Popular 90's TV Shows
The 90's brought us some awesome TV shows and several iconic characters. In fact, some shows born in the 90's rank among the greatest shows of all-time.
Family Matters
Did I do that?? Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) will likely go as one of the most irritating characters in television history. However, there is no denying this shows charm. This quirky spin-off of Perfect Strangers had a supportive enough audience to last a whopping 215 episodes, making it the second longest running sitcom in TV history with a largely African-American cast.
Married...With Children
Married...With Children - While this sitcom may seem tame by today's standards, back in the early 90's it certainly sparked its fair share of controversy. Ed O'Neill, who has recently made a triumphant return to television on the hit series Modern Family, stars as one of television's most iconic patriarchs - former high school football star and current shoe salesman Al Bundy. Al, his outspoken wife Peggy, and his children Bud and Kelly form one of the most dysfunctional families ever to appear on television.
The Simpsons
Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the dozens of supporting characters that inhabit the town of Springfield are as well known to most viewers as "real life" characters on television. As the longest running sitcom on television, The Simpsons has a little bit of something for everyone. Homer will go down as one of the most iconic television fathers of all-time...pretty impressive for a cartoon character!
Friends
The casts of Friends consisting of Matthew Perry (Chandler), Matt LeBlanc (Joey), David Schwimmer (Ross), Courtney Cox (Monica), Jennifer Anniston (Rachel) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), created perhaps the most charismatic cast of all time. This show offered something for everyone. The sarcastic Chandler and the dim-witted Joey provided plenty of comic relief while Ross and Rachel provided romance. Monica was the duddly-do-right control freak while Phoebe was the free spirited wild card of the bunch. This was a show that reflected, in some way or another, groups of friends everywhere.
Beverly Hills 90210
Anyone want to grab a burger at the Peach Pit? Ahh yes, Beverly Hills 90210 - The show based around the lives of a group of high school students living in the wealthy Beverly Hills neighborhood, then later moving on to their college days as they got older. These kids somehow become personally involved in every newsworthy social issue from alcoholism to South African apartheid to pregnancy to AIDS. As viewers, we loved every minute of it!
The Fresh Prince of Bell-Air
Ever heard of Will Smith, anyone? As most know, he is now one of Hollywood's biggest motion picture stars. In the 90's this former rapper earned his acting wings as the hilarious goof-off Will, a teenager form West Philly who winds up living with his rich aunt and uncle in Bel-Air. Smith quickly proved he had what it took as he had enough charisma and charm to take over almost any scene. As good as Smith was, supporting cast members such as Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton) and Karyn Parsons (Hilary) were also extremely gifted comedic actors that helped this sitcom launch into stardom.
Beavis and Butthead
The show that celebrated the slacker way of life and helped make MTV into a network that did more than just play music videos.
Roseanne
As obnoxious as Steve Urkel is, Roseanne Barr's sarcastic matriarch might set the bar. Roseanne Barr and John Goodman created quite the sitcom dynamic duo when it came to portraying a family dealing with the everyday struggles of middle class American life. This show was a pioneer in the sitcom genre as it was one of the first to tackle sensitive subjects such as teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and domestic violence, since they were not normally seen outside of serious TV dramas.
Roseanne
As obnoxious as Steve Urkel is, Roseanne Barr's sarcastic matriarch might set the bar. Roseanne Barr and John Goodman created quite the sitcom dynamic duo when it came to portraying a family dealing with the everyday struggles of middle class American life. This show was a pioneer in the sitcom genre as it was one of the first to tackle sensitive subjects such as teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and domestic violence, since they were not normally seen outside of serious TV dramas.
Frasier
What a genius sitcom this was. Frasier sets the bar when it comes to accolades. This spin-off from the 80's hit show Cheers earned a record 37 Emmy awards during its tenured 11 year run. Kelsey Grammar reprises his role as a thick headed psychiatrist, but it is David Hyde Pierce as Frasier's geeky brother Niles who really stole the show. The on-set chemistry between the two was so uncanny you almost had to remind yourself they were not brothers in real life. Frasier will most likely go down as the most successful spin-off ever.
Full House
Real love bursting out it every scene! The Olsen twins are all grown up now, but once upon a time they were taking turns as the role of Michelle Tanner. Bob Saget played the role of Danny Tanner and John Stamos played the role of Uncle Jesse. While this show was probably a little to cute too appeal to the teenage/young adult demographic, it was the perfect sitcom for parents to watch with younger children.
In Living Color
This laugh out loud variety show created by Wayans' brothers Keenan and Damon helped launched the careers of Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, David Alan Grier, Carrie Ann Inaba and Rosie Perez.
Seinfeld
Though Larry David created a show about nothing, the premise was oddly complex as every episode seemed to tie together in the end. Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine are recognized in almost all social circles still today. Seinfeld has ingrained itself in TV history as one of the funniest and most ageless sitcoms of all time.
Melrose Place
Speaking of Seinfeld, in the 90's Melrose Place became such a guilty pleasure that a Seinfeld plot revolved around Jerry denying that he watched the show. Melrose Place was a primetime soap opera that focused on the lives of several young adults living in "Melrose Place" California. Whether you will admit it or not, if you grew up in the 90's you were probably tuned in every week also.
Dawson's Creek
Set in a small coastal, Massachusetts town named Capeside, Dawson's Creek told the story of four teenagers as they struggle through adolescence. Dawson Leery, an introspective dreamer, and friends Joey, Jen and Pacey faced that confusing time in life where nothing is the way it was and nothing is as it seems.
Home Improvement
This show was one for the guys. Tim Allen starred as Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor; a power tool obsessed mans man who hosts his own home improvement show. Tim had a strong supporting cast in the form of three mischievous sons, a loyal co-host, a domineering wife, and genius neighbor.
Boy Meets World
Boy Meets World chronicled the events and everyday life lessons of Cory Matthews as he matured from a young boy to a married man. Cory's best friend, Shawn, and the love of his life, Topanga, remained constants in Cory's life throughout the tenure of the show. If you grew up in the 90's, you grew up with Cory Matthews and friends.
The Real World
"This is the true story... of eight strangers... picked to live in a house...work together and have their lives taped... to find out what happens... when people stop being polite... and start getting real...The Real World." Who would have guessed The Real World would still be on MTV and music videos would nearly cease to exist? While this show is often charged with spawning the current glut of reality TV, it's also praised for tackling tough topics such as AIDS, religion, alcoholism and sexualtiy.
The X-Files
The theme song still kind of gives me the creeps. The X-Files featured FBI Agents Mulder (the believer) and Scully (the skeptic). The two paired up to investigate high profile paranormal-related cases.
