The 7 Most Iconic TV Shows That Changed Our Culture

There are things from every generation that you immediately recognize whether music, clothing, automobiles, and more. Who can forget the breakthrough to rock and roll music of the ’50s, the flower children of the ’60s, or the disco era of the ’70s?

One of the greatest influencers on our culture is TV shows. They put into full view thoughts, behaviors, clothing, and more. Let’s take a look at seven of the most iconic tv shows of all time and their impact on our culture.

1. Friends

Friends is one of the most-watched TV shows of all time. The show concentrates on the friendship of six people in their 20’s living in New York City. 

On the air for ten years beginning in 1994, it is still popular today. The show influenced hairstyles, clothing, and slang words.

2.  All in the Family

One of the most iconic TV shows in history is All in the Family. This show was one of the most influential and most iconic tv shows in history. Hot-headed Archie Bunker goes head-to-head with his daughter and son-in-law on numerous issues.

It covers the difficult transitions from the 1960s to 1970s regarding race, war, politics, sex, immigration, women’s rights, and gun control. Many of the social issues in the 1970s show still exist today.

3. Roseanne

Roseanne takes us into the reality of a working-class family and the issues they face. It covers income struggles, parenting, and sibling rivalry. The characters are loud, blunt, and abrasive.

Part of the show’s appeal is that it does not fit the family show stereotype where everything is all rosy and everyone gets along.

4. Gunsmoke

When it comes to western TV shows Gunsmoke earns the title as one of the most iconic drama TV shows of all time. Set in Dodge City, Kansas in the 1870s, Matt Dillon is the sheriff and Miss Kitty a saloon proprietress. At least that is what TV portrays her as because her true profession as a madam for the saloon was taboo for prime time TV.

With 635 episodes running from 1955 to 1975, its popularity began in 1952 as a radio show. It holds the title of the longest-running drama series in television history.

5. I Love Lucy

Married couple Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball entered homes via the I Love Lucy show from 1951 to 195 on one of the most watched tv shows of all time. Impacting ethnic culture is Desi being Hispanic American with a very distinct accent. 

Lucille Ball was the first actress to portray a pregnant woman on TV.  After Ricky was born, Lucy and Desi’s beds were pushed together under a single headboard to show a more realistic image of marriage.

6. Cagney and Lacey

When Cagney and Lacey began in 1982 the idea of successful career women was not widely accepted. The show covers a New York female detective team. One is married with children and the other single.

The two strong-minded women tackled everything from sexism in their male-dominated careers to taking down bad guys. 

7.  Seinfeld

Seinfeld earns the title as one of the most iconic TV shows ever. Its 9-year run began in 1982. In 2002 TV Guide voted it the greatest show of all time. The description is a show about nothing.

Jerry Seinfeld plays a fictionalized version of himself along with friends representing people from his life. Each character has a personality people can relate to.

The Most Iconic TV Shows Ever Trying to choose one of the most popular TV shows of all time is difficult. It is a matter of personal taste and popularity based on the conflicts and cultural changes taking place in society. Many not on this list of most iconic TV show