The ’70s were a golden age for unforgettable TV moments and iconic catchphrases that are still echoing through pop culture today.
Whether you were glued to the screen in front of your boxy TV (with three channels, of course) or trying to memorize the latest cool line to impress your friends, the ’70s had it all.
From sitcoms to thrillers, here are some famous TV lines from that groovy decade that still slap—whether you say them in jest or with pure nostalgia.
1. ”Dy-No-Mite!” (Good Times)
Who didn’t want to be Jimmie Walker’s character, J.J., from Good Times at some point? This catchphrase was his trademark, and it was as loud, proud, and unapologetic as his character.
No matter the situation, J.J. always found a way to express his enthusiasm with his famous “Dy-No-Mite!”
Seriously, say it out loud with the right amount of energy, and you’ll feel the power of the ’70s coursing through you.
It’s a line so infectious that even today, you can’t help but smile when it comes up. Dy-No-Mite, indeed!
2. ”Up your nose with a rubber hose” (Welcome Back, Kotter)
It’s the ’70s equivalent of giving someone the ol’ razzle-dazzle. This cheeky line, popularized by Welcome Back, Kotter’s Vinnie Barbarino (played by John Travolta), was the ultimate playful insult.
Sure, it doesn’t make much sense, but who cares when it’s delivered with such swagger?
The rubber hose was a symbol of defiant teenage rebellion, and if you could say this line with all the confidence of Vinnie himself, you were officially cool. And who could forget those dance moves?
3. ”You big dummy” (Sanford & Son)
Fred Sanford, the lovable curmudgeon played by Redd Foxx, was a master of insults. “You big dummy!” became one of his signature putdowns when dealing with his son Lamont.
It’s one of those lines that’s just so simple, yet packs a punch every time. With just the right amount of affection (and a little bit of frustration), Fred could bring the house down with this gem.
Try using it next time you’re in a lighthearted argument. You’ll instantly channel Fred’s comedic timing and sarcastic brilliance.
4. ”Book ’em Danno” (Hawaii 5-0)
Hawaii 5-0 gave us a TV line that’s cooler than an iced piña colada by the beach.
“Book ’em, Danno!” was the command of Steve McGarrett, played by Jack Lord, as he sent his partner, Danny Williams (James MacArthur), to make the arrest.
It became synonymous with tough cops and smooth action. Whether you’re trying to impress your friends or just bring out your inner McGarrett, this line still packs that ‘70s swagger.
Bonus points if you can nail the accent!
5. ”Who loves you, baby” (Kojak)
Say this line with a lollipop in hand, and you’ve officially turned into Detective Theo Kojak.
The bald-headed, smooth-talking cop, played by Telly Savalas, used this line to let people know that, despite his tough exterior, he had a soft spot for the little guy.
Whether you’re working a case or just in need of a compliment, there’s no better way to remind someone that you’ve got their back than with a cool “Who loves you, baby?”
It’s the perfect combo of tough and tender.
6. ”Kiss my grits!” (Alice)
Before The Golden Girls made the “sassy waitress” trope a nationwide obsession, there was Alice and its lovable diner worker, Flo.
Flo’s catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!” became an instant classic—so much so that it’s still used by folks today who want to say “take a hike” in the sassiest way possible.
It’s short, it’s sweet, and it’s unapologetically sassy. Give it a try the next time someone’s getting on your nerves. It’s a perfect way to channel your inner Flo.
7. ”Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” (The Incredible Hulk)
The Incredible Hulk wasn’t just about cool special effects and big green muscles—it was about a line that struck fear in the hearts of anyone who dared to provoke Bruce Banner.
“Don’t make me angry. You wouldn’t like me when I’m angry” became a chilling warning to everyone around him.
To this day, if you ever find yourself in a situation where your patience is running thin, feel free to bust this out. Just don’t accidentally rip your clothes in the process.
8. ”And I would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it hadn’t been for you meddling kids!” (Scooby Doo, Where Are You?)
Every time a villain is unmasked in Scooby-Doo, Where Are You?, they always seem to have the same reaction: a dramatic reveal followed by, “And I would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it hadn’t been for those meddling kids!”
This line is the quintessential villain moment. You can’t help but smile when you hear it, especially considering how many times it was said over the course of the show.
Next time you’re caught red-handed, feel free to quote this line in a fun twist. It’s a classic!
9. ”Here’s Johnny!” (The Shining)
Okay, so technically, this one’s from a movie, not a TV show, but it’s still a total ’70s pop culture staple.
The infamous line “Here’s Johnny!” shouted by Jack Nicholson in The Shining was one of those moments that immediately gave you chills.
It’s wild, it’s creepy, and if you’re ever looking to add a little drama to your entrance, it’s hard to top this one. Just make sure you’re not holding an axe when you say it.
10. ”Lookin’ good!” (Chico and the Man)
Every time Chico (played by Freddie Prinze) stepped into a scene on Chico and the Man, he had one thing to say: “Lookin’ good!”
Whether he was talking about himself, his buddy Ed, or just someone who happened to walk by, this line was the perfect dose of confidence and charm.
You can’t help but smile when you hear it—because, frankly, if you say it with the right swagger, you’re looking good too.