The 1970s was a legendary decade for television. During this time, many shows became icons and shaped how we view entertainment today. From funny sitcoms to thrilling dramas, the small screen was filled with unforgettable characters and catchy theme songs. People would gather around their TV sets to watch their favorite programs, making it an important part of family life. Some shows even made us laugh until we cried, while others kept us at the edge of our seats.
Today, we will look at some fun trivia about 1970s TV shows. Did you know that “M*A*S*H” and “Happy Days” were among the most popular series of that time? Or that “The Brady Bunch” featured a blended family that was ahead of its time? We’ll share interesting facts, memorable moments, and surprising behind-the-scenes stories that you might not know. So, get ready to relive the magic of 1970s television and impress your friends with some cool trivia that will bring back memories of a fantastic era in TV history!
1970s TV Trivia
Classic Sitcoms and Their Laughs
1. What show featured the lovable family of six children and their quirky dad? (Answer: “The Brady Bunch”)
2. Which sitcom followed the lives of four elderly women living together in Miami? (Answer: “The Golden Girls”)
3. In the show “Happy Days,” what was the name of the cool greaser character? (Answer: Fonzie)
4. Which sitcom featured the character Archie Bunker? (Answer: “All in the Family”)
5. What was the main focus of “M*A*S*H”? (Answer: A mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War)
6. In “Good Times,” which family struggles to make ends meet in a Chicago housing project? (Answer: The Evans family)
7. What show was set in a bar called Cheers? (Answer: “Cheers” premiered in the 1980s but the style started in the 70s)
8. What show had a character named Rose Nylund? (Answer: “The Golden Girls”)
9. Which sitcom featured a talking horse named Mr. Ed? (Answer: “Mister Ed,” though aired earlier, influenced shows in the 70s)
10. What family sitcom featured a blended family and introduced the concept of stepfamilies? (Answer: “The Brady Bunch”)
Iconic Dramas of the 70s
1. What was the name of the police drama set in New York featuring two detectives named Starsky and Hutch? (Answer: “Starsky and Hutch”)
2. In which drama did a group of survivors live on a deserted island following a plane crash? (Answer: “Lost” was created later but it was inspired by 70s dramas)
3. Which show told the story of a counterculture family living on the fringes of society? (Answer: “The Partridge Family”)
4. What TV series followed the adventures of an elite CIA agent named James Bond? (Answer: “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” influenced 70s spy dramas)
5. What long-running series focused on the lives of the small-town folks living in Waltons Mountain? (Answer: “The Waltons”)
6. Who played the lead role of Captain James T. Kirk in “Star Trek”? (Answer: William Shatner, although “Star Trek” began earlier, it influenced 70s TV)
7. Which medical drama showcased the lives of doctors and nurses in a busy hospital setting? (Answer: “Emergency!”)
8. What show revolved around a group of police officers in the 1970s New York City? (Answer: “Hill Street Blues”)
9. In which groundbreaking drama did a young woman work as a reporter while navigating relationships? (Answer: “Mary Tyler Moore Show”)
10. What series followed the lives of a family headed by a wise, sometimes strict single father? (Answer: “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”)
Memorable Theme Songs and Openings
1. What is the famous catchphrase from the theme song of “The Jeffersons”? (Answer: “Movin’ on up”)
2. Which 70s show had a theme song sung by Johnny Cash? (Answer: “The Muppet Show”)
3. What show’s opening features a long song explaining the rising star and struggles of the main character? (Answer: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”)
4. Which comedy featured the theme song “Making Our Dreams Come True”? (Answer: “Laverne & Shirley”)
5. What show’s catchy opening song includes the line “Where everybody knows your name”? (Answer: “Cheers,” originating from the late 70s)
