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The 15 Best '90s Family Sitcoms That Prove TV Really Was Better Back Then
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When you think of family sitcoms, shows from the '90s likely come to mind. The time period is synonymous with a sense of nostalgia, thanks to hits that remain popular. Although some of these shows aired on cable and networks at the time, streaming services have allowed them to find an audience with younger viewers.
As hard as it might seem to believe, these ‘90s sitcoms qualify as old-school television considering they aired decades ago. Certain shows will always be evergreen, so it's worth looking into what makes them rewatchable, and which stars have remained relevant years later.
- 164 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 8
Episode Count: 204
What It's About: Tim Taylor is the host of Tool Time, a TV show where he demonstrates how to use tools around the house. He also has to deal with the demands of his family, including his wife and three troublemaking sons, with the support of his co-host and friend Al, as well as his neighbor, Wilson - although those two give him headaches as well.
Why It's So Watchable: The breezy family show never gets too serious, making viewers feel safe and relaxed. Tim's life is simple and easygoing, but his tendency to treat things too lightly usually result in mishaps. His friends' and sons' mischievous antics provide plenty of funny scenarios for Tim to fix, with or without his beloved tools.
Standout Cast Member: Tim Allen, already known for stand-up comedy before Home Improvement boosted his acting career. He was on a roll during Home Improvement's run, starring in popular movies like Toy Story, The Santa Clause, and Galaxy Quest. He has continued his solid list of credits with more Toy Story movies, The Santa Clauses TV series, and the sitcom Last Man Standing.
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- 256 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 9
Episode Count: 215
What It's About: The Winslows are a blue-collar, working-class family who stick to their values while keeping up with changing times. Patriarch Carl tries to be a present parent while maintaining his duties as a police officer. During the first season, the Winslows' neighbor, Steve Urkel, begins showing up due to his crush on their daughter, Laura. Steve eventually becomes the main character, coming up with wacky inventions, quirky fixes to the family's problems, and even breaking the laws of physics.
Why It's So Watchable: The show delivers a barrel of laughs while staying true to its middle-class roots. Although it goes off the rails frequently in later seasons, Family Matters has a lot of heart. Steve's popularity was a phenomenon at the time; the character showed up in other shows like Full House, Step by Step, and even Scooby-Doo. Life lessons learned include tolerance, standing up for yourself, and self-acceptance.
Standout Cast Member: Jaleel White, who played Steve. White went on to star in the sitcom Grown Ups and voice the lead character in various Sonic the Hedgehog media. He's also had notable appearances in films like Dreamgirls and shows such as Dancing with the Stars.
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- 360 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 6
Episode Count: 139
What It's About: Four aliens who arrive on Earth to study the human race pose as a family in an unassuming neighborhood to integrate themselves with humanity. They don't anticipate becoming comfortable on Earth, however, which leads them to question their existence. Once they begin to enjoy their new planet, the aliens develop relationships with other human beings, further complicating their lives
Why It's So Watchable: 3rd Rock from the Sun leans fully into its bizarre premise. Every episode is filled with ridiculous scenarios, and the actors are clearly having a great time. Although the aliens are not an actual family, they become one, and the chemistry with their human counterparts is worth watching.
Standout Cast Member: John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Lithgow was the most well-known cast member due to films like Footloose and Terms of Endearment. The actor later starred in the dramas Dexter and The Crown, receiving a number of awards. Lithgow's notable movie release since 3rd Rock include Shrek, Dreamgirls, Bombshell, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Gordon-Levitt became a leading man and director who appeared in films like 500 Days of Summer, 50/50, Looper, and Don Jon; he directed the latter movie as well.
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- 455 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 8
Episode Count: 192
What It's About: After his wife passes away, Danny Tanner has his best friend, Joey Gladstone, and brother-in-law, Jesse Katsopolis, move in to help take care of his three daughters. They end up becoming a true family, sticking together through thick and thin as the girls grow up. Over the years, Joey progresses in his career as a comedian, Danny moves on to pursue new romances, Jesse marries and becomes a father himself, and the girls navigate lives as children and teenagers.
Why It's So Watchable: Full House is filled with warmth and life lessons. Each episode has a central conflict that ends with the characters learning from their mistakes and growing closer. Humor is based on each family member's quirks: Jesse's obsession with his hair, Joey's comedic impressions, Danny's cleanliness, and Michelle's catchphrases.
