10 ’70s TV shows you forgot you loved—do you remember any of them?

Ready for a retro rewind? Let’s take a trip back to the golden age of television—when bell-bottoms ruled, theme songs stuck in your head for days, and prime-time drama was a family affair.

The 1970s gave us some of the most unforgettable shows in TV history, but let’s be honest—many of them have slipped off our radar. Whether you grew up watching them or just love a good throwback binge, these hidden gems are worth revisiting.

From gritty cop dramas and quirky sitcoms to groundbreaking variety shows, the ’70s had it all. So grab your remote (or your streaming app), and let’s rediscover 10 incredible shows that helped shape pop culture—and might just surprise you with how well they still hold up.

Celebrating the iconic TV shows that defined the ’70s​

The 1970s marked a high point in television history, delivering a vibrant mix of shows that helped define pop culture and influence generations of storytelling.

Evenings in the ’70s felt like magic—families gathered around the TV for laughter, comfort, and stories that stuck with us. We grew up alongside The Waltons, Happy Days, Three’s Company, and All in the Family. And who could forget the fearless women of Charlie’s Angels and Wonder Woman, who brought heart, humor, and plenty of style to our screens?

But beyond the classics, the ’70s also produced a treasure trove of quirky, daring, and sometimes downright bizarre series that didn’t get the same spotlight. These hidden gems may have faded from memory, but they’re well worth rediscovering.

1. Flatbush (1979)

Brooklyn teens, big dreams—Flatbush captured late-’70s youth with grit and charm. Image Source: Reddit

Set against the backdrop of Brooklyn, Flatbush followed a group of recent high school grads as they stumbled through the highs and lows of early adulthood. Despite a solid concept and a team that included William Asher and Mel Ferber, the show was pulled after just a few weeks.

Its mix of streetwise humor and heartfelt storytelling was ahead of its time. Still, it’s a nostalgic snapshot of late ’70s youth culture and a hidden gem for fans of coming-of-age tales.

2. Mrs. Columbo (1979–1980)

Kate Mulgrew takes the lead in this bold spinoff—crime-solving with a personal twist. Image Source: Reddit

Spinoffs can be hit or miss, and Mrs. Columbo fell into the latter category.

Featuring a young Kate Mulgrew, years before her Star Trek: Voyager fame, the series imagined the offscreen wife of Lieutenant Columbo as a crime-solving mom. Despite multiple rebrands and Mulgrew’s strong performance, the show struggled to connect with viewers.

Today, it stands as a curious chapter in TV history and a must-watch for Mulgrew enthusiasts.

3. Holmes & Yoyo (1976–1977)

Meet Yoyo: the clumsy android cop who brought slapstick to the squad room. Image Source: Facebook

Forget gritty realism—Holmes & Yoyo brought slapstick to the police procedural.

The show paired a human detective with Yoyo, a clumsy android partner, in a series created by Get Smart’s Leonard Stern. With John Schuck as Yoyo and direction from John Astin, the show delivered quirky laughs and sci-fi silliness.

It’s a fun throwback for anyone who enjoys their crime-solving with a comedic twist.

4. Grady (1975–1976)

From Sanford and Son to second chances—Grady’s family life gets the spotlight. Image Source: Reddit

A spin-off of the beloved Sanford and Son, Grady followed Whitman Mayo’s character as he moved in with his daughter’s family. Though it didn’t match the success of its predecessor, the show offered a heartfelt look at intergenerational dynamics and second chances.

For fans of the original series, it’s a warm and humorous detour worth revisiting.

5. Space Academy (1977–1979)

Gifted teens, galactic missions—Space Academy was Saturday morning sci-fi at its finest. Image source: Facebook

Before Hogwarts, there was the Space Academy.

Set in the distant future, this Saturday morning sci-fi series followed gifted teens training for interstellar missions. With limited resources but big imagination, the show captured the spirit of adventure and inspired young viewers.

If you remember watching reruns, its earnest charm probably still holds a place in your heart.

Also read: 20 classic TV shows everyone should watch at least once—did your favorite make the list?

6. Makin’ It (1979)

Disco never died—it just moved to New Jersey. Makin’ It danced through the decade’s final days. Image source: Reddit

Disco was fading fast in 1979, but Makin’ It tried to keep the groove alive.

Created by Mark Rothman and Garry Marshall, the show starred David Naughton as a disco-loving guy from New Jersey. Though it didn’t last long, its theme song became a surprise Top 10 hit.

With disco nostalgia making a comeback, this short-lived series might just be ready for a second spin.

