12 Sitcoms from the 1970s that Barely Anyone Remembers

The 1970s was a golden era for television, with groundbreaking sitcoms setting the stage for decades of humor to come. Yet, nestled in the archives of TV history are a handful of gems that have slipped through the cracks of popular memory.

These shows, filled with laughter, eccentric characters, and quirky plots, were, for various reasons, overshadowed by their more successful contemporaries.

Let’s embark on a nostalgic journey to rediscover 12 sitcoms from the 1970s that are rarely mentioned today, but nonetheless hold a special charm and uniqueness worth reminiscing about.

1. Dusty’s Trail

In the era of trailblazing television, “Dusty’s Trail” attempted to leave its mark by combining elements of comedy and the Old West.

Starring Bob Denver as Dusty, a clumsy yet lovable goofball, this sitcom tried to ride on the success of its predecessor, “Gilligan’s Island.” The show followed a wagon train’s misadventures as it got lost in the wilderness.

Despite its unique premise, it struggled to find footing and was overshadowed by more prominently featured Westerns. Its charmingly chaotic cast of characters, however, still manages to evoke a nostalgic chuckle from those who remember it.

2. The Good Life

“The Good Life” brought to the screen a humorous take on the growing back-to-the-land movement of the 70s. The show revolved around a couple who decided to drop out of the rat race and live self-sufficiently in their suburban home. This quirky premise provided a comedic reflection on society’s shift towards simplicity and environmental consciousness.

Despite its clever humor and relatable storyline, “The Good Life” didn’t capture a lasting audience, overshadowed by bigger sitcom juggernauts. Still, its exploration of the joys and trials of self-sufficiency resonates with the sustainability movements today.

3. Lotsa Luck

“Lotsa Luck” offered a delightful glimpse into the life of Stanley Belmont, a hapless but endearing man working in a New York City lost-and-found department. The show starred Dom DeLuise, whose comedic timing and charisma brought Stanley’s everyday challenges to life.

While the sitcom offered plenty of laughs and heartwarming moments, it struggled to stand out in a crowded TV landscape, leading to its short run.

Despite this, Dom DeLuise’s portrayal ensured that “Lotsa Luck” left a fond, albeit faint, imprint on the era’s sitcom offerings.

4. Me and the Chimp

Animal hijinks took center stage in “Me and the Chimp,” a sitcom that turned the idea of a traditional family upside down by adding a chimpanzee to the mix. Starring Ted Bessell as the harried dentist trying to manage both his practice and the antics of his family’s furry friend, the show was a whirlwind of slapstick and chaos.

Unfortunately, despite its zany charm, the concept didn’t resonate with audiences long-term, leading to its quick cancellation.

However, it remains a curious piece of TV history, reflecting the era’s experimentation with unconventional family dynamics.

5. The Texas Wheelers

Set against the backdrop of rural Texas, “The Texas Wheelers” followed the lives of a quirky family led by their cantankerous but lovable father. The show was a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, exploring family bonds and the challenges of rural life.

While it featured a talented cast, including a young Gary Busey, and received critical acclaim for its storytelling, it struggled to find a large audience.

Its short-lived run didn’t diminish its charm, and for those who watched, it remains a beloved, albeit obscure, TV treasure from the 70s.

6. Calucci’s Department

“Calucci’s Department” took viewers inside the world of a government unemployment office, where humor arose from the daily grind and bureaucratic quirks.

Starring James Coco as Joe Calucci, the show highlighted the absurdities and challenges faced by the office staff.

Despite its witty take on the workplace and the relatable humor, it didn’t manage to keep a strong viewer base, leading to its brief stint on air.

However, for those who appreciated office comedies, “Calucci’s Department” remains a hidden gem that provided an amusing look at the human side of government work.

7. Doc

“Doc” offered a heartwarming comedic take on the life of a general practitioner in a small town. The show starred Barnard Hughes as Dr. Joe Bogert, whose gentle approach and humorous interactions with patients formed the core of this charming sitcom.

Though “Doc” had all the elements of a comforting show, it struggled to compete with more dynamic and edgy programs of the time.

Yet, its warmth and focus on community relationships provided a soothing escape, making it a fondly remembered, though largely forgotten, slice of television history.

8. The New Dick Van Dyke Show

Despite the star power behind it, “The New Dick Van Dyke Show” often gets lost in the shadow of its predecessor. Starring the iconic Dick Van Dyke, it followed the life of a TV talk show host juggling the demands of his career and family.

Though it had moments of brilliance and the same charming humor characteristic of Van Dyke’s work, it didn’t quite capture the same magic as his earlier show.

Still, it stands as a testament to the actor’s enduring appeal and comedic talent, offering a charming slice of his career in the 70s.

9. The Paul Lynde Show

“The Paul Lynde Show” brought a unique twist to the family sitcom genre with its titular star’s trademark sarcasm and wit. Paul Lynde played a father navigating the ups and downs of suburban life with his sharp tongue and comedic timing.

Despite his popularity and the show’s clever writing, it never reached the level of success expected, resulting in a brief run. However, for fans of Lynde’s distinct humor, the show is a nostalgic reminder of his comedic genius and contribution to 70s television.

10. Temperatures Rising

“Temperatures Rising” provided a comedic glimpse into the workings of a hospital, blending medical drama with slapstick humor. The show, starring Cleavon Little as Dr. Jerry Noland, focused on the staff’s interactions and the absurd situations they encountered.

Though it underwent several format changes and struggled to find a consistent tone, it offered a unique comedic take on hospital life.

Its attempt to balance humor and drama left it in a precarious position, and it faded into obscurity, but not without leaving a quirky footprint on 70s television comedy.

11. On the Rocks

In an unconventional twist for the sitcom genre, “On the Rocks” took place in a prison, turning the typical family comedy on its head. The show explored the humorous side of life behind bars, focusing on the interactions between inmates.

Despite its unique setting and potential for engaging storylines, it struggled with viewership and was short-lived. However, its attempt to bring humor to an atypical setting stands as a noteworthy experiment in television history, offering a different perspective on comedy and camaraderie among unconventional characters.

12. The Ropers

A spin-off from the hit show “Three’s Company,” “The Ropers” followed the antics of the landlord couple, Mr. and Mrs. Roper, as they navigated life in an upscale apartment complex. The show aimed to capitalize on the popularity of its parent series.

While it didn’t achieve the same success as “Three’s Company,” its quirky humor and the charming chemistry of its leads provided memorable moments.

It serves as a reminder of the era’s penchant for spin-offs and the challenges of creating a standalone success from an established hit.