Standout Cast Members: John Stamos and the Olsen twins.
Stamos first gained relevance with a role in General Hospital before making it big on Full House. After the series ended, the actor continued with lead roles in sitcoms like Jake in Progress and Grandfathered, and dramas such as ER and Big Shot.
The Olsen twins were breakout stars as children, appearing together as leads in the films Billboard Dad, Passport to Paris, When in Rome, and New York Minute, among others. Even after stepping away from acting, they've remained famous in the fashion industry.
- 556 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 7
Episode Count: 158
What It's About: At the start of the series, Cory Matthews is a middle school student who faces everyday preteen problems. As the show progresses, Cory enters high school and begins a relationship with classmate Topanga Lawrence. By the end of the show's run, Cory starts college and faces real-world problems along with Topanga, his best friend Shawn, and their other friends. Through it all, he has the guidance of his beloved teacher and mentor, Mr. Feeny, as well as his parents.
Why It's So Watchable: Boy Meets World is one of the most relatable shows made for young audiences, and follows the crucial stages of an adolescent's life. Watching Cory tackle real-life issues hits close to home because viewers likely have gone through the same trials. The show also has a strong grasp on the importance of a supportive family and social group. Because of the positive influence of his parents, his elder brother Eric, and his mentor, Cory develops into a fine human being. Boy Meets World also balances heavy elements with humor.
Standout Cast Member: Will Friedle. The actor who played Cory's brother Eric won many fans for his portrayal of the character as a lovably goofy sibling. Friedle's main accomplishments in show business are as a voice actor. He's known for voicing Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond, Ron Stoppable in Kim Possible, and Bumblebee in Transformers media. He also appeared a guest in the Boy Meets World spinoff Girl Meets World, reprising his role as Eric.
- 653 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 6
Episode Count: 148
What It's About: Will Smith moves in with his rich relatives in Bel-Air, the Banks, after a fight in his Philadelphia hometown. After growing up in a middle-class household, Will is at odds with his new family's wealthy lifestyle. He frequently clashes with his stern Uncle Phil Banks and prissy cousin Carlton, while the rest of the family members display their own quirks. Will's presence changes the Banks's lifestyle along with his own.
Why It's So Watchable: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of the few family sitcoms where each cast member has a fleshed-out identity, including the wisecracking Will, goofy Carlton, and sarcastic butler Geoffrey. The show's comedic take on the upper-class lifestyle is the main hook, with Will and Carlton getting on Uncle Phil's nerves by regularly overplaying their family's rich status. The series also has serious episodes that double as life lessons exploring topics like gun control and absent parents.
Standout Cast Member: Will Smith. Before the show he was a known rapper, but the sitcom propelled him into stardom. Smith appeared in the blockbuster films Bad Boys and Independence Day while Fresh Prince was still on the air. He then starred in several superhits over the next three decades, including I Am Legend, Hancock, Men in Black, Aladdin, and King Richard, for which he won an Oscar.
- 766 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 11
Episode Count: 259
What It's About: Al Bundy is a shoe salesman who still pines for his former glories as a high school football player. Al's family members do their best to make him even more miserable. His wife, Peggy, overspends and shows him little affection; his son, Bud, is obsessed with impressing women but always embarrasses himself; and his daughter, Kelly, is a dimwit who dates boys her father can't stand. Although Al's life is presented as a living hell, the show plays this for laughs. The family's schemes and bad luck strangely bring them closer.
Why It's So Watchable: Married… with Children eschews the wholesome vibe of other family sitcoms. The Bundys are all kinds of crude and hardly show love for each other. However, their wackiness is the main reason the show is so entertaining. Watching the Bundys flop at yet another attempt to make it big never gets old, and Al's constant rants about how much he hates his life are surprisingly original each time around.
Standout Cast Members: Ed O'Neill, Katey Sagal, and Christina Applegate.
O'Neill starred in another hugely successful family sitcom, Modern Family, in a role that many see as a take on an older, more family-oriented Al Bundy.
Sagal appeared in the family sitcom 8 Simple Rules, which she ended up headlining after the passing of original lead actor John Ritter. She continued her hot streak with starring roles in Futurama, Sons of Anarchy, and The Conners.
