Top 10 Decade Defining Shows of the 1970s

Sharing an apartment can be tough, as the roommates in this sitcom find out. But those struggles can make for hilarious moments. This comedy-of-errors focused on three roomies who lived together out of financial necessity, and to appease their old-fashioned landlord they told him the male member of the trio is gay. Of course, that became a frequent source of jokes, as did the slapstick, pratfalls and general hijinks. A mid-season addition to the TV line-up, “Three’s Company” defied expectations to succeed in the ratings over its run.

Though it was a product of its time, this sitcom was ahead of its time as it was the first show centered on a never-married career woman, but that was far from its only virtue. It uses the story of Mary Richards, a Minneapolis TV producer, as a source for laugh-out-loud jokes about office friendships and biting commentary about issues like feminism and homosexuality. The series’ realistic portrayal of relationships was influential in the TV world for many years, allowing to spawn several spinoffs and earn 29 Emmy Awards in total.

Like “MTM,” this sitcom was also unafraid to discuss taboo topics, but it cast its net even wider. Archie Bunker was never shy to speak his mind; and he was meant to satirize common attitudes and challenge the status quo. Though the show depicted the Bunker family and their squabbles, it also tackled issues previously considered unsuitable for TV, like rape, abortion, and the Vietnam War – though always with a sense of humor. It was so successful, it won multiple awards, regularly topped the ratings and spawned a whopping five spin-offs.

This family sitcom wasn’t a huge success during its initial run, but its focus on issues like sibling rivalry and young love made it a hit in syndication… Especially with younger viewers, who connected well with the show, because episodes were often written from the standpoint of the children. Considered a holdover from an era of television that focused more on family, it portrays the blended unit created when widower Mike marries Carol, bringing together his three sons and her three daughters – which was a distinctly modern concept for 1970s America.

With this talk-show, Carson created the template that modern late-night shows still follow. But it was more than just innovative: his opening monologues were packed with one-liners, his celebrity interviews were sharp, and he consistently showcased unknown or talented performers. Carson had his finger on the pulse of what audiences wanted to see and hear, and – regardless of who was on the show – the host’s winning charisma and trademark cool made him a must-watch – especially after he moved the show from NYC to California in 1972.

As much as we love this sketch comedy troupe’s films, it was their show that rocketed them to stardom. A group of smart writers and excellent performers, the Pythons helped define comedy in the 1970s: their surreal humor was unlike anything that preceded it, and it cracked up audiences around the world. The undefinable mix of intellectual jokes, physical comedy and innuendo was truly something special, and comedians continue to study their skits for inspiration, even today.

Things probably weren’t perfect all the time during the ‘50s and ‘60s, but this sitcom makes that era look great. It shows Midwestern teenager Richie Cunningham and his interactions with unforgettable characters like the Fonz, the womanizer who later became his family’s upstairs renter. Though it depicted a bygone era, this show was just what the ‘70s needed, and by its fourth season it finished #1 in the ratings. But even with all its success, it’ll forever be remembered as the show that introduced the term “jumping the shark” into the lexicons of TV fans.

Lorne Michaels’ late-night sketch show continues to be popular today, but it’s tough to beat the years when it was the new kid on the block. Unforgettable cast members like Chevy Chase and John Belushi, combined with hysterical hosts like George Carlin or Richard Pryor, ensured that the not-ready-for primetime players always had cutting edge comedy that was as funny as it was insightful. Experimental and razor sharp, this show launched the careers of many future stars, and has since become one of the longest-running network TV shows in U.S. history.

Kids had “Sesame Street,” but this show was for everyone to enjoy! Simply put, if you like puns, puppets and pop culture, this is the show for you. It featured non-stop wordplay and mayhem, mostly coming from the mouths of the adorable muppets who made up its cast. Music was also a big part of the show, often becoming part of the comedy, and they frequently brought on world-famous musical guests like Elton John. Still, it’s loveable characters like Kermit and Miss Piggy that really earned the series its legacy.

Before we unveil our pick for Decade Defining Show of the 1970s, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Little House on the Prairie” (1974-83)
- “Charlie’s Angels” (1976-81)
- “Fawlty Towers” (1975-79) “The Bob Newhart Show” (1972-78)
- “Columbo” (1968-78)
- “Dallas” (1978-91)

Topping our list is a show whose finale broke viewership records, but it had been entertaining audiences for eleven-seasons before that. Based on the popular 1970 film of the same name, “M*A*S*H” followed the team at a mobile army surgical hospital in the Korean War. Not quite a comedy and not quite a drama, the show brought laughs as often as it prompted tears – and its wartime setting was particularly poignant due to the ongoing Vietnam War. But the show blended genres effectively, thanks to high quality writing, impeccable acting and unforgettable characters.

Do you agree with our list? What TV show do you think best defined the 1970s? For more memorable top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.