- 1Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Rob Reiner
Tackling social issues with humor and poignant insight, this groundbreaking sitcom followed the lives of working-class bigot Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), his long-suffering wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), their daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law Mike (Rob Reiner). Its willingness to address topics such as racism, sexism, and politics resonated with viewers while challenging their preconceptions; it remains one of the most acclaimed shows in television history.
More All in the Family
- #10 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #57 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #37 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 2Alan Alda, McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers
Set in the Korean War, this classic show expertly showcased both the humor and the heartbreak experienced by a group of dedicated army doctors. With an ensemble cast led by the incomparable Alan Alda as Hawkeye Pierce, the series became a cultural touchstone for its deft blending of comedy and drama. Memorable characters like Hot Lips Houlihan and Klinger served to further humanize the experience of war during a tumultuous time in American history. The show's enduring popularity is evident in its 11-season run and continued presence in syndication.
More M*A*S*H- Dig Deeper...The Best 'M*A*S*H' Episodes That Are Worth Keeping On Your Radar
- #13 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #3 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- 3Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, Tom Bosley
Centered around a Midwestern family in the 1950s, this feel-good sitcom featuring Ron Howard, Henry Winkler, and Tom Bosley quickly endeared itself to audiences with its nostalgic portrayal of simpler times. The adventures of Richie Cunningham and his friends introduced viewers to beloved characters such as Fonzie – who quickly became a pop culture icon – as they navigated teenage life with humor and heart. This show's catchphrases ("Ayyyy!" and "Sit on it!") remain memorable even today.
More Happy Days- Dig Deeper...The Best Happy Days Episodes
- #9 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #39 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 4Carol Burnett, Harvey Korman, Lyle Waggoner
This innovative sketch comedy series, fronted by comedic legend Carol Burnett along with Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, and Lyle Waggoner, captivated audiences with its hilarious skits, celebrity guest stars, and iconic musical numbers. Known for pushing boundaries through satire while also showcasing Burnett's incredible range as an entertainer, this Emmy-winning series remains a beloved classic.
- #27 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #30 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #4 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- 5James Garner, Noah Beery, Joe Santos
This detective drama starring James Garner as Jim Rockford, an ex-con turned private investigator, captivated audiences with its thrilling cases and flawed yet lovable protagonist. Known for its unique blend of character-driven storytelling and action-packed sequences, this series became a precursor to contemporary crime dramas. Garner's charismatic portrayal of Rockford cemented his place as one of television's most memorable detectives.
More The Rockford Files- #79 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #66 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #74 of 654 onThe 500+ Best Drama Shows
- 6Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Whitman Mayo
Depicting life in Watts through the lens of junk dealer Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) and his son Lamont (Demond Wilson), this sitcom showcased Foxx's impeccable comedic timing while addressing themes related to race relations in America. With its unforgettable catchphrases ("You big dummy!" "I'm coming to join you Elizabeth!") and hilarious hijinks between father and son, it remains a timeless classic.
More Sanford and Son- #18 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #99 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #51 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 7Gary Sandy, Gordon Jump, Loni Anderson
Set in the world of radio broadcasting, this sitcom chronicled the misadventures of a quirky ensemble cast that included Gary Sandy, Howard Hesseman, Loni Anderson, and Tim Reid at an underdog station attempting to gain prominence. With razor-sharp wit and memorable characters like Dr. Johnny Fever and Venus Flytrap, this show captured the spirit of the late '70s while providing laughter along the way.
More WKRP in Cincinnati- #50 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #55 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #74 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 8Mary Tyler Moore, Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod
Set in a local newsroom, this groundbreaking sitcom showcased Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards – a single woman navigating career success amidst personal challenges. With its talented ensemble cast that included Ed Asner, Valerie Harper, and Gavin MacLeod, it tackled topics such as gender equality and workplace dynamics while serving up laughter along the way. Its iconic opening sequence, featuring Moore tossing her hat into the air, remains etched in television history.
- #32 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #71 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #92 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 9Peter Falk, Mike Lally, John Finnegan
Peter Falk's portrayal of Lieutenant Columbo – a seemingly bumbling but brilliant investigator – captivated audiences with his unorthodox methods and trademark catchphrase ("Just one more thing..."). Though viewers knew "whodunit" from the start, the suspense came from watching Columbo unravel each case to reveal the culprit. This show's unique format and Falk's endearing performance continue to influence modern detective dramas.
More Columbo- Dig Deeper...The Best 'Columbo' Seasons, Ranked
- #42 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #217 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 10Judd Hirsch, Jeff Conaway, Danny DeVito
Set in a New York City taxi company, this sitcom featured an eccentric group of cabbies portrayed by Judd Hirsch, Danny DeVito, Andy Kaufman, Marilu Henner, Tony Danza & more. The interplay between these talented actors created unforgettable moments while also exploring the human condition with warmth and humor. With its mix of comedic and dramatic storylines, this show earned numerous accolades and a devoted following.
