The 1960s and 1970s were a transformative era for television, producing some of the most influential and enduring series of all time. From iconic sitcoms to groundbreaking dramas, these two decades pushed the boundaries of what TV could do and laid the groundwork for the diverse, high-quality programming we enjoy today.
But which shows from this pivotal period still hold up, and which ones remain just as compelling, entertaining, and relevant now as they were back then? Join us as we count down 10 classic TV shows from the 60s and 70s that have stood the test of time and continue to captivate audiences.
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
Rod Serling’s award-winning anthology series remains one of the most influential shows in TV history. From its eerie, oddly mesmerizing opening credits to its unusual theme that blends sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and social commentary, — The Twilight Zone was way ahead of its time. So much so that viewers and critics find it relevant, thoughtful, and thrilling 50 years after the last episode was aired. The TV show has an overall 92% critics rating and a perfect 5/5 (96%) audience score on Rotten Tomatoes. IMDb users have also given the series a glowing 9.1% rating, cementing The Twilight Zone’s status as a television triumph.
The Carol Burnett Show (1967-1978)
This beloved and hilarious variety show led by comedy legend Carol Burnett was iconic for multiple reasons. It was one of the first comedy series to adopt the sketch format that is so wildly popular today. It was led by a woman, which was a big deal in the ’60s, and it was a roaring success during its 11-season run.
Packed with hilarious sketches and unforgettable characters, The Carol Burnett Show won a whopping 25 Emmys, has been cited as one of The Greatest Shows of All Time by several reputable publications, and remains a timeless classic if the IMDb rating of 8.7 stars is anything to go by.
The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966)
Widely considered one of the best-written sitcoms in TV history, The Dick Van Dyke Show still delights with its sharp writing, relatable characters, a spectacular cast, and incredible chemistry between Dick Van Dyke (as Robert Simpson Petrie) and Mary Tyler Moore (as Laura Petrie). The 15-time Emmy Award-winning show, which made it to TV Guide and Writers Guild of America’s all-time greats lists, continues to usher in new viewers from different generations — the 8.4-star IMDb rating is perhaps proof enough of this.
Star Trek: The Original Series (1966-1969)
The TV show that launched a sci-fi empire, Star Trek: The Original Series, boldly went where no show had gone before with its epic storytelling, progressive themes, and endless thirst for adventure which invariably led to exploring our sense of humanity at intense levels. Its futuristic vision and unforgettable characters and their interactions have literally stood the test of time and made fanatics out of every decade of viewers since the 60s. Rated by a staggering 94K IMDb users, Star Trek: TOS has an unsurprising 8.4-star rating on the movie database website.
The Andy Griffith Show (1960-1968)
Few shows capture the charm and spirit of small-town America quite like The Andy Griffith Show. With its warmth, wit, and wonderful performances by Andy Griffith (as Andy Taylor) and Don Knotts (as Barney Fife), this beloved sitcom remains a comforting and entertaining watch even by today’s standards. The Andy Griffith Show ran for 8 successful seasons, ended on a high note (the sitcom ranked #1 in the Nielsen ratings in its last season), and won 5 Emmys during its run. The show currently has an overall score of 8.4 stars on IMDb.
M*A*S*H (1972-1983)
Set during the Korean War, MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) was a popular series that redefined the sitcom genre in the way it skillfully balanced comedy and drama while providing powerful social commentary on war. With its ingenious narrative, and ensemble cast led by Alan Alda, (as Hawkeye Pierce) MASH’s mark on television history is nothing short of remarkable. The series finale, Goodbye, Farewell and Amen, remains the most-watched episode in TV history – a record-breaking 105.97 million viewers tuned in to watch it. The comedy series has an 8.5-star rating on IMDb, with reviews from 65K users, surely a testament to its enduring popularity.
All in the Family (1971-1979)
All in the Family, Norman Lear’s brainchild, was a groundbreaking sitcom for several reasons — it tackled a lot of hot-button issues like racism, sexism, and politics with a frankness never before seen on TV. If a social issue existed at the time (and even now if we’re being honest) there’s a big chance All in the Family has addressed it in the most nuanced, stirring way possible. Anchored by Carroll O’Connor’s brilliant performance as Archie Bunker, All in the Family remains provocative and relevant. The sitcom has made it to many prestigious lists of well-liked and high-ranked lists such as Variety, Writer’s Guild of America, TV Guide, and so forth. All in the Family has an 8.4-star rating on IMDb at present.
The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970-1977)
Not only did Mary Tyler Moore do a tremendous job in The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-1966) effectively cementing her place in sitcom history, but the actress is also credited with revolutionizing workplace comedy, in The Mary Tyler Moore Show. The sitcom was a trailblazer in its portrayal of an independent career woman and her journey as an associate producer at a TV station. Consistently clever and boasting a phenomenal cast, the series is as fresh and funny now as it was 50 years ago. The winner of a staggering 29 Emmys, The Mary Tyler Moore Show is widely regarded as one of the best TV shows ever made. The sitcom currently has an 8.3-star rating on IMDb.
Columbo (1968–1978, 1989–2003)
The rumpled raincoat. The cigar. The catchphrase. Peter Falk’s performance as the brilliantly unassuming Lt. Columbo is the stuff of TV legend. The movie-length type format that was Columbo upended the mystery genre and influenced countless police procedurals to come. BBC declares Columbo “timeless” and we dare not disagree. Over 43K IMDb users have rated the crime drama an impressive 8.3 stars.
The Rockford Files (1974-1980)
James Garner’s (Jim Rockford) effortless charisma is what powers this highly entertaining, 5-time Emmy-award-winning detective drama — not to mention the brilliant supporting cast and superb writing that add to the overall charm of the show. It’s not for nothing that The Rockford Files has a place in TV Guide’s Greatest Shows of All Time. This TV show is the opposite of what a generic detective drama is all about, and that’s what makes it an endlessly re-watchable neo-noir treat. The Rockford Files has a solid 8.2 stars on IMDb.