Can You Name These 1970s TV Families?

By: E-maginne Grant
Estimated Completion Time
6 min
Can You Name These 1970s TV Families?
Image: NBC/ABC

About This Quiz

Were you a Marcia or a Jan? Maybe you were the Fonz or J.J. Evans. No matter who you identified with, we all love those famous TV families. If you're someone who still quotes phrases like "dyn-o-mite" and "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" this quiz is for you! 

Answer these questions to find out which 1970s TV shows were reboots or spinoffs of others. A lot of neighbors and families branched out and formed their own shows. For example, did you know "The Jeffersons" is a spinoff of "All in the Family"? "All in the Family" is still referenced in pop culture today, in TV shows like "Family Guy" and "South Park." 

Take this quiz to find out more interesting facts and take a trip down memory lane. After taking this quiz, you will want to scan your TV channel guide to catch these classic reruns. You'll be surprised to find out how many are still in syndication. Whether you're a "Brady Bunch" fan or a "Jeffersons" fan, there's something for everyone in this quiz! 

Get your reminiscing brain ready and grab a cold drink. Make it to the end of the quiz to find out whether or not you're a true 1970s TV aficionado!

Sanford and Son A famous line from this TV show is "I'm coming, Elizabeth!" What TV family is this?
The Sanfords
"Sanford and Son" aired for six seasons on NBC. It starred the famous comedian Redd Foxx. The show was named after his legal surname, Sanford. The main character, Fred Sanford, was named after his brother, Fred, who died before the show aired.
The Sandals
The Junkyards
The Stallys

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Julia - The Bakers If you're a fan of the beautiful Diahann Carroll, then you've probably seen this sitcom. She played a single mom with an adorable little boy. Can you name this family?
The Prouds
The Julias
The Fakers
The Bakers
"Julia" was a groundbreaking sitcom on NBC! The show later won the TV Land Groundbreaking Show Award in 2003. The show was notable for showing a single African American mother, which was a new TV topic in the '70s.

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The Ingalls Little House on the Prarie This hit NBC TV show was set in the late 1800s, and the opening credits featured the parents in a covered wagon. Who is this family?
The Hills
The Ingalls
"Little House on the Prairie" was based on the "Little House" book series, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. It ran for nine seasons and won four Emmy awards. The show is still in syndication today.
The Wagons
The Housings

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Dallas Ewings The feuding family on this TV show owned a lucrative oil company and lived on Southfork Ranch. Will you guess the right surname?
The Houstons
The Dallases
The Ewings
For 14 seasons, "Dallas" rocked primetime television. In fact, season 4, episode 4, "Who Done It," which aired on November 4, 1980, remains one of the highest rated primetime telecasts of all time.
The Arlingtons

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Cunnighams Happy Days The Fonz was definitely the star of this show and like a member of this family. He coined the term "Ayyyyyeee!" Who are these cool cats?
The Cunningham family
Garry Marshall, the show's creator, initially wanted to name the show "COOL," in all caps. He changed his mind when test audiences thought the show "COOL" involved smoking. Thank you, 1970s test audience!
The Colt family
The Albert family
The Happy family

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That's my Mama Curtis family The Curtises were a family full of laughs and haircuts. Do you remember the title of this TV show?
"That's My Aunt"
"That's My Dad"
"That's My Mama"
Although this show only lasted two seasons, with 39 episodes, it inspired writer Dan Bradley to try a sequel in 1986 called "That's My Mama Now." Unfortunately, it never quite took off.
"That's My Brother"

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Good Times - The Evans family "Dynomite!" This word drove the father of this family crazy. Can you tell us who they are?
The Joneses
The Evanses
"Good Times" produced a lot of stars. The pop legend Janet Jackson played Penny, the next door neighbor. John Amos, who played the father, went on to play Kunta Kinte in the epic miniseries "Roots."
The Welberts
The Goods

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The Partridge Family The opening of this TV show featured an egg cracking, with a special bird coming out. The bird is also the family name. Who is this birdie family?
The Sunshine family
The Band family
The Robin family
The Partridge family
"The Partridge Family" was considered a musical sitcom. They had several notable guests, including Richard Pryor, Dick Clark and Farrah Fawcett. Ronald Reagan's daughter, Maureen, appeared in season 4, episode 20.

