The 1970s were a time of cultural upheaval, and many of our favorite television shows reflected this in controversial ways. From challenging social norms and displays of gratuitous nudity to pushing the boundaries of political correctness, these shows fearlessly consumed our evening viewing without so much of a backward glance.
Different Strokes
It was wildly popular in its day, largely thanks to Arnold’s delightfully lighthearted character. However, the premise of an old, white, affluent male taking in two black kids from Harlem is mildly questionable. No one batted an eyelid at the time.
All in the Family
This groundbreaking sitcom skimmed quite close to the surface by portraying Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor), a bigoted and outspoken patriarch. Archie’s offensive remarks about race, gender, and sexuality were central to the show’s satire and wouldn’t be accepted in today’s society.
Welcome Back, Kotter
It was the show that catapulted John Travolta to Grease and Saturday Night Fever fame, but it was yet another TV show that revered the heroic white savior. A white teacher saving a bunch of black kids with special needs isn’t the most inspiring premise for equality.
Sanford and Son
Redd Foxx’s portrayal of Fred Sanford, a cantankerous junk dealer, often included racially charged humor and stereotypes. Black minorities weren’t impressed with the ‘token’ casting of two black actors when the show was based on the British classic Steptoe and Son, which featured two white actors.
The Jeffersons
While vastly celebrated for portraying an affluent African American family, The Jeffersons occasionally used racial humor that would be considered offensive by today’s standards. That said, the show was enjoyed by non-black viewers equally, so it shows the shift in societal norms.
The Dukes of Hazzard
It was a fan favorite that inspired decades of songs, movies, and ‘Daisy Duke’ wannabees. No one so much as flinched at the Southern stereotypes, derogatory remarks, and gratuitous semi-nudity; it was all in good spirits.
Good Times
This sitcom, set in a Chicago housing project, tackled serious issues such as poverty and racism. At the time, the show was considered groundbreaking, but many argued that it depicted a stereotypical view of a black, poverty-stricken family from the projects.
The Love Boat
The ongoing display of semi-naked females made this a male-dominated show that objectified women. The show ran for nine long years and was devoured by fans, but the racial slurs are impossible to overlook with a rewatch.
M*A*S*H
While primarily a comedy-drama, “M*A*S*H” frequently used humor to address the horrors of war, including irreverent jokes about death and mental health. It was regarded as an anti-war show following the ongoing battles with Vietnam, and many found this offensive.
The Benny Hill Show
Despite being a British comedian, Benny Hill gained a huge following in the US. Known for its slapstick comedy and scantily clad women, this British program often objectified women and used politically incorrect humor.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus
It wasn’t the first time Monty Python faced backlash from religious parties for the satirical take on Jesus Christ. The cheeky sketches of Monty Python frequently pushed the boundaries of good taste with their edgy humor and controversial subject matter, but it was all in good taste then.
Are You Being Served?
This British sitcom set in a department store featured characters who often made jokes at the expense of gender and sexual orientation. The show was silly but sweet, and the crudeness was lighthearted without meaning to offend. However, the stage show of the same name was subsequently banned for sexist language.
Soap
Starring Bill Murray, this parody of soap operas used controversial storylines, including homosexuality and mental illness, for laughs. The representation of a gay character had gay and anti-gay activists pitting against each other in a sea of controversy.
The Flip Wilson Show
While it was groundbreaking for featuring an African-American host, this variety show often cashed in on racial stereotypes for comedic effect. Viewers of the day were largely oblivious to the underlying racism, but the show remained a fan favorite.
Hee Haw
This country music variety show included skits that relied on Southern stereotypes and often featured politically incorrect humor. The show’s humor often relied on corny jokes, caricatures of country life, and stereotypes of rural people, which some viewers found distasteful or stereotypical.
Love Thy Neighbor
This British sitcom centered around racial tensions between a white and black neighbor and frequently used racist language and stereotypes. Actor Jack Smethurst, who played racist neighbor Eddie Booth, admitted that he never worked again following his run in the politically incorrect show.
Till Death Us Do Part
As the inspiration for the US show All in the Family, this British sitcom featured the famous character Alf Garnett (Warren Mitchell). This similarly bigoted protagonist often made offensive remarks about race and religion. He frequently attacked the British class system and freely spouted racist remarks.
Mind Your Language
Set in an adult education class for English language learners, this British sitcom relied heavily on ethnic caricatures to gain laughs. Only the gentle-natured central character, Mr. Brown (Barry Evans), saved the show from failure.
