13 ’70s Sitcoms Were Once Huge But Have Almost Disappeared from Pop Culture

The 1970s were a vibrant era for television, producing numerous sitcoms that captured the hearts of audiences with their unique humor and charm. These shows were once the talk of the town, dominating the airwaves and shaping pop culture in ways that are hard to imagine today. However, as time has passed, many of these beloved shows have faded into obscurity, often overshadowed by the more enduring giants of the television world. This list celebrates thirteen sitcoms from the ’70s that, despite their initial success, have quietly slipped away from the mainstream, leaving only their nostalgic echoes behind.

1. Temperatures Rising (1972–1974)

Temperatures Rising was a medical comedy set in a Washington, D.C. hospital and starred Cleavon Little as the charismatic Dr. Jerry Noland. The show promised a fresh take on hospital life with quick wit and humorous scenarios. Unfortunately, network changes and constant retooling muddled its direction. After two intriguing yet inconsistent seasons, it was canceled. Despite its potential, it struggled to find its footing amidst the competition of its time. A notable aspect was its attempt to blend serious themes with humor, paving the way for future medical comedies. Its quick rise and fall remain a curious case in TV history.

2. The Paul Lynde Show (1972–1973)

Paul Lynde, famed for his sharp wit on ‘Hollywood Squares,’ brought his distinctive humor to The Paul Lynde Show, playing a father endlessly at odds with his son-in-law. Known for his biting sarcasm, Lynde’s character struggled to find the show’s identity. The series attempted to capture the essence of familial tension through humor and satire. After just one season, it couldn’t find a sustainable audience, and the show was canceled. A quirky fact: Lynde’s comedic timing was unmatched, yet the show’s lack of cohesive narrative led to its early demise. It remains a forgotten gem for comedy connoisseurs.

3. Lotsa Luck (1973–1974)

Lotsa Luck starred the beloved Dom DeLuise as Stanley Belmont, a bumbling and endearing New York City bus company employee. With his charming comedic flair, DeLuise brought warmth to the character’s wildly chaotic life. Despite his efforts, the show failed to capture consistent viewer interest. The humor centered around workplace antics and family mishaps, yet it struggled to stand out in a crowded TV landscape. Cancelled after just one season, it remains a blip in television history. Interestingly, the show’s endearing depiction of everyday chaos resonates with anyone who’s ever had a less-than-perfect workday.

4. Love, American Style (1969–1974)

Love, American Style was an anthology series that offered a fresh and eclectic take on romance, presenting different vignettes each episode. It lacked recurring characters, which made it challenging for audiences to form lasting connections. Despite this, it served as a launchpad for ‘Happy Days.’ The show was innovative for its time, presenting love stories with humor and heart. Yet, without a consistent storyline or characters, it faded from view. Its unique approach to storytelling remains an interesting experiment in TV history. Fun fact: It was a precursor to many modern-day anthology series, influencing television formats thereafter.

5. Arnie (1970–1972)

Arnie, featuring Herschel Bernardi, told the tale of a blue-collar worker who unexpectedly ascends to an executive position. This intriguing premise explored class dynamics and workplace culture, offering both humor and social commentary. Despite its clever concept, it was a step ahead of its time, struggling to resonate with a broad audience. Bernardi’s portrayal was both heartfelt and humorous, but the show couldn’t maintain momentum. Canceled after two seasons, it left audiences pondering what might have been. A fun tidbit: Arnie’s character challenged traditional sitcom norms, pioneering a blend of comedy with poignant societal themes.

6. Karen (1975)

Karen, a fresh and politically charged sitcom, followed the life of a young activist navigating her journey in Washington D.C. It provided a unique angle by weaving political themes with personal tales of growth and idealism. Despite its innovative approach, it faced challenges in striking the right balance between humor and social issues. After a single season, it was canceled, leaving behind a brief legacy of courage and ambition. Interestingly, Karen’s character resonated with the youth of its time, capturing the spirit of change and activism that defined the era. It stands as a bold experiment in storytelling.

