The 1970s were packed with television personalities who became fixtures in American living rooms. Game shows exploded, late-night TV evolved, syndicated music programs flourished, and local personalities still carried enormous influence.
Some of these hosts were once unavoidable. Today, many of them rarely come up outside nostalgia circles and retro TV discussions.
Here are 10 forgotten TV hosts of the 1970s.
1. Richard Dawson
Why he still matters: He became one of the defining faces of 1970s game shows.
Between Match Game and Family Feud, Richard Dawson became one of television’s most recognizable personalities. His dry humor, quick improvisation, and habit of kissing contestants turned him into a pop culture phenomenon.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
2. Wink Martindale
Why he still matters: He helped define the polished game show host persona.
Wink Martindale hosted numerous programs during the decade, including Gambit and later Tic-Tac-Dough. His smooth delivery and unmistakable voice made him a staple of daytime television.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
3. Tom Snyder
Why he still matters: He helped shape the modern interview format.
As host of Tomorrow, Tom Snyder brought a more conversational and unpredictable tone to late-night television. His interview style influenced generations of hosts that followed.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
4. Chuck Barris
Why he still matters: He embodied the weird, chaotic energy of 1970s television.
Best known as the host of The Gong Show, Chuck Barris turned absurdity into a television art form. The show’s unpredictable performances and Barris’ offbeat personality made it one of the decade’s strangest hits.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
5. Jim Lange
Why he still matters: He became synonymous with television dating shows.
As host of The Dating Game, Jim Lange helped turn matchmaking television into a major daytime genre. His calm delivery perfectly balanced the show’s awkward humor and flirtation.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
6. Dinah Shore
Why she still matters: She bridged classic variety television and modern daytime talk.
Dinah! made Dinah Shore one of the defining daytime personalities of the decade. Her approachable interview style helped pave the way for later daytime talk formats.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
7. Joe Garagiola
Why he still matters: Sports broadcasting and entertainment television began to overlap.
Former baseball player Joe Garagiola became a major television figure through programs like To Tell the Truth and the Today show. His easygoing personality translated naturally to television.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
8. Wolfman Jack
Why he still matters: Radio personalities became television celebrities.
With his gravelly voice and larger-than-life persona, Wolfman Jack became one of the most recognizable entertainment personalities of the decade. His television appearances helped connect radio culture with TV audiences.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
9. Don Kirshner
Why he still matters: Music television found a new identity in syndication.
Don Kirshner’s Rock Concert brought live music performances to television audiences during the 1970s. The series became an important showcase for rock acts before MTV existed.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
10. Bob Eubanks
Why he still matters: He became one of the defining hosts of 1970s game television.
Already known for The Newlywed Game, Bob Eubanks remained a major television presence throughout the 1970s. His quick timing and willingness to lean into awkward contestant moments helped define the era’s game show style.
Where to watch: Available to stream.
Final Thoughts
The 1970s produced a generation of television hosts who became deeply familiar to viewers through repetition and personality. They were not just presenters. They were part of television’s identity during the decade.
While some names remain famous, many others have faded from mainstream conversation despite once being among the most recognizable faces on television.
Be sure to check out other entries in this series:
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