When it comes to classic television, there are few years that can compete with 1973. That was the year that saw some of the most iconic shows in TV history become top hits fast, including “M*A*S*H,” “The Waltons” and “Kojak.”
It was also a banner year for primetime soap operas, with “The Young and the Restless” debuting and the continued success of General Hospital. And let’s not forget about kids’ shows: 1973 was the year that “Sesame Street” expanded to an hour and “Schoolhouse Rock” first aired.
Here’s a look at 10 of the interesting TV shows that had a huge impact in 1973:
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1. “M*A*S*H”
This iconic war comedy-drama set in a mobile army surgical hospital during the Korean War debuted on CBS in September 1972 and by its 2nd season it moved up to #4. “M*A*S*H” went on to become one of the most popular and honored shows in TV history, winning 14 Emmy Awards during its 11-season run.
2. “The Waltons”
This family drama set in rural Virginia during the Great Depression and World War II debuted on CBS in September 1972 and by its second season it went to the #2 spot. “The Waltons” was a huge ratings hit and a critical favorite, winning seven Emmy Awards during its nine-season run.
3. “Kojak”
This crime drama starring Telly Savalas as a bald, lollipop-sucking NYPD detective debuted on CBS in October 1973 and ended up tying “The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour” for the #7 spot. “Kojak” was a solid ratings performer during its five-season run and remains a fondly remembered TV show today.
4. “All in the Family”
American television sitcom All in the Family was broadcast on CBS for nine seasons, from January 12, 1971, to April 8, 1979 and was the number 1 show in 1973. After All in the Family ended, it was created as the follow-up series Archie Bunker’s Place, which ran for four more seasons until 1983.
5. “The Young and the Restless”
This CBS daytime soap opera debuted in March 1973 and is still on the air today, making it the longest-running soap opera in American history. “The Young and the Restless” has been a ratings juggernaut for most of its 45-year run and has won nine Daytime Emmy Awards.
6. “Sesame Street”
This groundbreaking educational children’s TV show debuted in November 1969, but it expanded and grew in 1973 with the introduction of The Twiddlebug family and Grover’s alter egos “Marshal Grover” and “Super Grover”. “Sesame Street” has won more Emmy Awards than any other TV show in history, and continues to air on PBS today.
7. “Schoolhouse Rock”
This educational animated series featuring catchy songs about various topics debuted on ABC in January 1973. “Schoolhouse Rock” was a huge hit with kids and adults alike and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs over the years.
8. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show”
This classic sitcom about a single woman working at a Minneapolis TV station debuted on CBS in September 1973. “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” was a critical and commercial success, winning 29 Emmy Awards during its seven-season run.
9. “The Six Million Dollar Man”
This action-adventure series about a man with bionic implants debuted on ABC in 1973 as pilot movies and became a series in 1974. “The Six Million Dollar Man” was a huge ratings hit during its five-season run and spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs.
10. “Sanford and Son”
This classic sitcom about a junk dealer and his son debuted on NBC in 1972, but by 1973 it moved up to the #3 spot. “Sanford and Son” was a huge ratings hit during its six-season run and is considered one of the most influential sitcoms of all time.