The Best ’70s TV Shows You Remember Watching After School
Kicking off your Converse and slamming the door behind you after school was such a relief. Straight to the cupboard for Space Sticks, then on to pouring a glass of Tang. Homework could wait — this was prime time for catching your favorite shows, the ones everyone in the schoolyard was talking about.
From goofy families to zany adventures, these were the 15 classic TV shows in the ’70s you never wanted to miss.
1. ‘The Brady Bunch’ (1969–1974)
From “Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!” to family sing-alongs in the living room, the Bradys turned blended family chaos into feel-good fun.
2. ‘Happy Days’ (1974–1984)
Richie’s clean-cut charm, Potsie’s goofiness, and Fonzie’s “Ayyy” made this 1950s throwback the coolest show on TV. Fonz forever.
3. ‘The Partridge Family’ (1970–1974)
A mom, her kids, and a psychedelic tour bus made TV’s most colorful family band unforgettable.
4. ‘Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids’ (1972–1985)
“Hey, hey, hey!” Fat Albert and friends mixed laughs, music, and life lessons in every episode. We haven’t looked at red sweaters the same since.
5. ‘Little House on the Prairie’ (1974–1983)
Laura Ingalls and her family made prairie life heartfelt, dramatic, and impossible to look away from. Albert broke our hearts.
6. ‘Good Times’ (1974–1979)
The Evans family proved love and laughter could shine through tough times — especially with JJ’s “Dy-no-mite!”
7. ‘The Waltons’ (1972–1981)
Set on Walton’s Mountain, this warm family drama became famous for its nightly “Good night, John-Boy.”
8. ‘Land of the Lost’ (1974–1976)
Dinosaurs, Sleestaks, and time warps turned this kids adventure show into a cult classic.
9. ‘Welcome Back, Kotter’ (1975–1979)
The Sweathogs, led by wisecracking teacher Mr. Kotter, brought Brooklyn school life straight to the screen. Fun fact: My family still calls each other “sweathogs.”
10. ‘The Electric Company’ (1971–1977)
With music, skits, and a young Morgan Freeman (if you know, you know), this show made learning to read actually fun.
11. ‘Schoolhouse Rock!’ (1973–1984)
From “Conjunction Junction” to “I’m Just a Bill,” these catchy cartoons made grammar and government stick.
12. ‘What’s Happening!!’ (1976–1979)
Rerun, Dee, and Raj gave a hilarious look at teen life in Los Angeles with heart and humor.
13. ‘CHiPs’ (1977–1983)
California highways got exciting with Ponch and Jon patrolling on motorcycles in this cop drama.
14. ‘Three’s Company’ (1977–1984)
Jack Tripper’s crazy mix-ups and awkward misunderstandings made this sitcom a laugh-out-loud favorite.
15. ‘The Muppet Show’ (1976–1981)
Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, and Gonzo turned variety TV into a zany, star-studded puppet party that’s still iconic today.
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