What exactly are underrated 70s TV dramas? The 1970s were a transformative decade for television, when gritty realism and socially conscious storytelling began to dominate the airwaves. While shows like Kojak, Columbo, and Dallas defined the era, many other dramas quietly pushed boundaries but never received the same long-term recognition. These series tackled social issues, experimented with serialized storytelling, and helped shape the DNA of modern TV — but today, they’re often overlooked.
Here are 10 underrated 70s TV dramas that deserve a second look. Whether they burned bright but short, or were overshadowed by bigger ratings juggernauts, these shows remind us that the 70s were about more than cops with catchphrases and soap opera cliffhangers.
1. Police Story (1973–1978)
Why it’s underrated: An anthology-style cop show that presented realistic and often unglamorous views of police work.
Created by Joseph Wambaugh, a former LAPD officer, the series spotlighted different characters each week, delivering grounded stories rather than glossy crime-solving.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and streaming.
2. The Rookies (1972–1976)
Why it’s underrated: A drama focusing on young police officers navigating both professional and personal struggles.
While overshadowed by shows like Starsky & Hutch, it offered a fresher, more human angle on cop drama.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and streaming.
3. Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1971–1974)
Why it’s underrated: A courtroom drama with heart, starring Arthur Hill as a compassionate defense attorney.
It predated the prestige legal dramas of the 80s and 90s with smart scripts and strong guest stars.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
4. Cannon (1971–1976)
Why it’s underrated: A unique private eye series starring William Conrad, who defied TV’s usual leading man archetype.
It mixed action with cerebral investigation, and while popular at the time, it’s rarely discussed today.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
5. Petrocelli (1974–1976)
Why it’s underrated: A short-lived but memorable legal drama starring Barry Newman.
The show stood out for its unconventional courtroom strategies and a quirky, desert-town setting.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
6. Barnaby Jones (1973–1980)
Why it’s underrated: Buddy Ebsen traded comedy for detective work, delivering a surprisingly effective PI drama.
Its mix of charm and traditional detective cases gave it longevity, but it hasn’t retained the same cult following as peers.
Where to stream: Available on DVD and streaming.
7. The Blue Knight (1975–1976)
Why it’s underrated: Based on Joseph Wambaugh’s novel, this police drama starred George Kennedy as a veteran cop near retirement.
Gritty, humanizing, and emotionally heavy, it ran only one season but left a mark.
Where to stream: Currently unavailable.
8. Quincy, M.E. (1976–1983)
Why it’s underrated: A forensic drama long before CSI made the concept cool.
Jack Klugman’s crusading medical examiner often clashed with authority while solving unusual deaths. Hugely influential, yet less celebrated today.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
9. Harry O (1974–1976)
Why it’s underrated: A private investigator drama starring David Janssen (formerly of The Fugitive).
Known for its witty scripts and moody style, it offered a more cerebral alternative to other action-heavy PI shows.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
10. Lou Grant (1977–1982)
Why it’s underrated: A spinoff of The Mary Tyler Moore Show that became a serious newspaper drama.
Praised for tackling political and social issues, it won awards but is rarely discussed by modern audiences.
Where to stream: Available on DVD.
Final Thoughts
The 1970s were about more than polyester suits and disco soundtracks — they gave us a slate of daring dramas that deserve recognition today. From early police procedurals to serious issue-driven shows, these series helped usher in the next era of prestige TV, even if they didn’t always survive in reruns.
If you’re fascinated by the evolution of television drama, these forgotten 70s gems are worth tracking down. Who knows — one of them might become your next binge-worthy discovery.
Be sure to check out the other entries in this series:
- Underrated 60s TV Dramas – 10 Series You Totally Forgot
- Underrated 80s TV Dramas – 10 Series You Totally Forgot
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
Be sure to check out the entries in our Underrated Series:
Underrated Cartoons
- Underrated 60s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 70s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 80s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 90s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 2000s Cartoons – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
Underrated Sitcoms
- Underrated 60s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 70s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 80s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 90s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
- Underrated 2000s Sitcoms – 10 Shows You Totally Forgot About
Underrated Dramas
Fun Jug Media, LLC (operating TheNerdy.com) has affiliate partnerships with various companies. These do not at any time have any influence on the editorial content of The Nerdy. Fun Jug Media LLC may earn a commission from these links.
