Nostalgic America
10 Iconic TV Shows From The 1970s and 80s
By Bruce Berns · October 10, 2024
The 1970s and 1980s marked a golden age of storytelling, bringing us unforgettable characters, groundbreaking narratives, and cultural phenomena that continue to resonate today. From the scandalous intrigue of "Dallas" to the heartwarming tales of "The Waltons," these series shaped our collective consciousness and set the stage for modern television.
This article takes you on a nostalgic journey through ten of the most influential TV shows from this pivotal period. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Dallas
Dallas (1978–1991) is a prime-time soap opera known for its dramatic storylines centered around the wealthy, powerful Ewing family of Texas, led by patriarch Jock Ewing. The series is best remembered for its focus on oil magnate J.R. Ewing (Larry Hagman), whose scheming and ruthless behavior made him one of television’s most iconic villains. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
“Who shot J.R.?”
Even people who never watched the original run of Dallas probably know that one of the series’ major plotlines can be summed up in three simple words: “Who shot J.R.?” In the final moments of the show’s third season finale, J.R. Ewing the show’s scheming villain but also arguably its central character, was seen getting shot by an offscreen assailant.Fans had to wait until the fourth season premiere to find out if J.R. had even survived. What some might not remember – and what was key to the “Who shot J.R.?” mystery becoming a pop culture phenomenon – is that it took eight months to find out which character had pulled the trigger.The show’s cliffhanger “Who shot J.R.?” became a cultural phenomenon, sparking global interest. Dallas blended family drama with corporate intrigue and betrayal, making it one of the longest-running and most popular dramas of its time, and setting the standard for future serialized dramas. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Little House on the Prairie
Little House on the Prairie (1974–1983) is a beloved family drama based on Laura Ingalls Wilder's autobiographical books. Set in the late 19th century, it follows the lives of the Ingalls family, led by Charles (Michael Landon) and Caroline (Karen Grassle), as they navigate the challenges of pioneer life in Walnut Grove, Minnesota. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Michael Landon
The show explores themes of family, perseverance, community, and faith. Its wholesome values, heartwarming moments, and moral lessons made it a staple of American television, resonating with audiences for its depiction of simple, yet often difficult, frontier life. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
MASH
MASH (1972–1983) is a critically acclaimed dramedy set during the Korean War. It follows the lives of doctors and staff at the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. Led by the witty and irreverent Hawkeye Pierce (Alan Alda), the team balances the horrors of war with humor and camaraderie. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The MASH Cast
The show deftly blends comedy with poignant reflections on the human cost of conflict. MASH was groundbreaking for its anti-war commentary, emotional depth, and innovative use of drama in a traditionally comedic format, earning it a lasting place in television history as one of the best series ever made. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The Love Boat TV Series
The Love Boat (1977–1987) is a lighthearted romantic comedy set aboard a luxury cruise ship, the Pacific Princess. Each episode features the ship’s crew—Captain Stubing (Gavin MacLeod), cruise director Julie (Lauren Tewes), bartender Isaac (Ted Lange), and others—as they interact with various guest stars who board for vacations, often finding romance, adventure, or personal resolution during their trips. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The Pacific Princess Cruie Ship
With its rotating cast of celebrities and feel-good storylines, The Love Boat became a popular show, offering a unique combination of escapism, romance, and comedy on the high seas, becoming a staple of 1980s television. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ROOTS
Roots (1977) is a landmark American television miniseries based on Alex Haley's novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family. It chronicles the life of Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton), an African man captured and sold into slavery in America and follows his descendants over several generations. The series vividly portrays the brutal realities of slavery, family bonds, and the struggle for freedom. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
ROOTS - The Nation stopped and watched
Roots sparked national conversations on race and history, becoming a cultural phenomenon. Its profound storytelling, powerful performances, and historical significance made it one of the most influential TV events in history, earning widespread critical acclaim. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The Waltons
The Waltons (1972–1981) is a family drama set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II. It focuses on the Walton family, particularly eldest son John-Boy (Richard Thomas), who aspires to be a writer. The series emphasizes strong family values, love, and community, as the Waltons face life's challenges with resilience and faith. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Such an American Treasure
The show is known for its heartwarming portrayal of family unity and its iconic closing line, "Goodnight, John-Boy." The Waltons became a cultural touchstone, admired for its depiction of simple, hardworking American life, and continues to be cherished by generations of viewers. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
All in the Family
All in the Family (1971–1979) revolutionized television with its bold, groundbreaking take on social and political issues. The sitcom centers on Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), a working-class bigot, and his family, including liberal son-in-law Mike (Rob Reiner). Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Archie kisses Sammy davis Jr. on the set (after Sammy Kissed Archie LIVE on screen)
Through Archie’s often controversial views, the show tackled topics like racism, sexism, and generational divides with sharp humor and unflinching honesty. Creator Norman Lear used the character’s ignorance as a lens for societal change, sparking national conversations. All in the Family is celebrated for its wit, cultural impact, and ability to address difficult issues while maintaining its comedic core. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The Andy Griffith Show
The Andy Griffith Show (1960–1968) is a classic American sitcom set in the fictional town of Mayberry, North Carolina. The show follows Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith), a widower, and his young son, Opie (Ron Howard), as they navigate life’s everyday challenges with the help of quirky townsfolk. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
All the characters endeared themselves to the viewers
Deputy Barney Fife (Don Knotts) provides much of the comic relief with his bumbling antics. The show’s gentle humor, wholesome values, and nostalgic portrayal of small-town life made it a hit with audiences. It remains one of television’s most enduring and beloved shows, cherished for its warmth and timeless charm. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Happy Days
Happy Days (1974–1984) is a nostalgic sitcom set in the 1950s and early 1960s, revolving around teenager Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard), his family, and his cool, leather-jacket-wearing friend, Fonzie (Henry Winkler). Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
Fonzie's character became a pop culture icon, and his catchphrases like "Ayyy!" became legendary.
The show captures the innocence and optimism of post-war America, with storylines focusing on friendships, dating, and the ups and downs of adolescence. Happy Days was a massive hit and contributed to a resurgence of 1950s culture in the 1970s, becoming one of the defining sitcoms of its era. Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961–1966) is a pioneering sitcom that offered a witty, sophisticated take on both work and home life. It follows Rob Petrie (Dick Van Dyke), a comedy writer for a television show, as he balances his career with his family life alongside his charming wife, Laura (Mary Tyler Moore). Getty Images / Nostalgic America, Inc.