Ep 1. Television Gets Real

In the first episode of The Seventies, titled "Television Gets Real," viewers are taken on a journey back to the era of television when it started to become more than just a form of entertainment for families across the United States. The episode explores how the 1970s was a time of great change for television as it began to reflect the changing social climate of the country.

The episode starts by laying out the groundwork for the social upheaval that occurred during this time period. The Vietnam War left a profound impact on the country, and as the war came to an end, many Americans were feeling disillusioned and disconnected. In response, television began to shift its focus away from the idealized portrayals of life in America that had been popular in the 1950s and 60s and became grittier, more realistic, and more reflective of the country's changing values.

One of the most popular shows of the 1970s was All in the Family, which is highlighted in "Television Gets Real." This show is given attention because it was a true reflection of the way that many Americans were feeling at the time. The show's character Archie Bunker was a working-class, conservative family man who often expressed racist views. The show's creators deliberately chose to present Archie's views in a way that satirized them instead of presenting them as a serious political statement. This allowed the show to confront difficult issues like racism while still providing viewers with a sense of humor.

Another major milestone covered in the episode is the move towards more diverse programming. In the 1970s, television began to actively seek out shows with diverse casts and characters. The show Sanford and Son, which featured a predominantly black cast, is discussed in the episode as one of the first successful shows to do this. The show was well received by viewers and broke down barriers for future shows.

The episode also shines a light on the increasing presence of violence on television during this time. The show Police Woman is given attention because it was one of the first television shows to feature a female lead character in a law enforcement role. However, the show is also notable for its frequent depictions of violence. The violence on television became a topic of national discussion and led to calls for more responsible programming.

The episode ends with a discussion of the impact that technology had on television in the 1970s. The introduction of the VCR allowed viewers to record and watch shows at their convenience, which changed the way that television was consumed. This change in viewing habits led to a shift towards more serialized programming, where viewers would need to watch every episode of a series in order to fully understand the storyline.

Overall, "Television Gets Real" offers a fascinating look into the changes that television underwent during the 1970s. Viewers who are interested in the history of television or who have a love for pop culture of this era will find this episode to be a must-watch. By the end of the episode, viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of how television can both reflect and shape the social values of a country.