6 ’70s TV Pilots That Flopped Immediately

The 1970s were a golden era for television, but not every show managed to strike gold. Many pilots were produced, yet only a few made it to series. Some flopped so badly that they barely left a mark, remembered only for their strange concepts or poor execution.

1. “Supertrain”

“Supertrain” was a high-budget concept centered on a futuristic luxury train. The show’s pilot promised adventure and drama but fell flat with audiences. Viewers found the characters unrelatable and the storylines dull.

The ambitious production costs made it one of the most expensive pilots of its time, but the weak script couldn’t justify the investment. The train’s interiors, which looked like a mix of a disco and a bad dream, didn’t help matters.

2. “The Waverly Wonders”

This sitcom starred Joe Namath as a washed-up basketball coach hired to teach at a struggling high school. The pilot leaned heavily on Namath’s star power, but his acting skills didn’t match his football fame.

Critics panned the show for its unfunny jokes and tired premise. The combination of weak writing and Namath’s wooden performance made it a quick failure, never gaining traction with viewers.

3. “Mr. T and Tina”

A spin-off from “Welcome Back, Kotter,” this show starred Pat Morita as Mr. T, a Japanese inventor living with his assistant, Tina. The pilot aimed for laughs but instead relied on stereotypes and slapstick humor.

Audiences found the characters shallow and the comedy forced. Even Morita’s charisma couldn’t save this misguided attempt at a quirky sitcom, and it was quickly forgotten.

4. “Co-Ed Fever”

This comedy was a clear attempt to capitalize on the success of “Animal House.” Set at a women’s college that had just gone co-ed, the pilot featured over-the-top antics and clichéd characters.

The show’s humor came across as crass rather than clever. Audiences didn’t connect with the story, and the lack of originality ensured it wouldn’t last beyond its pilot.

5. “Turnabout”

“Turnabout” was a fantasy comedy about a husband and wife who switch bodies after wishing for a better understanding of each other. The pilot explored their awkward experiences, but the premise felt repetitive even from the start.

Viewers found the jokes predictable and the characters one-dimensional. The show lacked the charm needed to make its unusual idea work, leading to its quick demise.

6. “The New Adventures of Wonder Woman”

Before Lynda Carter’s iconic portrayal, there was an earlier attempt to bring Wonder Woman to TV. This 1974 pilot reimagined the superhero as a more comedic character, straying far from her comic book roots.

Fans were unimpressed by the lack of action and the overly campy tone. The misstep was corrected when Carter’s version debuted, overshadowing this failed pilot entirely.