Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-75)
The frightening show Kolchak: The Night Stalker kicks off our ’70s list. It’s one of those cult classics like Freaks and Geeks, which lasted only one season while receiving both critical acclaim and fan adoration. Veteran actor Darren McGavin (A Christmas Story) plays a journalist who investigates some bizarre and extraordinary happenings. This show, which combined elements of mystery and science fiction, paved the way for many others to come. While Kolchak isn’t a household name, it has far more power than many people know.
Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974-75)
Hawaii Five-O (1968-80)
Prior to the latest long-running episode on CBS, Hawaii Five-O had a previous run that began in 1968. Despite starting in two separate decades, the majority of this series took place in the 1970s. The scenery of Hawaii combined nicely with the exciting narratives for individuals who’ve never seen the ocean — or wished for a tropical paradise. When you have a cop-centric criminal story, it’s almost a given. The addition of this type of environment simply added to the mystery surrounding characters like Jack Lord, Kam Fong, Richard Denning, and James MacArthur.
Hawaii Five-O (1968-80)