Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked

All in the FamilyThis groundbreaking sitcom aired from 1971 to 1979. Norman Lear created it. Carroll O'Connor played Archie Bunker, a bigoted, working-class man. Jean Stapleton played his wife Edith. The show used humor and sensitivity to tackle racism, sexism, and politics. O'Connor and Stapleton both earned Emmy Awards.All in the FamilyThis show's influence on American television is undeniable. It spawned several successful spin-offs such asMaudeandThe Jeffersons.

M*A*S*HM*A*S*H premiered in 1972. It became one of the most well-regarded sitcoms of all time during its eleven-year run. Robert Altman's film of the same name inspired this series. The show followed medical personnel in a Korean War field hospital. Alan Alda played Captain "Hawkeye" Pierce. Loretta Swit played Major Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan. Jamie Farr played Corporal Maxwell Klinger.M*A*S*HM*A*S*H blended comedy and drama, addressing the war's human toll. The show won many awards. Alan Alda received multiple Emmys for his work.

Set in the 1950s and early '60s.Happy DaysHappy Days ran from 1974 to 1984. The show followed the Cunningham family, especially their son Richie, played by Ron Howard, through teenage struggles. Henry Winkler played Arthur "Fonzie" Fonzarelli. His popularity created a cultural phenomenon with catchphrases like "Aaay!" and "Sit on it." The show received many Emmy nominations.Happy DaysHappy Days received many Emmy nominations. Its success also led to spin-offs such asLaverne & ShirleyandMork & Mindy.

This show focused on New York City taxi drivers and their eccentric dispatcher.TaxiTaxi ran from 1978 to 1983. Judd Hirsch played cabbie Alex Reiger. Danny DeVito played the cantankerous dispatcher Louie De Palma. Christopher Lloyd, Marilu Henner, and Tony Danza were in the talented cast.TaxiTaxi handled both funny and serious topics with nuance. The sitcom gathered many Emmy Awards. DeVito won for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

From 1970 to 1977,The Mary Tyler Moore ShowThe Mary Tyler Moore Show changed how TV showed women through Mary Richards, an independent career woman in TV news production. Mary Tyler Moore played Richards in Minneapolis. This show broke new ground by addressing feminist issues like equal pay while keeping a light tone. The ensemble cast included Ed Asner as boss Lou Grant and Valerie Harper as neighbor Rhoda Morgenstern. Both actors won Emmys for their roles. The show earned many awards during its time on air.

Sanford and SonSanford and Son brought laughter to American living rooms from 1972 to 1977. Redd Foxx played Fred Sanford, a grumpy junk dealer. Demond Wilson played his troubled son Lamont. The sitcom featured sharp wit and lines like "You big dummy!". Norman Lear created it based on a British show.Steptoe & Son, Sanford and SonSanford and Son earned several Emmy nominations. This show became one of the first successful African-American sitcoms. It opened the door for more shows featuring Black casts.

WKRP in Cincinnati took a humorous look at radio station life.WKRP in CincinnatiWKRP in Cincinnati aired from 1978 to 1982. The show featured Gary Sandy as program director Andy Travis, Howard Hesseman as DJ Johnny Fever, and Loni Anderson as receptionist Jennifer Marlowe. This show mixed workplace comedy with rock-and-roll fun. Hugh Wilson created it, modeling many ideas.WKRPCharacters reflected the creator's experiences working at a radio station. Though not an initial ratings success, the show...WKRP in CincinnatiReruns and syndication gave WKRP in Cincinnati cult status.

Three's Company aired from 1977 to 1984.Three's CompanyJohn Ritter played Jack Tripper, a straight man pretending to be gay to share an apartment with two women played by Joyce DeWitt and Suzanne Somers. This sitcom featured slapstick humor, sexual innuendos, and funny mix-ups. The show used its unique setup and strong cast.Three's CompanyThree's Company earned critical praise during its run, including several Golden Globe nominations for Ritter.

The Bob Newhart Show ran from 1972 to 1978.The Bob Newhart ShowThe Bob Newhart Show showed the comedian's dry wit as psychologist Dr. Robert Hartley. Suzanne Pleshette played his wife Emily. The sitcom put viewers into the Hartleys' home life and Bob's interactions with odd patients. Newhart's comedy style and strong cast drove the show.The Bob Newhart ShowAudiences and critics liked The Bob Newhart Show. It even earned Primetime Emmy nominations during its run.