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All in the Family Bunkers Two words: "Oh, Archie!" Need we say more? What TV family does this catchphrase belong to?
The Bronsons
The Archies
The Bunkers
The beginning of the opening theme song for Seth McFarland's TV show "Family Guy" mimics the opening of "All in the Family." This controversial yet hilarious sitcom aired for nine seasons.
The Family

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The Waltons Staged during the Great Depression, this family's story was told by the eldest son, John Boy. Can you name this family?
The Waltons
Earl Hamner Jr., the creator of the show, wrote a movie in 1971 titled "The Homecoming: A Christmas Story," which featured the Walton family. One year later, "The Waltons" TV show was created.
The Spencers
The Oltons
The Bakers

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Angie A typical Cinderella story: a rich man falls in love with a poor waitress and marries her. What TV show does this newlywed couple belong to?
"Caren"
"Angie"
"Angie" initially found success during its first season, but ratings dropped in the second season. The show was canceled after the second season. After marriage, title character Angie kept working in the coffee shop where she had met her future husband, but as the owner instead of an employee.
"Kim"
"Stacey"

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The Jeffersons This family moved on up to the East Side. In fact, they moved to a deluxe apartment in the sky. Can you name the family that moved on up?
The Richmonds
The Jones
The Petersons
The Jeffersons
"The Jeffersons" was a successful spinoff of "All in the Family." George and Louise Jefferson appeared as the neighbors of the Bunkers on the show several times. The spinoff was such a success, it lasted for 11 seasons!

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The Dukes of Hazzard These troublemaking cousins had a lot of car chases in their flashy red Dodge Charger! Do you know the name of their show?
"Sons of Anarchy"
"The Dukes of Hazzard"
"Dukes of Hazzard" was created shortly after the film "Moonrunners" premiered in 1975. Both were created by Gy Waldron and have similar characters and plots. The show aired 146 episodes.
"The Dukes of Charger"
"The Dukes of Sons"

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One Day at a Time Valerie Bertinelli got her start with this TV family. What could go wrong with two teenage girls, a single mother and a nosy superintendent? Can you name this show?
"Two Days at a Time"
"One Day at a Time"
The creators of the show, Whitney Blake and Allan Manings, were a husband and wife writing duo. Blake had an early career as an actress in the '50s and '60s. Manings also wrote for "Good Times."
"Try it One at a Time"
"Standard Time and Days"

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The Ropers Threes Company This middle-aged couple moved to the Upper West Side of town, but their social standards didn't move with them. Who are they?
"The Rodgers"
"The Rompers"
"The Rangers"
"The Ropers"
"The Ropers" is a spinoff of the famous TV show "Three's Company," in which Stanley Roper was a landlord. Sadly, "The Ropers" wasn't as successful as its inspiration and was canceled after two seasons.

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The Campbells Soap Soap operas are always full of drama. This soap opera featured two families — one wealthy and one blue collar. The family shown here is the latter. Can you name them?
The Mitchells
The Riches
The Campbells
The families on this TV show were fan favorites. In fact, TV Guide added both families on "Soap" to their list of "TV Top Families." The other popular TV family is revealed elsewhere in this quiz.
The Harpers

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Eight is Enough How many children are too many children? This TV family definitely tested the limits. Tell us how many is enough for this family?
"Eight Is Enough"
"Eight is Enough" is based on a book of the same name, written by Thomas Braden in 1975. Braden, an ex CIA agent and journalist, wrote the book about his own life raising eight children with his wife Joan.
"Six Is not Enough"
"Five Is Enough"
"Never Enough"

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Mrs. Columbo - Kate Loves a Mystery A popular detective show featured a wife who was never seen until she got her own spinoff as a detective. Who is the wife in this crime fighting duo?
Mr. Washington
Mr. Smith
Mrs. Columbo
The woman who may or may not have been Columbo's wife had a short-lived show with four different titles, including "Mrs. Columbo." Husband and wife detective duos have been a fascination for a long time. In fact, several popular book series have been written about sleuthing spouses, with "The Thin Man" being the most notable.
Mrs. Smith

