The Greatest Shows of the 1990s, Ranked
In the 1990s, television was one of the fastest-growing mediums. More TV shows were popping up than ever before, and ratings were at all-time highs. Viewers tended to be interested in laugh-out-loud moments, which is why sitcoms like Friends, Roseanne, and Seinfeld were the biggest hit TV shows of the decade. While comedies were extremely popular in the '90s, procedural dramas also reigned, with shows like The Practice, JAG, and NYPD Blue becoming popular with large audiences. The decade also spawned quite a few ambitious shows that were too ahead of their time to catch on with mainstream audiences, but have since gained major cult followings. Other shows tried hard but never gained the audience they were hoping for.
Many of the most popular shows of the '90s were long-running shows. ER, for instance, ran for 15 seasons, starting in 1994, while shows like Will & Grace, which began in 1998, lasted 8 years. The reality show genre was just popping up in the '90s, especially after the massive ratings and critical success of MTV's The Real World. Children’s programming was also popular, with hit shows like Boy Meets World and Dinosaurs.
What are your favorite '90s shows? Which shows from the 1990s do you have the fondest memories of? This list includes many of the biggest shows from that magical decade, so vote up the shows that stood out.
- 1Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate
- Premiered: April 5, 1987
- Network: FOX
- Genres: Comedy
This iconic sitcom, which featured the hilariously dysfunctional Bundy family, was groundbreaking for its time, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television. With a talented cast led by Ed O'Neill as the down-on-his-luck shoe salesman Al Bundy and Katey Sagal as his fiery wife Peg, Married... with Children's raunchy humor and unforgettable catchphrases ("A fat woman walked into the shoe store today...") left an indelible mark on 90s pop culture.
- 2Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
- Premiered: December 17, 1989
- Network: FOX
- Genres: Animation,Comedy
Heralded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, The Simpsons redefined animation in the 1990s, portraying a satirical look at American family life through the eyes of its beloved yellow-skinned characters. With a stellar voice cast including Dan Castellaneta (Homer), Julie Kavner (Marge), Nancy Cartwright (Bart), and Yeardley Smith (Lisa), this long-running series has produced countless memorable moments and catchphrases ("D'oh!"), influencing popular culture like no other animated show.
- 3Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid
- Premiered: September 10, 1990
- Network: NBC
- Genres: Comedy
From its catchy opening theme song to Will Smith's charismatic portrayal of a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air quickly became a cultural phenomenon in the early '90s. Showcasing themes of race relations and class differences through comedic storytelling while featuring strong performances from James Avery (Uncle Phil) and Alfonso Ribeiro (Carlton Banks), this sitcom remains one of the defining representations of African American-led television during that era.
- 4Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher
- Premiered: August 23, 1998
- Network: FOX
- Genres: Comedy
Set in Wisconsin during the disco-era, That '70s Show breathed new life into teenage coming-of-age stories by using humor to explore love, friendships, and growing pains. Featuring an ensemble cast that included Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher, the series provided a nostalgic look back at the 1970s and introduced memorable catchphrases like "Burn!" and "Dumbass" into the popular lexicon.
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- 5Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
- Premiered: September 22, 1994
- Network: NBC
- Genres: Comedy
Arguably one of the most successful TV sitcoms in history, Friends chronicled the lives of six young friends living in Manhattan – Ross (David Schwimmer), Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courteney Cox), Chandler (Matthew Perry), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow). From Ross' infamous "pivot" scene to Joey's classic "How you doin'?" pick-up line, Friends left an indelible mark on popular culture. Its ensemble cast drew viewers in with their chemistry and well-crafted storylines.
- 6E.G. Daily, Christine Cavanaugh, Kath Soucie
- Premiered: August 11, 1991
- Network: Nickelodeon
- Genres: Animation,Fantasy,Kids
As one of Nickelodeon's flagship animated series, Rugrats captured the hearts of both children and adults alike with its unique portrayal of life from a baby's perspective. The show's colorful cast of characters, including Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, Phil & Lil DeVille, and the ever-scheming Angelica Pickles, proved to be iconic staples throughout the decade. With wacky adventures and heartfelt moments, Rugrats became an essential part of '90s childhood culture.
