Sitcoms of the 70’s

Are you looking for the popular 70’s sitcoms? If yes, you are at the right place as this article will give you information on some of the sitcoms that had hooked people to the television during the 1970s…

Situational comedy, usually known as sitcom, is one of the popular comedy genres. Sitcoms are totally different from stand up comedies where a comedian performs in front of a live audience. On the other hand, sitcom is a show which has a single story line, which is plotted around a group of characters. Such programs are actually called sitcoms because in each episode only the situation changes, but the place as well as the characters remain the same. Sitcoms were introduced through the medium of radio, however, during the 1940s, they started appearing on television. However, it was during the 1970s that sitcoms were given a new look. Though the 70’s sitcoms were filled with humor and running gags, these programs dealt with issues related to social injustice, status quo, etc. It is due to this touch of reality that the sitcoms become extremely popular during the 70s and is remembered by people even today. Here, we will take a look at some of the top sitcoms of the 70’s.

Best 70’s Sitcoms Among the different sitcoms of the 70’s, there were some which became the favorite of the people during those times. Here are the top 10 70’s sitcoms that are stilled loved by people. More on best comedy TV shows

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MAS*H

MAS*H was a sitcom which began in 1972 and was stretched to the next decade i.e., till the year 1983. This comedy serial was set in South Korea and was an illustration as well as criticism of the Vietnam War. The main elements of this sitcom included social commentary, humor, pain, etc.

All in the Family

This show began during 1971 and continued to be the favorite among Americans till the year 1979. However, ‘All in the Family’ became a controversial show because it voiced issues which most white middle class families refused to accept. The main character of the show was Archie who reflected the racist and chauvinistic attitudes of the middle class, white American and his wife Edith who loved him, though she was aware of his eccentricities.

Happy Days

‘Happy Days’ which began in the year 1974 continued to be featured in television till 1984. The story revolved around an American middle class family . Though this sitcom started during the 70’s, it reflected the life of the 1950’s which was characterized by simplicity and innocence.

Maude

A character who was introduced in the sitcom, ‘All in the Family’ who went to start a new sitcom which was same as her name. Maude was Edith’s cousin who was just opposite to Archie with her liberal and feminism attitude. Through Maude’s upper class family, the sitcom brought forward the liberal perspective of issues like politics, class, race and gender.

Laverene and Shirley

Lavrene and Shirley was a sitcom which began in 1976 was a spin off from the sitcom, Happy Days as both the main characters were introduced in the later. Laverene and Shirley was the story of two room mates and was set during the 1950s and 60s depicting how they dealt with their dates, family and life.

Barney Miller

Barney Miller is a sitcom that was introduced in January 1975. It was set in the police station of New York City and tells the story of Captain Barney Miller, the leader of the New York City Police Department. This sitcom dealt with the way the detectives solved cases and their interactions with people as well as themselves. This show was a hit with real life police officers who liked it because of its life like portrayal of characters and situations.

Stanford and Son

Stanford and Son, which was aired in the year 1972, told the story of a father and son duo. The father, Stanford, and his son, Lamont, made a living by working in a junkyard. Though the show was humorous, it dealt with serious issues which were personal, economic, social as well as political.

Soap

Soap, introduced to the world of television in 1977, had built up quite a lot of controversy around it because it contained sexual humor and risqu” jokes. The show centered around two dysfunctional families, namely the Campbells and Tates. Though the show was full of drama, intrigue, clandestine affairs, these eccentric families soon became the favorite of the American people.

Good Times

‘Good Times’ can be said to be a spin off from the show ‘Maude’ as the main character of the former is introduced in the later. Good Times is the story of Florida Evans, Maude’s African American maid and her family who lived in a ghetto. The show takes the audience through the lives of the Evans family as they try to make a living while dealing with issues like education, family tensions, race, finances, etc.

Mary Tyler Moore

Mary Tyler Moore was a sitcom which began in the early 1970s and was aired on television till 1977. The show revolved around Mary, an open minded and liberal, working woman who dealt with social issues that were prevalent during those times.

List of 70’s Sitcoms Apart from the above given TV shows, there were many more sitcoms which were popular during the 1970’s. Take a look at the list of favorite 70’s sitcoms. More on best TV shows of all time

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• Taxi
• Three’s Company
• The Odd Couple
• Perfect Strangers
• The Brady Bunch
• The Love Boat
• The Partridge Family
• Diff’rent Strokes
• Mork and Mindy
• The Jeffersons
• Here’s Lucy
• The Bob Newhart Show
• Eight Is Enough
• Fish
• The Waltons

You may like to read more on:

• Sitcoms of the 80’s
• Sitcoms of the 90’s
• Good TV Shows to Watch

These are some of the sitcoms of the 70’s that were a favorite among people. Many of these shows are being currently aired on television and still have a huge fan following. Moreover, many of them have been converted into DVDs and are available in the market. So, pick out a few among your favorite 70s sitcoms and enjoy watching them with your family and friends.