After cutting the cord on cable, my husband and I realized that most of what’s out there is just fluff. With endless channels filled with reality shows, it seemed unreasonable to pay over $80 a month. Instead, we’ve turned to Netflix and Hulu, which, while limiting, have allowed us to find some gems that we’re eager to share with our kids. Here are five shows from the ’70s that we can’t wait for our teens to experience:
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Welcome Back, Kotter
As a child, this show was a favorite of mine! Sure, some of the teenage humor went over my head, but even my kindergarten self recognized the charm of Vinny Barbarino. He was the quintessential crush for many young girls, including myself. As a parent, I now find myself stifling laughter when I pen “Epstein’s Mother” on school notes, sharing a little giggle with my spouse. -
Happy Days
Heeeyyy, who didn’t love this iconic series? The nostalgic depiction of the ’50s, complete with its heartwarming stories and classic fashion, is simply irresistible. Though I was particularly enamored when Pinky and Leather Tuscadero made appearances, as a tomboy, I found a female demolition derby driver to be incredibly cool. Fun fact: a childhood friend even named her baby sister Leather, a name that certainly has a flair, reminiscent of The Fonz’s world. -
Laverne & Shirley
This show was a delightful mix of chaos and hilarity, reminiscent of a Thelma & Louise-meets-The Marx Brothers dynamic. Laverne and Shirley’s misadventures, often complicated by their quirky neighbors, Lenny and Squiggy, were endlessly entertaining. The catchphrases from this show became ingrained in pop culture; I doubt there’s a ’70s kid who hasn’t heard “vo-dee-o-doe-doe” or tried the odd combination of milk and Pepsi. -
Mork & Mindy
This classic deserves a revival, not only for Robin Williams’ unforgettable performance but also for its clever humor. After his passing, I revisited the series with my kids, who were captivated by the antics of Mork. I had to explain some of the era’s slang, but the layers of comedy that I missed as a child now resonate with me in a profound way. The heartfelt exchanges between Mork and Orson often left me in tears. Nanu nanu, indeed. -
The Carol Burnett Show
No one who grew up in the ’70s can forget the iconic Carol Burnett and her unforgettable skits. From Vicky Lawrence’s “Mama” to Carol’s hilarious take on Scarlett O’Hara, the show was a staple of laughter. Tim Conway’s antics, which often sent Harvey Korman into fits of laughter, made for some of the most memorable moments on television. It was a show full of good clean fun that never failed to entertain.
This article was originally published on July 29, 2015.
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In summary, these classic ’70s shows offer a mixture of humor and heart that we believe will resonate with today’s teens, providing a glimpse into the past while delivering timeless entertainment.