The 1970's brought about more change in these programs. In the past the plots were completed in each week’s show with the following week producing completely different stories and guest casts. Now the story lines began involving repeat characters either from previous shows within the season or from past seasons. The emphasis was on people and situations more than violence and reality became a bigger factor. Some good examples of this programing are "The Rockford Files" (1974-1980), "Hill Street Blues" (1981-1987), and "Police Story" (1973-1977).
The 1970's would not be complete with out a mention of "Columbo" (1971-1977) starring Peter Falk in one of the wittiest and best acted detective shows. In the 1980's some more lightheartedness crept in with Tom Selleck as "Magnum P. I." (1980-1988) and the off beat "Moonlighting" (1985-1989) with Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis.