40 Best ‘90s TV Shows That Deserve a Rewatch
Now, this is a story all about how... ‘90s shows are actually the best.
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As a millennial, it’s my right—nay, my duty—to declare the ‘90s the best decade in pop culture. It may be 2024, but I’m still listening to the best ‘90s songs, watching the best ‘90s romantic comedies, and rediscovering the best ‘90s TV shows. Sure, most shows that premiered in the ‘90s have been canceled (keep hangin’ in there, Law & Order: SVU), but that doesn’t mean they’re not still relevant. Just think about how often you find yourself humming the Fresh Prince theme song or quoting Seinfeld. That’s influence, baby, and that’s what the best ‘90s TV shows still have today.
One reason ‘90s television is still so prevalent is that it was the last time everyone was watching the same shows. There is no person with a television who didn’t at least once catch a rerun of Friends or Family Matters, no ‘90s kid with cable who won’t recognize the phrase, “Kel loves orange soda!” Now that there are so many shows on Netflix, Prime Video, etc, it can be difficult to find something everyone you know is watching, let alone talking about—which is why I won’t bother! Why watch modern television when you could watch ‘90s shows? Here are the 40 best ‘90s TV shows and where you can stream them right now.
The X-Files (1993-2002)
![the x files season 7 agent fox mulder david duchovny, l and agent dana scully gillian anderson, r investigate circumstances around a man who seems to be just a little too lucky in the goldberg variation episode of the x files which originally aired sunday, dec 12 900 1000 pm etpt on fox photo by fox image collection via getty images](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gettyimages-474438328-6626a052d7d3d.jpg?crop=0.651xw:1.00xh;0.187xw,0&resize=980:* "FOX's "The X-Files" - Retrospective")
In terms of '90s television with lasting impact, The X-Files is at the top of the list. Since the sci-fi procedural officially ended in 2002, it has inspired two revivals, multiple films, and the fervent shipping of Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Mulder (David Duchovny), aka one of the best will-they-won't-they couples in TV history.
Living Single (1993-1998)
Friends living together in NYC was an entire genre of sitcom television back in the '90s, and, yes, you can consider this my official petition to bring it back! Living Single was the perfect example: a show about roommates in Brooklyn struggling with, well, being single. The show helped launch Queen Latifah into the mainstream, and starred Erika Alexander, Kim Fields, and Kim Coles.
Seinfeld (1989-1998)
You know, just one of the most-quoted and referenced shows of all time. NBD. It's been almost thirty years since Seinfeld was on the air, but its presence on TV is still very real. Just ask Seinfeld executive producer Larry David, whose own comedy show, Curb Your Enthusiasm, gave the sitcom a major shoutout in the 2024 season finale.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
🎵 This is the story all about how Will Smith’s life got flipped turned upside down 🎵...and then he morphed into a massive movie star. God bless the ’90s. If you've never seen Fresh Prince, now is the perfect time to catch up, if only because the perfect way to watch the gritty reboot on Peacock is by knowing the important (and tonally different) source material.
Will & Grace (1998-2005)
In 1998, it was totally daring to have a show with two gay main characters, especially ones as funny and lovable as Will (Eric McCormack) and Jack (Sean Hayes). The sitcom is, now, definitely dated, but isn't that what you'd hope a '90s sitcom about a gay man and his female BFF would be in 2024?
Family Matters (1989-1998)
Despite his epic catchphrase—"Did I do that?"—and sky-high suspenders stealing the show, Family Matters was about way more than just Steve Urkel. Its depiction of family was so, so loving, including one of the best TV dads of all time. Also, the Stefan transformation is truly...one you have to watch.
Friends (1994-2004)
You can't have a '90s TV list without Friends. Cast your mind back to the years when everyone had "The Rachel" haircut, and you'll have a tiny idea how much this show meant to people. The Ross and Rachel will-they-won't-they dynamic captivated an entire nation, people.
The Nanny (1993-1999)
The flashy girl from Flushing was a '90s style icon, and watching her change the Sheffields' lives in fabulous outfits was honestly such a weekly joy. Fran Drescher has a "genius" idea for a reboot and there have been talks with new leads, so can we get on that immediately?
Freaks and Geeks (1999)
With a cast that included actors who would go on to become massive stars, including Linda Cardellini, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, and Busy Phillips, it's hard to understand how this show only got one season. Its influence has been...intense, tbh.
Hangin' With Mr. Cooper (1992-1997)
ABC's TGIF lineup was strong, y'all. If you're unfamiliar, Mark Curry plays a former NBA player who becomes a teacher, (spoiler alert) starts dating his gorge roommate, and coaches basketball. You'll recognize some familiar faces here, too—hey, Raven!!
Sex and the City (1998-2004)
Before And Just Like That...there was the OG SATC in all its glory. It might seem tame now, but this show was considered to be Just. So. Sexy. when it debuted in 1998. Women talking openly about their sex lives and not feeling guilty about it—imagine the concept!! Though the show has since inspired two movies and a revival, none of those have managed to capture the sparkle of the original show. Sure, it's dated, but it's Sex and the City!
Full House (1987-1995)
If you only know Bob Saget because of his v raunchy comedy, watch this show to basically witness him do the exact opposite. If you grew up with this show, check out his stand-up, it'll blow your mind! Oh, and then google what the Olson twins are up to now. You got it, dude?
Kenan & Kel (1996-2000)
All That scene-stealers Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell were a match made in Nickelodeon heaven. After meeting on the sketch comedy show, they went on to star in Kenan & Kel, which, of course, became a huge '90s hit. Fun fact: the comedy had tons of notable guest stars, including the living legend known as Britney Spears.
Charmed (1998-2006)
OK, so technically most of Charmed aired in the early aughts, but tell me you didn't want to be one of the Halliwell sisters, with their superpowers and achingly '90s fashion. Also, there has never been a stronger argument for getting a brunette bob and/or bangs.
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
One of the weirder shows to ever grace our TVs; I still can't believe it debuted on ABC. It's about the murder about HS student Laura Palmer, but two seasons, a movie, and a third season in 2017, the mysteries are still just as strange as ever.
Beverly Hills: 90210 (1990-2000)
Yes, Beverly Hills: 90210 had a lot of bad acting, bad hair, and outlandish plot points, but it also gave us some of the most OTT television moments and Luke Perry. Not to mention the fact that it inspired the next generation of teen television (hello, The O.C.). So call it a win.
Smart Guy (1997-1999)
Watching Taj Mowry's character, TJ, try to assimilate to high school as a literal former fourth grader was just too good. Think of Smart Guy as the Young Sheldon of the '90s, but with a Destiny's Child cameo.
Suddenly Susan (1996-2000)
Suddenly Susan starred Brooke Shields as a magazine writer who starts her own column about being single after she decides against marrying her rich fiancé.
3rd Rock From the Sun (1996-2001)
If you didn’t have a crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt as hot humanoid alien Tommy Solomon, were you even living? 3rd Rock From the Sun blessed us with its unearthly presence for six seasons, and its ending definitely left room for a revival. You listening, Netflix?
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