More Taxi- #34 of 119 onThe 100+ Best Dramedy TV Series, Ranked
- #37 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #101 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 11Don Messick, Casey Kasem, Frank Welker
Featuring everyone's favorite mystery-solving Great Dane and his gang – Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Shaggy – this cartoon series introduced viewers to a delightful combination of spookiness and hilarity as the heroes unraveled supernatural mysteries. This show spawned numerous spin-offs and adaptations over the years; Scooby-Doo remains a beloved part of popular culture.
- 12Lee Majors, Richard Anderson
Lee Majors starred as Steve Austin in this sci-fi action series about a former astronaut who became a bionic secret agent after a near-fatal accident. The innovative special effects used to portray Austin's superhuman abilities were revolutionary for their time; the show's catchy theme song and phrases like "We can rebuild him" left an indelible mark on pop culture.
- #81 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #126 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #224 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 13Frank Oz, Richard Hunt, Dave Goelz
Jim Henson's inimitable creation – The Muppets – took center stage in this innovative variety show that featured guest stars from across the entertainment spectrum. With its cleverly crafted skits, memorable songs, and endearing characters such as Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and Fozzie Bear, this Emmy-winning series charmed audiences of all ages while leaving an indelible mark on television history.
More The Muppet Show- Dig Deeper...The Most Interesting Muppet Show Characters
- And Deeper...Disturbing Muppet Moments You Didn't Realize Were For Adults
- #32 of 193 on190+ Saturday Morning Cartoons From The '80s And '90s
- 14John Ritter, Joyce DeWitt, Suzanne Somers
Featuring a unique premise of two single women pretending to be a couple to share an apartment with their landlord, this raucous sitcom starred John Ritter as Jack Tripper – a man caught in the middle of hilarious misunderstandings involving his roommates Janet (Joyce DeWitt) and Chrissy (Suzanne Somers). With its mix of slapstick humor and risqué scenarios, it became one of the most popular shows during its time.
More Three's Company- Dig Deeper...The Best Three's Company Episodes of All Time
- #31 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #50 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 15Robert Reed, Florence Henderson, Ann B. Davis
A snapshot of blended family life during the '70s; this classic sitcom told the story of the Brady family – Mike (Robert Reed), Carol (Florence Henderson), and their six children. Filled with moral lessons, wholesome storylines, and indelible catchphrases ("Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!"), it remains a beloved fixture in pop culture.
More The Brady Bunch- Dig Deeper...The Real Cast of the Brady Bunch Led Extremely Tragic Lives Behind The Scenes
- #26 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #117 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 16Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily
Starring Bob Newhart as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley, this sophisticated sitcom showcased the unique blend of deadpan humor and character-driven comedy that would become Newhart's trademark. Set in Chicago, it featured a talented ensemble cast that included Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily & Peter Bonerz; its clever writing and wry wit made it a critical and commercial success.
More The Bob Newhart Show- #40 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #61 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #82 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 17Tom Wopat, John Schneider, Catherine Bach
This action-packed series followed cousins Bo (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat) as they raced around rural Georgia in their iconic car, The General Lee, while evading corrupt law enforcement officers. Filled with car chases, jumps, stunts, and memorable characters such as Daisy Duke (Catherine Bach) and Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke), this show became an instant hit with viewers craving excitement.
More The Dukes of Hazzard- #75 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #25 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #32 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 18Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, Mike Evans
A spin-off of All in the Family, this sitcom featured Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford as George and Louise Jefferson – an African-American couple who "moved on up" to a luxury high-rise apartment in Manhattan. With its racially diverse cast and willingness to address social issues, it became a groundbreaking show that broke barriers while providing laughter along the way.
More The Jeffersons- #22 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #11 of 91 onThe 80+ Best Black Sitcoms Of All Time
- #61 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 19Penny Marshall, Cindy Williams, Eddie Mekka
This beloved spin-off from Happy Days followed the comedic exploits of two best friends – Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Feeney (Cindy Williams) – as they navigated life, love, and work in Milwaukee. Known for its catchy theme song ("Schlemiel! Schlimazel!"), slapstick humor, and strong female leads, this sitcom remains a fan favorite.
More Laverne & Shirley- #42 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #75 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #43 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 20Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, Melissa Gilbert
Based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's beloved book series; this heartwarming drama followed the life and adventures of the Ingalls family – Charles (Michael Landon), Caroline (Karen Grassle), Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson), Laura (Melissa Gilbert), and others - during their time on the American frontier. The show's enduring popularity stems from its timeless themes of love, family values, community spirit while also showcasing life's hardships during that era.
- 21Hal Linden, Max Gail, Ron Glass
This intelligent police procedural focused on the daily grind of detectives working at New York City's 12th Precinct under Captain Barney Miller (Hal Linden). With its diverse ensemble cast – including Max Gail, Ron Glass, and Abe Vigoda – and sharp writing, this show expertly balanced humor with dramatic tension while addressing timely social issues within a law enforcement context.