7. When Things Were Rotten (1975)

When Things Were Rotten was Mel Brooks’ hilarious take on the Robin Hood legend, offering a delightful parody filled with wit and satire. Despite its short run of 13 episodes, it captivated those who appreciated Brooks’ humor, blending slapstick and clever wordplay. The series crafted a whimsical medieval world where absurdity reigned supreme. Though it struggled to find a broader audience, it’s remembered fondly by fans of Brooks’ comedic genius. Fun fact: This show paved the way for Brooks’ later success with ‘Robin Hood: Men in Tights,’ showcasing his enduring love for the legendary outlaw and his merry band.

8. The New Dick Van Dyke Show (1971–1974)

The New Dick Van Dyke Show saw the beloved entertainer return to television as a talk show host, once again showcasing his comedic talents. Van Dyke’s charm was undeniable, but audiences struggled to separate him from his iconic role in ‘The Dick Van Dyke Show.’ Despite three seasons of laughter and lighthearted television, the shadow of its predecessor loomed large. The show offered a mix of humor and heartfelt moments but couldn’t capture the same magic. A nostalgic reminder of Van Dyke’s versatility, it remains a testament to his enduring appeal in television history.

9. Roll Out (1973–1974)

Roll Out, set during World War II, focused on African American soldiers in a supply unit in France. The show aimed to blend humor with historical context, following the soldiers’ daily lives and camaraderie. However, it struggled to find its footing against more established series and was short-lived. The premise drew inspiration from M*A*S*H, but it couldn’t replicate the same balance of humor and seriousness. With its unique setting and diverse cast, Roll Out offered a fresh perspective on wartime stories but remains a lesser-known piece of television history. Its ambition was notable, even if short-lived.

10. The Girl with Something Extra (1973–1974)

The Girl with Something Extra starred Sally Field as a young woman navigating marriage with the added twist of ESP. This supernatural element brought unique challenges and humorous scenarios to the forefront. Despite Field’s charismatic performance, the show struggled to maintain interest beyond its intriguing premise. The narrative offered a playful exploration of relationships, blending everyday life with the extraordinary. Canceled after one season, it stands as an interesting curiosity in Field’s illustrious career. Did you know? This show was among the early attempts to incorporate supernatural elements into sitcoms, paving the way for future genre blends.

11. Apple’s Way (1974–1975)

Apple’s Way, created by Earl Hamner Jr., depicted a family’s transition from city life to a rural existence on a farm. It aimed to capture the heartwarming challenges and joys of adapting to a new lifestyle. Despite its wholesome premise, it struggled to connect with audiences accustomed to more conventional sitcom formats. The series offered a gentle portrayal of family bonds and rural life, yet it was short-lived. Interestingly, Hamner later found success with ‘The Waltons,’ another family-centric show. Apple’s Way remains a quaint reminder of simpler times, echoing themes of change and resilience.

12. Phyllis (1975–1977)

Phyllis, a spin-off of ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show,’ starred Cloris Leachman reprising her role as the endearing yet eccentric Phyllis Lindstrom. Set in San Francisco, the show followed her attempts to start anew after her husband’s death. Leachman’s comedic flair brought life to Phyllis’ new adventures. However, it struggled to maintain the charm and wit of its predecessor. Despite two seasons, it couldn’t capture the same audience loyalty. A quirky fact: Phyllis’ character development showcased Leachman’s versatility, earning her accolades even as the show struggled. It’s a reminder of the spin-off trend in ’70s TV culture.

13. On the Rocks (1975–1976)

On the Rocks, based on a British sitcom, explored the lives of inmates in a minimum-security prison. It sought to find humor in unlikely places, crafting a narrative around camaraderie and mischief behind bars. The show aimed to offer comedic relief through its diverse ensemble of characters, each with unique quirks and stories. Despite its innovative premise, it struggled to find an audience, leading to its cancellation after one season. A fun fact: The show’s blend of humor and prison life was ahead of its time, foreshadowing later successes in similar themes. It remains a curious chapter in sitcom history.