The Best 1970s Military TV Shows
- 1Robert Conrad, Simon Oakland, Dana Elcar
Flying high in the ranks of 1970s military-themed shows, Baa Baa Black Sheep, also known as Black Sheep Squadron, chronicled the World War II adventures of the misfit pilots of VMF-214, a Marine Corps fighter squadron. Led by the nonconformist Major Greg "Pappy" Boyington (Robert Conrad), the men of Squadron 214 took to the skies, battling a combination of enemy forces and the turmoil within their ranks. The show tackled themes of camaraderie, bravery, and sacrifice, while showcasing genuine aerial combat footage to captivate the audience with thrilling dogfights. Baa Baa Black Sheep took the notion of the underdog story to new heights, capturing the hearts of military show enthusiasts.
The daily life of a misfit squadron in World War II. - 2Alan Alda, McLean Stevenson, Wayne Rogers
Undoubtedly one of the most iconic military-themed shows to grace the small screen in the 1970s, M*A*S*H brought with it a charm and wit that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. Set in the midst of the Korean War, this black comedy expertly depicted the lives of the medical professionals working tirelessly at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Led by the dynamic trio of Alan Alda as Hawkeye, Wayne Rogers as Trapper, and Loretta Swit as Hot Lips Houlihan, the cast was a harmonious blend of talent and chemistry that kept viewers coming back for more. With its unforgettable characters and thought-provoking storylines, M*A*S*H left an indelible mark on television history while setting a high bar for future military shows.
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- 3Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, John Banner
In a time where war was far from a laughing matter, Hogan's Heroes brought a lighthearted touch to the 1970s military show genre. Cunning and hilarity went hand in hand as Allied prisoners, led by Colonel Hogan (played by Bob Crane), concocted schemes to thwart their Nazi captors at a German POW camp dubbed Stalag 13. From prison breaks to espionage, Hogan's Heroes took on serious subjects with a jovial touch, allowing viewers to relish in the victories and defeats. The show's success hinged on the chemistry between the captive cast, including Richard Dawson as Newkirk, Robert Clary as LeBeau, and Ivan Dixon as Kinchloe, who together made the show a household favorite for years.
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- 4Arthur Lowe, John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn
On the home front of World War II, Dad's Army offered a comedic lens into the lives of the British Home Guard, a volunteer force of civilian men who were ineligible for active service. Led by the bumbling, yet endearing Captain Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) and his inept platoon, the show delved into the lighter side of wartime Britain, often exploring the soldiers' interactions with their families and townsfolk. The heartfelt performances and exceptional writing propelled Dad's Army to success, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of British television and a beloved staple of military comedies.
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- 5Don Rickles, Harrison Page, David Landsberg
Treading the waters of 1970s naval comedy was C.P.O. Sharkey, starring the ever-acerbic Don Rickles as Chief Petty Officer Otto Sharkey. Set in a Naval training center in California, the show followed the antics and interactions between C.P.O. Sharkey and the naïve young sailors entrusted to his care. With Rickles' cutting wit and ability to ruffle the feathers of those around him, C.P.O. Sharkey provided a humorous glimpse into the rigidity of military life. Though it faced an initial drop in popularity, the show gained a cult following and remains a beloved part of 1970s military television nostalgia.
- 6Andrew McFarlane, Danny Adcock, Grant Dodwell
Navigating the choppy waters of intrigue and danger, Patrol Boat sailed into the hearts of 1970s television viewers with its mix of thrilling action and dramatic character development. Set in the Royal Australian Navy, the show centered on the crew of a Patrol Boat who found themselves combating both civilian and military threats. Starring Andrew McFarlane as Lt. David Keating and Robert Coleby as Lt. Jim Patterson, Patrol Boat successfully portrayed the complexity and challenges of life aboard a naval vessel. As the crew forged lasting bonds, the show's deeper explorations into the characters and their relationships resonated with audiences both at sea and on land.
- 7Anthony Andrews, Maurice Roëves, George Innes
Fusing together high-stakes tension with period authenticity, Danger UXB plunged viewers into the intense world of a British bomb disposal squad during the Second World War. Featuring a standout performance by Anthony Andrews as Lieutenant Brian Ash, the show tracked the nerve-shredding work of defusing unexploded bombs dropped by German forces over England. Deserving of its praise for expertly capturing the mood of wartime Britain, Danger UXB tugged at heartstrings as audiences watched Ash and his team struggle with the ever-looming threat of imminent explosion. By striking a balance between the horrors of war and human emotions, the show ensured a place in the annals of 1970s military television.
- 8Jack Thompson, Peter Sumner, Redmond Phillips
Espionage and wartime drama collided in 1970s Australian hit, Spyforce. Set during World War II, the show delved into the perilous world of secret agents working behind enemy lines in the dangerous landscape of the Pacific theater. Led by charismatic duo Jack Thompson as Erskine and Peter Sumner as Gunther Haber, Spyforce expertly tackled themes of trust and loyalty amidst the chaos of wartime intrigue. With its engaging characters and twisting storylines, Spyforce carved out a niche for itself in the annals of military TV shows, keeping viewers on their toes with each suspenseful episode.
- 9James Cosmo, Don Henderson, Bryan Marshall
Anchored in the realm of naval drama, Warship sailed onto television screens in the 1970s, chronicling the tumultuous lives of the crew aboard the fictional Royal Navy ship, HMS Hero. Drawing inspiration from real-life naval situations and seamlessly blending them with character-driven storylines, the show brought to life the pressure-cooker environment onboard the vessel. As the ship and its crew navigated the treacherous seas of international conflict and personal drama, Warship struck a chord with viewers seeking a seafaring adventure with a dose of reality. Boasting strong performances from the likes of Donald Burton as Capt. Edward Holt, Warship stands tall in the pantheon of military television classics.
- 10Ed Begley, Jr., Garrett Morris
Steeped in humor and traversing the battlefield of wartime Europe, Roll Out followed a motley crew of soldiers and their misadventures in the racially integrated 5050th Trucking Company. Melding comedy with the struggles of camaraderie and human emotions, Roll Out shone a light on lesser-depicted aspects of World War II military life. Starring Stu Gilliam as Sgt. Richard "Sweet" Johnson and Hilly Hicks as Pvt. Porter, the show brought laughter and warmth to the otherwise bleak backdrop of war. Roll Out provided a humorous escape from the strife of conflict while still imparting lessons on the importance of unity and friendship.
- 11Roger Carel, Annie Balestra
Blending history, science, and animation in a captivating package, Once Upon a Time... Man took viewers on a whirlwind journey through the annals of human history. Though not a military show in the traditional sense, the series didn't shy away from exploring war and conflicts in a way that gripped young and old viewers alike. Illustrating crucial moments in history with imaginative animation, the series delved into the lives of legendary figures and everyday people alike. With its innovative storytelling and memorable characters, Once Upon a Time... Man opened the door to a newfound fascination with the forces that shaped humanity.
- 12Nicholas Lyndhurst, Nick Tate, Robin Davies
Plunging into the gritty reality of infantry life, Spearhead brought the British Army's front lines into 1970s living rooms. Chronicling the trials and tribulations of a squad of Fusiliers stationed in West Germany during the Cold War, the show delved deep into the human aspect of soldiering, touching on themes of loyalty, discipline, and personal struggles. Spearhead's unflinching portrayal of military life and its character-driven narrative captivated viewers with a penchant for authenticity. Through its realistic portrayal of the British Army and emotionally charged storylines, Spearhead earned its spot among the noteworthy military television shows of the 1970s.
