12 Forgotten ’70s TV Shows That Had a Massive Impact
The 1970s ushered in a new era of television, bringing bold storytelling, groundbreaking themes, and characters that reshaped the small screen. While some shows from this era remain household names, others—despite their influence and innovation—have faded into obscurity.
From trailblazing sitcoms to riveting crime dramas and early forays into sci-fi and fantasy, these forgotten gems played a pivotal role in shaping modern television. Though they may not always be the first shows that come to mind, their cultural influence still lingers today.
1. The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams
Long before the push for eco-conscious living, “The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams” captured the hearts of audiences with its wholesome, nature-driven storytelling. Starring Dan Haggerty as a man falsely accused of a crime and forced to live in the wilderness, the show was a refreshing contrast to the fast-paced, urbanizing world of the 1970s.
With breathtaking mountain landscapes, heartwarming bonds between man and wildlife, and themes of self-reliance, the series struck a chord with viewers craving an escape from modern life.
While it may not enjoy the same recognition as other shows from the decade, its peaceful storytelling and environmental themes still resonate today, particularly with audiences drawn to tales of survival and simplicity.
2. Good Times
“Good Times” wasn’t just a sitcom—it was a cultural milestone. As one of the first primetime TV shows to center on an African American family, it tackled real-life issues such as poverty, racism, and systemic inequality—all while delivering memorable laughs and heartfelt moments.
Led by John Amos and Esther Rolle, the Evans family embodied resilience and strength, showcasing the importance of community and family bonds. The show broke barriers, paving the way for future Black-led sitcoms like The Cosby Show and Family Matters.
Though often overshadowed by its spinoff The Jeffersons, “Good Times” left a lasting impact, proving that sitcoms could balance comedy with meaningful social commentary.
3. The Streets of San Francisco
Long before Law & Order and NCIS, “The Streets of San Francisco” set the standard for procedural crime dramas. Starring Karl Malden and a young Michael Douglas, this gritty yet stylish show followed a veteran detective and his rookie partner as they solved crimes in the city’s distinctive neighborhoods.
What made the show stand out was its authenticity—it was one of the first police dramas to use realistic investigations and street-level storytelling, breaking away from the campier detective shows of earlier decades.
While many modern crime dramas owe their serious tone and character depth to this show, it remains criminally underrated in today’s pop culture landscape.
4. Soap
Before Arrested Development and The Office, there was Soap—a sitcom that pushed the envelope with its bold satire, cliffhanger endings, and hilarious take on soap opera tropes.
Following the wildly dysfunctional Tate and Campbell families, the show dared to tackle taboo topics like mental illness, infidelity, and LGBTQ+ representation at a time when few shows would touch them.
Though Soap sparked controversy in its day, its irreverent, self-aware humor paved the way for later comedies that blend satire with serialized storytelling.
5. Kolchak: The Night Stalker
If you’re a fan of The X-Files, Supernatural, or Stranger Things, you have Kolchak: The Night Stalker to thank. This ahead-of-its-time supernatural series followed journalist Carl Kolchak, played by Darren McGavin, as he investigated mysteries, myths, and monsters lurking in the shadows.
Though the show only lasted one season, it developed a cult following and heavily influenced the paranormal and horror TV genres. It wasn’t just about ghost stories and urban legends—Kolchak was one of the first series to explore the skepticism vs. belief dynamic that would later define shows like The X-Files.
If you love a good monster-of-the-week format, this is one forgotten ’70s show worth revisiting.
6. The Mary Tyler Moore Show
More than just a sitcom, The Mary Tyler Moore Show was a revolutionary moment in TV history. Featuring Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, a single, independent career woman, the show broke new ground by moving away from the traditional housewife narrative and focusing on a woman thriving in the workforce.
It wasn’t just about breaking stereotypes—the show had razor-sharp writing, a stellar supporting cast, and a warmth that made it truly special. It inspired a generation and directly influenced later series like Murphy Brown and 30 Rock.
7. The Electric Company
Educational TV wasn’t always engaging, but The Electric Company made learning fun with songs, comedy sketches, and animated lessons that helped kids improve their literacy skills.
With a star-studded cast (including a young Morgan Freeman) and catchy segments featuring rhyming, phonics, and wordplay, this PBS show was Sesame Street’s hipper, more fast-paced cousin.
Though it didn’t get the same long-term recognition as Sesame Street, its impact on children’s educational programming was immense, influencing shows like Reading Rainbow and Blue’s Clues.
8. Land of the Lost
What do you get when you mix dinosaurs, time travel, and parallel dimensions? The imaginative and utterly bizarre world of Land of the Lost.
This live-action kids’ show followed a family trapped in a prehistoric realm filled with dinosaurs, alien civilizations, and mysterious portals. Though its special effects were low-budget, its storytelling was surprisingly deep, covering themes of survival, adaptation, and teamwork.
The show’s influence on sci-fi and adventure storytelling is still seen today, particularly in pop culture homages and reboots that acknowledge its cult following.
9. The Mod Squad
At a time when young people were pushing back against authority, The Mod Squad flipped the script—introducing three rebellious outsiders who became undercover cops. This groundbreaking show blended police procedural storytelling with counterculture themes, creating a crime drama that felt fresh and relevant.
With its diverse cast and socially conscious narratives, the show tackled hot-button issues like racial inequality, drug use, and generational divides, giving it a more thought-provoking edge than typical crime series of its time.
Though it’s often forgotten today, The Mod Squad paved the way for future crime dramas that merged action with social commentary, influencing everything from 21 Jump Street to The Wire.
10. Rhoda
While The Mary Tyler Moore Show broke new ground for independent women in the workplace, Rhoda took the concept a step further—following the hilarious and relatable Rhoda Morgenstern (played by Valerie Harper) as she navigated love, career, and friendships in New York City.
What set Rhoda apart was its authenticity—it explored the ups and downs of relationships, self-discovery, and modern womanhood with warmth and wit. Rhoda’s no-nonsense attitude and quick humor made her one of the most beloved TV characters of the decade.
Though it doesn’t get as much attention as its parent show, Rhoda was a trailblazer for female-led comedies that tackled real-life issues, influencing later series like Ally McBeal and Girls.
11. Chico and the Man
One of the first sitcoms to feature a Latino lead, Chico and the Man was ahead of its time. Set in East Los Angeles, the show revolved around the unlikely friendship between a grumpy garage owner (played by Jack Albertson) and his charismatic young employee, Chico (Freddie Prinze).
Blending humor with heartfelt moments, the series highlighted themes of racial tension, generational divides, and the power of human connection. At a time when Latinx representation was almost nonexistent on TV, Chico and the Man stood out as a bold and refreshing take on comedy.
Despite its tragic real-life circumstances (Freddie Prinze’s untimely passing), the show’s legacy remains in how it opened doors for more diverse storytelling in sitcoms.
12. Police Woman
Before Law & Order: SVU and Cagney & Lacey, there was Police Woman—the first network TV drama to feature a female cop as the lead. Starring Angie Dickinson as the tough and determined Sergeant Pepper Anderson, this show redefined what women could do on-screen.
At a time when female characters were often relegated to supporting roles, Police Woman proved that women could carry an action-packed series while still bringing emotional depth to the screen. The show also tackled serious social issues, from domestic abuse to corruption.
Though it may not be as widely remembered today, Police Woman paved the way for strong female leads in crime dramas, influencing characters like Olivia Benson (SVU) and Jessica Pearson (Suits).