The 1990s were something of a golden age for TV, with the arrival of fresh formats, iconic characters and catchphrases that are still recalled today. Whether it’s ground-breaking comedies or gripping sci-fi mysteries, these are the series that continue to draw in new viewers and that can hold up years after release. Here are 10 of those shows that are still as fun as watching them when they were first aired.
Seinfeld
Seinfeld, as it was dubbed a show about nothing, changed the sitcom genre with its emphasis on minor irritations and social rules in everyday life. It was a series about 4 self-involved friends in NYC who went through awkward dates, weird jobs, and silly misunderstandings.
Friends
This huge comedy stunner was a good example of nineties ‘pop culture’ with its great sense of realism on the subject of young adulthood, its unique fashion, and its hugely memorable hairstyles. The show centered around six close friends living together and drinking coffee together, and included a mixture of funny moments and long-running romances.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This show is a blend of hilarious punchlines and heartfelt performances that catapulted Will Smith into international superstardom. The narrative was of a streetwise Philadelphia youth who lived with his affluent family in an affluent neighborhood in California.
The X-Files
The iconic science fiction show awakened the imagination of a generation, with its investigation of paranormal occurrences and deep government cover-ups. It was a well-rounded production that depended on the chemistry between two special agents, one over-the-top in his attitude toward aliens and the other a crusty scientist.
The Simpsons
The animated series is decades old, but the early nineties are considered to be a masterclass in satire. The show provided a witty, funny glimpse of the American family in the lives of Springfield’s citizens. I
Frasier
The popular spin-off of the comedy Cheers, Frasier, offered a mature, humorous, and physically driven approach to television. It was about a man with a high-brow radio psychiatrist who took his “down-to-earth” father, a retired policeman, and his “eccentric” physical therapist.
ER
This super-fast action medical drama revolutionized the way workplace stories were told on network television. The show was set in what appeared to be a chaotic emergency room in Chicago and used flashy camera cuts and fast-paced medical jargon to give viewers the feeling of real tension and urgency.
Twin Peaks
This creepy drama, developed by the visionary director David Lynch, started in a simple way: Who hurt a small town homecoming queen? The show combined the elements of a crime investigation, surreal imagery, eccentric local characters, and supernatural mysteries.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
This series took a modern twist on traditional horror themes and featured a regular teenage girl being transformed into a strong female warrior who was selected to battle against the dark forces. The show was a perfect mixture of supernatural creatures and the horrors of high school and gained acclaim for its well-crafted dialogue, meaningful allegories, and sharp serialisation.
Boy Meets World
It was a hugely popular coming-of-age series that chronicles a boy named Cory Matthews’ journey from middle school to married man. The show addressed real growing pains in a warm, funny, and timeless way, dealing with friendship and life.
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