10 Iconic Television Events of the 1970s: The Events That Changed Your Viewing

Introduction

The 1970s was a decade that revolutionized television, bringing forth a wave of groundbreaking shows and unforgettable moments that changed the way we view and experience television. From the birth of iconic sitcoms to the emergence of news events that captivated the nation, let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit ten of the most significant television events of the 1970s.

10 Iconic Television events of the 1970’s

• 1970: All in the Family premieres

• 1971: M*A*S*H premieres

• 1972: Saturday Night Live premieres

• 1973: The Mary Tyler Moore Show premieres

• 1974: Happy Days premieres

• 1975: Laverne & Shirley premieres

• 1976: Roots airs as a miniseries

• 1977: Star Wars airs as a television special

• 1978: Alice premieres

• 1979: Taxi premieres

1970: All in the Family premieres

All in the Family, an American sitcom that premiered on CBS on January 12, 1971, is widely regarded as one of the most influential and groundbreaking television shows of all time. The show tackled controversial social and political issues, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia.

Created by Norman Lear, the show’s main character, Archie Bunker, was a bigoted and outspoken working-class man whose views were often at odds with those of his liberal daughter-in-law, Edith. The show was a ratings success and ran for nine seasons and is one of the most influential sitcoms of all time. The show won 22 Emmy Awards. It also spawned several spin-offs, including The Jeffersons and Maude.

All in the Family is credited with revolutionizing television comedy by breaking away from traditional sitcom formulas and addressing social issues such as racism, sexism, and homophobia. The show's impact on television and American culture is undeniable, and it continues to be relevant today, sparking discussions about race, gender, and politics.

1971: M*A*S*H premieres

"MAS*H" premiered on CBS on September 17, 1972. The show was a comedy-drama about a group of doctors and nurses who worked in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War. The show was based on the 1968 novel of the same name by Richard Hooker and was known for its dark humour and its realistic portrayal of the horrors of war.

At the heart of M*A*S*H were its unforgettable characters, each etched with their own distinct personalities and struggles. Captain Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce (Alan Alda), the irreverent and quick-witted surgeon, served as the show's moral compass, challenging authority, and fighting for the dignity of his patients. His counterpart, Captain "Trapper" John McIntyre (Wayne Rogers), provided a counterpoint to Hawkeye's mischievousness with his own brand of charm and compassion.

The show was a ratings success and ran for eleven seasons and winning 16 Emmy Awards.

MAS*H is considered one of the greatest television shows of all time, and its impact on popular culture is immense. The show's exploration of themes such as war, friendship, and the human spirit continues to resonate with audiences today.

1972: Saturday Night Live premieres

"Saturday Night Live" premiered on NBC on October 11, 1975. The show was a live sketch comedy show that featured a cast of young comedians who performed original material. The show was a critical and commercial success and has been running ever since. It is one of the most influential sketch comedy shows of all time.

1973: The Mary Tyler Moore Show premieres

"The Mary Tyler Moore Show" premiered on CBS on September 19, 1973. The show was a sitcom about a woman who moves to Minneapolis to start her own news career. The show ran for seven seasons.

1974: Happy Days premieres

"Happy Days" premiered on ABC on January 15, 1974. The show was a sitcom about a group of teenagers who lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1950s. The show ran for 11 seasons.

1975: Laverne & Shirley premieres

"Laverne & Shirley" premiered on ABC on January 26, 1976. The show was a spinoff of "Happy Days" and was about two single women who lived together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1950s. The show ran for eight seasons.

1976: Roots airs as a miniseries

"Roots" aired on ABC from January 23 to February 29, 1977. The miniseries was a historical drama about a family of African Americans who were enslaved in the United States. The miniseries was a critical and commercial success and won nine Primetime Emmy Awards.

1977: Star Wars airs as a television special

"Star Wars" aired on CBS on November 17, 1978. The television special was a two-hour adaptation of the 1977 film of the same name. The special was a ratings success and helped to introduce the Star Wars franchise to a wider audience.

1978: Alice premieres

"Alice" premiered on CBS on October 14, 1979. The show was a sitcom about a widow who opens a diner in Phoenix, Arizona. The show ran for nine seasons. This heartwarming comedy, inspired by the 1974 film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," revolved around Alice Hyatt, a resilient widow determined to rebuild her life and pursue her dreams.

1979: Taxi premieres

"Taxi" premiered on ABC on September 12, 1978. The show was a sitcom about a group of taxi drivers who worked in New York City. At the heart of "Taxi" was the Sunshine Cab Company, a rundown taxi garage located in the heart of Manhattan. Here, a motley crew of drivers, each with their own unique quirks and personalities, came together to share stories, commiserate over their experiences, and navigate the chaotic world of New York City taxi driving. Beyond its entertainment value, "Taxi" captured the essence of New York City, portraying its vibrant energy, diverse tapestry of characters, and the unique challenges and opportunities that the city presented.

Conclusion

The 1970s was a decade filled with iconic television events that shaped the way we view and experience television today. From groundbreaking comedy shows to live coverage of historic events, television in the 1970s pushed boundaries, sparked important conversations, and united viewers across the nation. These ten events represent just a fraction of the transformative moments that made the 1970s a golden age of television.