Can You ID These '70s TV Shows?

By: Lauren Lubas
Estimated Completion Time
4 min
Can You ID These '70s TV Shows?
Image: ABC

About This Quiz

From cutting edge action shows to envelope-pushing comedies, the 1970s gave us some of the most groundbreaking television to date. They tackled topics like racism, gender stereotypes and social inequality in an unapologetic way that made people pay attention. It's bizarre to think that these shows were made for entertainment and actually changed people's minds on social and political issues. 

However, what really makes 1970s television so unique is the fact that it is so memorable. Who could forget Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker? Or Farrah Fawcett's Jill Munroe? Not only did we love watching these characters in our living rooms every week, but we also were enthralled by their storylines. The television writing of the decade did have some formulaic elements, but that is what we loved so much about it. It was all about the dialog and the way the characters were portrayed. We simply couldn't get enough. 

If you know that feeling, you may find that you do very well on this quiz. We found 40 shows from the '70s, and we want to see if you can name them all. This quiz is all about the wild hair and the wild clothes, so if you're ready for some crazy nostalgia, get started now.

M*A*S*H*
CBS
This is one of the most popular shows of the 1970s. Can you name it?
"Charlie's Angles"
"The Six Million Dollar Man"
"M*A*S*H*"
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The 1970s made light of a lot of topics that wouldn't be considered comedies these days. However, "M*A*S*H*" was the kind of show that got to the heart of the matter while it made people laugh. It was way ahead of its time.

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Three's Company
ABC
What is this show about a man who lives with two women?
"Three's Company"
"The Brady Bunch"
"Mork & Mindy"
"Good Times"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Society had changed a lot from 1960 to 1970, and suddenly, it wasn't all too weird that a single man was living with two single women. "Three's Company" showed us that it was totally cool for members of the opposite sex to coexist.

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The Jeffersons
CBS
They moved on up ... what show were they on?
"The Jeffersons"
"Good Times"
"Laverne & Shirley"
"All In The Family"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"The Jeffersons" was a spinoff from "All In The Family" that showed a married couple living the good life. Though George could be rude sometimes, he did make some hilarious television moments.

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Kojak
CBS
Can you name this lollipop-loving detective's show?
"The Six Million Dollar Man"
"Kojak"
"The Bionic Woman"
"CHiPs"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You might still be able to hear him say, "Who loves ya, baby?" And we wouldn't hold that against you. He was bald and cool, and he bent the rules of the New York Police Department to his will.

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Taxi
ABC / NBC
What is the name of this comedy?
"Maude"
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
"Taxi"
"The Waltons"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Taxi" is the kind of show that we all love to look back on. We can't help but point out some major players on the comedy scene before (and after) they hit it big. This show is full of gems and nostalgia for sure.

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Welcome Back, Kotter
ABC
Do you recognize this show starring John Travolta from the '70s?
"Maude"
"The Partridge Family"
"Welcome Back, Kotter"
"Dallas"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Vinnie Barbarino (played by John Travolta) and his wildly perfect '70s hair brought audiences back to this show, but the comedy was smart and genuine. It was about a group of misfits and their misfit teacher.

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The Waltons
CBS
This TV family was awesome to watch. Who are they?
"The Brady Bunch"
"The Partridge Family"
"The Hogan Family"
"The Waltons"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This show was deep and dramatic and showed us a wholesome side to living during the depression. The eldest Walton child even goes on to college, serves in the war and takes on a career as a novelist.

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Fantasy Island
ABC
Which '70s show was set on a remote tropical island?
"Fantasy Island"
"The Odd Couple"
"The Dukes of Hazard"
"The Rockford Files"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Da Plane! Da Plane!" says Tattoo as guests arrive to Fantasy Island. It's a magical place where all of your dreams come trues (but some of them will turn into nightmares, if you're not careful).

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The Muppet Show
ITV (UK) / First-run syndication (US)
Do you remember this children's show from the 1970s?
"Sesame Street"
"The Muppet Show"
"Bewitched"
"The Carol Burnett Show"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Jim Henson was an artistic genius with an imagination that brought piles of garbage and fur to life (complete with personalities all their own). "The Muppet Show" gave children the ability to see even more of these little monsters.

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Dallas
CBS
Which television drama had people constantly coming back for more?
"Barney Miller"
"The Bionic Woman"
"Dallas"
"Adam-12"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Beginning in 1978, "Dallas" graced our screens as the saga of a rich family who owned oil wells in Texas. Backstabbing, lust, greed and a whole lot of incest brought drama to this show every week.

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Gunsmoke
CBS
Can you name this western from the 1970s?
"Bonanza"
"Wonder Woman"
"Emergency"
"Gunsmoke"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

For 20 seasons, fans watched "Gunsmoke" evolve with television. The show ended in 1975, giving it half of the decade to develop its characters even further. The show is about a marshal trying to keep the law in Dodge City, Kansas.

