10 Cheesy ’70s Variety Shows Nobody Remembers Fondly

The 1970s gave us plenty of variety shows, but not all of them were hits. Some felt over-the-top, while others struggled to keep an audience entertained. Packed with awkward skits, forced jokes, and strange musical acts, here are 10 variety shows from the ’70s no one looks back on fondly.

1. The Brady Bunch Hour

When the Brady family turned into a song-and-dance group, things got weird. The once-beloved sitcom characters tried to keep up with flashy numbers and overproduced performances.

Viewers didn’t buy it. Instead of nostalgic charm, it felt uncomfortable and forced. Even the actors seemed unsure of their sudden musical careers.

2. The Starland Vocal Band Show

The Starland Vocal Band hit it big with their single “Afternoon Delight,” but their variety show didn’t hit the same mark. It featured musical performances mixed with awkward comedy sketches.

Despite their catchy song, the group lacked enough content to keep audiences entertained. The show ended almost as quickly as it started.

3. Pink Lady and Jeff

This show paired Japanese pop duo Pink Lady with comedian Jeff Altman. The language barrier made things uncomfortable, as Pink Lady often performed in English without fully understanding it.

The forced comedy and musical numbers were disjointed. Viewers struggled to connect with the unusual mix, and the show disappeared quickly.

4. The Paul Lynde Halloween Special

Paul Lynde’s Halloween-themed variety show was packed with bizarre guests, odd humor, and awkward musical moments. While Lynde’s comedy shined in small doses, here it felt stretched thin.

Even appearances from KISS and other stars couldn’t save the show. It became a confusing mix of camp and cringe.

5. The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show

The Hudson Brothers tried to bring laughs, music, and skits to Saturday mornings. Unfortunately, their humor didn’t resonate, and their material often felt repetitive.

Although aimed at kids, it lacked the charm of other shows from the time. It became yet another variety program that faded fast.

6. The Captain and Tennille Show

The duo behind hits like “Love Will Keep Us Together” decided to jump into variety television. Despite their musical talent, their show relied on corny jokes and awkward skits.

The lighthearted attempts at comedy overshadowed their songs. Audiences quickly lost interest, and the show failed to make a lasting impression.

7. Donny & Marie

While Donny and Marie Osmond were beloved by fans, their variety show felt overly cheesy. The siblings’ attempts at comedy fell flat, and the musical performances didn’t always land.

The show leaned heavily on their wholesome image, but it didn’t age well. Even loyal fans admit it hasn’t stood the test of time.

8. Tony Orlando and Dawn

Tony Orlando and Dawn’s variety show brought music and comedy together, but the skits often felt too silly to work. The show struggled to balance their performances with entertaining content.

Although they had hits, the comedy felt forced and stale. By the end, it was clear the format didn’t suit their strengths.

9. The Johnny Cash Show

Even Johnny Cash couldn’t make the variety format work. His show mixed country music with awkward comedy skits and guest performances that didn’t always fit the tone.

While Cash’s music was strong, the rest of the show felt out of place. It left viewers wondering why the legendary singer needed the extra fluff.

10. The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour

Sonny and Cher found success in music, but their variety show often missed the mark. The comedy sketches felt stale, and the banter between the duo seemed forced.

Even the flashy costumes couldn’t distract from the weak material. As the show went on, the charm wore off, and audiences moved on.