The Best 1970s Adventure TV Shows, Ranked
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Vote up the best adventure shows that aired new episodes between 1970 and 1979.
- 1March 7, 1973The Six Million Dollar Man is a classic piece of sci-fi television that taps into the fascination with bionics and superhuman strength. Premiering in 1973, the series follows astronaut Steve Austin (Lee Majors), who is grievously injured in a crash and rebuilt with advanced cybernetic parts by the government. Costing six million dollars, these enhancements grant him extraordinary speed, strength, and senses which he uses to work for the Office of Scientific Intelligence as a secret agent. The show looks into themes of humanity versus technology and the ethical implications of human enhancement - while delivering action-packed espionage adventures.
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- 2January 14, 1976Medically reconstructed woman uses her superhuman powers to fight crime.More The Bionic Woman
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- #37 of 308 onThe Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
- 3March 10, 1978A gripping exploration of the human psyche and physical transformation, The Incredible Hulk presents a complex narrative that delves into the life of Dr. David Banner (Bill Bixby) and his monstrous alter ego, the Hulk (Lou Ferrigno). This timeless cult classic from the late 70s and early 80s seamlessly weaves elements of science fiction, drama, and action, capturing viewers' attention while simultaneously providing thought-provoking themes. With a total of three Primetime Emmy Award nominations under its belt, the series has successfully cemented itself in television history. As the show unfolds, audiences are left to ponder the intricate balance between power and vulnerability, strength and weakness, as they witness the internal struggles faced by both Dr. Banner and his green-skinned counterpart.More The Incredible Hulk
- #51 of 144 onThe Best Comic Book And Superhero Shows Of All Time
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- #41 of 83 onThe 75+ Best CBS Shows
- 4March 21, 1976Three police woman solve criminal assignments.More Charlie's Angels
- Dig Deeper...The Best Charlies Angels Episodes
- #35 of 267 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- #35 of 60 onThe Best 1980s Primetime TV Shows
- 5April 21, 1976Yeoman Diana Prince uses her secret identity to fight crime.More Wonder Woman
- #48 of 144 onThe Best Comic Book And Superhero Shows Of All Time
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- #25 of 267 onThe 195+ Best TV Shows With Female Leads
- 6January 26, 1979Set against the rural backdrop of Hazzard County, The Dukes of Hazzard follows the adventures of two good-hearted but mischievous cousins, Bo (John Schneider) and Luke Duke (Tom Wopat). With their iconic orange car, the General Lee, they manage to outwit the schemes of the corrupt county commissioner, Boss Hogg (Sorrell Booke), and his bumbling sidekick, Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane (James Best). A perfect blend of action, comedy, and drama, this classic television series garnered a dedicated fan base throughout its seven-season run. The show's charm lies in its memorable characters, thrilling car chases, and endearing portrayal of family values, making it an unforgettable piece of television history.More The Dukes of Hazzard
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- 7
Emergency!
January 15, 1972Emergency! is an American television series that combines the medical drama and action-adventure genres. It was produced by Mark VII Limited and distributed by Universal Studios. It debuted as a midseason replacement on January 15, 1972, on NBC, replacing the two short-lived series The Partners and The Good Life, and ran until May 28, 1977, with six additional two-hour television films during the following two years. Emergency! was created and produced by Jack Webb and Robert A. Cinader, both of whom were also responsible for the police dramas Adam-12 and Dragnet. Harold Jack Bloom is also credited as a creator; Webb does not receive screen credit as a creator in the show's original TV-movie pilot, being only credited as its director. The series starred Randolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe as two specially-trained firefighters who formed Squad 51, part of a then-innovative field known as paramedics who were authorized to provide initial emergency medical care to victims of accidents, fire and other incidents in the field. The plot of the initial pilot film described the passing of state legislation, signed by Governor Ronald Reagan, and was called the The Wedsworth-Townsend Act. - 8September 17, 1966Enter the thrilling world of espionage, where high stakes and intricate operations are the norm. Mission: Impossible, an iconic television series that originally aired from 1966 to 1973, has stood the test of time as it continues to captivate viewers with its innovative storytelling and memorable characters. The show follows the exploits of the top-secret Impossible Missions Force (IMF) as they tackle covert missions across the globe. Led by the cunning Jim Phelps (Peter Graves), the team includes master of disguise Rollin Hand (Martin Landau), femme fatale Cinnamon Carter (Barbara Bain), and skilled technician Barney Collier (Greg Morris). Throughout its run, the series garnered numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. With its distinctive blend of action, suspense, and drama, Mission: Impossible remains a touchstone in television history, paving the way for future generations of spy thrillers.
