15 Forgotten TV Shows From the 70s That Deserve a Binge-Watch Comeback.

Picture this: it’s the 1970s, and television is exploding with bold ideas, wild experiments, and stories that pushed boundaries in ways we barely notice today. Yet, amid the icons like M*A*S*H or Happy Days, dozens of gems slipped away, buried under time and changing tastes. These overlooked series captured the era’s spirit – from disco fever to social upheavals – but never got the lasting spotlight they earned.

Honestly, it’s a shame because streaming makes rediscovery so easy now. Let’s uncover 15 forgotten 70s shows ready for your next binge. You might just find your new obsession.[1][2]

Holmes & Yoyo

Detective Alex Holmes keeps accidentally injuring his partners, so the precinct pairs him with Gregory “Yoyo” Yoyonovich, a bumbling android cop straight out of a sci-fi fever dream.[1] This 1976 sitcom blended police procedural antics with robotic mishaps, like Yoyo literally hopping when told to “hop to it.” It aired for just one season, but those 13 episodes packed goofy charm that echoed the era’s love for gadget-filled futurism.

Culturally, it tapped into 70s robot hype post-2001: A Space Odyssey, yet its broad humor fell flat against edgier comedies. Still, rediscover it for the rare laughs and John Schuck’s endearing performance – perfect escapism in our AI-obsessed world today. I mean, who wouldn’t want a robot buddy causing chaos?[2]

Flatbush

A gang of Brooklyn high school grads wanders the streets chasing thrills, love, and vague dreams in this short-lived 1979 comedy.[1] Think greasy hair, tough talk, and endless hanging out – it captured that post-grad limbo with raw New York edge. Canceled after a month, it never found fans who warmed to its unpolished crew.

In the late 70s, amid escapist blockbusters, Flatbush offered gritty realism ahead of its time, like a TV version of Mean Streets. Today, its nostalgia hits different; binge it for authentic 70s youth vibes and a reminder that not every hero needs polish. Here’s the thing: sometimes the messiest stories stick longest.

Grady

Spin-off from Sanford and Son, this 1975 series followed widower Grady Wilson moving in with his daughter in LA, dishing family wisdom and laughs.[1] Whitman Mayo reprised his beloved role, tackling urban life with heart and humor. It premiered strong but fizzled fast, gone by 1976.

Reflecting 70s black family dynamics post-blaxploitation, it built on Sanford’s legacy but stood alone in its warmth. Rediscover for Mayo’s timeless charisma – it’s comfort TV that deserves more than dusty VHS tapes. Fans of the original will feel right at home, yet surprised by fresh stories.

Space Academy

In 3732, gifted cadets at the galaxy’s elite academy train amid interstellar adventures on a Saturday morning sci-fi kick from 1977.[1] Low-budget effects and moral lessons fueled 15 episodes of exploration and teamwork. Reruns kept it alive for kids, but adults forgot it quick.

Cultural touchstone for 70s space craze after Star Wars, it mixed education with wonder like no other. Binge now for pure retro joy – those model ships and earnest plots feel like a time capsule. It’s the kind of innocent fun streaming lacks today.

Makin’ It

Disco kid Billy Manucci juggles ice cream shop gigs and dance floor dreams in this 1979 Happy Days-meets-Saturday Night Fever sitcom.[1] David Naughton grooved through nine episodes as the beat faded. A theme song hit Billboard, but the show tanked.

Perfectly timed – or mistimed – with disco’s peak and crash, it screamed 70s excess. Rediscover for the outfits, moves, and naive charm; in our remix era, it’s hilariously prophetic. Let’s be real, that soundtrack alone warrants a spin.

Me and the Chimp

Dad Mike Reynolds adopts mischievous chimp Buttons, upending family life in this 1972 CBS flop that lasted 13 episodes.[2] Standard sitcom hijinks, chimp-style: spills, chases, and reluctant dad vibes. Chimp antics wore thin fast.

70s animal craze met family comedy, but no syndication sealed its fate. Still, it’s a quirky relic worth unearthing for absurd laughs – like early Planet of the Apes lite. Imagine explaining this to kids today; pure bewilderment gold.

Hello, Larry

Divorced radio host Larry Alder navigates dad duties and talk show drama in Portland across two messy 1979-80 seasons.[2] McLean Stevenson post-M*A*S*H tried family-sentimental mix, but tone wobbled. Reworks couldn’t save it.

Captured late-70s divorce boom and media satire, yet flopped hard. Binge for Stevenson’s charm amid the cringe – it’s a 70s artifact screaming revival. Who knows, it might inspire modern podcaster tales.

Hot l Baltimore

Residents of a seedy hotel navigate hookers, gays, and STD plots in Norman Lear’s bold 1975 experiment – 13 episodes of raw urban life.[2] Based on a play, it pushed envelopes with disclaimers galore.

70s social revolution on screen, critics loved it, ratings didn’t. Rediscover for fearless takes on taboo topics; ahead of cable grit. It’s the gritty heart TV needs more of.

Quark

Captain Adam Quark hauls space garbage on a sanitation ship, spoofing Star Trek in this sharp 1977 satire – eight cult episodes.[2] Writing zinged with sci-fi parody gold.

Late-70s space boom begged for laughs like this. Binge for witty timing that holds up – underrated gem in obscurity. Feels fresh against blockbuster fatigue.

Salvage 1

Andy Griffith leads a crew salvaging space junk for profit via homemade rocket in this 1979 adventure.[1] Two seasons, but unaired eps later surfaced. Blue-collar space race twist.

70s everyman heroism post-Apollo, forgotten fast. Worth revisiting for Griffith’s grit and DIY spirit – inspiring in our billionaire space era. Pure American ingenuity.

A Year At The Top

Two musicians pact with the devil for fame in this Faustian 1977 fantasy sitcom – axed after five eps despite killer soundtrack.[1] Paul Shaffer rocked early.

Blended music and supernatural 70s style. Rediscover for bold premise and tunes; short but sweet morality play. Sounds crazy, but hooks you.

Bearcats!

Troubleshooters roar through post-Wild West in hot rod Stutz, solving cases in 1971 action.[1] Rod Taylor starred; ratings plunged.

70s Western revival with cars – unique mashup. Binge for adrenaline and history; dusty treasure for genre fans.

Adam’s Rib

Husband-wife lawyers clash in court, with feminist fire from Blythe Danner in 1973.[1] Women’s rights focus ahead of curve.

70s gender wars TV-style. Deserves comeback for smart scripts and time capsule power. Timely even now.

Turnabout

Couple swaps bodies via magic statue, fumbling careers in 1979 – seven eps of body-swap chaos.[2]

Gender role flip in late 70s laughs. Rediscover for premise that birthed modern swaps; fun, forgotten romp.

Mrs. Columbo

Lt. Columbo’s wife Kate, a reporter mom, cracks cases in 1979 spin-off – 13 eps, renamed Kate Loves a Mystery.[1] Kate Mulgrew shone early.

Empowered woman lead in detective genre. Binge for Mulgrew magic and fresh angle; pre-Orange glory.

Why These Shows Deserve Your Time

The 1970s TV landscape birthed wild risks that mainstream hits overshadowed, but these 15 prove the decade’s depth. From robot cops to disco dreams, they mirror our chaotic era with humor and heart we crave today.

Dust off your streaming queues and dive back – you might laugh harder than expected. What forgotten gem will you resurrect first? Share below.[3][4]