Reflections on the Golden Age of 70’s Television

When I look back on the television of my youth in the 1970s, there's a wealth of nostalgia to cherish. Among the myriad shows that captured the era, “Cheers” remains at the forefront of my mind, being one of the most beloved sitcoms ever produced.

Back then, television was a different world. Unlike today, where reality TV has become the norm, the 70s offered a rich tapestry of variety, drama, and humor. Saturday evenings provided a delightful mishmash of genres, with game shows, sitcoms, variety shows, news programs, and feature films all serving to satisfy different tastes. It was a time when creativity was in abundance, and each show felt unique and special in its own right.

Certainly, among the 70s shows that stood out were MASH, Taxi, Three’s Company, The Love Boat, Fantasy Island, One Day at a Time, Saturday Night Live, All in the Family, The Jeffersons, The Brady Bunch, and many others. Each one brought its own brand of entertainment and social commentary to the airwaves, often poking fun at the very conventions they were part of. Shows like All in the Family were notably bold in their approach, tackling controversial topics such as race relations in a way that wasn’t as common for the era. It's fascinating to note how these shows were ahead of their time, running counter to the political correctness that today's world has embraced.

Music and Variety

In the 70s, the music and variety shows were not just accompaniments to the main feature; they were integral to the show. Music was a central element, often setting the mood and tone for the segment that followed. For instance, the iconic opening of The Jetsons with its futuristic arrangements was mind-blowing. Today, it's rare to find a show that begins with a memorable and unique musical intro. The variety and creativity of the 1970s producers in crafting these intros is a testament to the era's innovation.

Visual and Production Quality

Despite the technological limitations of the 1970s, the visual and production quality of many shows was quite advanced. FX were often handmade, and while they weren't always realistic by today's standards, there was a charm to the hand-drawn and claymation segments. The special effects, while less sophisticated, often provided a quaint, homemade quality that added to the show's unique charm.

The Nostalgia of Missing Out

One of the things I miss most about 70s TV is the simple enjoyment of not being interrupted by advertisements. In those days, every hour or so, a break would happen, and it wasn't filled with incessant commercials. Instead, audiences were free to enjoy a break in peace, and the feeling of nostalgia comes from missing out on this interruption.

Humor and Artistic Freedom

Humor shows in the 70s were not shy about challenging the status quo. Shows like All in the Family and Monty Python’s Flying Circus didn’t shy away from being daring and fearless in their commentary. These shows were filled with amusing, sometimes biting, and always entertaining observations. While today's shows must navigate a more politically correct environment, the attitude and humor of the 70s were refreshingly free.

Conclusion

While there were certainly downsides, such as poor picture quality and the occasional sentimental storylines, the overall essence of 70s television was one of creativity and innovation. The shows of that era set the stage for many of the trends we see in modern television. Even today, as I dig into box sets or watch reruns on streaming services, I’m struck by the quality and daring of the shows that made the 70s a golden age of television. There’s plenty to miss about those early days of television, but it's also a time that sets a benchmark for what entertainment can achieve.

Best wishes,
Evan J.