10 Sitcoms from the 1970s Forgotten For a Reason

The 1970s produced many classic sitcoms that have stood the test of time. However, not every show from that era left a lasting legacy. Some series quickly faded into obscurity, failing to connect with audiences or stay relevant. Here are 10 sitcoms from the ’70s that were forgotten, and for good reason.

1. Me and the Chimp

Me and the Chimp was a short-lived sitcom about a dentist, his family, and their pet chimpanzee. The show’s premise may have sounded light-hearted, but the execution was a mess. The humor relied too much on slapstick, with most jokes falling flat. Audiences quickly lost interest.

The concept of having a chimpanzee as a central character wasn’t enough to keep viewers engaged. It only lasted 13 episodes before being canceled. Critics didn’t think much of it either, and it remains one of the lesser-remembered sitcoms of the decade.

2. The Good Life

This 1971 sitcom followed a couple who quit their high-paying jobs to become servants for a rich family. While the premise had potential, The Good Life never really found its footing. The characters felt one-dimensional, and the humor didn’t land with many viewers.

Though the series tried to highlight the contrast between working-class struggles and the lavish lives of the wealthy, it couldn’t balance comedy with social commentary. It only lasted one season before being dropped and quickly forgotten.

3. Holmes & Yoyo

Holmes & Yoyo was a buddy cop sitcom about a detective and his robot partner. The idea of pairing a human with a malfunctioning robot might have worked as a one-off gag, but as a recurring theme, it became tedious. The show was too gimmicky to sustain interest.

Despite its attempts to combine sci-fi with comedy, the series was bogged down by weak writing and unfunny jokes. After 13 episodes, the network pulled the plug. Today, it remains a footnote in TV history, remembered only by the most diehard TV trivia buffs.

4. The Betty White Show

Though Betty White is a beloved television icon, The Betty White Show failed to capture the same magic as her earlier and later work. This sitcom, in which White played a former TV actress struggling to find her next big break, never really took off with audiences.

The show’s meta premise about the behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry was ahead of its time, but it struggled to deliver consistent laughs. Despite White’s charm, the series only lasted one season before fading into obscurity.

5. Joe and Sons

Joe and Sons told the story of a widower raising his two sons while working at a welding company. The family dynamic should have been the heart of the show, but Joe and Sons failed to create the kind of emotional connection that more successful family sitcoms managed.The series’ attempts at tackling serious themes felt heavy-handed, and the comedic elements were lackluster. It didn’t stand out among the many family-centered shows of the time and was soon canceled after just one season.

6. A Year at the Top

A Year at the Top had an unusual premise: two musicians sell their souls to the devil in exchange for a year of fame. The supernatural element was a strange fit for a sitcom, and the show struggled to blend its outlandish premise with everyday humor.

Despite its quirky concept, A Year at the Top never managed to attract much of an audience. The mix of rock ‘n’ roll, comedy, and the devil just didn’t resonate, leading to the show’s quick cancellation and its near-total disappearance from public memory.

7. We’ll Get By

We’ll Get By was a family sitcom centered on an average, middle-class family. While many shows managed to thrive with this kind of setup, We’ll Get By was painfully ordinary. There was little to distinguish it from other, more successful sitcoms of the time.

The characters and plots were bland, offering no real reason for viewers to tune in week after week. After just one season, the show disappeared, leaving almost no mark on TV history. It remains a forgotten piece of the ’70s television landscape.

8. Lotsa Luck

Starring comedian Dom DeLuise, Lotsa Luck revolved around a man working in a lost-and-found department. Despite DeLuise’s talent, the show was unable to find its comedic rhythm. The characters were forgettable, and the humor never rose above predictable sitcom fare.

DeLuise’s charm wasn’t enough to save Lotsa Luck from being one of the decade’s forgotten duds. Though it aired for a full season, it failed to leave a lasting impression and faded from public consciousness not long after.

9. Bridget Loves Bernie

Bridget Loves Bernie followed an interfaith couple—a Catholic woman and a Jewish man—navigating the challenges of their relationship. While the show tackled some relevant themes, it sparked controversy for its portrayal of religion, which turned off many viewers.

Despite decent ratings, the backlash against the show led to its cancellation after just one season. The controversy may have been the most memorable thing about the series, which otherwise lacked the humor and charm needed to survive.

10. Love, American Style

Though Love, American Style had an anthology format that allowed for different stories each episode, its formulaic plots and corny humor didn’t stand the test of time. The show aimed to portray modern romance but often felt dated and disconnected, even during its original run.

While it managed to stay on the air for several seasons, its episodic nature and lightweight content caused it to fall out of favor with audiences. Today, Love, American Style is mostly remembered as a kitschy relic of 1970s TV.