The Odd Couple came from Neil Simon's play and film adaptation.The Odd CoupleThe Odd Couple followed two mismatched roommates: neat freak Felix Unger, played by Tony Randall, and slob Oscar Madison, portrayed by Jack Klugman. Airing from 1970 to 1975, this classic sitcom captured the funny fights of living together with wit and charm. Randall and Klugman both got Emmy Awards for their acting.The Odd CoupleThe Odd Couple was so iconic it inspired an animated series and a 2015 reboot.

The Jeffersons spun off fromAll in the Family, The JeffersonsThe Jeffersons showed George and Louise, played by Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford, moving into a fancy Upper East Side Manhattan apartment. Airing from 1975 to 1985, this show addressed race relations and class differences while keeping its comedy. The JeffersonsSanford won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series in 1981. The Jeffersons received multiple Emmy nominations during their run.

Bewitched premiered in 1964.BewitchedBewitched ran into the early '70s before ending in 1972. Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery) was a witch who married mortal Darrin (Dick York).BewitchedBewitched charmed viewers with magic and gender issues in American society. Spin-offs, like Tabitha and a feature film, keep its legacy alive.

Barney Miller debuted in 1975 and ran until 1982.Barney MillerBarney Miller followed detectives at a New York City police station. Hal Linden played Captain Miller, blending dry humor with observations on city life.Barney MillerBarney Miller earned Emmy nominations for Linden and cast members like Max Gail and Ron Glass.

The Brady Bunch ran for five seasons, from 1969 to 1974.The Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch chronicled two families merging through marriage. Robert Reed played Mike Brady; Florence Henderson played Carol Brady. This sitcom showed the struggles and happiness of raising six kids in a perfect suburb. Critics did not favor it early on.The Brady BunchThe Brady Bunch became a pop culture hit through reruns and syndication. It inspired multiple spin-off shows, TV movies, and feature films.

Welcome Back, Kotter aired from 1975 to 1979.Welcome Back, KotterWelcome Back, Kotter followed Gabe Kaplan as Mr. Kotter, a teacher returning to his school for underachieving students called the Sweathogs. This show launched John Travolta's career with his role as Vinnie Barbarino. Kaplan and Travolta earned Golden Globe nominations.Welcome Back, KotterWelcome Back, Kotter held viewers with lessons about education and personal growth.

Laverne & Shirley is a spin-off fromHappy DaysLaverne & ShirleyLaverne & ShirleyLaverne & Shirley starred Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams as working-class women chasing dreams in Milwaukee. Airing from 1976 to 1983, the show showed friendship and camaraderie with slapstick and heartfelt moments. During its run,Laverne & ShirleyLaverne & Shirley dominated ratings and strengthened Garry Marshall's TV empire.

I Dream of Jeannie premiered in 1965.I Dream of JeannieI Dream of Jeannie stayed popular through the early '70s until 1970. Barbara Eden played the genie Jeannie; Larry Hagman played astronaut Major Tony Nelson. This show mixed fantasy and comedy, exploring love and loyalty. Its magical mishaps grabbed viewers nationwide and left a mark on American pop culture.

Mork & Mindy is a spin-off fromHappy DaysMork & MindyMork & MindyMork & Mindy followed lovable alien Mork (Robin Williams) as he studied human behavior living with earthling Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber). This sitcom, running 1978 to 1982, showed Williams' comedic skill through improvisation and physical comedy.Mork & MindyThe show became a hit. Williams' catchphrase "Nanu nanu" entered popular speech.

Another spin-off fromAll in the FamilyandMaude), Good TimesGood Times started in 1974 and ran until 1979. It showed the lives of Florida Evans (Esther Rolle), her husband James (John Amos), their three kids—J.J., Thelma, and Michael—plus friends like Willona Woods (Ja'Net DuBois). This sitcom explored poverty, racism, and family unity in a Chicago housing project. Jimmie Walker's J.J. Evans, with his "Dy-no-mite!" catchphrase, became a pop culture event.

