What's interesting is the comparison, between these relatively "big" shows of the 70s (both shows ran seven seasons) and the "big" shows of today -- today's shows are much better IMHO. I think both Adam-12 and Emergency! would have been pretty quickly cancelled if they came out today, just because they were both relatively campy.
I think it depends on what you want from a show. If you want realism, drama, high emotions, etc... then sure todays shows are much better. But, if you want simple fun, I'll take yesterday's shows in a heartbeat. For example, I doubt you will find any show more campy then the original Batman. The acting was horrible, the plots were as thin as a piece of balsa wood, but man was that a fun show. Even my 9 year old son (who has grown up in our newer, modern world) loves that old show. Why? Because it was nothing more than a fun show.
Today's shows specialize in graphics and drama. For example ER. They want to show you what an operation really looks like, the side affects from such an operation, the emotional impact on both the patient and his family, the hardships that the doctors go through during such an operation, the affect a bad operation can have on the entire hospital, the very personal lives of the doctors who perform the operation, etc... Now there is obviously nothing wrong with such a show. Whereas in the older shows you would see more of the surrounding affects (albeit a bit campy) of someone having a heart attack. The action involved in getting to the patient, and then rushing that patient to the hospital, a few quick lines by the doctors about what had to be done - and then Viola, the patient is saved, and we go to the hospital recovery room where somebody makes a joke or two, and everybody laughs.
So which is better? Again, it all depends on what you want from the show. Some prefer drama and reality, and others prefer more entertainment and fun.
A few years ago, I could of sworn that I saw him play a bit part as a fire chief (of all things!) on ER (of all shows!)
