With cable no longer part of our household, my husband and I have opted for streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. While the options can feel limited (and I’d often prefer diving into a good book), we’ve discovered some timeless gems from our childhood that are perfect for sharing with our teens. Here’s a list of five unforgettable shows from the ’70s that we’re excited to introduce:
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Welcome Back, Kotter
As a child, I adored this series! Most of the teenage humor flew over my head back then, but even my young self could recognize a heartthrob. Vinny Barbarino was the ultimate crush for my 5-year-old heart. To this day, I have to resist the urge to playfully sign my kids’ notes with “Epstein’s Mother.” -
Happy Days
Heeeyyy! This show is pure nostalgia wrapped in ’50s charm. I loved it even more when Pinky and Leather Tuscadero made their appearances. As a tomboy, I found Pinky, a female demolition derby driver, totally inspiring. In fact, I had a friend who got to name her baby sister. You guessed it—she chose “Leather.” I’m pretty sure The Fonz would give that a thumbs up! -
Laverne & Shirley
This series was like a comedic mashup of Thelma & Louise and The Marx Brothers. Laverne and Shirley always found themselves in hilarious predicaments, often thanks to their quirky neighbors, Lenny and Squiggy. Their catchphrases and antics became cultural touchstones—what ’70s kid hasn’t tried milk and Pepsi or wished for a Boo Boo Kitty? -
Mork & Mindy
This show deserves a revival! Not only is it a nostalgic favorite, but it also brings a new depth to humor that resonates with adults. I introduced my kids to it after Robin Williams’ passing, and we were all captivated. I found myself laughing at jokes I didn’t understand as a child, and the poignant conversations between Mork and Orson had me in tears. Nanu nanu, indeed! -
The Carol Burnett Show
No one who grew up in the ’70s can forget the iconic redhead with the Tarzan yell. From Vicky Lawrence’s “Mama” to the hilarious antics of Tim Conway and Harvey Korman, this show delivered endless laughs. It was good, clean fun with moments that had us all rolling on the floor with laughter.
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In summary, these classic ’70s shows not only entertain but also provide valuable lessons and laughs that we can’t wait to share with the next generation. They remind us of simpler times while connecting us through shared humor.