Applegate headlined multiple sitcoms including Jesse, Samantha Who?, Up All Night, and Dead to Me. She also starred in comedy movies like Anchorman, Hall Pass, and Bad Moms.
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- 837 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 7
Episode Count: 160
What It's About: Widowed salon owner Carol Foster meets divorced contractor Frank Lambert and they have an instant connection. After a whirlwind romance, the pair marry and become part of a blended family; Carol has two daughters and a son, while Frank has two sons and a daughter. The surprised children don't take kindly to this sudden change and cause problems for their parents and each other. Later seasons focus on their lives as a family in transition, and the children's progression into adults leads to new challenges.
Why It's So Watchable: Step by Step has realistic undertones. Because of the blended-family premise, viewers get to see, from multiple perspectives, how people thrust into each other's lives might operate. The sitcom is also known for portraying the challenges of parenthood, ranging from parenting one's own children to adjusting as a stepguardian. Although it might sound heavy-handed, Step by Step covers its premise with a humorous and heartwarming sentiment.
Standout Cast Member: Suzanne Somers. The actress was already known for her starring role in Three's Company and went on to become an author, with 14 bestsellers to her credit.
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- 946 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 6
Episode Count: 146
What It's About: American fashionista Fran Fine stumbles into a job as the nanny to the children of British Broadway producer Max Sheffield. Fran's unorthodox ways of disciplining the kids make her a beloved member of the household. As the show progresses, Fran becomes a motherly figure to the kids and a love interest to Max. Meanwhile, house butler Niles and Max's business partner C.C.'s own antagonism begins to blossom into something more.
Why It's So Watchable: The Nanny's primary hook is the “Will they?/Won't they?” dynamic between Max and Fran. Their seesaw relationship keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, and Niles and C.C.'s dynamic takes on similar overtones. Fran's nasal voice and penchant for fashionable clothing make her a main character unlike many others. Her initial attempts to fit in a new environment, and eventual attempts to change it, are hilarious.
Standut Cast Member: Fran Drescher. The actress was already known for films like This Is Spinal Tap and UHF. After The Nanny concluded, Drescher again starred in sitcoms like Living with Fran, Happily Divorced, and Indebted. She also spearheaded the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike as the labor union's president.
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Number of Seasons: 6
Episode Count: 115
What It's About: The show, set during 1968-1973, follows Kevin Arnold during his transformative years. Kevin sees the world through a different lens the older he grows, learning about the difficulties people face no matter what background they come from. Kevin's family members include his gruff father, sweet-natured mother, hippie older sister, and foul-mannered older brother. He spends most of his days with his best friend, Paul, and neighbor, Winnie, for whom Kevin eventually develops feelings.
Why It's So Watchable: The Wonder Years, which is not a typical sitcom, has many comedic elements, but it's the drama that has the most impact. The show was unique during its time for presenting a family-based show through a single-camera lens, which allows viewers to experience life in the ’60s and ’70s through Kevin's point of view.
Standout Cast Member: Fred Savage. The actor earned multiple awards for his performance in the lead role. He went on to lead other comedies like Crumbs, The Grinder, and Friends from College, and to work as a producer and director, although controversies surrounding his workplace behavior have blighted his legacy.
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- 1150 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 9
Episode Count: 210
What It's About: Sportswriter Ray Barone is an immature man whose quirks usually irritate his overworked wife, Debra. However, Ray is showered by praise by people around him, particularly his overbearing mother, Marie. Ray's brother, Robert, is extremely jealous of the attention he receives, although he does care for him. Ray's father, Frank, is a disgruntled, perpetually annoyed man. The Barone family all live close together, which annoys Debra because they're always around.
Why It's So Watchable: Everybody Loves Raymond shows what it's like living with family members who have trouble giving each other personal space. The actors are committed to their roles as annoying but lovable characters, and the show never becomes too serious, even when everyone isn't getting along, which is most of the time.
Standout Cast Members: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, and Brad Garrett.
Romano was the highest-paid TV actor of all time during the show's run. He then continued his success with films like Ice Age, Paddleton, and The Irishman. Romano also returned to TV with Men of a Certain Age, Vinyl, Parenthood, and Get Shorty.