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Maude The main character in this show was also a main character in "Golden Girls." What was her last name?
Findlay
"Maude" was a spinoff of "All in the Family." The character Maude Findlay made several appearances on the show as Edith's cousin. Bea Arthur played Maude so well that she landed her own show!
Franklin
Flanders
Fuchs

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Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman A housewife with pigtails — that's something you don't see on TV today. Who was this animated housewife?
Mary Hartman
The city that the show "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" was staged in, Fernwood, Ohio, was named after the street behind the filming studio in Los Angeles. Interestingly enough, there is a real Fernwood in Ohio, but it is not connected to the show.
Mary Spellman
Mary Lou
Mary Harry

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Soap The Tates Can you name the wealthy family from the show "Soap"?
The Millers
The Ashtons
The Tates
In 1977 the TV show "Soap" brought on a lot of controversy, with protests from several religious organizations. This was the result of an article published in Newsweek by Harry Waters, calling the show "saturated with sex."
The Bradleys

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The Willis' - The Jeffersons This interracial couple were the Jeffersons' best friends and were equally as funny. Can you pick out their name?
The Allens
The Wallaces
The Stevenses
The Willises
This interracial TV couple caused controversy, even in the '70s. The network tried to edit out their first onscreen kiss, and they often received hate mail. Nevertheless, the show prevailed through 11 seasons.

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Hart to Hart We can't get enough of these crime fighting duos. This couple consisted of a self-made millionaire and a writer. Can you guess the correct show?
"Lois and Clark"
"Hart to Hart"
The writer of the show, Sidney Sheldon, was born in 1917. At the age of 10 he sold his first poem for $10, which equals about $140 today. He also served in World World II as an Army Air Corps pilot.
"Stevens and Stevens"
"Brown and Brown"

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Tabitha When your mother is a famous witch, you are destined to be one too. What is the last name of this mother and daughter?
Cauldren
Potter
Stephens
"Tabitha" is a spinoff of "Bewitched," which featured the lovely nose twitching housewife, Samantha. Tabitha, the daughter of Samantha and Darrin Stephens, gets into all kinds of mishaps on her own show with her brother Adam.
Gorgon

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Family Feud Most shows have one or two families, but this show has had thousands of families. It all began in 1976. What could the name of this show be?
"Facts of Family"
"Friend Feud"
"Family Feud"
In 1976 this TV show has hit the ground running and hasn't stopped since. The legendary Richard Dawson was the first host, followed by Ray Combs, Louis Anderson, John O'Hurley, Steve Harvey and more.
"Family Friends"

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The Brady Bunch It's the blended family we all love! Three boys and three girls — what could go wrong? We know you can answer this one.
"The Brady Bunch"
"The Brady Bunch" is a favorite in pop culture. It led to a number of spinoffs, films and sequels — one being the very famous "The Brady Bunch Movie." Can you say "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"?
"The Albertsons"
"The Colemans"
"The Pattersons"

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Fish Five adopted kids in New York City — what could go wrong? Can you name this unusual TV family?
Cat
Dog
Cow
Fish
Although it is an unusual family dynamic, "Fish" is a spinoff of a character on the "Barney Miller" TV show. Phil Fish was the senior detective in the New York City fictional precinct.

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Arnie What happens when a loading dock worker gets promoted to an executive position overnight? This TV show, called "Arnie." What is his last name?
Olden
Nuvo
Even though this show only lasted two seasons, it highlighted the struggles of a married couple adjusting to a rags-to-riches situation. It was a unique perspective that perhaps comedy wasn't ready for. "Nuvo" is probably a pun, referring to "nouveau riche."
Young
Newman

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Jackson 5 cartoon This cartoon TV show featured a very musical family — probably the most musical family of all time! Do you know the show?
"Jackson 5ive"
Some of Michael Jackson's real life pets were added to the show as extra characters, including his pet rats Ray and Charles and his pet snake Rosey. Despite the fame of the Jackson family, the show was canceled after two seasons.
"The Washingtons"
"The Jordans"
"The Johnsons"

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Roots This miniseries tells the story of one family's journey from slavery to freedom. Do you remember the title of this miniseries?
"Trunk"
"Tree"
"Roots"
The miniseries was based on Alex Haley's novel "Roots: The Saga of an American Family." Alex Haley traced the story of his family's history, starting in Africa. The novel inspired the miniseries and sequels.
"Leaves"

