15 Weirdest Kids’ TV Shows Only Kids From The ’70s Remember
Ah, the ’70s! A time when lava lamps illuminated our rooms, and bell-bottoms were the height of fashion. But for kids of that era, the real magic was in the TV lineup.
Saturday mornings were an adventure, with an array of weird, whimsical shows that took us on wild journeys. From quirky animated series like HR Pufnstuf—where a boy teams up with a giant, talking dragon in a land of strange creatures—to The Banana Splits, a surreal variety show featuring costumed characters with their own rock band, the ’70s was full of unique entertainment.
Shows like Land of the Lost blended sci-fi with adventure, while The Magic Garden embraced gentle, dreamlike storytelling.
Whether it was bizarre puppets, funky animations, or outlandish plots, these shows sparked creativity in kids, shaping an era where imagination truly knew no limits.
1. H.R. Pufnstuf
A talking dragon mayor on a trippy island? Yes, please. Puppets, puns, and pure psychedelic chaos! Imagine stumbling upon an island where the mayor is a friendly, oversized dragon named H.R. Pufnstuf.
I mean, who wouldn’t want to live in a town where magic is the norm and every day feels like a whimsical dream? The puppets were as animated as the plots, delivering pun-filled dialogue that would make even the grumpiest morning person crack a smile.
It was a psychedelic playground where anything could happen, and usually did. This kaleidoscopic show was a testament to the era’s creative free spirit, and it offered a vibrant escape that both delighted and bewildered us 70s kids.
2. Lidsville
A boy falls into a giant magician’s hat and ends up in a world ruled by… hats. Yes, talking hats. That’s the show. I remember sitting cross-legged on the carpet, eyes wide with disbelief as hats of all shapes and sizes embarked on their animated adventures.
The protagonist, Mark, was as bewildered as we were, navigating a world where headgear had hierarchies and hats had heart. This bizarre and surreal fantasy world had a whimsical charm that was both intriguing and slightly unsettling.
It was a place where fashion literally came to life, and where adventure was always just a hat’s throw away. The creators spun a yarn that was as colorful as it was comical, and we couldn’t help but be mesmerized by its eccentric allure.
3. The Bugaloos
A band of British bug-teenagers with wings who sang songs and battled a villain named Benita Bizarre. Enough said. Picture a vibrant forest where music notes flutter as frequently as the leaves. The Bugaloos were more than just a band; they were a phenomenon that combined catchy tunes with wings and whimsical adventures.
As a kid, I often found myself tapping my feet to their infectious melodies, their tunes echoing through my mind long after the show ended. Benita Bizarre, the villain, added an extra dash of hilarity with her over-the-top antics.
It was a musical odyssey that was both strange and spectacular, captivating our young hearts and leaving us yearning for more. Their whimsical world was where music met magic, and every episode was a toe-tapping adventure.
4. Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
A friendly sea monster hiding out with two kids while avoiding his nasty sea monster family. As wholesome as it was weird. Sigmund was the kind of sea monster you’d want as a beach buddy. Despite his scaly exterior, he exuded warmth and charm, proving that not all monsters go bump in the night.
The friendship between Sigmund and the human kids was heartwarming, filled with humor and hijinks as they dodged Sigmund’s less-than-friendly family.
This show was a delightful mix of fantasy and camaraderie, creating a narrative that was both engaging and endearing. It was a splash of fun that made the oceans seem less vast and more of a whimsical playground.
5. The Banana Splits Adventure Hour
Furry animal band members hosting cartoons and skits. Kind of like if Chuck E. Cheese had a variety show on acid. The Banana Splits were the epitome of 70s quirkiness, combining live-action, animation, and music into a kaleidoscopic variety show.
Each episode was a medley of skits and cartoon segments, making it a sensory feast. As a kid, the band’s antics were a colorful escape from reality, their silly skits leaving us in stitches.
The psychedelic visuals were as bold as the music was bouncy, filling our living rooms with vibrant energy. It was a truly bananas experience, one that we looked forward to every week, eager to join the Splits in their zany escapades.
6. Wonderbug
A beat-up dune buggy magically comes to life and fights crime. Think Herbie, but with a groovy makeover. Wonderbug was the superhero car we never knew we needed. With a honk and a rev of the engine, this once-rusty vehicle transformed into a crime-fighting machine, zipping through adventures with kids along for the ride.
I remember being on the edge of my seat, rooting for the little buggy that could as it outsmarted villains with wit and wheels. Each episode was a thrilling race against time, with Wonderbug’s quirky personality leading the charge.
This was not just a show about car chases but a celebration of courage and friendship, wrapped in turbocharged fun.
7. Dr. Shrinker
A mad scientist shrinks teens and chases them around an island. Lighthearted sci-fi terror at its finest. Dr. Shrinker, with his devious grin and shrinking ray, was the villain we loved to loathe. The premise was bizarre, yet captivating; the shrunken teens had to navigate a world where everything was suddenly larger than life.