6. Who sang the theme song for “Welcome Back, Kotter”? (Answer: John Sebastian)
7. What 70s show used the theme song “Three’s Company, too” as its opening? (Answer: “Three’s Company”)
8. In which series does the theme song include the phrase “Good Times”? (Answer: “Good Times”)
9. What TV show features a musical number that opens each episode with a catchy dance? (Answer: “Soul Train”)
10. Which show’s theme music was composed by Lalo Schifrin? (Answer: “Mission: Impossible”)
Unforgettable Guest Stars
1. Which singer guest starred on “The Brady Bunch”? (Answer: Peter Tork from The Monkees)
2. What iconic actor played a street-wise cop in “The Mod Squad”? (Answer: Clarence Williams III)
3. Which actress appeared in multiple episodes of “M*A*S*H” as a nurse? (Answer: Sally Kellerman)
4. Which famous comedian was a recurring character in “Good Times”? (Answer: Richard Pryor)
5. Who played the young version of a character named ‘Ricky’ in “I Love Lucy”? (Answer: Keith Thibodeaux)
6. Which musician guest starred on “The Muppet Show” in the 70s? (Answer: Elton John)
7. Who was the famous actor that appeared on “All in the Family” as a political figure? (Answer: Sammy Davis Jr.)
8. In which sitcom did Steve Martin make a guest appearance? (Answer: “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson,” while not a typical sitcom, it showcased humor)
9. Which sitcom featured a memorable guest star, Dolly Parton? (Answer: “The Merv Griffin Show” featured many stars)
10. Which actress became famous for her guest appearance on “The Brady Bunch” as a teenager? (Answer: Maureen McCormick)
Groundbreaking Storylines and Themes
1. What show tackled the issue of war and its effects on soldiers through humor? (Answer: “M*A*S*H”)
2. Which sitcom was known for addressing racial issues and stereotypes? (Answer: “All in the Family”)
3. What show dealt with the struggles of a single mother and her children? (Answer: “One Day at a Time”)
4. Which show highlighted issues of mental health and family dynamics? (Answer: “The Bob Newhart Show”)
5. What series broke ground by showcasing LGBTQ characters for the first time? (Answer: “The Jeffersons”)
6. In which series did characters openly discuss drug use and its consequences? (Answer: “Maude”)
7. What sitcom focused on an interracial marriage? (Answer: “The Jeffersons”)
8. Which drama presented the struggles of working-class life in an honest way? (Answer: “Good Times”)
9. What 70s show aimed to educate viewers on family planning and social issues? (Answer: “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”)
10. What series featured a teenage character dealing with the pressures of high school? (Answer: “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father”)
Television Events That Changed the Game
1. What major event took place on television in 1977 that became a pop culture phenomenon? (Answer: “Roots”)
2. Which popular television special featured Elvis Presley in a comeback show? (Answer: “Elvis” in 1973)
3. What series finale of “M*A*S*H” became one of the most-watched shows of all time? (Answer: Its series finale in 1983)
4. Which network launched cable as a significant player in television during the late 70s? (Answer: HBO)
5. What event marked the first telecast of a 24-hour news cycle? (Answer: CNN in 1980; inspired by 70s events)
6. Which live-action rendition of a classic cartoon debuted in 1973? (Answer: “The Brady Bunch Hour”)
7. What was a significant television event involving the final production of “Star Wars” in 1977? (Answer: The special that impacted the future of sci-fi TV)
8. Which holiday special featured “Star Wars” characters and aired in 1978? (Answer: “The Star Wars Holiday Special”)
9. What notable theme special aired in 1976 celebrating America’s bi-centennial? (Answer: “The Bicentennial Minutes”)
10. What influential music variety show continued to shape music trends during the 70s? (Answer: “Soul Train”)
Final Thoughts
The 1970s was a fantastic era for television, bringing us numerous memorable shows and unforgettable characters. From groundbreaking storylines tackled in series like “All in the Family” to hilarious sitcoms like “Happy Days,” the decade had a little something for everyone. With captivating theme songs and noteworthy guest appearances, these shows shaped a generation and left a lasting impact on popular culture. Whether you fondly remember the laughter or drama, the trivia from 1970s TV offers a glimpse back into the fun, creative storytelling that defined an unforgettable time.
If you enjoyed this trip down memory lane, be sure to explore more about these iconic shows and other topics like 1970s trivia or check out more 70s TV trivia for even more fascinating insights!