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Alice Three words: "Kiss my grits!" This is a famous line often heard at Mel's Diner from sassy waitress Flo. What's the name of this show?
"Allison"
"Alice"
This sitcom was based on the film "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," which premiered in 1974. Both were created by Robert Getchell. The exterior Mel's Diner shots on the show were of an actual Mel's Diner in Phoenix.
"Blossom"
"Brittany"

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Differ'nt Strokes If you're a Gary Coleman fan, then you're already a fan of his first TV family. "Wha'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?" Where does this catchphrase belong?
"Diff'rent Strokes"
"Diff'rent Strokes" produced many stars. Alan Thicke, Robin Thicke's father, wrote and performed the theme song for the show. The famous Mrs. Garrett got a spinoff show, "The Facts of Life." And last but not least, our beloved Gary Coleman starred.
"Same Times"
"Diff'rent Times"
"Crazy Strokes"

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McMillan and Wife We just can't get enough of those husband and wife detective duos. This couple lived in San Francisco. Who could they be?
"Albert and Wife"
"Harry and Wife"
"Stanley and Wife"
"McMillan and Wife"
The most memorable actor from this show is Rock Hudson. He is the classic movie star with a career spanning from 1948 to 1985. His last appearance was as the reoccurring character Daniel Reece on "Dynasty."

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Rhoda "Rhoda" followed the adventures of Rhoda and her sister Brenda in New York City. Do you know their original last name?
Moore
Simpson
Morganstern
In 2000, a TV movie was produced, titled "Mary and Rhoda," and it featured the original Mary and Rhoda characters. It starred Mary Tyler Moore and Valerie Harper and was a huge success, but it did not spark a reboot for the series.
Harper

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The Sonny and Cher Show This comedy hour had it all — music, fashion and the famous husband and wife singing duo! Can you tell us the name of this couple's show?
"The Sonny and Cher Show"
Sonny and Cher first gained fame from their song "I Got You Babe." A few years later, "The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour" (later rebooted as "The Sonny and Cher Show") was born. Steve Martin was a writer on this show.
"The Martin and Ava Show"
"The Tom and Sophia Show"
"The Brad and Emma Show"

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Family t.v. show A beautiful home in Pasadena, a lawyer, a housewife and three kids — what could go wrong? This show was full of adventure. What is it called?
"Grandparents"
"Family"
Several future stars made appearances on this TV show — Helen Hunt, Kim Darby and Charlotte Rae, just to name a few. Many "Facts of Life" characters also made appearances. You could say they were one big happy family.
"Friends"
"Cousins"

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The New Dick Van Dyke Show Dick Van Dyke starred in more than one TV sitcom. If you know the original about the Petries, can you name the newer one about the Prestons?
"The Old Family Show"
"The New Family Show"
"The New Dick Van Dyke Show"
The show was originally filmed in Arizona, due to Van Dyke's location, but moved to Hollywood after the second season. Despite the success of the show for three seasons, it ended because Van Dyke did not renew his contract.
"The Prestons"

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Hello Larry Imagine if your dad was a radio talk show host! That was the reality for these two teenage girls. Are you able to tell us the name of this show?
"Hello, Larry"
People often assumed this show was a spinoff of "Diff'rent Strokes," since both shows were produced by the same company. In fact, they had no connection at all, besides airing back to back on primetime TV.
"Hello, Dolly"
"Hello, Danny"
"Hello, Richie"

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The Donny and Marie Show This brother and sister duo had a very entertaining variety show. Do you know their family name?
Jackson
Osmond
They once held the title of the youngest entertainers to host a variety show. Their show debuted in 1976. The duo still performs together today in Las Vegas, with their show at the Flamingo.
Kardashian
Barrymore

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Nancy and the Professor Could a psychic housekeeper get a father and his children in trouble? If you've seen this TV show, then you know the answer to that question. What is the title of the show?
"Father and the Professor"
"Mommy and the Professor"
"Nanny and the Professor"
Kim Richards, the daughter on the show, is one of the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." She started the show in 2010 and stayed for several seasons. She's also made appearances in movies and other TV shows.
"Our Neighbor the Professor"

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