The 1970s gave birth to disco, big hair, and great television. I wasn’t there but judging by the picture of my dad in a powder blue leisure suit, fun was had by all. I did some research into the 1970s, looked at all the top rated shows, talked to my parents, and ended up with these top five shows.
All In The Family
This American sitcom started in 1971 and lasted to 1983 (the show was called Archie Bunker’s Place from 1979 to 1983 though). The show revolved around the character Archie Bunker, his family, and the issues surrounding them. The show was considered groundbreaking for its time since it touched on sensitive subjects like racism, rape, menopause, women’s liberation, impotence, and miscarriage.
Sanford and Son
“I’m comin’ Elizabeth!” Redd Foxx stepped into the role of Fred G. Sanford, a widowed junk dealer in Los Angeles, for this hilarious comedy. Sanford often spars verbally with his son, Lamont. The show pushed Fred Sanford as the answer to the bigoted Archie Bunker of All In The Family.
M*A*S*H
Taking place during the Korean War, M*A*S*H(Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) is a medical drama/black comedy and the only real drama on this list. Many of the stories depicted in the show were based on real-life stories told by MASH surgeons interviewed by production. The show ran from 1972 to 1983 and the finale holds the record for the most-watched television show in U.S. television history.
Laverne & Shirley
Originally a spin-off of Happy Days(the main characters were acquaintances of Fonzie), this show took on a life of its own from 1976 to 1983. Penny Marshall played the role of Laverne De Fazio and Cindy Williams played Shirley Feeney, two women who worked at a Milwaukee brewery. The show’s timeline was that of the mid-1950s to 1960s.
Happy Days
This sitcom focused on the Cunningham family during the mid-1950s. The show originally focused on son Richie (Ron Howard) and his friends, but as popularity grew, the show moved focus to “The Fonz” (Henry Winkler) and his story lines. The show spawned many spin-offs including Laverne & Shirley, Mork & Mindy, and Joanie Loves Chachie.
It was really hard to whittle this decade down to a smaller format. This is the decade that gave us Charlie’s Angels, The Waltons, and started the epic run for Dallas! It was television of the 1970s that made way for television as it is today.
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