The TV shows that were released during the 1990s include some of the best shows that made an impact on the television landscape. Many are available for streaming now for those who want to re-watch or introduce to an entirely new generation. A few in particular have great re-watch value.
Virtually every show from the ‘90s is worth watching again, especially ones that have been resurrected with sequels and reboots. One even continues to air to this day. A few are especially ripe for a re-watch for those looking to harken back to the old days of television.
10
‘Mr. Show with Bob and David’ (1995–1998)
Created by Bob Odenkirk and David Cross
Anyone from this generation knows Bob Odenkirk from his role as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, and David Cross as Tobias in Arrested Development. But both talented comedic actors have been in the business for a long time, and one of their earlier projects was Mr. Show with Bob and David. As one of the best sketch comedy shows, those looking for something different in the category will appreciate this series, which mixes on-stage sketches in front of a live audience with pre-taped segments.
What’s especially fun about seeing a younger Cross and Odenkirk show off their talent for comedy is recalling the long list of cast members and writers who were involved in the series back then, too, like Sarah Silverman, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Brian Posehn, and even Jack Black.
9
‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ (1990–2000)
Created by Darren Star
The teenage experience has changed drastically now with cell phones, the internet, and social media. But the root of coming-of-age challenges remains the same, which is why parents who grew up with Beverly Hills, 90210 might appreciate re-watching the series with their own teenage kids today. Though it’s still fun to relive all the memorable moments alone in Beverly Hills‘ best episodes as well.
With a cast of then teen heartthrobs, sordid love triangles, and the tackling of serious issues, Beverly Hills, 90210 is timeless in one way, dated in another. Rewatching provides a sense of what teenage life was life so many decades ago. It was arguably a much simpler time, yet one where youths still faced hardships in high school, college, and young adult life.
8
‘Kenan & Kel’ (1996–2000)
Created by Kim Bass
Kenan Thompson is still live on television every week as a main cast member of Saturday Night Live, the longest-running cast member in the show’s history. But before that, he was a Nickelodeon star, and one of his most popular series was Kenan & Kel. He stars alongside Kel Mitchell as best friends who get up to various hijinks together.
With tons of guest stars ranging from Bob Eubanks to Britney Spears and storylines that represent the ‘90s kid experience, Kenan & Kel is a fun re-watch. It’s one of the earlier shows that did things like break the fourth wall and incorporate running gags.
- Release Date
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August 17, 1996
- Network
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Nickelodeon
- Directors
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Kim Fields, Howard Storm, Alan Rosen, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Keith Truesdell, Ken Whittingham, Linda Mendoza, Tony Singletary
- Writers
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Nick Cannon, Heath Seifert, Kevin Kopelow, Steve Holland, Wayne Conley, Amy Berg, Alex Reid, Gabe Miller, Jonathan Green, Sharon Sussman, Burt Wheeler, Neal Brennan, Linda M. Yearwood, Ross Venokur, Mason Gordon, Magda Liolis, Jerry Colker, Eric Bowers, Gregory Shelton
7
‘Full House’ (1987–1995)
Created by Jeff Franklin
A wholesome family show, Full House is great for a re-watch, especially with young kids right before checking out the more modern sequel series Fuller House. It’s also a nice way to honor the memory of the late Bob Saget, who plays a widowed father who enlists the help of his brother-in-law and best friend to raise his three young daughters.
With likable characters, fun storylines, and moral lessons at the end of every episode, Full House has aged well. It’s also one of the first shows to depict an unconventional, often dysfunctional, family.
6
‘Saved by the Bell’ (1989–1993)
Created by Sam Bobrick
Downright silly, fun, and entertaining, Saved by the Bell takes viewers into the world of high school as a group of very different friends navigate their unique experiences. From the jock to the troublemaker, the uptight bookworm, the materialistic rich girl, the nerd, and the popular cheerleader, there’s someone for everyone. What’s great about the series is how all these people come together as friends, despite their differences.
There are so many memorable storylines that it’s fun to relive them through the main series. The show has been lauded for being not just entertaining but also educational. There are episodes that teach kids about acceptance, bullying, drug use, and other serious issues beneath the surface humor.
- Release Date
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1989 – 1991
- Network
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NBC
- Directors
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Don Barnhart
- Writers
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Dustin Diamond
5
‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ (1996–2001)
Created by Bonnie Turner and Terry Turner
Starring John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, 3rd Rock From the Sun has a unique premise: four aliens arrive on Earth and go undercover as a human family so they can observe the behavior of these strange beings. Quirky, fun, and different from anything else on television, the sitcom is one that’s easily forgotten.
It’s hilarious to watch Gordon-Levitt play a seasoned information officer who must take on the body of a teenager to observe high school life. Let’s not forget William Shatner as the big boss from their home planet known as Big Giant Head. The show is TV silliness at its finest.
4
‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)
Created by Andy Borowitz and Susan Borowitz
A groundbreaking sitcom that tackled class division, the Black experience, and introduced a wider audience to hip hop culture, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also made Will Smith a star. The fish-out-of-water sitcom sees Will, a high schooler from the streets of Philadelphia, move to Bel Air to explore better opportunities with his wealthy aunt and uncle. The clashing of lifestyles and personalities is at the center of every episode.
Hilariously bad at times—Smith himself pointed out in the show’s reunion that there are scenes where he’s visibly mouthing other actors’ lines—there’s something fresh, creative, and adorable about the show. From Carlton’s (Alfonso Ribeiro) uptight personality and that signature dance he’s still asked to do decades later to Hilary’s (Karyn Parsons) ditzy, entitled comments, the show never gets old.
3
‘Friends’ (1994–2004)
Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman
A show about six single friends living in New York City doesn’t exactly sound exciting. But the cast, the writing, and the hilarious situations they find themselves in were a winning combination in Friends. The sitcom made every cast member a household name and spawned tons of popular phrases like “Pivot!” and “We were on a break!” that people still say to this day.
Relive the best episodes and ones that have long been forgotten. They seem to get funnier every time, especially when it comes to the witty sarcasm from the late Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing.
2
‘The Simpsons’ (1989–)
Created by Matt Groening
Still going as the longest-running American animated series, sitcom, and scripted primetime series, The Simpsons has become part of the fabric of television. Since the family never ages, there’s very little continuity in the storylines, which makes it easy to re-watch older episodes. But each one is also reflective of the times, whether it’s through tackling current events, social or political issues in humorous storylines, or featuring guest voice stars who were at the top of their game at the time.
The Simpsons is an adult animated TV series, but it’s one kids can watch, too, since many jokes go over their heads. It’s no surprise that the series has attracted a new audience with this generation, and those who grew up with it are happy to re-watch.
1
‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)
Created by Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld
The recurring jokes, the running gags, the memorable episodes and side characters, the beloved main cast. All of these are reasons to re-watch Seinfeld, or even pick and choose the best episodes to watch again and prepare to belly laugh.
Seinfeld has influenced pop culture in a way arguably no other show has. People often refer to things from Seinfeld without even realizing that’s where it originated, like saying “No soup for you!,” “yada, yada, yada,” or “Serenity now.” Re-watching might even remind die-hard fans of episodes and moments that had totally slipped the mind.
