holmes & Yoyo
“Holmes & Yoyo,” aired in 1976, was a comedic twist on the detective genre. It starred Richard B. Shull as detective Alex Holmes and John Schuck as his android partner, Yoyo.
The sitcom combined crime-solving with slapstick humor, highlighting the duo’s quirky dynamic and Yoyo’s robotic quirks. Despite its inventive premise, it struggled to capture a long-term audience.
“Holmes & Yoyo” remains a unique attempt to blend comedy and sci-fi elements, offering a lighthearted take on the classic buddy cop trope with plenty of laughs along the way.
19. Apple Pie
“Apple Pie” aired briefly in 1978, starring Rue McClanahan as Ginger-Nell Hollyhock, who assembles an unconventional family during the Great Depression. The sitcom offered a humorous take on finding family amidst chaos.
Despite its strong cast and unique premise, “Apple Pie” struggled with ratings, leading to its early cancellation. The show highlighted themes of resilience and community, capturing the humor and heart of an era.
Though short-lived, “Apple Pie” remains a charming exploration of unconventional family life, offering laughs and warmth through its delightful portrayal of an extraordinary family.
20. Carter Country
“Carter Country” aired from 1977 to 1979, centered around a small-town police department in the South. Starring Victor French and Kene Holliday, the sitcom explored the humorous challenges faced by the officers.
The show blended comedy with social themes, offering insight into the cultural dynamics of Southern life. Despite its engaging premise, it struggled to achieve long-term success.
“Carter Country” remains a noteworthy attempt to depict law enforcement with humor and heart, providing audiences with laughter and reflection on regional identity and camaraderie.
21. The Dumplings
“The Dumplings” aired briefly in 1976, featuring James Coco and Geraldine Brooks as a lovable couple running a deli. The sitcom captured the warmth and humor of everyday life, focusing on the couple’s interactions with their quirky customers.
Despite its charming premise, the show struggled with ratings, leading to its cancellation. It highlighted the charm of simple pleasures and relationships, offering lighthearted laughs and relatable scenarios.
“The Dumplings” remains a delightful, albeit overlooked, piece of television, celebrating the joy and humor found in community and everyday experiences.
22. Everything’s Relative
Aired in 1976, “Everything’s Relative” starred Jason Alexander and John Bolger as two brothers navigating life in New York City. The sitcom explored their humorous adventures and sibling dynamics.
With a focus on family and friendship, the show offered relatable humor through its engaging characters and witty dialogue. Despite its potential, it faced challenges in sustaining a large audience.
“Everything’s Relative” remains a charming exploration of brotherhood and urban life, providing laughs and warmth through its portrayal of the ups and downs of familial bonds.
23. The Girl with Something Extra
“The Girl with Something Extra” aired from 1973 to 1974, starring Sally Field as a young woman with telepathic abilities. The sitcom explored the comedic side of her unique gift, blending romance and humor.
Field’s charm and talent brought warmth to the show, capturing the attention of audiences, though it struggled to achieve long-term success. The series offered a lighthearted take on the supernatural, providing laughter and intrigue.
Despite its brief run, “The Girl with Something Extra” remains a quirky and endearing piece of television history, celebrating the intersection of love and the extraordinary.