10 Best Television Families of the 70s and 80s: Reliving the Golden Age of TV Families
Introduction: A Walk Down Memory Lane
Television in the 1970s and 1980s gave us some of the most iconic, lovable, and unforgettable families in TV history. From the wholesome suburban charm of The Brady Bunch to the quirky, unconventional dynamics of The Cosby Show, these families became more than just characters on a screen – they became part of the fabric of pop culture.
Today, we’re taking a trip back to the past to revisit the 10 best television families of the 70s and 80s. These families not only entertained us with their laughs, tears, and life lessons but also mirrored the cultural and social changes of the time.
1. The Brady Bunch: The Quintessential All-American Family
The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) was the TV family that set the gold standard for sitcoms in the 70s. Created by Sherwood Schwartz, the show revolved around Mike Brady (Robert Reed) and Carol Martin (Florence Henderson), who each had three kids from their previous marriages, blending them into one big, happy family.
Why They Were Great:
The Bradys were the epitome of wholesome family values and helped shape how we viewed family dynamics in mainstream culture. Despite their picture-perfect lives, the Bradys dealt with relatable problems like sibling rivalry, school issues, and the usual growing pains. The show’s blend of humor and heart made it timeless, and the family’s catchy theme song “Here’s the Story” became legendary.
2. The Partridge Family: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Family Next Door
The Partridge Family (1970-1974) followed the adventures of a widowed mother, Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones), and her five children who formed a rock band and toured across the country. With David Cassidy and Susan Dey as the main stars, the show became a cultural phenomenon.
Why They Were Great:
The Partridge Family was a mix of rock music, comedy, and family bonding. Their catchy hits, such as “I Think I Love You,” made them real-life pop stars, and their dynamic was relatable to a younger generation in the 70s. The family’s close-knit and musical nature was both entertaining and inspiring for many viewers.
3. The Cosby Show: A Groundbreaking TV Family
The Cosby Show (1984-1992) brought a groundbreaking portrayal of an affluent African American family, the Huxtables, led by Cliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby) and his wife Clair (Phylicia Rashad). Together with their five children, the Huxtables were the epitome of success, intelligence, and love.
Why They Were Great:
The Cosby Show broke racial barriers on TV, presenting a well-educated, successful African American family in a positive light. The Huxtables’ loving and supportive dynamic, alongside humor that tackled important social issues, made them one of the most beloved families on television. It was an inspiring example of family togetherness and prosperity.
4. All in the Family: The Family That Tackled Real Issues
All In The Family (1971-1979) introduced audiences to the Bunker family, headed by the outspoken and politically incorrect Archie Bunker (Carroll O’Connor) and his long-suffering wife Edith (Jean Stapleton). Their daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and her husband Meathead (Rob Reiner) completed the family dynamic.
Why They Were Great:
Unlike most TV families, All In The Family didn’t shy away from controversial topics like race, gender, politics, and social issues. Through Archie’s controversial views and the loving yet flawed nature of the Bunker family, the show brought humor to tough conversations, setting a new precedent for how sitcoms could reflect real life.
5. Family Ties: The Family of the 80s Generation
Family Ties (1982-1989) centered around Steven (Michael Gross) and Elyse Keaton (Meredith Baxter), who were liberal parents raising their conservative son Alex P. Keaton (Michael J. Fox) in the 1980s.
Why They Were Great:
The Keatons reflected the generational conflict between the counterculture of the 1960s and the rise of conservative values in the 1980s. Michael J. Fox became a star as the conservative, Reagan-loving Alex, creating a hilarious and insightful contrast with his free-spirited parents. The show struck a perfect balance of humor, family love, and cultural relevance.
6. Growing Pains: The Seaver Family and the Challenges of Parenthood
Growing Pains (1985-1992) followed the Seaver family, led by Jason (Alan Thicke), a psychologist, and his wife Maggie (Joanna Kerns), a journalist, who raised three children: Mike, Carol, and Ben.
Why They Were Great:
The Seavers were relatable, funny, and full of heart. The series explored the everyday struggles of raising a family in the 80s, with Mike Seaver (Kirk Cameron) as the lovable troublemaker. The show focused on important life lessons, from relationships to school to career choices, all while keeping a lighthearted tone.
7. The Wonder Years: The Arnold Family in the 60s
The Wonder Years (1988-1993) centered on Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), his family, and his coming-of-age experiences during the late 60s and early 70s. His parents, Jack and Norma (Dan Lauria and Alley Mills), and his brother Wayne were at the core of this heartwarming series.
Why They Were Great:
The Wonder Years beautifully combined nostalgia with poignant life lessons. The Arnold family felt real, navigating both ordinary and extraordinary challenges with humor and love. This show remains a favorite for its nostalgic portrayal of family life during a more innocent time, all wrapped in Kevin’s hilarious yet touching coming-of-age story.
8. Diff’rent Strokes: The Blended Family That Changed TV
Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986) followed two African-American brothers, Arnold (Gary Coleman) and Willis Jackson (Todd Bridges), who were adopted by a wealthy white man, Philip Drummond (Conrad Bain).
Why They Were Great:
Diff’rent Strokes explored the challenges of a blended family with humor and warmth. The show addressed race and class issues head-on, with Arnold’s famous catchphrase, “What’choo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” becoming a part of TV lore. The Drummond family represented how love and understanding could bridge cultural divides.
9. The Facts of Life: A Boarding School Family
The Facts of Life (1979-1988) followed Edna Garrett (Charlotte Rae), who served as housemother to a group of girls at a private boarding school. The series focused on the lives of these girls, including Blair, Tootie, Natalie, and Jo.
Why They Were Great:
The series was unique in that it showcased a family-like group of friends coming together in a boarding school environment. The girls, while not blood-related, formed an inseparable bond, and Edna served as a mother figure, guiding them through life’s ups and downs. The show was famous for addressing real-life teenage struggles and growing pains.
10. Cheers: The Family That Wasn’t a Family, But Felt Like One
Though not a traditional family, the cast of Cheers (1982-1993) became a close-knit group of friends who spent their days at the local bar, Cheers, under the watchful eye of bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson).
Why They Were Great:
The group of regulars in Cheers, including Norm (George Wendt), Cliff (John Ratzenberger), and Carla (Rhea Perlman), formed a family of sorts, supporting one another through thick and thin. Their camaraderie and witty banter made the show one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of TV Families
The 70s and 80s gave us an unforgettable lineup of television families that shaped our cultural landscape and taught us valuable life lessons. From The Brady Bunch’s wholesome charm to The Cosby Show’s ground-breaking representation, these families touched our hearts and became household names. Even today, we continue to look back fondly on these iconic families, reflecting on the lessons and laughter they provided.
FAQs
1. Which TV family from the 70s and 80s was the most influential?
The Cosby Show is often considered one of the most influential, as it broke racial stereotypes and showed a successful, loving African American family.
2. How did ‘Diff’rent Strokes’ address racial issues?
It explored race, class, and family dynamics with humor, highlighting the challenges faced by a black family in a white, affluent household.
3. What was unique about ‘Growing Pains’?
Growing Pains was unique for focusing on the challenges of raising kids in the 80s, with relatable life lessons, humor, and a great balance of serious and lighthearted moments.
4. Why was ‘Cheers’ considered a family?
While not a traditional family, the group of regulars in Cheers formed a supportive and close-knit “family” through their bond and camaraderie, offering love and support to one another.
5. Are any of the families from the 70s and 80s still popular today?
Yes, shows like The Brady Bunch, The Cosby Show, and Family Ties remain popular through reruns and streaming platforms, continuing to influence modern television.
