5 Beloved 1970s Sitcoms That Look Very Different to Modern Audiences

Comedy shaped by its era

Sitcoms including “Good Times,” “Happy Days” and “M.A.S.H.” drew audiences during the 1970s. But humor that once seemed acceptable can feel dated today, as public discussion of issues such as desegregation and feminism has changed.

The list considers five shows that, despite their importance to television history, have not aged well. The supplied text discusses three in detail and begins a fourth.

Three’s Company and stereotypes

In “Three’s Company,” Jack Tripper, played by John Ritter, shares an apartment with Janet Wood, played by Joyce DeWitt, and Chrissy Snow, played by Suzanne Somers. Jack pretends to be gay so landlord Mr. Roper, played by Norman Fell, will accept an unmarried man living with two women.

The article says the premise and the show’s “gay panic” humor no longer fit contemporary attitudes. Jack’s imitations relied on stereotypes, and one episode has Mr. Roper panic after waking up in Jack’s bed.

Sanford and Son’s racial humor

“Sanford and Son” followed Fred Sanford, played by Redd Foxx, and his son Lamont, played by Demond Wilson, as they ran a Los Angeles junk yard. Fred’s frequent clashes with Puerto Rican neighbor Julio Fuentes included ethnic insults.

The show featured two black stars, but its writers’ room was white. Writer Ted Bergman recalled that Foxx objected to a scene in which Fred played Monopoly with Grady Wilson. “Black people don’t play Monopoly,” Bergman recalled Foxx saying. Richard Pryor later contributed episode scripts.

The Dukes of Hazzard’s flag

“The Dukes of Hazzard” centered on cousins Bo and Luke Duke, played by John Schneider and Tom Wopat. They were on probation for running moonshine for their Uncle Jess, played by Denver Pyle.

Their Dodge Charger, the General Lee, appeared in all but one episode and displayed a Confederate flag. The article says the flag’s use by extremist and supremacist groups has shaped its current meaning, while some argue it represents Southern pride. Black Lives Matter has condemned it. The series has no free streaming options, and its original stars have addressed the car’s controversy.

Welcome Back, Kotter begins

Gabe Kaplan starred in ABC’s “Welcome Back, Kotter” as Gabe Kotter, a teacher returning to the Brooklyn high school he attended. He teaches a remedial class known as the Sweathogs. The supplied text also names John Travolta as a star in the series, describing it as his breakout role, but ends before providing further details.