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Best TV Shows: Seriously "˜70s Edition

Written by Wes Ferguson   
Thursday, 19 November 2009

Let's all cuddle up in our fashionably cozy Snuggies, pop some corn and hit the decks with TV classics. Step into the way back machine for the very best TV shows of the "˜70s and see how they've inspired today's biggest hits.

Back in the 1970s, when dinosaurs roamed the earth, cops were corny, the family dynamic demanded both parents, sitcoms took on some very serious social commentary - and the only reality shows were the news.

Regardless of whether or not it happened before most of us were born, these TV classics stand the test of time.

Charlie's Angels (1976-81): Easy to wave off as a silly T&A series, this famous trio has had a lasting impact on pop culture. As evidence, ask anyone to assume the "Angel's kick-ass pose" and see how fast it takes them to make their fingers into a gun and strike a perfect impression.

Laverne & Shirley (1976-83): They may have battled bitterly backstage, but on-camera they were one of the all-time great female comedic duos.

The Six Million Dollar Man (1974-78): The electronic sound effects left a permanent mark and popularized the cyborg trend way back when.

Good Times (1974-79): While the series was short lived, the catchphrase "Dyno-o-mite!" lives on.

Welcome Back, Kotter (1975-79): The series that spawned the career of John Travolta was a bit cheesy, but it had heart.

Sanford and Son (1972-77): Before the perfect Cosby family, there were the Sandfords.

Starsky & Hutch (1975-79): The 70s version of hot (think thick porn-staches) leading dudes busting the bag guys in style.

WKRP in Cincinnati (1978-82): A still sharply witty and silly commentary on the inner workings of the entertainment industry.

Police Woman (1974-78): Back in the day, ladies were submissive and followed their man's rules. This show broke stride with a seasoned actress taking the lead and paving the way for other female-led cop shows, like Law & Order: SVU.

Happy Days (1974-84): Thumbs up, "Heyyy" still a classic.

The Odd Couple (1970-75): Every single show about dynamically opposed characters that have to get along is based on the simple brilliance of this series.

Kung Fu (1972-75): Classic butt-kicking TV.

The Brady Bunch (1969-74): Hilariously out of touch, even for its time, it is almost impossible to site another show with longer-lasting pop culture impact. Young or old, everybody knows the Bradys.

Taxi (1978-83): Similar to The Office or 30 Rock, except set in the gritty working class world of cabbies.

Columbo (1971-78): The originator of the "catch "˜ems" in which the crime/criminal is shown first and the events leading to the case being solved play out the show's plot.

Soap (1977-81): One of the wackiest sitcoms of all time, which also featured primetime's first openly gay character. Why the issue of sexuality is still so shocking today remains a mystery, but it continues to be ratings gold.

The Muppet Show (1976-81): This variety series was actually a show-within-a-show, well before others copied the format.

The Carol Burnett Show (1967-78): Sketch comedy that even SNL can't touch.


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Wes Ferguson tunes into TV Land regularly. He's a Hollywood lifestyle blogger & published author. Follow him on Twitter @Westopher

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