Hello dear readers! It’s your favorite old bird Mary here, tapping away on my trusty keyboard with a story and some chuckles to share. Now, I know what you’re thinking. ‘Mary, why should I go back to watching those old shows when I’ve got a thousand new ones screaming for my attention?’ Well, hold your horses! I promise you, if you follow me to the very end of this article, you’ll be howling with laughter and nostalgia and thanking me all at the same time. But of course, if you’re too busy to take a delightful trip down memory lane, just scroll on by. But hey, I bet you’re too curious now to stop, aren’t ya?
Let’s get right into it. Remember the 1970s? The decade that gave us bell-bottoms, platform shoes, and some of the most unforgettable television ever created? Back then, you didn’t have Netflix asking, ‘Are you still watching?’ because they knew darn well we were still watching—glued to our big boxy TVs with those aluminum foil-covered rabbit ears. Trust me, folks, those evenings shaped us into who we are today. So join me as we revisit five TV shows from the 70s that are worth every second of your time. Grab your cup of joe, and let’s get to reminiscing!
Little House on the Prairie
Oh, sweet heavens, this one will pull at your heartstrings! ‘Little House on the Prairie’ was more than just a show; it was a way of life for many of us. Following the Ingalls family in their simple, wholesome pioneer world, this show taught us values that have, unfortunately, become rarer than hen’s teeth these days. Michael Landon as Pa was the epitome of fatherly wisdom and rugged charm. You best believe every time the theme song played, I’d get all teary-eyed, clinging to the good ol’ values of honesty, hard work, and community. And don’t get me started on Nellie Oleson, that girl could make your blood boil faster than a pot of corn on Thanksgiving!
Happy Days
Ah, ‘Happy Days’! Who could forget the Fonz? Arthur Fonzarelli—the man, the myth, the legend. The Fonz’s leather jacket was cooler than cool, way before any of this ‘woke’ nonsense took over. Richie Cunningham, played by Ron Howard, was the all-American boy next door. ‘Happy Days’ gave us a vision of post-war America that was idyllic and full of promise. And who wouldn’t love to have a family like the Cunninghams? They represented everything that was good, honest, and true. It was a time when America felt like it was on the cusp of greatness again, akin to the good Lord looking down and smiling upon us.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
Now here’s a show that spoke to the hearts of many women. ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’, starring the indomitable Mary Tyler Moore as Mary Richards, had sass, class, and a whole lot of spunk. It encouraged us gals to take the reins of our lives, all while maintaining our delightful feminine graces. Lou Grant, her grumpy boss with a heart of gold, reminded us that tough love could be delivered with a pinch of humor. And how can we forget that iconic moment when Mary throws her hat into the air, full of hope and determination? Simply brings a tear to your eye, it does.
M*A*S*H
Good ol’ ‘M*A*S*H’! A show that blended drama and comedy so seamlessly, it could make you laugh and cry in the same episode. With Alan Alda’s Hawkeye Pierce cracking jokes in the face of danger, it demonstrated that humor could prevail, even in the tough times. The camaraderie and spirit of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital were infectious. The show often dealt with some heavy topics but did it with a grace and poise that are sorely missed in today’s ‘PC’ culture. It’s a series that reminds us of the importance of friendship, resilience, and the American spirit, no matter what battles we face.
All in the Family
Last but not least, ‘All in the Family’! Lord, this one’s a hoot! Archie Bunker, played by the incomparable Carroll O’Connor, is an unapologetic, politically incorrect patriarch whose antics still resonate today. The banter between Archie and his long-suffering but ever-patient wife, Edith, taught us about enduring love and the trials and tribulations of family life. The show was fearless, tackling social issues head-on, but it did so with humor, without anyone having to fear the wrath of ‘cancel culture’. Oh, how we need a bit of Archie’s no-nonsense talk to bring some sanity back!
Now, my dear friends, if that walk down memory lane didn’t give you a reason to dust off your old VHS tapes or find these gems online, then I don’t know what will. These shows are a testament to simpler, better times when life was a little slower, the values were a bit stronger, and the humor was a lot richer. So do yourself a favor—grab a bowl of popcorn, put your feet up, and rewatch these classics. Trust me, you won’t regret it. Until next time, may God bless you and keep you!