7. Bearcats! (1971)

Wild West meets early tech—Bearcats! blended Model Ts with machine guns and mayhem. Image source: Reddit

Imagine a Western with early automobiles and machine guns—that’s Bearcats! in a nutshell.

Rod Taylor and Dennis Cole played troubleshooters in the twilight of the Wild West, blending action, tech, and period drama.

Despite a strong start, the show couldn’t hold its ground in a competitive lineup. Still, it’s a wild ride for fans of genre mashups and unconventional storytelling.

8. A Year at the Top (1977)

Fame, fortune, and a deal with the devil—this rock ‘n’ roll comedy hit all the high notes. Image source: Facebook

Two struggling musicians strike a deal with the devil for a year of fame—A Year at the Top took that premise and ran with it.

Backed by Casablanca Records, the show had a killer soundtrack and a unique concept, but it was cancelled after just five episodes.

9. Salvage 1 (1979)

Andy Griffith builds a spaceship to clean up the moon—DIY sci-fi with heart. Image source: Reddit

Andy Griffith in a homemade spaceship? That’s the premise of Salvage 1, a show about a crew building a rocket to collect junk from the moon.

It sounds wild, but the series had a surprisingly sincere tone and a loyal fanbase. Though it ended early in season two, reruns in the ’90s gave it a brief revival.

For DIY dreamers and sci-fi fans, it’s a charming oddity.

10. Adam’s Rib (1973)

Married lawyers, courtroom clashes—Adam’s Rib tackled gender politics with wit and warmth. Image source: Facebook

Inspired by the classic film starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn, Adam’s Rib reimagined the story with Ken Howard and Blythe Danner as married lawyers often on opposite sides in court.

With Danner’s character championing women’s rights, the show tackled gender issues with humor and heart.

It didn’t last long, but its progressive themes and sharp writing make it worth rediscovering.

Where to find them now​

Mrs. Columbo, the short-lived spinoff starring a young Kate Mulgrew, never received a full home video release in the US, though a handful of episodes have surfaced as bonus features in Columbo DVD box sets.

Despite multiple rebrands and a lukewarm reception, the series remains a curious chapter in television history, especially for fans of Mulgrew’s later breakout roles. While it’s absent from most major streaming platforms, Mrs. Columbo is currently available for free on The Roku Channel, offering viewers a rare glimpse into a quirky spinoff with its own distinct tone.

Like many forgotten TV gems, Mrs. Columbo lives on in the archives, occasionally resurfacing on niche networks or classic-focused streaming services. These shows serve as fascinating time capsules from an era when television wasn’t afraid to experiment—even if those risks didn’t always lead to long-term success.

Why do these shows matter?​

You might ask, “What’s the point of digging up these long-lost shows?” The truth is, they’re more than just quirky footnotes—they’re reflections of a bold, transitional era in television. The 1970s were a time when networks weren’t afraid to take creative risks, whether that meant launching disco-fueled comedies or pairing detectives with android sidekicks. Even the short-lived and offbeat series offer a window into the cultural shifts, hopes, and oddball charm of the decade that shaped modern TV.

The legacy of ‘70s TV​

Many of these overlooked shows helped shape the future of television—whether by sparking cult fandoms, influencing later hits, or giving early exposure to actors and creators who would eventually become household names. They also offer a welcome escape from today’s cycle of reboots and reality TV.

Revisiting these originals reminds us of a time when TV was bursting with fresh ideas, bold experiments, and the sense that anything could happen from one episode to the next.

Television in the 1970s was a hotbed of creativity, pushing boundaries in ways that often get overlooked today. Beyond the well-known hits, the decade produced a wave of daring, imaginative series that showcased fresh ideas and rising talent.

Key Takeaways

• The 1970s produced many TV shows that became classics, but quite a few, like Flatbush and Grady, were quickly cancelled and have since faded into obscurity.
• Some forgotten series, such as Mrs. Columbo and Adam’s Rib, are notable for attempting something ambitious—like featuring female leads or tackling women’s rights—even if their ratings couldn’t keep them on air.
• Several of these underappreciated shows, including Space Academy and Salvage 1, found niche cult followings or nostalgic interest years after their original broadcast.
• Despite strong creative teams and promising premises, certain '70s shows like Makin’ It and Bearcats! struggled against competing trends or changing tastes, leading to their short runs and lack of lasting recognition.

These lesser-known shows weren’t just oddities—they were part of a larger movement that helped shape the future of storytelling on the small screen. Their influence still echoes in the bold formats and character-driven narratives we see today.

Did you watch any of these shows back in the day? Do you have fond (or funny) memories of a ‘70s series that’s not on this list? We’d love to hear your stories! Share your thoughts in the comments below—let’s keep the conversation (and the nostalgia) alive.