Quiz: Can You Name the ‘70s Sitcom By Its Main Character?

When it comes to sitcoms, there’s a reason we all turn to those from the past. The 1970s were among the best decades for comedy shows, but just how well do you remember them? Can you name the titles just from the names of the main characters? We’ve got a quiz for that!

Did you manage to score a perfect score? If you did, we’re impressed! While there were some ‘70s sitcoms named for their main characters, there were others that focused on the groups or a feeling. We didn’t want to make this one too easy, because we wanted to make sure you had bragging rights if you got them all right.

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Best Sitcoms of the 1970s

When it comes to the 1970s, there are always going to be some shows that stood out more than others. They’ve managed to stand the test of time, whether it’s because of their excellent leads, the heartfelt stories they added in with the comedy, or just the brilliance of the writing. Which ones do rank the best? IMDb users have weighed in!

One particular list puts Laverne & Shirley in fifth place for the best ‘70s sitcoms. The show has become a reference for pop culture, and it all comes down to the iconic plot. It followed two single women on their adventures throughout the 1950s and 1960s, bringing an element of nostalgia to the past.

Then in fourth place is Happy Days, and that’s not surprising considering a whole pop culture term was coined because of it. You know the term “jump the shark?” Well, that term was coined thanks to Fonzie literally jumping a shark while on a surfboard. It was the point at which the show started to go downhill, but it brought us some laughter and joy throughout its 10-year run.

Mary Tyler Moore then sits in third place, which was very much like Laverne & Shirley in the way of following a single woman. It was rare that shows during this time period would have single women in the lead, and both of these shows were done just right. The best thing about Mary Tyler Moore was that we got to see her with her friends, manage her workload, and find balance at home.

M*A*S*H comes in second place, and if you haven’t started to hum the theme tune, then you definitely didn’t grow up on this show! The series followed the staff of a Korean War Army hospital, trying to deal with the severity of their situation with laughter. Of course, it was the Korean War, and that meant some horrors and heartbreak, and M*A*S*H was able to combine both.

Finally, All in the Family takes the top spot on the list, following a working-class man who constantly fights with his family. Of course, there’s still plenty of love and laughter throughout, bringing a side of real life to our TV screens, and it remains relevant today!

Do you love to test your TV and movie knowledge? Check out the Mental Floss quiz page for more challenges.

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