The 1970s were a revolutionary era for American television, a time when creators dared to challenge the boundaries of content restrictions and traditional storytelling. It was a decade that birthed iconic shows, some of which have stood the test of time, while others have faded into obscurity. Today, we delve into the forgotten gems of the '70s, those shows that once captivated audiences but have since slipped from popular memory. Prepare to rediscover some legendary television moments!
7. Mrs. Columbo: A Spin-Off's Struggle
Mrs. Columbo, a spin-off of the beloved crime series Columbo, focused on the anonymous wife of Lt. Columbo, known as Kate in this series. Starring Kate Mulgrew, the show followed Kate's investigative skills as a news reporter and her journey as a single mother. Despite its connection to the popular Columbo, Mrs. Columbo struggled to find its footing. Even a name change couldn't save it, and the show was canceled after a brief run. However, it remains a nostalgic piece of '70s television, and Mulgrew's later success in Star Trek: Voyager keeps its memory alive.
6. Barnaby Jones: A Detective's Journey
Developed by Edward Hume, Barnaby Jones starred Buddy Ebsen as the titular detective. It was a direct spin-off of Cannon, and it followed Barnaby's return to work after his son's death. With his widowed daughter-in-law, Betty, by his side, they reopened their detective agency and solved intriguing cases in Los Angeles. Barnaby Jones ran for eight seasons and gained popularity for its compelling mysteries and Ebsen's portrayal of a mature detective. While it may not have reached the same level of fame as Columbo or Kojak, it explored nuanced character arcs and left its mark on television history.
5. Adam-12: A Police Drama's Legacy
Following the success of Dragnet, Jack Webb created Adam-12, a police procedural drama. The show followed veteran officer Pete Malloy and his rookie partner, Jim Reed, as they patrolled the streets of LA. With the cooperation of real LAPD officers, the series aimed for authenticity in its portrayal of police work. Adam-12 became a cultural touchstone, running alongside Dragnet and Emergency!, but it has since been overshadowed by its predecessor.
4. Space Academy: A Sci-Fi Adventure
Created by Allen Ducovny, Space Academy was a sci-fi series set on an asteroid academy. It gathered young, talented individuals from across the galaxy to hone their skills. Despite its low-budget production and Saturday morning slot, Space Academy capitalized on the late '70s sci-fi boom. It offered a simple, family-friendly adventure with moral lessons, appealing to a niche audience. While it may have been forgotten over time, it was quite popular during its run, capturing the imagination of kids and adults alike.
3. The Flip Wilson Show: Breaking Barriers
Starring and created by actor-comedian Flip Wilson, this NBC variety show featured Wilson's diverse characters and sketches. It was one of the last successful variety shows of the '70s and broke new ground by featuring an African American host. Wilson's sassy Geraldine Jones and materialistic Reverend Leroy became iconic characters. The show won Emmys and a Golden Globe for Wilson, and it inspired the format of Saturday Night Live. Though forgotten today, it was a massive success during its run, becoming the nation's top-rated show.
2. The Streets of San Francisco: A Crime Drama's Legacy
Before his Oscar-winning career, Michael Douglas starred in this crime drama series based on Carolyn Weston's novel. Developed by Edward Hume, it followed a homicide detective duo, Mike and his younger partner Steve (Douglas), as they navigated complex cases and developed a father-son dynamic. The series gained popularity for the terrific chemistry between Douglas and Karl Malden. It ran for five seasons, with increasing viewership, but has since been mostly forgotten.
1. Here's Lucy: Lucille Ball's Iconic Sitcom
Created by Bob O'Brien and Milt Josefsberg, Here's Lucy starred Lucille Ball as Lucy Hinkley Carter, a widow working at an employment agency and raising her teenage children. Unlike most sitcoms of its time, it was filmed with a live audience, a technique popularized by I Love Lucy. Here's Lucy ran for six successful seasons but never reached the iconic status of I Love Lucy. However, it solidified Ball's star power and influenced countless comedy shows that followed.
These shows, though forgotten by many, played a significant role in shaping television as we know it. So, let's celebrate these hidden gems and the impact they had on the small screen!
