Wonder Woman (1975-1979) TV-PG, 18 hr 57 min

Critical Overview

Lynda Carter's Wonder Woman debuted in 1976 (following a 1975 pilot movie) and quickly became a pop culture classic. While the show’s campy tone, low-budget effects, and episodic World War II-era storytelling sometimes appear dated, Carter’s performance remains magnetic—she portrays Diana with integrity, compassion, and genuine heroism. Supported by Lyle Waggoner as Steve Trevor and notable guest stars—including Debra Winger and Cloris Leachman—the series blends feminist ideals with adventure and nostalgia. Though critics have dubbed it “better in memory than reality,” it’s still remembered fondly for its sincerity and charm.  

Despite dated production values and a camp-heavy style, the 1976 Wonder Woman series endures on the strength of Lynda Carter’s earnest and iconic portrayal. Its combination of noble ideals, accessible storytelling, and retro charm make it a standout representation—especially for families and fans of classic TV-era superheroes.

A nostalgic pleasure with genuine warmth and admirable ideals. While technically dated and episodic, Carter’s embodiment of Wonder Woman elevates the material above its budgetary confines.

Family Friendliness

The series is broadly family-friendly, rated PG by modern standards. Characterized by mild violence—hand-to-hand combat, Nazi plotlines, and Wonder Woman deflecting bullets—it contains no graphic content. Mild innuendo and infrequent romantic moments are present; Diana's iconic costume shows some cleavage, but nothing explicit. The themes emphasize truth, justice, and courage, making it ideal for older children and family viewing.  

My Rating: 7 out of 10

Main Cast

Lynda Carter as Diana Prince / Wonder Woman

Lyle Waggoner as Major Steve Trevor (Sr. in Season 1; Jr. in later seasons)

Beatrice Colen as Corporal Etta Candy

Richard Eastham as General Blankenship

Debra Winger in key guest episodes as Drusilla / Wonder Girl  

Other Critics’ Ratings

IMDb: 7.0 / 10  
Rotten Tomatoes (Season 1): 100% Tomatometer (based on 9 critic reviews)  

Dove Foundation: Not officially rated, but likely Green/Approved due to its clean heroism and mild action.

Metacritic: No aggregated critic score available (pre-Metacritic era

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