20 TV Shows From the ’70s That Deserve a Reboot

20 TV Shows From the ’70s That Deserve a Reboot

The 1970s was a golden era for television, with shows that defined a generation and captured the cultural spirit of the time. From gritty crime dramas to iconic sitcoms and groundbreaking variety shows, the ’70s laid the foundation for many of the TV tropes we know and love today. But while some of these classics are fondly remembered, others have been largely forgotten by the modern audience. Imagine if these shows were given a fresh spin with today’s production values, storytelling techniques, and cultural relevance. In this post, we’ll explore 20 TV shows from the ’70s that deserve a reboot—shows that could once again capture our hearts and imaginations, with a modern twist. Let’s dive in!

The Mary Tyler Moore Show

Empowerment, wit, and workplace dynamics are timeless themes, and this show nailed all three. Set in a Minneapolis TV newsroom, it followed Mary Richards as she navigated her career and single life with grace and humor.

A reboot could easily center around a woman working in the digital media landscape—perhaps a podcast producer, influencer manager, or journalist dealing with the challenges of modern media. Issues like gender inequality, career stagnation, and online harassment would make it timely and relatable.

M*A*S*H

Blending sharp comedy with the harsh realities of war, this show managed to walk a tightrope few others dared. It was as funny as it was heartbreaking.

A reboot could take place in a contemporary conflict zone or even a humanitarian crisis site, focusing on medics or aid workers. With today’s global challenges, including mental health in war zones and the ethics of foreign intervention, there’s no shortage of material to explore with M*A*S*H’s signature blend of humor and humanity.

Good Times

Few shows have portrayed the struggles and joys of life in a low-income neighborhood as authentically as this one did. The Evans family faced hardship with strength, pride, and a lot of laughs.

A modern version could explore gentrification, job insecurity, and the gig economy through the eyes of a working-class family. With a new generation navigating similar challenges, a reboot could speak volumes while keeping the show’s emotional core intact.

The Rockford Files

Not all private eyes wore trench coats and carried guns. Jim Rockford was a low-rent detective who solved cases using street smarts and charm rather than brute force.

Rebooting this show with a diverse lead—perhaps a woman or a non-traditional investigator—could offer a refreshing update. Set it in a city with a rich mix of cultures and issues, and you’ve got a character-driven mystery series with potential to hook viewers week after week.

Charlie’s Angels

A trio of beautiful but tough women solving crimes? Yes, it’s been rebooted before, but never quite with the depth and nuance today’s audiences crave.

Imagine a prestige drama with smart story arcs, emotionally complex characters, and a focus on real-world issues like human trafficking, cybercrime, and corporate corruption. Charlie’s Angels could evolve into something far more substantial than just glamorous fight scenes and clever disguises.

The Love Boat

Cruises, quirky guests, and weekly tales of romance and self-discovery defined this feel-good anthology. But beneath the lightness was a surprising emotional depth.

With today’s appetite for serialized drama, a reboot could follow both crew and passengers as they deal with issues like identity, second chances, and digital dating—all set against ever-changing global destinations. Think of it as a blend of romantic drama and travel escapism.

Sanford and Son

Fred Sanford was a hilarious junk dealer with a sharp tongue and a complicated relationship with his son Lamont. The show tackled race and class through comedy.

Rebooting this with a father-son duo running a thrift store or a sustainable goods business would be timely. Themes of generational conflict, shifting values, and making ends meet in an evolving economy could resonate deeply with today’s viewers.

Three’s Company

Misunderstandings, romantic tension, and physical comedy were the heart of this show. A single guy pretending to be gay so he could live with two women was groundbreaking—and controversial—for its time.

Updating the premise to reflect today’s conversations around sexuality, gender identity, and co-living spaces could create a show that’s both hilarious and socially relevant. Roommate dynamics and dating drama still make for great comedy gold.

Fantasy Island

Every week, new guests arrived to live out their deepest desires—but often learned the harsh truths about what they truly wanted. It was part mystery, part morality play.