- 9September 12, 1959Watch for Free with Amazon Prime Free TrialSet against the rugged backdrop of the American West, this classic television drama chronicles the adventures and tribulations of the Cartwright family, led by patriarch Ben (Lorne Greene), and his three sons - the wise and thoughtful Adam (Pernell Roberts), the gentle and compassionate Hoss (Dan Blocker), and the impulsive and spirited Little Joe (Michael Landon). Throughout its 14-year run, Bonanza garnered numerous accolades, including Emmy nominations and Golden Globe awards, for its compelling storytelling and strong ensemble performances. As the Cartwrights navigate the challenges of frontier life, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of human emotions, moral dilemmas, and exciting action that transcends time and continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.More Bonanza
- #29 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
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- #131 of 202 onThe TV Shows With The Best Writing
- 10January 14, 1978The host of a tropical resort fulfills his guests' fantasies.More Fantasy Island
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- #39 of 60 onThe Best 1980s Primetime TV Shows
- 11September 17, 1978Good battles evil in outer space.More Battlestar Galactica
- #21 of 281 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #11 of 308 onThe Best Shows Canceled After a Single Season
- #63 of 355 onTV Shows Canceled Before Their Time
- 12September 13, 1974Planet of the Apes is an American science fiction television series that aired on CBS in 1974. The series stars Roddy McDowall, Ron Harper, James Naughton, Mark Lenard and Booth Colman. It is based on the 1968 Planet of the Apes film and its sequels, which were inspired by the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulle.More Planet of the Apes
- #74 of 281 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
- #112 of 218 onThe 220 Best Cult TV Shows
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- 13February 22, 1972A Buddhist monk flees to the United States in search of his long-lost brother.More Kung Fu
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- #57 of 139 onThe 101 Best Period Piece TV Shows
- 14
Daniel Boone
September 24, 1964Daniel Boone is an American action-adventure television series starring Fess Parker as Daniel Boone that aired from September 24, 1964 to September 10, 1970 on NBC for 165 episodes, and was made by 20th Century Fox Television, Arcola Enterprises and Fespar Corp. Ed Ames co-starred as Mingo, Boone's Cherokee friend, for the first four seasons of the series. Albert Salmi portrayed Boone's companion Yadkin in season one only. Dallas McKennon portrayed innkeeper Cincinnatus. Country Western singer-actor Jimmy Dean was a featured actor as Josh Clements during the 1968–1970 seasons. Actor and former NFL football player Rosey Grier made regular appearances as Gabe Cooper in the 1969 to 1970 season. The show was broadcast "in living color" beginning in fall 1965, the second season, and was shot entirely in California and Kanab, Utah.More Daniel Boone- #44 of 64 onThe Best NBC Dramas of All Time
- #64 of 139 onThe 101 Best Period Piece TV Shows
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- 15September 20, 1979A hero from the 20th century awakens in the 25th century and keeps the universe safe from villains.
- 16September 10, 1955Set against the rugged backdrop of the American frontier, Gunsmoke delves into the lives and challenges faced by Marshal Matt Dillon (James Arness) and his loyal companions. The long-running western drama, which garnered multiple awards and nominations during its tenure, masterfully weaves together themes of justice, morality, and human nature. Throughout its twenty-year run, audiences were treated to a rich ensemble of characters, including the wise Doc Adams (Milburn Stone), the steadfast Miss Kitty (Amanda Blake), and the spirited Chester Goode (Dennis Weaver). Gunsmoke's well-crafted storylines and compelling character development continue to resonate with viewers, solidifying its place as a timeless television classic.More Gunsmoke
- #175 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
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- 17September 16, 1972A rookie joins a police veteran to track down criminals in the Bay Area.