Though it first aired in 1965,Hogan's HeroesHogan's Heroes kept audiences entertained through the early '70s until it ended in 1971. Set in a German POW camp during World War II, the show followed Colonel Robert Hogan (Bob Crane) and his Allied prisoner team as they sabotaged Nazi efforts inside. Its unique setup and cast madeHogan's Heroesan enduring classic.

This satirical sitcom began in 1977 and finished in 1981. Susan Harris created it.Soapparodieddaytime soap operasSoap followed two wealthy families, the Tates and Campbells, full of absurdly dysfunctional members. Katherine Helmond, Richard Mulligan, Billy Crystal, and other actors brought Harris' humor to life. Some initial controversy surrounded the content, butSoapSoap earned praise for pushing limits in its genre.

Mel Brooks and Buck Henry created Get Smart as a satirical spy fiction take.Get SmartGet Smart aired from 1965 to 1970. It followed bumbling Secret Agent Maxwell Smart (Don Adams) and his capable partner Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon). Filled with slapstick humor, clever gadgets, and lines like "Would you believe...?",Get SmartGet Smart proved itself a send-up of spy stories and an entertaining sitcom.

Inspired by the 1974 filmAlice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, AliceAlice chronicled single mother Alice Hyatt (Linda Lavin) working as a waitress at Mel's Diner with friends Flo (Polly Holliday) and Vera (Beth Howland). Airing from 1976 to 1985, this sitcom mixed workplace comedy with single parent struggles. Lavin earned two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress ina Television Series– Comedy or Musical.

The Love Boat aired from 1977 to 1986.The Love BoatThe Love Boat sailed into viewers' hearts with romance aboard the Pacific Princess. Gavin MacLeod played Captain Stubing, Bernie Kopell played the ship's doctor, and Fred Grandy played Gopher the purser. This show mixed comedy and drama, featuring many guest stars each episode.The Love Boat appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Love Boat became a staple of American television during its run.

The Rockford Files blends detective drama with wry humor.The Rockford Files appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Rockford Files aired from 1974 to 1980. James Garner starred as Jim Rockford, a private investigator solving cases in Los Angeles. Noah Beery Jr. played his father Rocky. Critics praised the show's innovative storytelling and strong acting, giving Garner five Emmy nominations during its time on air.

One Day at a Time appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.One Day at a Time ran from 1975 to 1984. It followed divorced mother Ann Romano (Bonnie Franklin) raising her teenage daughters, Julie (Mackenzie Phillips) and Barbara Cooper (Valerie Bertinelli). The show focused on single parenthood, women's liberation, and other social issues.One Day at a Time appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.One Day at a Time showed Lear's humor and heart. The show earned many Emmy nominations, including a win for co-star Pat Harrington Jr.

The Partridge Family ran from 1970 to 1974.The Partridge Family appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Partridge Family centered on a talented family who formed a rock band.The Partridge Family is a rock band.The Partridge Family featured widowed mother Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones). David Cassidy played heartthrob Keith Partridge, and Susan Dey played Laurie Partridge. The show combined music, comedy, and family dynamics.The Partridge Family appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Partridge Family became a major success on and off-screen. It launched Cassidy's singing career and produced hit songs like "I Think I Love You."

Diff'rent Strokes aired from 1978 to 1986.Diff'rent Strokes appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.Diff'rent Strokes followed two young African-American brothers from Harlem: Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges). They were adopted by wealthy widower Phillip Drummond (Conrad Bain) after their mother died. This sitcom handled race relations, class differences, and drug abuse with humor and care. Coleman's line, "Whatchu talkin' 'bout, Willis?" became part of American pop culture.

The Facts of Life debuted in 1979 and ran until 1988.The Facts of Life appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Facts of Life focused on teenage girls at an all-girls boarding school under housemother Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae). This coming-of-age sitcom addressed peer pressure, drug use, and sexuality with sensitivity and humor. Relatable characters and heartwarming stories drew viewers.The Facts of Life appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.The Facts of Life became one of the longest-running sitcoms in television history.

Benson is a spin-off fromSoap appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'., Benson appears in the list 'Best '70s Sitcoms, Ranked'.Benson DuBois, played by Robert Guillaume, aired from 1979 to 1986. Benson became the Tate family's butler and then the governor's aide. The show showed Benson climbing the political ladder while handling Governor Gatling's household oddities. Guillaume won an Emmy for playing Benson.