Heaton is a seasoned TV performer with another successful sitcom to her name, The Middle, that ran as long as Everybody Loves Raymond.
Garrett diversified his filmography with voice roles in animated classics like Ratatouille, Tangled, and Finding Dory. He had notable roles in the TV shows Fargo, I'm Dying Up Here, and Single Parents.
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- 1244 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 5
Episode Count: 114
What It's About: Blossom is the only female in her household. Surrounded by her brothers and single dad, the teenager has to undergo growing pains without a motherly figure.
Why It's So Watchable: Although Blossom's family members can be a handful, they genuinely love and support each other. In addition to this wholesome dynamic, Blossom's straightforward personality is a humorous contrast with Joey's ladies' man antics, Tony's stumbles, and Nick's musical exploits. The sitcom also features special episodes about challenges someone the same age as Blossom might experience.
Standout Cast Members: Mayim Bialik, who played Blossom, and Joey Lawrence, who played her brother Joey.
Bialik didn't maintain an acting career after Blossom's ended, but she returned years later as a key cast member on The Big Bang Theory. The show's massive popularity brought Bialik back to the spotlight; she later starred in the sitcom Call Me Kat and as a co-host of the game show Jeopardy!
Joey Lawrence went on to star with his brothers in the sitcom Brotherly Love, and in shows like Melissa & Joey and Dancing with the Stars.
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- 1353 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 9 (+1 revival)
Episode Count: 222 (+9 revival)
What It's About: Roseanne Conner is the matriarch of a working-class family who, along with her husband, Dan, struggles to make ends meet. As their children grow, they also tackle putting up with teenagers and young adults. The family often tries to turn around its fortunes, but most of these attempts backfire spectacularly.
Why It's So Watchable: Roseanne was lauded for accurately depicting a working-class household of the ’90s. For many American viewers, it was like watching their own lives play out, and the characters also look like real people. Roseanne’s staying power is due to its blend of comedy and authenticity.
Standout Cast Members: John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf.
Goodman's TV credits includes the Roseanne spinoff The Conners, plus Treme, Damages, and The Righteous Gemstones; his filmography includes hits like The Big Lebowski, The Artist, and Argo.
Metcalf went on to star in movies like Toy Story and Lady Bird, and continued her success on TV with Getting On and The Big Bang Theory.
- 1446 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 6
Episode Count: 119
What It's About: Tia and Tamera are two seemingly average girls whose lives are turned upside down when they encounter one another and realize they are twins separated at birth. The siblings then move in with their respective adoptive parents, creating an odd living situation. Reuniting sets Tia and Tamera on a positive path, as the sisters have each other to lean on. The different parenting styles of their adoptive parents set up confrontations, but also help the girls become responsible. They eventually track down their birth father and move on to adulthood.
Why It's So Watchable: After dealing with the wild premise of twins meeting each other as teenagers, the show switches to more heartwarming content, and Tia and Tamera's bond is unbreakable. Their parents are hilarious, with a strict but eccentric father and no-nonsense mother who butt heads. The show follows the sisters from teenagers to college students and beyond.
Standout Cast Members: Tia and Tamera Mowry. They continued their pairing for Disney in the TV films Twitches and Twitches Too. Tia has been on popular shows like The Game and Family Reunion, while Tamera has appeared in shows like Strong Medicine, Home & Family, and The Real.
- 1537 VOTES
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Number of Seasons: 5
Episode Count: 118
What It's About: Although the show's family aspect technically comes from two characters who are cousins, Living Single features characters who are like a family: six people in New York living in a brownstone building. Being in such close proximity means romances occur, and provide many of the plot points.
Why It's So Watchable: Living Single is a look into what life was like for young New Yorkers in the '90s. With a majority female cast, the sisterhood between these characters is a treat. Watching their interactions is a riot because of their many eccentricities and contrasting personalities. The characters' romantic lives play out in long storylines, so the show keeps viewers hooked. By following young adults in the big city, the sitcom carries a sense of optimism.
Standout Cast Member: Queen Latifah. She was already known as a rapper before Living Single's release, but took her fame to the next level after it ended. She went on to release further Grammy-winning, Billboard-topping albums, and starred in hit movies like Chicago, Taxi, Beauty Shop, and Girls Trip. Latifah's TV success has continued with the shows Bessie, Star, and The Equalizer.
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