More Barney Miller- #83 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #97 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #158 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 22Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, Dan Blocker
This long-running western drama chronicled the adventures of the Cartwright family – patriarch Ben (Lorne Greene) and his sons Adam (Pernell Roberts), Hoss (Dan Blocker), and Little Joe (Michael Landon) – on their sprawling Nevada ranch, The Ponderosa. With its gripping storylines and memorable characters, this show became synonymous with quality television during its impressive 14-season run.
More Bonanza- #131 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #36 of 54 onThe 50+ Best TV Shows With 10+ Seasons
- #29 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 23Tony Randall, Jack Klugman
Adapted from the successful Broadway play and film, this sitcom focused on the unlikely pairing of neat freak Felix Unger (Tony Randall) and slovenly sportswriter Oscar Madison (Jack Klugman). Their hilarious interactions as mismatched roommates delighted audiences, showcasing that even polar opposites could forge a lasting friendship.
More The Odd Couple- #54 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #90 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- #73 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 24Gabe Kaplan, Marcia Strassman, John Sylvester White
Set in a Brooklyn high school, this sitcom followed the lovable and sarcastic teacher Gabe Kotter (Gabe Kaplan) as he returned to his alma mater to educate the "Sweathogs" – a group of underachieving students. With memorable characters like Vinnie Barbarino (John Travolta), this show struck a chord with viewers through its unique mix of humor, heart, and relatable classroom situations.
More Welcome Back, Kotter- #57 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #133 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- #80 of 282 onThe 275 Greatest Sitcoms In Television History
- 25Lynda Carter, Lyle Waggoner, Beatrice Colen
Lynda Carter donned the iconic red, white, and blue costume in her portrayal of Wonder Woman/Diana Prince – an Amazonian warrior princess fighting for justice during World War II. With its empowering feminist themes, thrilling action sequences, and memorable villains; this series paved the way for future superheroines on television.
More Wonder Woman- #11 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #115 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #25 of 266 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- 26Kate Jackson, Jaclyn Smith, Farrah Fawcett
This action-packed crime drama – featuring Kate Jackson, Farrah Fawcett-Majors, and Jaclyn Smith as private detectives working for an enigmatic figure named Charlie – captivated audiences with its stunning visuals, glamorous fashion choices, and thrilling storylines. The show's legacy continues through numerous reboots and adaptations; it remains synonymous with female empowerment in pop culture.
More Charlie's Angels- Dig Deeper...The Best Charlies Angels Episodes
- #135 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #35 of 266 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- 27Paul Michael Glaser, David Soul, Bernie Hamilton
This popular crime drama showcased Paul Michael Glaser as David Starsky and David Soul as Ken Hutchinson – two streetwise detectives working the streets of Bay City. Known for its iconic red Ford Gran Torino nicknamed "The Striped Tomato," adrenaline-fueled car chases, eclectic fashion choices, and the enduring partnership between Starsky and Hutch, this show paved the way for future buddy cop dramas.
More Starsky and Hutch- #22 of 86 onThe Best Shows About Crime-Fighting Duos
- #247 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- #37 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
- 28Robin Williams, Pam Dawber, Jonathan Winters
An offbeat sci-fi comedy that featured Robin Williams in his breakout role as Mork alongside Pam Dawber as Mindy, this series explored universal themes such as friendship and love through the lens of an alien trying to understand Earth's culture. With Williams's boundless energy and improvisational skills at the helm, it quickly became a hit with viewers.
More Mork & Mindy- #64 of 282 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #34 of 164 onThe Most Important TV Sitcoms
- #45 of 476 onThe 400+ Funniest TV Shows Ever, Ranked
- 29Bill Bixby, Lou Ferrigno, Jack Colvin
Bill Bixby starred as Dr. David Banner, a scientist who transforms into the powerful green-skinned creature known as The Incredible Hulk (played by Lou Ferrigno) when enraged. This action-packed series saw Banner on the run while searching for a cure for his condition; it remains an early example of superhero storytelling on television and an inspiration for future Marvel adaptations.
More The Incredible Hulk- #40 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- #9 of 56 onThe Best CBS Dramas of All Time
- #178 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 30
Emergency!
Randolph Mantooth, Kevin Tighe, Julie LondonThis action-packed medical drama followed the lives of Los Angeles County Fire Department's Station 51 and Rampart Hospital staff as they worked together to save lives during emergencies. With its realistic portrayal of first responders and engaging storylines, this series helped pave the way for future medical dramas like ER and Grey's Anatomy.
COLLECTION15 LISTS
TV in the '70sLists that rank the best TV shows in every genre, from cartoons to horror, for those who were glued to their sets in the 1970s.
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Fact-checked by:Molly Gander
14 MORE LISTS
TV in the '70s
Lists that rank the best TV shows in every genre, from cartoons to horror, for those who were glued to their sets in the 1970s.
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