The 70s were a decade when families gathered to watch sitcoms together. It was the time when sitcoms became a medium for social commentary. Most of the 70s sitcom stories were about family, work life, and politics of that time. Iconic producers like Norman Lear (who died in 2023) and Garry Marshall produced some of the most popular shows of the day.
We have compiled a list of unforgettable 70s sitcoms. These shows left behind a rich legacy of characters and catchphrases you’re sure to remember!
The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)
The Bob Newhart Show is like a therapy for the audience. The story is about a psychologist in Chicago. The show revolved around Bob’s working life and his family life. Most of the show’s episodes consist of his humorous interactions with his patients. The show was popular for offering dry humor, witty dialogues, and subtle punchlines.
You can stream or buy it from Amazon now.
- Release date: September 6, 1972
- Cast: Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Marcia Wallace, Peter Bonerz, Bill Daily
- Total Seasons: 6
The Brady Bunch (1969-1974)
The Brady Bunch is purely a family entertainer. The American sitcom was created by Sherwood Schwartz. Although 60s sitcoms focused on the nuclear family, the vision of the show was to explore a large blended family.
Schwartz shelved the project after ABC, CBS, and NBC all liked the script but requested changes before filming. The show started to air on ABC in 1969 and became popular among teenagers and kids. The show is now available on different platforms, including Pluto, Price, and Paramount+, according to TVguide.
- Release date: September 26 26, 1969
- Cast: Robert Reed, Ann B. Davis, Eve Plumb, Barry Williams, Florence Henderson
- Total Seasons: 5
Sanford and Son (1972-1978)
If you are looking for a classic sitcom of the 70s, try Sanford and Son. It depicts the life of a black father and his son as they operate a salvage yard in Los Angeles’ Watts neighborhood. The two have some of the funniest comic timing ever seen on television.
The humor of the show became an instant fan favorite. Besides, it was one of the first American sitcoms to portray a black family’s struggle and joy. All show seasons are available on Prime video and Peacock.
- Release date: January 14. 1972
- Cast: Redd Fox, Demond Wilson, Howard Platt
- Total Seasons: 6 Seasons
Happy Days (1974-1984)
Happy Days was one of the most successful sitcoms of the 70s. The show was created by Garry Marshall, aired on ABC, and has 255 half-hour episodes spanning 11 seasons.
This show ran for many years, and presented an idealized view of Midwestern life during the 1950s and 1960s. Robin Williams made his onscreen debut through the show. You can watch all episodes of Happy Days on Prime Video and Paramount+.
- Release date: June 15, 1974
- Cast: Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Marion Ross
- Total Seasons: Total 11 Seasons
Taxi (1978-1983)
How can we forget to add Taxi to the list? It showcased the depth and versatility of the sitcom format. The workplace comedy showed the life of employees of a Cab Company in New York.
It brought to light the relevant issues that people were facing in the bustling city with a blend of humor. The show’s innovative storytelling techniques led to episodes focusing on more complex issues faced by characters. Throughout the show’s run, the cast won multiple Emmy Awards. All seasons of the show are available on PLUTO (free).
- Release date: September 12, 1978
- Cast: Christopher Lloyd, J. Alan Thomas, Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito
- Total Seasons: 5
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show changed how women were portrayed in mainstream media. It was the first female-dominated sitcom. The show is about Mary Richards, a single woman who relocates to Minneapolis to pursue a new career.
The show explores the dating life of a single woman and how she copes with relationships. Mary Tyler Moore got her fame from The Dick Van Dyke Show. It helped the show to become an instant hit. The Mary Tyler Moore Show won 29 Emmys. All the episodes of the show are available on Amazon Prime Video.
- Relate Date: September 19, 1970
- Cast: Mary Tyler Moore, Edward Asner, Gavin MacLeod
- Total Seasons: 7
M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
If you are searching for some unique sitcoms of the 70s, try M*A*S*H. The series had one of the highest-rated finales ever. The story of the show revolves around the staff of a Korean War hospital.
The show illustrated how to show war horrors and political precariousness with laughter. It is one of the most-watched shows of all time. As a result of its popularity, it ran for 11 years. The show was nominated for around 100 Emmy Awards and won Golden Globes. All the episodes of the show are now available on Hulu.
- Relate Date: September 17, 1972
- Cast: Alan Alda, Wayne Rogers, Loretta Swit
- Seasons: 11
Barney Miller (1975–1982)
Sitcoms like Barney Miller brought sociological and political issues to mainstream audiences. It is considered the most intelligent and literate US sitcom ever.
The series, created by Danny Arnold and Theodore J. Flicker, takes place in the Greenwich Village Police Department on East 6th Street. Noam Pitlik presented socially controversial topics in an entertaining manner. The series became popular among the real-life police officers. It is now available on Amazon Prime.
- Relate Date: August 22, 1974
- Cast: Hal Linden, Abe Vigoda, Max Gail
- Total Seasons: 8
The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
The Jeffersons is considered a timeless sitcom and one of the best of all time. The show effortlessly blends humor with social commentary. This spin-off of All in the Family follows George and Louise Jefferson on their journey from Queens to a luxurious Manhattan apartment.
The show tackles race, class, and identity with sharp wit and heartwarming moments. Sherman Hemsley’s portrayal of the ambitious George Jefferson and Isabel Sanford’s portrayal of his sassy yet supportive wife Louise is iconic. All the episodes of the show are available on Amazon Prime.
- Relate Date: August 22, 1974
- Cast: Isabel Sanford, Sherman Hemsley, Roxie Roker
- Total Seasons: 11
All In The Family (1971–1979)
The top of the list of our unforgettable shows of the 70s is All In The Family. Produced by Norman Lear, the show revolutionized television. The show is popular for its bold humor and fearless exploration of controversial topics. The center focus of the show was the political climate of the 1970s. It was feared the show would spark a riot in the country. The show tackled issues like racism, sexism, and politics while making audiences laugh. It remains a controversial classic.
The dynamic between Archie and his wife, Edith, portrayed by Jean Stapleton, added depth and heart to the series. The show has more than 7 spinoffs. Each of the series’ lead actors won an Emmy for the first time. All the episodes of the show are available to stream on Freevee and Pluto TV.
- Relate Date: January 12, 1971
- Casts: Carroll O’Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner
- Total Seasons: 9
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