There’s something so refreshing about watching ’70s sitcoms as if new episodes still air. From the live studio audiences to the lengthy seasons, classic characters, and more, nothing can compare to the shows that paved the way for current hits. If you’re looking to go down memory lane, here are seven shows from the ’70s that ruled the decade and beyond.

1970s sitcoms: Good Times

In 1974, television viewers were introduced to the Evans family. Poor and uncertain how they’ll improve their lives, the family, which consists of James, Florida, J.J., Thelma, and Michael, leaned on each other and their faith to get them through tough times. The series stars John Amos, Esther Rolle, Jimmie Walker, Bern Nadette Stanis, Ralph Carter, and Ja’Net DuBois as the family’s friend Willona.

All in the Family

A sitcom like this would be highly controversial today. However, All in the Family really put societal issues on display in primetime. Archie Bunker, played by Carroll O’Connor, doesn’t like change, and with the world evolving, he doesn’t want to catch up. His wife Edith Bunker (Jean Stapleton) is the total opposite, and their daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), along with her husband, has no problem letting Archie know when he’s wrong.

The Jeffersons

The Jeffersons were movin’ on up…to the east side, to be exact. George (Sherman Hemsley) and Louise “Wheezy” (Isabel Sanford) went from rags to riches, but while financial problems were in the rearview mirror, other issues arrived. George was very similar to Archie Bunker, and the character first appeared on All in the Family.

Diff’rent Strokes

“What you talkin’ bout, Willis?” – Arnold Jackson (Gary Coleman). When Mr. Drummond takes in two young boys, Arnold and Willis (Todd Bridges) Jackson, the older fella finds himself with two outgoing sons who fit right in with his daughter, Kimberly.

Sanford and Son

Fred (Redd Foxx) can’t get enough of saying, “You big dummy” and “I’m coming to join you, Elizabeth,” in this father-son sitcom. Fred and Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson) live in a junkyard and make money by selling junk and scraps. While Lamont does a lot of the work, Fred takes care of their home and cooks up get-rich-quick schemes. He also has a hilarious beef with his sister-in-law, Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page).

Happy Days

One of the most influential sitcoms of the ’70s was Happy Days. From the Fonz’s (Henry Winkler) tough guy persona and cool leather jacket with a nice “Ayyyy,” everyone wanted to have happy days. The series followed the Cunningham family: Marion (Marion Ross), Richie (Ron Howard), Joanie (Erin Moran), Howard (Tom Bosley), and the adventures of those around them.

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