- #38 of 117 onThe 100+ Best TV Cop Shows
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- #66 of 156 onThe Best TV Shows Of The '70s, Ranked
- 18September 7, 1974Land of the Lost, which premiered on September 7, 1974, is a cult classic children's adventure series. The show follows the Marshall family consisting of father Rick and his two children Will and Holly - who are trapped in an alternate universe inhabited by dinosaurs, monkey-like people called Pakunis, and the reptilian Sleestaks. Notable for its imaginative premise and use of stop-motion animation, the series highlights themes of survival, cooperation, and environmental responsibility. The show starred Spencer Milligan as Rick Marshall until season three, when Ron Harper took over as Uncle Jack Marshall. Despite its age, Land of the Lost continues to entertain new generations with its timeless adventures.More Land of the Lost
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- #16 of 90 onThe 90+ Best Cartoons from the '70s
- #238 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 19January 5, 1971Outlaws Hannibal Heyes alias Joshua Smith (Peter Deuel) and his partner Jed "Kid" Curry alias Thaddeus Jones (Ben Murphy) are not your average bandits. They pride themselves on never having to shoot their victims while robbing them blind. But modernity is coming to the West, and the boys are worried that their days of thieving are numbered. They decide to take advantage of an amnesty program set up by the governor. The only problem is that they have to stay out of trouble till it kicks in.
- 20September 24, 1968The Mod Squad, a groundbreaking crime drama that premiered in 1968, flipped the script on the cop genre by introducing a trio of hip, young undercover agents from different walks of life. The cops Pete Cochran (Michael Cole), Julie Barnes (Peggy Lipton), and Lincoln "Linc" Hayes (Clarence Williams III) - rebel with their troubled pasts while being recruited by the police to infiltrate youth culture. The series tackles social issues of the time such as racism, drug abuse, and counterculture movements, The Mod Squad is notable for its diverse cast and cultural relevance.More The Mod Squad
- #212 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
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- 21September 22, 1964The Man from U.N.C.L.E. is a spy-fiction television series that aired during the Cold War era, featuring the suave American agent Napoleon Solo (Robert Vaughn) and stoic Soviet spy Illya Kuryakin (David McCallum). They work for a covert international espionage and law-enforcement agency called U.N.C.L.E. The show presents their globe-trotting adventures as they thwart the nefarious plans of the criminal organization THRUSH, which aims to destabilize global peace and security. The themes include international cooperation, the duality of espionage, and the battle between good and evil. It became a pop culture phenomenon, influencing future spy-themed media.
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- #255 of 343 onThe Best TV Theme Songs of All Time
- 22September 4, 1975A crew fights for survival in the aftermath of a blast that pushes the moon out of its orbit.More Space: 1999
- #90 of 281 onThe 260+ Best SciFi Shows Of All Time
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- 23September 16, 1977A man and a young girl flee from their community and meet strange beings in 2319 Earth.
- 24September 14, 1975The Swiss Family Robinson is an American action and adventure series that was broadcast during the 1975–76 TV season. The two hour pilot for the series was first shown on April 15, 1975. Based upon the novel The Swiss Family Robinson, the pilot and its 20 subsequent episodes of the series were produced by Irwin Allen, who had earlier produced a futuristic adaptation of the same novel in the TV series Lost in Space.
- 25September 22, 1977Man from Atlantis is a short-lived American science fiction television series that ran for 13 episodes on the NBC network during the 1977–1978 season, following four successful television films that had aired earlier in 1977. Ratings success by these movies led to the commissioning of a weekly series for the 1977–1978 season.More Man from Atlantis
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- 26April 5, 1977A man receives superhuman power when bitten by a radioactive spider.
- 27September 8, 1975A scientist makes himself invisible to avoid the government.
- 28November 23, 1963A mysterious traveler can visit any point in space and time.More Doctor Who
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- 29September 18, 1979The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo is an American action/adventure situation comedy that ran on NBC from 1979 to 1981. For its second season the show was renamed Lobo. The program aired Tuesday nights, at 8 p.m. Eastern time. The lead character, Sheriff Elroy P. Lobo, played by Claude Akins, was a spin-off character from another television series, B. J. and the Bear. In 2002, the series was ranked #36 on TV Guide's 50 Worst TV Shows of All Time.
- 30September 30, 1965The trials and tribulations of International Rescue.
- 31September 11, 1976Ark II is an American live-action science fiction series, aimed at children, that aired on CBS, beginning on September 11, 1976 and ending on December 18, 1976, as part of its weekend line-up. Only 15 half-hour episodes of Ark II were ever produced. The program's central characters were created by Martin Roth; Ted Post helped Roth develop its core format.
- 32September 10, 1977Space Academy is a live-action sci-fi children's television program produced by Filmation that originally aired Saturday mornings on the CBS television network, from September 10, 1977, to December 17, 1977. A total of fifteen half-hour episodes were made.
