The UK's favourite TV shows of the 1970s

It has been over 50 years since the 1970s, a golden era for British television with no internet or online streaming. TV shows of that time captured the attention of millions, and became cultural milestones that still resonate today.

It was a time when there were only three main TV channels: BBC One, BBC Two and ITV. Each had a favourite drama or comedy and newly launched coloured TVs became available. But what was so different about these TV shows, and how have things changed since then?

In this article, we look back at some of the best British TV shows from the 1970s. We will also take a look at how TV viewing habits have brought a cultural shift over time.

What made 1970s TV shows so popular?

The 1970s was an era of change, socially and politically in Britain. Strikes, cultural shifts, and economic challenges affected public views, and television mirrored all these changes.

Some shows started to push boundaries with more complicated characters and storylines.

The main change today is the way we watch shows. In the 1970s, TV episodes came out weekly. Viewers had to wait with excitement for the next episode. Now, binge-watching on streaming services like Netflix has become commonplace.

Let's take a look at how some of the popular 1970s British shows captivated viewers. 

Fawlty Towers (1975-1979)

Fawlty Towers aired only 12 episodes, and still, it became a cultural icon. John Cleese and Connie Booth wrote this British television sitcom, and both appeared in the show as two of the four main characters. It originally starred on BBC Two in 1975 and 1979.

It followed the chaotic lives of Basil Fawlty and his wife at a seaside hotel in Torquay, Devon. In 2017, it was ranked as the best British sitcom.

Fawlty Towers is still one of the most highly regarded British sitcoms as its comedy timing still feels just as fresh and unique to modern viewers as it was in the 70s. Although some of the jokes and humour might be considered controversial today, the show's popularity increased due to its relatability of having a grumpy boss like Basil and his frustrations with other people.

Doctor Who (1963-present)

Doctor Who is arguably the most famous British television science fiction series. It started airing on TV in the 1960s but gained major popularity in the 1970s when the show began broadcasting in colour for the first time. The show chronicles the adventures of an eccentric time-travelling scientist from the planet Gallifrey.

In 1970, John Pertwee was cast as the new doctor, and in 1974, Tom Baker carried on with this role as the fourth doctor. Its mix of thrilling, scary moments and family-friendly storylines made it a household favourite. The 1970s saw the portrayal of different periods, including gothic horror to camp. One of the episodes, "The Green Death", depicted political themes about the need to stand up to corporate greed and capitalism.

The show aired on the BBC from 1963 until 1989; its cult popularity brought it back to TV in 2005 and has been running since. The show has evolved since 1963, in particular the special effects have certainly improved!

The Good Life (1975-1978)

The Good Life revolved around the lives of 40-year-old Tom Good and his wife Barbara Good, dealing with a midlife crisis as they tried their hand at farming at their house in southwest London.

In 2004, this series was voted 9th in Britain's Best Sitcom. This comfort classic was funny and heartwarming, exploring the tension between traditional values and changing lifestyles. At a time of economic hardships, viewers welcomed the idea of self-sufficiency and sustainable living. The show's theme ties in very well with today's eco-friendly living and a renewed focus on sustainability.  

Porridge (1974-1977)

Porridge was broadcast on BBC One and focused on two prison inmates who were serving time.

The show was loved for its witty script, clever dialogue, and memorable characters, like the loveable rogue Norman Stanley Fletcher. The show's title, Porridge, is a slang term for a prison sentence derived from the traditional breakfast that was served to prisoners in British prisons.

Porridge is known to be one of the greatest British sitcoms of all time, ranking 35 on the 100 Greatest British Television Programmes assembled by the British Film Institute in 2000. Porridge also had a sequel in 1978 called Going Straight, and the original show was revived in 2016. The show was quite popular among British prisoners as well.

Morecambe and Wise Show (1968-1983)

Eric Morecambe and Ernie Wise became national treasures and reached the peak of their popularity in the 1970s. Their show combined slapstick comedy with musical numbers, sketches, and celebrities on prime-time family television. Their Christmas specials became a Christmas TV tradition, drawing millions of viewers.

The 1977 Morecambe and Wise Show Christmas episode was watched by over 28 million people and remains one of the most-watched TV events in British history.

British Children's Shows of the 1970s

Children's TV shows were a significant part of British pop culture. From educational programming to imaginative adventure series, these shows have been a cherished part of many people's childhood memories. Some of our favourites are:

Bagpuss (1974)

There were only 13 Bagpuss episodes, but the animated TV show remains fondly remembered and captured the hearts of children as well as adults. The series followed the adventures of Bagpuss, a saggy old cloth cat, and his friends. Its simple charm and cosy atmosphere made it a favourite among young viewers. In 1999, it was voted the UK's most popular children's program in British history.

The Wombles (1973-1975)

The Wombles were environmentally conscious creatures that collected and recycled rubbish on Wimbledon Common.

The motto of the Wombles was "make good use of bad rubbish" and its recycling message was ahead of its time.

The Wombles taught children the importance of keeping their surroundings clean. The show's theme tune was composed by Mike Batt, who was also the founder of the pop group known as 'The Wombles'. The use of stop-motion animation techniques added charm to the show, making it a household name. 

Most watched TV events of the 1970s

The most watched TV events of the 1970s were a mix of royal ceremonies, sporting events, and entertainment shows. Some of these massive events captured the attention of millions of viewers. Take a look at some of the most-watched British TV events of the 1970s.

The 1977 Morecambe and Wise Christmas special

The Christmas special episode of this show remains one of the most-watched TV programs in British history, with over 28 million viewers. The show featured famous guests like Penelope Keith, Elton John, and BBC newsreader Angela Rippon in comedy sketches.

The 1973 wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Philips

The wedding of Princess Anne and Mark Philips was broadcast all over the world, and was a national holiday. The royal wedding was a significant event, with 27 million viewers in the UK and over 500 million worldwide viewers.

The 1970 FIFA World Cup final

Although England didn't make it to the finals, the 1970 FIFA World Cup final was popular amongst football fans. This was the first time the World Cup games were broadcast live around the world. The final match was played between Brazil and Italy, with Brazil winning 4-1.

The 1977 Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee, celebrating 25 years on the throne, was a national TV event. Over 20 million UK viewers and 500 million worldwide viewers tuned in to watch the celebratory procession. This event marked a high point in the Queen's reign, reinforcing the deep affection and respect the public held for her - a sentiment that continued for decades.