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Barney Miller
ABC
What is the name of this police sitcom?
"Adam-12"
"The Rockford Files"
"Barney Miller"
"Eight Is Enough"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Captain Barney Miller and his officers at the 12th Precinct station in Greenwich Village take this show to the next level. Though we only got eight seasons of the show, people loved tuning in every week.

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Charlie's Angels
ABC
This show was all about girl power. What was it called?
Laverne & Shirley"
"Charlie's Angels"
"Bewitched"
"Alice"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What happens when women do the tough work? "Charlie's Angels" happens. This show was so wildly popular as beautiful women fought crime and solved mysteries. It even had a movie reboot in the 1990s.

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the carol burnett show
CBS
Do you remember the name of this variety show from the '70s?
"The Carol Burnett Show"
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
"WKRP in Cincinnati"
"The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

This show was packed with hilarious comedians, including Harvey Korman and Vicki Lawrence. The variety series ran for eleven seasons and showed that women had significant power in the comedy ring.

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The Dukes of Hazzard
CBS
In which show do two cousins constantly get in trouble with the law?
"The Odd Couple"
"The Dukes of Hazard"
"Dallas"
"Alice"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

While they always meant well, this set of cousins (Bo and Luke Duke) tended to get in trouble with the law quite often. However, they did drive a pretty awesome car with welded doors.

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WKRP In Cincinnati
CBS
This show is all about the behind the scenes action of a radio station. What is it called?
"Taxi"
"Laverne & Shirley"
"WKRP In Cincinnati"
"Columbo"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People love to see what happens in worlds that they haven't touched yet. This is what made "WKRP In Cincinnati" such a big hit and such a memorable show. It starts out with a radio station changing from older, slower music to more contemporary work.

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Hawaii Five-O
CBS
Can you name this show that is set in paradise?
"Miami Vice"
"The Rockford Files"
"Hawaii Five-O"
"Sesame Street"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

From 1968 to 1980, fans were able to watch "Hawaii Five-O" thrive. Those who lived on the mainland loved seeing a slice of paradise in their detective program, and those who lived on the island loved the representation.

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Bewitched
ABC
Which show contained a whole lot of magic?
"The Bob Newhart Show"
"Bonanza"
"Wonder Woman"
"Bewitched"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

You can't help who you love, so when your new bride ends up being a witch, you work through it. That's what Darrin did anyway. This comedy was all about being happily married with some magical additions.

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Alice
CBS
This show is about a single mother. Can you name it?
"Wonder Woman"
"Columbo"
"Laverne & Shirley"
"Alice"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When a single mother heading to L.A. breaks down in Phoenix, she finds herself working at a diner to make ends meet. This sitcom lasted nine years and showed people what happens when you take a chance.

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Eight is Enough
ABC
Do you remember this sitcom about two orphans?
"Adam-12"
"Eight Is Enough"
"Diff'rent Strokes"
"Bonanza"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Arnold and Willis Jackson find themselves living in a penthouse. For eight seasons, they learn from Mr. Drummond and his family. This show takes on topics of race and gender stereotypes like no other before it.

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Sanford and Son
NBC
This show is about a junk dealer. Can you name it?
"All In The Family"
"Sanford & Son"
"Good Times"
"Three's Company"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Fred Sanford knows what it takes to make money ... or at least he tries to come up with a bunch of schemes to do so. He can be a little mean and rude, but he and his son work together to make ends meet for the family.

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Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids
CBS
This was a children's show in the '70s. Do you remember what it was called?
"Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids"
"Sesame Street"
"The Brady Bunch"
"Good Times"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

In this children's cartoon, we watch Fat Albert and his friend of young urban children learn the lessons of life. Audiences were even able to see Bill Cosby (the voice of Fat Albert) hosting the show in live-action.

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Happy Days
ABC
Can you identify this show with some very popular characters?
"Happy Days"
"Mork & Mindy"
"Welcome Back, Kotter"
"The Brady Bunch"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

If you're going to jump a shark, you don't have to come back down. We loved this show for all 11 seasons that it was on, and we still watch it in syndication, because it was fun and wholesome and perfect.

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The Six Million Dollar Man
ABC
Do you know the name of this action series?
"Wonder Woman"
"Columbo"
"Emergency"
"The Six Million Dollar Man"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When a terrible accident leaves an astronaut in bad shape, the government decides to spend some money to rebuild him. Upon his rebuild, Steve Austin has superhuman speed and super strength.

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The Love Boat
ABC
This show aired until 1990. Do you know its name?
"Sanford and Son"
"Maude"
"The Love Boat"
"Taxi"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

People loved watching "The Love Boat" (1976-90). It was a fun show that included several guest stars that were incredibly famous, like John Ritter or Kirstie Alley. These guest stars kept people coming back to watch the show each week.

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Laverne and Shirley
ABC
Which show was about two women who were complete opposites?
"Mork & Mindy"
"Laverne & Shirley"
"The Waltons"
"Three's Company"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Laverne and her friend Shirley do pretty much everything together. They live together, they work together, and they go out together. This show is all about what it was like to be a single woman in the '70s and early '80s.

