TV Shows from the ’70s That Were Surprisingly Progressive

While we often think of the 1970s as a simpler time, many television shows of that era were surprisingly ahead of their time. From tackling social issues to challenging traditional gender roles, these groundbreaking series pushed boundaries and changed the way we think about important topics. Let’s look back at some shows that were more progressive than we might remember.

1. M*A*S*H (1972-1983)

Beyond its surface humor, M*A*S*H was a powerful anti-war statement that tackled PTSD, racism, and sexism. Through characters like Hawkeye Pierce and Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan, the show explored complex themes of mental health and gender equality. It was one of the first series to show male characters openly crying and discussing their emotions.

2. The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)

Mary Richards was television’s first never-married, career-focused female protagonist. The show addressed issues such as equal pay, workplace sexism, and women’s reproductive rights. It revolutionized the portrayal of single working women on television and paved the way for future female-led shows.

3. All in the Family (1971-1979)

Norman Lear’s groundbreaking series confronted racism, homosexuality, women’s rights, and abortion head-on. Through Archie Bunker’s bigotry and his family’s progressive views, the show sparked important national conversations about prejudice and social change. It was the first sitcom to feature the sound of a flushing toilet and discuss menopause openly.

4. Maude (1972-1978)

This All in the Family spin-off broke new ground by featuring a strong-willed, outspoken feminist protagonist. The show tackled controversial topics including abortion, mental health, and domestic violence. Maude’s famous two-part episode about her decision to have an abortion aired two months before Roe v. Wade.

5. The Jeffersons (1975-1985)

As one of the first shows featuring an upwardly mobile Black family, The Jeffersons challenged racial stereotypes and addressed discrimination. The series featured television’s first interracial married couple as regular characters and explored themes of class mobility and racial identity in America.

6. Good Times (1974-1979)

The first sitcom featuring an African American two-parent family, Good Times, addressed serious issues like poverty, racism, and inner-city life. Through the Evans family’s struggles and triumphs, the show highlighted systemic inequality while celebrating Black culture and the strength of family.

7. Soap (1977-1981)

This controversial series featured one of television’s first openly gay characters, Jodie Dallas. The show tackled topics like sexuality, mental illness, and religious hypocrisy with both humor and sensitivity. Despite initial protests, it helped normalize LGBTQ+ representation on television.

8. One Day at a Time (1975-1984)

This groundbreaking show centered on a divorced mother raising two teenage daughters alone. It addressed topics like teen sexuality, women’s independence, and the challenges of single parenthood. The series showed that families come in all forms and that divorce doesn’t mean failure.

9. Barney Miller (1975-1982)

Set in a New York City police precinct, this show portrayed cops as complex human beings rather than action heroes. It dealt with issues like racial profiling, police corruption, and LGBTQ+ rights. The diverse cast and thoughtful handling of social issues set it apart from typical police shows.

10. The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978)

Through Bob’s psychology practice, the show normalized mental health treatment and therapy. It portrayed mental health issues with respect and understanding, helping to reduce stigma. The show also featured a professional couple with an equal partnership, challenging traditional marriage roles.

11. Rhoda (1974-1978)

This Mary Tyler Moore Show spin-off broke new ground by showing its Jewish protagonist’s interfaith marriage and subsequent divorce. Rhoda’s journey from newlywed to divorcee was revolutionary for its time, showing that women could survive and thrive after marriage ended. The show dealt honestly with cultural identity and religious differences.

12. Police Woman (1974-1978)

Starring Angie Dickinson as Sergeant Pepper Anderson, this was the first successful hour-long drama series featuring a woman in the lead role. The show tackled serious issues like human trafficking, drug abuse, and workplace sexism. It inspired many women to pursue careers in law enforcement.

13. The Rockford Files (1974-1980)

Unlike typical tough-guy detectives of the era, Jim Rockford was an ex-con who preferred talking to fighting and often dealt with PTSD from his prison time. The show regularly addressed police corruption, economic inequality, and the flaws in the criminal justice system. It portrayed characters from marginalized communities with unusual depth and sympathy.

14. Alice (1976-1985)

Based on the film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” this series depicted a working-class single mother pursuing her dreams while supporting her son. The show addressed workplace harassment, economic struggles, and women’s independence. It showed the reality of life for working mothers and the importance of female friendship and solidarity.

15. Lou Grant (1977-1982)

This Mary Tyler Moore Show spin-off evolved from comedy to serious drama, tackling controversial issues such as nuclear power, media ethics, and corporate corruption. The show addressed mental illness, aging, and LGBTQ+ rights with remarkable sensitivity for its time. It showed that television could be both entertaining and socially conscious.