The 1970s was a golden era for television, giving rise to some of the most beloved sitcoms of all time. While shows like “The Brady Bunch,” “Happy Days,” and “MAS*H” are still well-known today, many other great sitcoms from that decade have slipped under the radar, especially for younger generations. Here’s a look at 12 iconic ’70s sitcoms that millennials (and perhaps even Gen Z) might not have heard of, but are worth revisiting.
Maude (1972-1978)
A spin-off of “All in the Family,” “Maude” starred Bea Arthur as Maude Findlay, an outspoken, liberal woman who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. The show tackled serious issues such as women’s rights, politics, and social justice with humor and wit. Maude’s strong personality and sharp humor made her a trailblazing character in television history.
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Soap (1977-1981)
“Soap” was a groundbreaking and controversial sitcom that parodied soap operas while addressing taboo subjects like infidelity, homosexuality, and mental illness. The show’s mix of absurd humor and dramatic storylines was ahead of its time, and it introduced viewers to memorable characters like Jessica Tate (Katherine Helmond) and Benson DuBois (Robert Guillaume), the latter of whom got his own successful spin-off.
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Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976-1977)
This cult classic was a satirical soap opera that followed the mundane yet bizarre life of Mary Hartman, a housewife in a fictional Ohio town. The show was known for its dark humor and surreal take on American suburbia. Louise Lasser’s portrayal of the neurotic, fragile Mary earned critical acclaim, and the show remains a unique artifact of 1970s television.
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The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)
While Bob Newhart may be better known to some millennials as a guest star on “The Big Bang Theory,” his ’70s sitcom “The Bob Newhart Show” was a hit in its time. Newhart played Dr. Bob Hartley, a psychologist dealing with his quirky patients and his equally quirky friends and family. The show’s dry humor and Newhart’s deadpan delivery made it a standout.
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Chico and the Man (1974-1978)
“Chico and the Man” starred Jack Albertson as Ed Brown, a grumpy, old garage owner, and Freddie Prinze as Chico Rodriguez, a young, upbeat Chicano man who becomes his assistant. The show was notable for its depiction of a Latino character in a lead role and for addressing issues of race and cultural differences with humor. Prinze’s tragic death in 1977 cast a shadow over the show, but it remains a significant part of TV history.
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Rhoda (1974-1978)
A spin-off of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Rhoda” followed Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) as she returned to New York and navigated life, love, and family. Rhoda’s wit, charm, and relatable struggles made the show a success in its own right, and Harper’s portrayal earned her a loyal fanbase. The show was especially noted for Rhoda’s wedding episode, which was one of the most-watched television events of its time.
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One Day at a Time (1975-1984)
This Norman Lear creation centered on a single mother, Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin), raising her two daughters in Indianapolis. “One Day at a Time” was praised for its realistic portrayal of a single-parent household and its willingness to tackle serious topics like divorce, teen pregnancy, and women’s rights. The show’s influence is evident in the 2017 reboot, which brought the story to a new generation.
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The Odd Couple (1970-1975)
Based on Neil Simon’s play and movie of the same name, “The Odd Couple” starred Tony Randall and Jack Klugman as Felix Unger and Oscar Madison, two mismatched roommates. Felix is a neat freak, while Oscar is a slob, leading to comedic conflicts. The chemistry between Randall and Klugman made the show a classic, and its influence can be seen in countless “odd couple” pairings in TV and movies since.
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WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-1982)
“WKRP in Cincinnati” was a workplace sitcom set in a struggling radio station. The show combined sharp satire with character-driven humor, featuring memorable characters like Dr. Johnny Fever (Howard Hesseman) and Venus Flytrap (Tim Reid). Its realistic portrayal of the radio business and its commentary on the era’s cultural changes have kept it relevant, even if it’s not as widely remembered today.
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Alice (1976-1985)
“Alice” followed the life of Alice Hyatt (Linda Lavin), a widow who moves to Phoenix with her young son and takes a job as a waitress at Mel’s Diner. The show was known for its strong female lead, quirky characters like Mel (Vic Tayback) and Flo (Polly Holliday), and its catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!” Alice’s journey as a working single mother resonated with many viewers, making it a staple of ’70s TV.
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