Forgotten TV Shows of the 60s and 70s That Deserve a Second Look

These classic TV shows from the 60s and 70s are now streaming free on apps like YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, and the Internet Archive—no cable or credit card needed. Many of these shows disappeared for decades but are now easy to find again if you know where to look.

If you want a full list of apps and how to start watching, see where to watch classic TV right now without a cable subscription or a credit card.

Why These Shows Were Easy to Forget

Back then, if you missed a show, it was gone. No recordings. No way to go back.

I remember nights when a show just disappeared from the schedule and that was it. Years later, I’ll stumble across something like Columbo again and think, “Wait… I loved this.”

When life feels messy, I still go back to those episodes. Columbo walks in, looks confused, then slowly figures it all out. By the end, everything makes sense again.

A lot of great shows from the 60s and 70s got lost this way. Not bad—just forgotten.

Now they’re back. And you can watch them anytime.

How I Chose These Forgotten TV Shows

I focused on classic TV shows of the 60s and 70s that you can still watch free today without a subscription. Some were short-lived. Others were popular at the time but faded away over the years.

I also picked shows that are easy to follow, hold up well today, and don’t require you to watch every episode in order. Most importantly, these are shows you can actually find right now on apps like YouTube, Tubi, Pluto TV, or the Internet Archive.

👉 If you’re not sure which apps to start with, see how to watch classic TV free without cable.

Forgotten TV Shows of the 60s and 70s You Can Watch Right Now

Many forgotten TV shows of the 60s and 70s are now streaming free—you just need to know where to look. Here are a few worth starting with tonight.

Columbo (1968–2003)
A quiet detective who always gets his man—not by force, but by outthinking everyone in the room. Slow, steady, and incredibly satisfying.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube and Pluto TV
👉 You can find full episodes using simple search tricks in this guide to watching classic TV shows on YouTube.

The Fugitive (1963–1967)
A man on the run, trying to prove his innocence while chasing the one-armed man who framed him. One of the most gripping shows of its time.

👉 Where to watch: Tubi and Internet Archive
👉 If you want more rare finds like this, see how to watch classic shows on the Internet Archive.

Perry Mason (1957–1966)
Courtroom drama where every case gets solved—clean, logical, and wrapped up in under an hour.

👉 Where to watch: Pluto TV and YouTube
👉 If you’re new to the show, start with the best Perry Mason episodes to see why it still works today.

Lesser-Known Crime and Detective Shows from the 60s and 70s Worth Watching

If you’ve already seen the big names, these lesser-known crime and detective shows from the 60s and 70s are where things get interesting. Many are just as good—but far less talked about.

Mannix (1967–1975)
A private investigator who takes real physical risks solving cases. More action than most shows of its time, but still easy to follow.

👉 Where to watch: Tubi and Pluto TV
👉 You can also find full episodes of Mannix using these YouTube search tips.

Cannon (1971–1976)
A slower, more thoughtful detective who solves cases by outsmarting people, not chasing them. Very different pace from modern crime shows.

👉 Where to watch: Pluto TV and YouTube
👉 For more free options, see how to watch classic TV free without cable.

The Streets of San Francisco (1972–1977)
A veteran detective and his younger partner solve crimes across the city. Strong character stories and easy to get into.

👉 Where to watch: Pluto TV and Tubi
👉 These shows often rotate between apps, so switching helps you find more episodes.

Ironside (1967–1975)
A wheelchair-using detective who relies on strategy and observation instead of physical pursuit. Quiet but very engaging.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube and Internet Archive
👉 You can find more rare shows using the Internet Archive guide.

Barnaby Jones (1973–1980)
An older private investigator who comes out of retirement and solves cases with patience and experience. Easy to watch and follow.

👉 Where to watch: Tubi and YouTube
👉 Use simple search phrases to find full episodes quickly.

Western TV Shows from the 60s and 70s Worth Watching

If you think all the good Westerns were Gunsmoke or Bonanza, you’re missing a lot. These lesser-known Westerns from the 60s and 70s are just as watchable—and many are easier to find free today.

The Big Valley (1965–1969)
A strong family-led Western with more story and character than gunfights. Easy to follow and surprisingly modern in tone.

👉 Where to watch: Pluto TV and YouTube
👉 You can find full episodes using simple YouTube search tips.

The Virginian (1962–1971)
Longer, more detailed episodes that take their time telling a story. Feels more like a movie than a typical TV Western.

👉 Where to watch: Tubi and YouTube
👉 Many full-length episodes are available free across apps.

Laredo (1965–1967)
A lighter Western with humor mixed into the action. Good if you want something less serious but still engaging.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube and Internet Archive
👉 You can find rare Westerns using the Internet Archive guide.

Alias Smith and Jones (1971–1973)
Two outlaws trying to go straight while staying one step ahead of the law. More personality and humor than most Westerns.

👉 Where to watch: Tubi and YouTube
👉 Use simple search phrases to find full episodes quickly.

The High Chaparral (1967–1971)
A Western focused on relationships, culture clashes, and family dynamics—not just shootouts.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube and select free apps
👉 If a show isn’t on one app, check multiple free platforms to find it.

Short-Lived TV Shows from the 60s and 70s That Deserved More Seasons

Short-lived shows often ended before audiences could find them. Today, many of these shows are easier to watch because they’ve been uploaded to free platforms.

👉 If you’re having trouble finding a specific show, here’s how to search for full episodes on YouTube.
👉 For harder-to-find series, this guide shows how to use the Internet Archive.

The Invaders (1967–1968)
A man tries to convince others that aliens are secretly taking over. Quiet, suspenseful, and very different from typical shows.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube and Internet Archive
👉 If you don’t see this on major apps, check the Internet Archive.

Branded (1965–1966)
A soldier falsely accused of cowardice travels the West trying to clear his name. Short, simple episodes that move quickly.

👉 Where to watch: YouTube
👉 YouTube is one of the best places to find shows like this.

Coronet Blue (1967)
A man with no memory tries to figure out who he is while being chased. Only one season, but very engaging.

👉 Where to watch: Internet Archive
👉 Many rare shows only appear on archive.org.

How to Find Forgotten TV Shows on Your TV Without Cable

Finding these shows is easier than it looks once you know where to search.

Start with YouTube. Try searching the show name with “full episodes” to find complete videos instead of clips.
👉 This guide shows exactly how to find full episodes on YouTube.

Tubi is one of the easiest apps for watching full seasons without a subscription. You can browse by genre or search directly.

Pluto TV works like live TV. You flip channels and often run into classic shows already playing.

For harder-to-find shows, use the Internet Archive.
👉 The Internet Archive is one of the best places to find rare and forgotten shows.

If a show isn’t on one app, check another. These shows rotate between platforms.

Start Watching Tonight

Pick one show you recognize and press play. If you want something easy, start with Pluto TV. If you want full episodes, try Tubi or YouTube. For rare shows, use the Internet Archive.

If you’re setting this up for the first time, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to watching classic TV free without cable.