Mainstream use of the infant World Wide Web brought us the first web browsers and online casino games in the 1990s, but one constant through a decade that seemed to change faster than Superman in a phone booth was TV Series from the 90s. Evening meals were planned around popular shows and if you had to be out when your favorites aired, you’d set up your VCR to record an episode so you could watch it later.
Take a nostalgic walk down memory lane with this list of the best TV series in the 90s.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Apart from having one of the catchiest theme tunes of all time, this series produced one of the most famous 90s TV show actors — Will Smith. During the show’s hugely popular 2020 reunion, cast members talked about the influence of James Avery, who played Uncle Phil; how he’d encouraged the cast to avoid stereotypes at all costs. As it turned out, the series depicted a Black family in a truly unique way. Smith later said, “What we’d always do with ‘The Fresh Prince,’ would be very powerful ideas under the jokes, under the comedy.”
Law & Order
Tapping into the enormously popular genre of the 90s — the courtroom drama — “Law & Order” launched the careers of actors Jerry Orbach, Benjamin Bratt and Michael Imperioli. It also inspired a glut of spin-offs and never shied away from dealing with some sticky issues that became hot topics of conversation in offices, on basketball courts and at the dinner table.
Martin
“Martin” was another groundbreaking sitcom that later became a template for comedies starring Black leads. It was also the start of Martin Lawrence’s journey to stardom. Tisha Campbell played Martin’s long-suffering, eternally romantic and fun-loving wife. The series dealt head-on with relationships, race and culture in a way that was far from the norm at the time.
NYPD Blue
This gritty police procedural changed the television drama format forever as it followed the daily lives of members of the New York Police Department. Dennis Franz, David Caruso and Jimmy Smits became household names. The strong performance and unflinching dialogue gave the breakout series the look and feel of a documentary as opposed to the highly-stylized and glossy detective series of previous decades.
Beavis and Butt-Head
There had never been a show quite like this one before. When “Beavis and Butt-Head” burst onto the scene, the series was highly polarizing. On the one hand, the cartoon slackers gathered a cult following, while on the other hand, they were condemned by some congressmen and community leaders as a dangerous example of everything that was wrong with society. Whether you love or hate this pioneering 90s TV series, its cultural impact has been hard to ignore.
ER
After it aired for the first time in 1994, it didn’t take long for George Clooney to become one of the most iconic TV show actors of the 90s — his star has kept rising ever since. But “ER” was far more than a career launcher. It transformed the stiffly-formal medical dramas of the past into a highly-relatable genre with a recipe of warmth, humor, sadness, trauma and insights into viewers’ humanity in the best and worst moments of their lives.
The X-Files
This iconic series had a long run, airing until 2018. The science-fiction drama that focused on FBI agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully is still exciting to watch today. From its premiere episode in 1993, audiences were glued to their screens through nine seasons and the series continues to influence the genre.
Friends
“Friends” has been a quintessential part of TV since 1994. Even after the final episode aired in 2004, this is one of the best TV series of the 90s and has spurred hit music singles, clothing lines and an emotional reunion in 2021. While there have been calls for a movie sequel or a series reboot that’s more in keeping with a newer era, it seems there are few actors who have the chutzpah to take on the iconic roles of Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe.
Seinfeld
No list of iconic shows that aired in the 90s would be complete without mentioning “Seinfeld.” This motley crew of characters and their daily dilemmas turned into a television phenomenon that was nothing short of amazing. While sitcom writers and actors have tried to replicate the show in one form or another, nobody has succeeded. Now with the series available on Netflix, there really is no need to reinvent the wheel.
The Sopranos
Media has always drawn a connecting line between mobsters and gambling. “The Sopranos” could be ranked along those books and films about gambling when it caught audiences’ imaginations with stellar performances from the late James Gandolfini. Gandolfini played Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mobster who does his best to balance family life as a professional criminal. Rumors are that real-life mobsters would call Gandolfini to praise him for his authentic performances.
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Full House
This popular 90s TV program has been called “The Brady Bunch of the ‘90s,” and is best remembered for its corny-but-endearing humor and interchangeable twin baby actresses, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. The “Full House” cast recently lost Bob Saget, who sadly died at age 65. Saget played the widowed father, Danny Tanner who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and best friend Joey Gladstone to help raise his three daughters. If you missed this series, you can now watch the lives of DJ and the Tanners on Netflix in “Fuller House.”
Frasier
Frasier started as a spin-off of Cheers (where everybody knows your name,) and went on to become one of the most critically-acclaimed sitcoms of all time, scooping up 37 Emmys in its 11-year run. Those who were lucky enough to tune in to the series had a front-row seat to the comedic genius of Kelsey Grammar, who depicted a psychiatrist-turned-radio advice show host Frasier Crane (and his equally interesting and oddball friends and family.)
The Simpsons
“The Simpsons” has been a staple of television since it first graced screens in 1989. Created by the talented mind of Matt Groening, it takes us into the lives of the quirky Simpson family in the colorful town of Springfield. What sets “The Simpsons” apart is its sardonic humor, cleverly weaving social commentary into its hilarious episodes.
From politics to pop culture, they’ve covered it all, making us laugh and think at the same time. With its memorable catchphrases and unforgettable characters, “The Simpsons” has become a beloved part of TV history that continues to entertain us to this day.
Twin Peaks
This mesmerizing mystery drama series had its original run from 1990 to 1991 and was created by the brilliant minds of David Lynch and Mark Frost. It took you to the quirky town of Twin Peaks, where FBI Agent Dale Cooper delves into the murder of Laura Palmer.
What makes “Twin Peaks” so special is its mind-bending storytelling that combines crime, supernatural elements and a touch of soap opera drama. The show’s mysterious atmosphere, intriguing characters and unexpected twists turned it into a cult favorite.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy, as it is known to its fans, is a supernatural drama series that aired from 1997 to 2003. The show follows the adventures of Buffy Summers, a young woman chosen to battle vampires, demons and other supernatural forces. Created by Joss Whedon, the show skillfully blends action, humor and heartfelt storytelling.
It tackles themes of empowerment, friendship and the complexities of growing up. “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” became a cultural phenomenon, capturing the hearts of fans with its clever writing, memorable characters and strong female lead.
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