8 Long-Forgotten Sitcoms from the '70s That Still Hold Up in 2023

written by Caleb Olson

October 22, 2023 9:00 am

8 Long-Forgotten Sitcoms from the '70s That Still Hold Up in 2023 — Image credit: Legion-Media

Those are the definitions of classics.

We love sitcoms because they are uplifting and easy to watch. But for that very reason, we often watch them in full too quickly.

In case you're struggling to find a sitcom to watch tonight, here are eight comedies from the '70s that will have you bursting at the seams with laughter.

8. The Jeffersons (1975, 11 seasons, 7.5 on IMDB)

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A spin-off of one of the following shows, this sitcom is centered on the titular family of affluent owners of a dry-cleaning business in New York. While it mostly is a traditional comedy show, it tackles such social issues as racism, alcoholism, and gun control – all very relevant to this day.

7. Taxi (1978, 5 seasons, 7.7 on IMDB)

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Have you ever wondered what a typical workday of a taxi driver is? Revolving around the crew of a fictional taxi fleet, this sitcom answers that question. As hilarious as it is, it also deals with issues of self-esteem and social inequality.

6. Sanford and Son (1972, 6 seasons, 7.9 on IMDB)

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The American rendition of the BBC's Steptoe and Son, this sitcom explored bleaker sides to living in Los Angeles, featuring a drug dealer as its main character. Funny and socially relevant, it remains so to this day.

5. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978, 4 seasons, 8.0 on IMDB)

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When you hear about a sitcom about a radio program, you most likely think of Frasier. However, this comedy predated the iconic show by almost fifteen years and followed the personnel of a fictional radio station from the titular city.

4. The Bob Newhart Show (1972, 6 seasons, 8.1 on IMDB)

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Another sitcom reminiscent of Frasier, this comedy show also followed a fictional psychologist in his professional and personal life as he got in all sorts of trouble with his family and friends.

3. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970, 7 seasons, 8.3 on IMDB)

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Centered on the title character, a single thirty-year-old, this sitcom explored the hardships faced by women trying to build careers at the time. Remarkably, it does so in a very lighthearted manner.

2. All in the Family (1971, 9 seasons, 8.4 on IMDB)

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Another remake of a popular British sitcom, Till Death Us Do Part, this comedy show followed a middle-class family from New York and specifically its patriarch Archie, a narrow-minded and bigoted man opposed to everyone and everything that didn't correspond to his views on life. It is a classic sitcom that brought forth many spin-offs, one of which we've mentioned above.

1. MAS*H (1972, 11 seasons, 8.5 on IMDB)

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Although it revolves around a US Army hospital, this show brims with hilarity. Unusual for American TV, this is a dark comedy that will make you gag with laughter even today.