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The Odd Couple
ABC
This show is about two divorced men. Can you name it?
"CHiPs"
"Dallas"
"The Dukes of Hazard"
"The Odd Couple"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

When two men who are divorced decide it is in their best interest to live with each other, they realize that having roommates is tough. They constantly bicker and fight, but in a funny way (somehow).

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The Rockford Files
NBC
Here's another show about a detective. Can you name it?
"The Rockford Files"
"Columbo"
"Adam-12"
"Kojak"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

What happens when an ex-convict turns into a private detective? Well, he has connections that no other detective has. Though we later learn that Jim Rockford didn't actually commit the crime he was accused of, it didn't stop him from succeeding.

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Starsky & Hutch
ABC
Do you remember this show about a crime fighting team?
"The Odd Couple"
"Starsky & Hutch"
"Bonanza"
"The Dukes of Hazard"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Street smarts and book smarts team up in this detective show. Though the show only lasted four seasons, it had such an impact on audiences that there are countless cultural references to it and a movie reboot was even made.

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All in the Family
CBS
What is the name of this show about an angry old man?
"Charlie's Angels"
"Three's Company"
"All In The Family"
"The Six Million Dollar Man"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Racism, sexism and comedy mix rather well in this sitcom from the 1970s. Not only did the show take on some of the toughest issues of the time, but it also showed the temperature of the entire country as well.

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Mork and Mindy
ABC
Robin Williams starred in which '70s sitcom?
"Mork & Mindy"
"Happy Days"
"The Jeffersons"
"M*A*S*H*"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Mork & Mindy" (1978-82) was about an alien who landed on Earth from the planet Ork. He is trying to study human behavior, and (as you may have guessed) hilarity ensues. Robin Williams and Pam Dawber are an unstoppable comic team on this show.

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Good Times
CBS
Can you name this show that was set in the projects?
"Welcome Back, Kotter"
"Good Times"
"Happy Days"
"Benson"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

A show about living in the housing projects of Chicago is called "Good Times" and for good reason. Though the living conditions were tough, the Evans family always tried to make the best of everything.

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What's Happening!!
ABC
Do you remember this show about three young kids trying to make it?
"The Brady Bunch"
"Alice"
"What's Happening!!"
"Good Times"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

There is something about three teens constantly looking to get money quickly, so when we see Raj, Dwayne and Rerun on "What's Happening!!" we realize that we see ourselves in all of them.

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The Brady Bunch
ABC
What is the name of this show about two families that come together?
"The Hogan Family"
"The Brady Bunch"
"Eight Is Enough"
"The Partridge Family"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Here's the story of a lovely lady ..." This show was memorable and well-loved by pretty much everyone. What happens when you force three young girls to live with three young boys? You'll have to watch the show to find out.

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Maude
CBS
This show was blatantly political. Do you remember what it was called?
"The Bionic Woman"
"Taxi"
"Alice"
"Maude"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Maude" was a show that was incredibly political for its time. She's outspoken; she doesn't care what you think; and her middle-class, liberal views will not be hushed by anyone. Bea Arthur demands attention and respect in this show.

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CHiPs
NBC
California Highway Patrol officers in shorts, can you name this show?
"Adam-12"
"The Mary Tyler Moore Show"
"CHiPs"
"The Waltons"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Some people watched "CHiPs" for the eye candy, and others watched it for the action. No matter what your reason was, nearly everyone who saw this show was a huge fan of the fun premise.

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Little House on the Prairie (TV series)
NBC/Hallmark Channel
It's about a family living on the frontier. Do you know what this show was called?
"Bewitched"
"The Waltons"
"The Partridge Family"
"Little House On The Prairie"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Living on the prairie wasn't always easy, but if you had your family with you, you could take on the world (or a snake, wolf or thief). This show gave us an understanding of why it's so important to have family and friends near you.

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Saturday Night live
NBC
This skit comedy show is still around today. Do you remember what it's called?
"The Carol Burnett Show"
"The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour"
"Saturday Night Live"
"Soul Train"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

"Saturday Night Live" has been around since 1975. The show has evolved quite a bit from the first few seasons and the original cast (the Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time Players) hasn't been on in a while, but we still can't stop watching.

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The Bob Newhart Show
CBS
Do you recognize this sitcom about a doctor?
"The Odd Couple"
"The Bob Newhart Show"
"Emergency"
"Adam-12"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

Though Bob Newhart did have his own variety show, "The Bob Newhart Show" from the 1970s was actually a sitcom about a doctor who had to deal with quite a bit of odd patients and funny situations.

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Columbo
ABC / NBC
What is the name of this "backwards" detective show?
"Kojak"
"Starsky & Hutch"
"Alice"
"Columbo"
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer

The thing about "Columbo" (1968-2003) is that the audience always knows who committed the crime. Somehow, the show remained interesting, as we watch Columbo interrogate criminals and find clues.

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ABC