Iconic TV Programmes of the 70s

Just my list of some of the shows that I felt had the greatest impact in the 1970s, by nature of the fact that I was a baby/child, there is a leaning towards children's shows. The list is in no particular order:

Rainbow - started in 1972, the original presenter was a man called David Cook, who worked with Zippy and Bungle. The next year, for the second series he was replaced by Geoffrey Hayes and George the pink hippo was added to the line up. From 1980 they had musical regulars in Rod, Jane and Freddy. The show stopped in 1992 after more than a thousand episodes. Most of my generation remember cheeky Zippy and shy George who now do Student Union shows. Doing the rounds on the internet is the Twangers Clip . Whilst I am not sure this really was aired it is very funny to watch.

The Dukes of Hazzard - started in 1979 and ran for seven series, until 1985. In featured Bo and Luke Duke who lived with Uncle Jesse and hot-pant wearing cousin Daisy in Hazzard County, Georgia. For most of the series they drove around in the 'General Lee', a bright orange car with the Southern Cross flag on the roof and doors that did not open. Normally they were trying not to get into trouble with Commissioner Boss Hogg and dopey sheriff Rosco P Coltrane and his dawg, whilst helping out fellow citizens of Hazzard County and accidentally catching a few bad guys on the way.

Jim'll Fix It - Saturday tea time show presented by Jimmy Saville. Kids (mainly) wrote in with their wish - to meet a famous person, to see something being made, or to try something new - and Jim (or rather the BBC production crew) 'fixed it' for these kids' 'dreams' to come true. One of the most memorable was a group of scouts eating their packed lunch on a roller coaster. After the event, the kid went to the studio where the band/factory/organisation that helped out presented them with an extra gift, and Jim gave the kid their 'Jim Fixed it For Me' badge (which was actually a medallion). The nation tuned in, in its millions.

The Wombles - Little grey furry creatures that lived on Wimbledon Common. Their job was to pick up the litter and they lived in a burrow under the ground. Their story was narrated by Bernard Cribbins and key wombles were Uncle Bulgaria, Madame Cholet, Wellingon, Orinoco, Tomsk and Bungo. There were accompanying records, toys and books.

The Muppets - Debuted in 1976, the concept was that a human guest star was to appear on a stage variety show which was managed and performed by puppets. Memorable characters include MC Kermit the Frog, his girlfriend diva Miss Piggy, Fozzie Bear the 'comedian', the band featuring Animal on drums and Rolf the dog on piano. Not to mention the Swedish Chef, Gonzo and the heckling old blokes on the balcony - Statler and Waldorf. Special guests that appeared in the show include Bruce Forsyth, Twiggy, Elton John, John Cleese, Sylvester Stallone, Roger More and Gene Kelly. The show was re-made in the nineties with new celebrities. There have been spin off movies, toys and other merchandising. As well as spin off shows such as Fraggle Rock and Sesame Street featuring the work of Muppet creator Jim Henson's studio.

Starsky & Hutch - Started in 1975, the show featured two cool cops and their red and white Gran Turino. Ken 'Hutch' Hutchinson was deep and sensitive, whilst Dave Starsky was louder and brash (a role reversal was done in the film version made in 2004). They had an informant on the street known as Huggy Bear. The early shows were quite gritty but were later tamed in favour of 'buddy' storylines and some tongue in cheek humour.

Wonder Woman - TV series from late 70s. Diana Prince was really female superhero Wonder Woman (an original comic strip character) who had female school children spinning in the playground (which was how she changed her identity - into a Stars & Stripes type outfit). Wonder Woman fought with cheesy plots but kept kids entertained for three years (and numerous repeats).

Grange Hill - Started in 1978 and is still running today, this 'ground-breaking' children's drama sent in a London comprehensive school covered bullying, drugs and other school and teenage issues. There was also a spin-off show called Tucker's Luck and a Top Ten hit with 'Just Say No' from the drug storyline.