The Golden Age of TV Sitcoms: 10 Classic '70s Shows That Still Hold Up
From All in the Family to M*A*S*H and Happy Days, the 1970s produced some of the most influential sitcoms in television history. Here's why they still matter.
In this article
- 1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
- 2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
- 3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
- 4. Happy Days (1974–1984)
- 5. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
- 6. Good Times (1974–1979)
- 7. Taxi (1978–1983)
- 8. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)
- 9. Three's Company (1977–1984)
- 10. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979)
- Why they still matter
The 1970s were a turning point for American television comedy. Sitcoms began tackling real social issues, creating unforgettable characters and drawing enormous audiences, back when the whole country watched the same shows on the same night. Here are ten classics that still hold up.
1. All in the Family (1971–1979)
Norman Lear's groundbreaking show featured Archie Bunker, a working-class bigot, arguing with his liberal son-in-law about race, politics, women's rights and the Vietnam War. It was bold, uncomfortable and very funny, and it changed what sitcoms could talk about.
2. M*A*S*H (1972–1983)
Set in a mobile Army hospital during the Korean War, M*A*S*H blended comedy with real tragedy. Its 1983 finale, "Goodbye, Farewell and Amen," drew an estimated 106 million viewers and stood for decades as the most-watched broadcast in U.S. television history.
3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970–1977)
Mary Richards, a single career woman in a Minneapolis newsroom, was a landmark character. The show was smart, warm and influential, and it spun off several successful series.
4. Happy Days (1974–1984)
A nostalgic look back at the 1950s, Happy Days made "the Fonz" a pop culture icon. A 1977 episode featuring Fonzie water-skiing over a shark gave us the phrase "jump the shark."
5. The Jeffersons (1975–1985)
A spinoff of All in the Family, it followed George and Louise Jefferson as they "moved on up" to the East Side. It was one of the longest-running sitcoms of its era.
6. Good Times (1974–1979)
Following a family living in a Chicago housing project, Good Times portrayed a Black family's struggles and resilience. J.J.'s "Dy-no-mite!" became a national catchphrase.
7. Taxi (1978–1983)
A brilliant ensemble cast of New York cab drivers, including Danny DeVito, Judd Hirsch, Andy Kaufman, Christopher Lloyd and Tony Danza, made this a critics' favorite.
8. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982)
Set at a struggling radio station, it's remembered for its rock-and-roll spirit and the legendary Thanksgiving turkey drop episode.
9. Three's Company (1977–1984)
A farce built on misunderstandings, starring John Ritter's gift for physical comedy.
10. Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979)
A teacher returns to his old Brooklyn high school to teach a class of lovable troublemakers, the "Sweathogs," including a young John Travolta.
Why they still matter
These shows shaped American comedy for decades to come and reflected a country working through big social changes. Many remain available through reruns, DVD box sets and streaming. They're perfect for sharing with a new generation. Feeling nostalgic? Check out 15 things every '80s kid remembers.
