10 Great American '70s Shows That Could Never Be Made Today

While we loved these series in the '70s, iconic shows like Sanford and Son, Charlie's Angels, and The Dukes of Hazzard could never be made today.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 3:33pm

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The 1970s were a groundbreaking decade in the world of entertainment. As social topics came to the forefront and riskier projects emerged in TV and film, the '70s influenced what the viewers consumed on screen. And, in many ways, these films and series became products of their time. Over the past five decades, society has undergone vast change. What was seen on screen might be seen as uncouth from a modern lens? With prevalent stories and themes, television reflected the world. But that means they've become period pieces in the process. As timeless as many of these titles are, they absolutely could not be made today.

Why it matters

These beloved '70s shows have become period pieces, reflecting the social norms and attitudes of that era. While they were groundbreaking at the time, many of the themes, characters, and portrayals would be considered highly controversial or unacceptable by today's standards. This highlights the significant societal shifts that have occurred over the past 50 years and the challenges of trying to recreate these iconic shows in the modern era.

The details

The article examines 10 popular '70s TV shows that could never be made today, including All in the Family, Sanford and Son, The Jeffersons, Welcome Back, Kotter, Charlie's Angels, The Love Boat, Soap, Three's Company, WKRP in Cincinnati, and The Dukes of Hazzard. The shows are analyzed in terms of their controversial themes, stereotypical portrayals, and elements that would be considered unacceptable by today's standards, such as the use of racial slurs, objectification of women, and outdated gender and sexual politics.

  • The 1970s were a groundbreaking decade in the world of entertainment.
  • Over the past five decades, society has undergone vast change.

The players

Norman Lear

A television pioneer who was eager to bring underserved voices to the mainstream, creating shows like All in the Family and Sanford and Son.

Archie Bunker

The iconic character from All in the Family, a bona fide bigot whose type of character would be highly controversial and unacceptable today.

Redd Foxx

The lead actor of Sanford and Son, who portrayed a cantankerous, bigoted character that was often a source of debate.

Gabe Kotter

The teacher character in Welcome Back, Kotter, who returned to teach a racially and ethnically diverse remedial education class nicknamed the Sweathogs.

Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Ladd

The original cast members of Charlie's Angels, who became sex symbols of the period through the show's reliance on physical attractiveness, fashion, and objectification of its female leads.

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What they’re saying

“How can a staff of almost all white writers create 11 seasons of a sitcom about a Black family? Ask a Black person whether they can write a white show... of course they can. Why would you think they could do that, though, if the cultures are so different?”

— Jay Moriarty, Producer

The takeaway

These iconic '70s TV shows have become period pieces, reflecting the social norms and attitudes of that era. While groundbreaking at the time, many of the themes, characters, and portrayals would be considered highly controversial or unacceptable by today's standards, highlighting the significant societal shifts that have occurred over the past 50 years and the challenges of trying to recreate these shows in the modern era.