A darker, edgier reboot could explore the cost of wish fulfillment in an era of virtual reality and AI simulations. With modern psychological insights, this show could evolve into a deeply philosophical exploration of desire and consequence.

Starsky & Hutch

Two cops, a red-and-white muscle car, and plenty of action. This buddy-cop drama balanced high-speed chases with genuine friendship.

A reboot could lean into modern social issues in law enforcement, like systemic bias, mental health, and community relationships. The fast-paced action would still be there, but layered with more character depth and cultural nuance.

All in the Family

No show pushed the envelope like this one. Archie Bunker was bigoted and loud, but the series used him to spark uncomfortable yet necessary conversations.

In today’s divisive political climate, a modern Archie could be a boomer clashing with his woke Gen Z grandchild. The potential to dissect modern culture wars, cancel culture, and political polarization makes this one of the most relevant shows for a thoughtful reboot.

The Jeffersons

Upward mobility and Black excellence were front and center in this groundbreaking sitcom. George Jefferson was proud, stubborn, and hilarious.

Imagine a reboot where the Jeffersons are now real estate moguls navigating wealth, family, and social activism. With commentary on race, privilege, and legacy, this reboot could be a bold, funny, and thought-provoking look at modern success.

Welcome Back, Kotter

A high school teacher returns to his alma mater to educate a new batch of underachieving students. It was equal parts heart and hilarity.

The concept is ripe for reboot in today’s public school system, especially in underserved communities. A former student-turned-teacher could face modern challenges like standardized testing, social media, and mental health while building real connections with a new generation of “Sweathogs.”

Laverne & Shirley

Best friends navigating work, life, and relationships made this show a standout. Their Milwaukee-based escapades were endlessly relatable and always funny.

A new version could focus on two women running a startup or working blue-collar jobs while dealing with modern dating, toxic workplaces, and friendship goals. Their underdog spirit still speaks to anyone trying to make it in a world that doesn’t always make sense.

One Day at a Time

This heartfelt sitcom about a single mother raising her kids was ahead of its time. The themes of resilience and family were universal.

Though recently rebooted, its short run left fans wanting more. A fresh take could focus on a blended or immigrant family, exploring modern struggles like housing costs, student debt, and cultural identity while keeping the humor and heart intact.

Kojak

“Who loves ya, baby?” Detective Kojak’s catchphrase was almost as iconic as his lollipop. This gritty crime drama delivered both streetwise cases and personal flair.

Bringing Kojak back as a brooding antihero—or even reimagining the role with a female lead—could give today’s true-crime-obsessed viewers a detective with depth and swagger. Tackling contemporary issues like data crime and policing ethics would modernize the original’s edge.

Little House on the Prairie

Life on the American frontier was full of hardship, joy, and moral lessons. This family drama had both a historical charm and emotional depth.

A reboot could either remain in the historical setting or shift to a modern homesteading or off-the-grid family. In an age of climate concerns and minimalism, the values of resilience, community, and simplicity could find a whole new audience.

Eight Is Enough

This massive family juggled love, loss, and life’s many lessons in a wholesome, heartfelt format. With eight kids, there was always a story to tell.

A reboot could reflect today’s diverse family structures—stepchildren, adopted kids, or a multigenerational household. The emotional storytelling could blend family comedy with real-life challenges like digital parenting and balancing tradition with change.

The Bionic Woman

After an accident, a woman is rebuilt with advanced bionics and turns into a super-powered government agent. It was groundbreaking for its time.

In today’s tech-saturated world, this could easily become a slick, feminist sci-fi thriller. Exploring themes like body autonomy, surveillance, and human enhancement would give the show the modern edge it deserves—especially with a complex, flawed heroine at its center.

CHiPs

California Highway Patrol officers cruising on motorcycles while chasing down criminals and cracking jokes made this show a daytime hit.

A new version could tap into car culture, traffic tech, and California’s evolving social landscape. Imagine bike cops navigating drones, AI vehicles, and viral video fame—all while trying to actually serve and protect.