Their adventures were a mix of suspense and humor, as they outsmarted Dr. Shrinker with quick thinking and teamwork. Watching them evade giant obstacles was both thrilling and comical.
It was a unique blend of sci-fi fun and ’70s campiness that kept us coming back for more, eager to see how our pint-sized heroes would triumph next.
8. Electra Woman and Dyna Girl
Superheroes in spandex with gadgets, villains, and lots of glitter. Campy, chaotic, and very electric. Electra Woman and Dyna Girl were the dynamic duo we didn’t know we needed. Clad in vibrant spandex, they battled evildoers with a flair that was as flashy as their costumes.
Each episode was an electrifying adventure, filled with high-tech gadgets and glittering baddies. Their chemistry was undeniable, and their escapades were a mix of action and humor.
Their world was one where glitter wasn’t just decorative—it was weaponized. It was a sparkling, super-powered romp that left us cheering for more girl power with every episode.
9. Far Out Space Nuts
Astronauts accidentally launched into space by pressing the wrong button (yes, really), starring Gilligan himself, Bob Denver. Far Out Space Nuts was a cosmic comedy that took us on a wild ride through the galaxy.
The bumbling astronauts, with their knack for mishaps, found themselves in bizarre situations that were as entertaining as they were outlandish. Watching them navigate alien landscapes with slapstick humor made the show a lighthearted delight.
It was a blend of sci-fi and comedy that kept us giggling and guessing where they’d end up next. The show’s charm lay in its ability to make outer space feel like a playground, filled with endless possibilities and laughter.
10. Land of the Lost
Time travel, Sleestaks, dinosaurs, and mind-bending cliffhangers. Scary? Yes. Addictive? Absolutely. Land of the Lost was an adventurous romp through time, where a family found themselves trapped in a prehistoric world.
The mix of danger and discovery kept us glued to our screens, eager to see what lay beyond each cliffhanger. The mysterious Sleestaks added an eerie edge, their presence lurking in the shadows.
Dinosaurs roamed freely, creating a prehistoric paradise that was as thrilling as it was terrifying. It was a show that combined the wonder of time travel with the thrill of survival, making every episode a journey worth taking.
11. The New Zoo Revue
Costumed animal characters discussing feelings and life lessons. Sort of a funky, felt-filled therapy session for kids. The New Zoo Revue was as endearing as it was educational. Each episode, the friendly animal characters tackled topics that resonated with us, from friendship to self-esteem.
The comforting conversations felt like a warm hug, making it more than just another kids’ show. It was a delightful blend of fun and learning, where life’s lessons were delivered with humor and heart.
The characters’ zany antics kept us entertained while imparting wisdom that lingered long after the credits rolled. It was a show that made us think and laugh, all while wearing a smile.
12. Jason of Star Command
A live-action space opera with mini Star Wars vibes, low-budget effects, and big adventure energy. Jason of Star Command was a cosmic caper that took us to the outer reaches of the universe. The special effects may have been campy, but the adventures were nothing short of epic.
I remember being captivated by the intergalactic battles and daring escapes, the show’s low-budget charm adding to its appeal.
The storylines were packed with action and intrigue, making each episode a thrilling ride through the cosmos. It was a starry-eyed saga that fueled our imaginations and made us believe in the impossible.
13. The Great Space Coaster
Puppets, cartoons, and “Gary Gnu” (no gnews is good gnews!). It was chaotic, musical, and utterly fantastic. The Great Space Coaster was a whirlwind of whimsy, where puppets and humans collided in a symphony of fun.
Each episode was a vibrant mix of music, laughter, and zany antics that left us on the edge of our seats. Gary Gnu, with his quirky news segments, was a highlight, delivering laughs with every broadcast.
The show’s energetic pace and colorful characters made it a visual and auditory delight, capturing our imaginations and keeping us entertained from start to finish. It was a rollercoaster ride of creativity and chaos, and we loved every minute of it.
14. Magic Garden
Two women, a chuckling squirrel, and a patch of flowers that told stories. Gentle and slightly hypnotic. The Magic Garden was a serene escape into a world of imagination and storytelling. The two hosts, with their harmonious voices, guided us through tales that were as enchanting as the garden itself.
The chuckling squirrel and animated flowers added a touch of whimsy, making each episode a gentle journey into the fantastical.
It was a show that invited us to slow down and savor the simple joys of storytelling, leaving us with a sense of wonder and tranquility. It was a little piece of magic in our everyday lives.
15. Hot Fudge Show
A sketch comedy show with puppets and humans. A little education, a little funk, and a whole lot of weird. The Hot Fudge Show was a melting pot of hilarity and heart, combining skits, music, and puppetry into a show that was as educational as it was entertaining.
The quirky characters and catchy tunes were a hit, making it a must-watch for any kid craving a laugh.
The blend of humor and learning made it a show that parents could enjoy too, its funky vibe resonating with audiences of all ages. It was a deliciously weird concoction that left us craving more with every episode.