Television of the 1970s reflected the shifting attitudes of the nation, as more shows attempted to represent social changes across the country. Edgier programs like All in the Family and M*A*S*H pushed the boundaries of popular programming to become standards of quality viewing. At the same time, the small screen began to acknowledge that viewers were open to more diverse programming, resulting in hit shows like Sanford and Son and Good Times. Some of the most beloved shows of all time originally aired during the 1970s, including Columbo, Happy Days, Little House on the Prairie, and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Even after these shows departed the airwaves, they live on in syndication and on DVDs, entertaining many generations of viewers. In Television Series of the 1970s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details, Vincent Terrace presents readers with a cornucopia of information about more than seventy programs from the decade. For example, did you know that Jim Ignatowski on Taxi attended Harvard? Or that John-Boy Walton was a reporter for the Jefferson County Times? Or that Lieutenant Columbo's favorite sandwich was peanut butter and raisins? These are just a handful of hundreds of fun and intriguing specifics found inside this volume. Programs from all three major networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC)-as well as select syndicated programs-are represented here. This is not a book of opinions or essays about specific television programs but a treasure trove of facts associated with each show. From Oscar Madison's middle name on The Odd Couple to Jim Rockford's license plate number, readers will discover a wealth of fascinating information that, for the most part, cannot be found elsewhere. In some cases, the factual data detailed herein is the only such documentation that currently exists on bygone shows of the era. Television Series of the 1970s is the ideal reference for fans of this decade and anyone looking to stump even the most knowledgeable trivia expert.

About the Author
Vincent Terrace is a television historian for BPOLIN Productions, a film/TV production company. He has written more than thirty books, including Television Series of the 1950s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016), Television Series of the 1960s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016), Television Introductions: Narrated TV Program Openings since 1949 (Scarecrow, 2013), and Encyclopedia of Television Shows, 1925 through 2010, 2nd ed. (2011).

Reviews
Television historian Terrace's latest follows the theme of his books on series from the 1950s and '60s. Indeed, for 71 shows that began their runs in the '70s, cast listings and basic plot overviews are provided, along with a wealth of trivia that stands to stump even the most knowledgeable television aficionados. Who knew that Fred (Sanford and Son) had a collection of Blind Mello Jello records or that Mary's (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) favorite lunch was chef's salad? Terrace's book is a fun read that will bring back memories for some and offer little-known facts for all. This book (and the others in the series) have broad appeal; give them to readers with a general interest in the eras or in television trivia in general. * Booklist *
The most recent installment in the publisher's TV series by decade written by Terrace closely follows his volume on the 1960s. Here he sticks to the format and features only those programs that premiered in the subsequent decade, covering such favorites as All in the Family, which ran from 1971 to 1979. Organized alphabetically by title, this volume showcases some 70-plus series. Each entry includes network, years in production, cast listing, and a 'basis' note (i.e., a show's brief premise). Some entries include overall series information as well. The 'essential facts and quirky details' are indeed part of the biographies of each of the characters' entries that follow. One can find sundry details such as their age and height, shoe size, vices, the names of favorite sports teams or membership on bowling teams; even Archie Bunker's blood pressure is recorded. Entries continue with an 'Other Characters' section with notes regarding actor or character changes and shifts in the series' progression. Sections treating spin-offs and updates complete the entries.... Best suited to libraries collecting comprehensively in television history or serving rabid trivia mavens. Summing Up: Recommended. General readers. * CHOICE *
Sprinkled throughout [the] book are archival photos, airdates and so much nostalgic goodies that even the most diehard of TV fans will be thrilled and excited turning each and every page. * Boyce McClain's Collectors' Corner *
For those interested in trivia about 1970s television series, this book is for you!! * American Reference Books Annual *



Book Information
ISBN 9781442278288
Author Vincent Terrace
Format Hardback
Page Count 254
Imprint Rowman & Littlefield
Publisher Rowman & Littlefield
Weight(grams) 526g
Dimensions(mm) 237mm * 156mm * 24mm