#1 in 1977: Laverne & Shirley

 

Garry Marshall's winning streak would continue beyond his wildest dreams. Laverne & Shirley spun-off from Happy Days and became the rare spinoff whose popularity exceeded its very popular parent show.

#1 in 1976: Happy Days

 

The mid-1970's American television viewer was ready for a more nostalgic look at life and Happy Days was there to oblige. Originally an unsold pilot burned off as part of ABC's Love American Style, Happy Days was given a second chance after the success of American Graffiti. Producer Garry Marshall would turn this massive success into a television empire.

#1 in 1975: All in the Family

 

All in the Family would spend its last year on top in 1975. The shifting political climate and the growing distrust of authority brought about by Richard Nixon's scandals meant that audiences were ready to flee towards more homespun entertainment. The tide would shift towards feelgood TV for the rest of the decade.

#1 in 1974: All in the Family

 

All in the Family would continue to be a juggernaut for CBS. Producer Norman Lear would become an unstoppable force and his crown jewel would produce a ton of spinoffs- among them: Good Times, Maude and The Jeffersons. 

#1 in 1973: All in the Family

 

The success of All in the Family brought about a renaissance in television comedy. CBS had taken a huge risk by canceling its successful lineup of "hickcoms" to rebuild itself. Many were looking for the network to falter, but the risk paid huge dividends as the network found great success with its newer, hipper lineup.

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#1 in 1972: All in the Family

 

Despite its more adult content, All in the Family would inspire a trove of licensed merchandise. Books that appealed to those who didn't realize Archie Bunker wasn't the hero on this show were printed up and (more bizarrely) even an anatomically correct doll was produced, modeled after the Bunker grandson.

#1 in 1971: All in the Family

 

All in th Family, the show that nobody thought should even air on television began its record breaking run on CBS in 1971. The show would stay atop the Nielsens for five years. All in the Family was one of the new breed of sitcoms that CBS was staking its future on. It would succeed beyond its wildest dreams.

#1 in 1970: Marcus Welby

 

Marcus Welby, MD would become ABC's first number one show, riding a wave of interest in medical dramas to the top of the charts. Starring television royalty Robert Young as the avuncular Dr. Welby, the show would bring awards and recognition to both Young and his co-star James Brolin.

Rest In Peace, Chuck Barris 1929 - 2017

#1 in 1969: Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

 

Despite being seen as a more adult show these days because of the writhing, bikini clad dancers and risqué humor, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In was viewed as more of a family show at the time. In its third season, it was still at number one and the network chose to take advantage by producing a line of merchandise for children, including toys.

#1 in 1968: Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In

 

The comedy found in The Andy Griffith Show and Laugh-In could not be more dissimilar, so it is surprising that the shows' respective reigns at the top of the Nielsens were just one year apart. Begun as a one-off special, the airing was so successful that it was instantly picked up as a series. The vaudeville style production successfully brought the format to the hip and now 1960's.