This show aired from 1976 to 1979.What's Happening!!The show followed three working-class African-American teenagers: Raj (Ernest Thomas), Rerun (Fred Berry), and Dwayne (Haywood Nelson). They experienced life in Watts, Los Angeles. This sitcom showed their daily struggles with family, school, and relationships. It added humor to every episode. The show also started a successful sequel series calledWhat's Happening Now!!

Although it premiered in 1960,My Three SonsThe show kept its popularity into the early '70s before ending in 1972. This long-running sitcom focused on widower Steve Douglas (Fred MacMurray) raising his three sons with help from their grandfather, Bub O'Casey (William Frawley). The show explored family values and changing gender roles.My Three SonsThe show stayed a classic in the sitcom genre.

Norman Lear created this as a spin-off fromAll in the FamilyMaudeThis show aired from 1972 to 1978. Bea Arthur starred as the outspoken feminist Maude Findlay. This groundbreaking sitcom tackled issues like abortion, race relations, and gender equality with humor and sensitivity. The show earned many Emmy nominations. Arthur won the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy in 1977.

This classic British sitcom ran for two seasons in 1975 and 1979, making only twelve episodes. Despite its short run,Fawlty TowersJohn Cleese created and starred as the manic hotel owner Basil Fawlty. Prunella Scales played his domineering wife Sybil. This show mixed slapstick comedy with sharp wit in its portrayal of a broken hotel in Torquay.Fawlty TowersFawlty Towers stays a beloved cult classic today.

The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour ran from 1971 to 1974.The Sonny & Cher Comedy HourThe show featured Sonny Bono and Cher as a husband-and-wife duo in a variety show. It included music, comedy sketches, and guest stars. Their chemistry charmed America. They reunited forThe Sonny & Cher ShowThis show aired from 1976 to 1977.

Hee Haw aired from 1969 to 1992.Hee HawHee Haw was a long-running variety show. It mixed country music with comedy skits and featured many celebrity guests. Buck Owens and Roy Clark hosted this down-home show. It showed their comedy talent alongside regulars like Minnie Pearl, Grandpa Jones, and Junior Samples. The show used a mix of humor, music, and country charm.Hee HawHee Haw entertained millions of viewers across its two-decade run.

Premiering in 1974, 'Chico and the Man' aired until 1978.Chico and the ManThe show centered on an unlikely friendship. Ed Brown, an elderly garage owner (Jack Albertson), befriended young Chicano mechanic Chico Rodriguez (Freddie Prinze). Set in East Los Angeles' barrio district, this sitcom explored racism, prejudice, and intergenerational relationships while keeping its comedy.

A spin-off fromThe Mary Tyler Moore ShowRhodaRhoda aired from 1974 to 1978. Valerie Harper played Rhoda Morgenstern. Moving to New York City, Rhoda handled her life independently while keeping a close bond with her sister Brenda (Julie Kavner). The show earned several Emmy nominations and wins for its cast, including Harper's win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

This British sitcom aired from 1973 to 1974. It followed the original series.The Likely LadsThe Likely Lads ran from 1964 to 1966. James Bolam and Rodney Bewes played Terry Collier and Bob Ferris.Whatever Happened tothe Likely Lads?The series followed their lives after years apart. It explored social mobility, marriage, and friendship across its thirty-six episodes.

ThisBritish comedy seriesIt aired between 1976 and 1979. Nine episodes formed this series. Monty Python alumni Michael Palin and Terry Jones co-wrote it.Ripping YarnsRipping Yarns showcased humorous adventure tales parodying the Boys' Own Paper genre. Palin played many characters in each story. Despite its short run, the series offered these tales.Ripping YarnsFans of British humor still consider Ripping Yarns a cult classic.

A Canadian sitcom ran from 1975 to 1980.King of KensingtonKing of Kensington centered on Larry King (Al Waxman). Larry owned a convenience store in Toronto's multicultural Kensington Market neighborhood. The diverse cast, including Fiona Reid as Larry's wife Cathy, addressed issues like immigration, race relations, and family dynamics while keeping the comedy.