Five Great TV Shows from the 1970s That Still Hold Up Today

The 1970s were an important era of television, full of groundbreaking shows that blended sharp writing, memorable characters, and social commentary. Here are five standout series from that iconic decade:

1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
   This trailblazing sitcom tackled controversial topics head-on through the lens of Archie Bunker, a working-class conservative with a lot to say, and even more to learn. Bold, funny, and unflinchingly honest.
2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
   A dramedy set during the Korean War, M*A*S*H balanced laugh-out-loud humor with poignant reflections on war and humanity. Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce became an enduring TV icon.
3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
   Mary Richards was smart, independent, and career-focused. She was a revolutionary character for her time. This witty, character-driven sitcom helped redefine what women could be on television.
4. Starsky & Hutch (1975–1979)
   With fast cars, undercover action, and a dynamic buddy-cop duo, Starsky & Hutch was must-see crime TV. Their red Gran Torino became as famous as the stars themselves.
5. Good Times (1974–1979)
   Centered on a Black family living in a Chicago housing project, Good Times mixed humor with hard-hitting issues like poverty, racism, and systemic injustice—all while delivering heart and resilience.

These shows didn’t just entertain, they shaped the television landscape for decades to come.

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