The 10 Best Television Families of the 70s and 80s: Iconic Households We’ll Never Forget
When we look back at television in the 70s and 80s, one thing stands out: the unforgettable families that graced our screens. These fictional households weren’t just entertaining—they became cultural icons, influencing our perceptions of family life, love, and the ups and downs that come with it. From the quirky to the perfect, these families taught us valuable lessons while making us laugh, cry, and think. So, let’s take a nostalgic trip back and revisit the 10 Best Television Families of the 70s and 80s—households that will forever hold a place in our hearts.
1. The Brady Bunch – The Quintessential TV Family
Ah, the Brady Bunch—arguably the most famous TV family of all time. Airing from 1969 to 1974, this show introduced us to the world of blended families, where six kids (three boys and three girls) from two very different families came together to form one big happy household. The family’s charm came from its wholesome dynamics, endless optimism, and the iconic catchphrase, “The Brady Bunch.” Their adventures may have been outlandish at times, but it’s the heart and togetherness of the family that made them stand the test of time.
Why They’re Iconic
The Brady Bunch represents the ideal of a happy, well-adjusted family despite the challenges of blending two households. With Mike and Carol as the patient, loving parents, the Brady kids were the embodiment of family values during the 70s.
2. The Partridge Family – Rock Stars in the Making
The Partridge Family aired from 1970 to 1974, and it was the definition of cool in its time. Featuring a single mom, Shirley Partridge, and her five kids—who just so happened to be in a family band—this show was a unique mix of family dynamics and musical flair. Led by the eldest son, Keith, the Partridges traveled in their colorful bus, singing their way to success.
Why They’re Iconic
The Partridge Family brought music into the family sitcom scene, making the concept of a rock band within a household fun and relatable. The show’s catchy songs and unique premise set it apart from other family-centered shows at the time.
3. The Cosby Show – The Modern Family of the 80s
When The Cosby Show debuted in 1984, it completely changed the landscape of family sitcoms. Dr. Cliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby, was a highly educated, successful, and loving father, while his wife, Clair (Phylicia Rashad), was a powerful lawyer. Together, they raised five children in their Brooklyn home, combining humor and real-life issues with sophistication and love.
Why They’re Iconic
The Cosby Show broke barriers by portraying a Black family in a positive light, offering an image of successful, high-achieving African Americans that was rare at the time. It was a pivotal show in the 80s and set the standard for modern family sitcoms.
4. The Waltons – A Family of Strength and Resilience
Set in the Depression-era South, The Waltons aired from 1972 to 1981, and it’s one of the most beloved families in TV history. The Waltons, led by John and Olivia, were a large family living on a mountain in Virginia, trying to make the best of a difficult time. The show emphasized values like hard work, respect, and community, with the iconic “Goodnight John Boy” being a staple of the show’s legacy.
Why They’re Iconic
The Waltons captured the spirit of resilience and family unity during tough times. The show’s sense of warmth, nostalgia, and moral lessons made it an enduring classic, loved by multiple generations.
5. Family Ties – The Changing Dynamic of Family Life
Family Ties aired from 1982 to 1989 and introduced us to the Keaton family—a couple, Elyse and Steven, raising their three children in the midst of cultural shifts. What set the Keatons apart was the rebellious, conservative son, Alex P. Keaton (played by Michael J. Fox), who was constantly at odds with his liberal parents. This contrast created hilarious and thought-provoking moments that made Family Ties a standout of the 80s.
Why They’re Iconic
The show’s ability to blend comedy with cultural commentary about changing political landscapes made it relatable and reflective of the time. Michael J. Fox’s portrayal of Alex P. Keaton became a defining role of the decade.
6. Diff’rent Strokes – The Family That Overcame All Odds
Diff’rent Strokes (1978-1986) brought together an unlikely family: two African American brothers, Arnold and Willis, from Harlem, and their rich, white adoptive father, Phillip Drummond. The show highlighted the unique challenges of their blended family dynamic, making it an early example of diverse family structures on TV.
Why They’re Iconic
Diff’rent Strokes dealt with tough topics like race, class, and identity, but it also brought heart and humor to the conversation. Arnold’s famous line, “What you talkin’ about, Willis?” remains one of TV’s most memorable quotes.
7. The Huxtables – An Icon of Family and Culture
The Huxtables from The Cosby Show were more than just a TV family—they were cultural icons. As one of the most influential families in television, they demonstrated the importance of strong family ties, education, and career success. The show explored serious issues while always maintaining an atmosphere of warmth and laughter, making it a perfect reflection of the era’s evolving family structures.
Why They’re Iconic
The Huxtables became a model for the perfect family—a loving, progressive, and successful unit. Their influence shaped the way Black families were portrayed on television, offering an inspiring narrative that has resonated with generations.
8. The Clampetts – From Hillbillies to Millionaires
The Beverly Hillbillies (1962-1971) may have aired a little earlier than the 70s and 80s, but the family’s humor and charm continued to captivate audiences well into the next two decades. The Clampetts struck it rich and moved from their rural home in the Ozarks to the posh Beverly Hills, where they tried to fit into high society.
Why They’re Iconic
The Clampetts’ humor came from their naivety and fish-out-of-water antics in Beverly Hills. Their simple, country lifestyle contrasted sharply with the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, creating comedic gold.
9. Perfect Strangers – Two Cousins, One Apartment, Endless Laughs
Balki Bartokomous and Larry Appleton made their way into American living rooms from 1986 to 1993 in Perfect Strangers. The series showcased the hilarious culture clash between Balki, a naive immigrant from the fictional country of Mypos, and his more pragmatic cousin Larry. Their wacky adventures in Chicago made for a unique and heartwarming show.
Why They’re Iconic
Perfect Strangers mixed slapstick comedy with the sweet theme of friendship and family. Balki’s quirky, optimistic perspective on life served as the perfect foil to Larry’s more cynical attitude, making them a memorable duo.
10. The Keatons – A Reflection of Family During Political Change
The Family Ties household was full of laughs and love. With parents Elyse and Steven Keaton, and their three kids, this family was an example of change during a turbulent political period. The family’s contrast in ideologies—Elyse and Steven were liberals, while their son Alex was a staunch conservative—provided a hilarious look at generational shifts in American life.
Why They’re Iconic
Family Ties reflected the political and social changes in America during the 80s, particularly the Reagan years. It blended humor with insightful commentary on shifting societal norms.
Conclusion
The 70s and 80s gave us a slew of unforgettable television families, from the hilariously dysfunctional to the heartwarming and idealized. These families became so much more than TV characters—they were cultural touchstones that reflected the evolving American family. Whether they were rock stars in the making, navigating social change, or simply trying to get through the ups and downs of daily life, these TV families continue to be loved by fans old and new.
FAQs
1. What made The Cosby Show so groundbreaking for its time?
It depicted a successful Black family, which was rare on television at the time, offering a positive and aspirational image.
2. How did Diff’rent Strokes address social issues?
The show addressed race, class, and the challenges of being in a blended family, all while providing humor and heart.
3. Which TV family had the most influence on future sitcoms?
The Brady Bunch and The Cosby Show had huge influence on future family-centered sitcoms, thanks to their positive depictions of family life.
4. Why are The Waltons still beloved today?
Their portrayal of a close-knit family during hard times resonated with viewers, offering a nostalgic and hopeful look at American family values.
5. What makes Family Ties a standout show?
Its combination of humor with insightful commentary on political and generational shifts made it a defining show of the 80s.
