The Most Disliked 1970s TV Shows

The 1970s were a golden age for television, giving us classics like MASH and Happy Days. However, not every show from that era was a hit. Some shows failed spectacularly, leaving audiences downright bewildered and unimpressed. Here’s a look at ten of the most disliked TV shows from the 1970s.

Me and the Chimp
This 1972 CBS sitcom starred a dentist, his family, and a washed-up NASA chimpanzee named Buttons. The absurd combination of dentistry and a chimpanzee didn’t resonate with audiences, and the show was short-lived and sadly failed to capture the charm of its creators’ previous successes.

Super Train
This TV show premiered in 1979. The plot tells of a luxury nuclear-powered train capable of traveling from New York to LA in just 36 hours. Super Train had an ambitious concept, but it focused too much on its gimmicky train and not enough on engaging characters. Eventually, the show faced its rapid downfall.

Dusty’s Trail
Dusty’s Trail was produced in an attempt to fill the void left by Gilligan’s Island. This 1973 TV show was about a group of travelers lost on a wagon train, led by Bob Denver, who reprised his role as a bumbling sidekick. However, the recycled premise and lackluster execution led to the quick cancellation of the show.

The Brady Bunch Hour
This 1976 variety show aimed to capture the charm of The Brady Bunch with musical performances and skits. Sadly, it led to the show’s demise after only eight episodes because of the cast’s lack of musical talent and quality.

Three’s a Crowd
Three’s a Crowd was a 1979 game show that featured men answering questions about their wives and secretaries, which somehow promoted marital discord. The show wasn’t welcomed by TV viewers deeming the concept as controversial and distasteful. As expected, the show only had a brief run.

Hee Haw Honeys
A spin-off of the popular Hee Haw which became successful because of its humor and musical plot, Hee Haw Honeys didn’t deliver. The show focused on showcasing attractive women and was quickly canceled due to its lack of substance.

David Cassidy: Man Undercover
Former child star David Cassidy tried to reinvent himself with Man Undercover, a show about an undercover cop infiltrating high school drug rings. The show relied heavily on Cassidy’s fame rather than strong storytelling. The lackluster reception from TV audiences eventually halted the show’s airtime.

Mr. T and Tina
Mr. T and Tina was a spin-off from Welcome Back, Kotter, featuring an all-Asian cast. Because the show leaned heavily on stereotypes, it was criticized for its offensive portrayal. Thus, the results were poor reviews and the show’s swift cancellation.

Holmes and Yo-Yo
This 1976 show featured a bumbling detective and his crime-fighting android partner. The combination of poorly executed slapstick humor and a silly premise meant Holmes and Yo-Yo didn’t gain success on airtime. The show just had 13 episodes and was later canceled.

The Rookies
While not as universally reviled as others on this list, The Rookies received mixed reviews for its portrayal of police work. Critics and TV viewers found the show’s depiction of law enforcement unconvincing, leading to a lukewarm reception despite its initial popularity.