12 Classic 90s TV Shows That Shaped Our Childhood
The 90s were a golden era for TV, with entertaining shows that broke new ground in storytelling, character development, and cultural impact.
These shows shaped our childhood, taught us valuable lessons, and gave us characters that we looked up to.
Today we look back at a nostalgia-filled list of 12 classic 90s TV shows that left a lasting impression on us.
1. Friends (1994-2004)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “The One Where Ross Finds Out” – This episode marks a pivotal moment in Ross and Rachel’s relationship, setting the tone for the series’ central romance.
Rachel leaves a drunken message for Ross where she lets him know she has feelings for him. The episode culminates with their first kiss.
Did You Know?: The trademark orange couch in Central Perk was a prop found in the Warner Bros. studio’s basement.
2. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Papa’s Got a Brand New Excuse” – This episode deals with Will’s father abandoning him again. It showcases Will Smith’s dramatic acting prowess and not just his comedy skills.
This one gets me in the feels. I remember shedding a tear while watching it after school back in the day.
The lone positive in a sad situation for Will is that Uncle Phil’s there for him to help him through the disappointment. Thus deepening their bond and appreciation for each other.
Did You Know?: The house used for the exterior shots of the Banks’ mansion is actually located in Brentwood, not Bel-Air.
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Hush” – Almost entirely devoid of dialogue, this episode is a masterclass in visual storytelling and was nominated for an Emmy!
As such, it feels wrong to talk too much about it. So I’m just going to say go watch it if you originally missed it; or if you want to relive the experience.
Did You Know?: Sarah Michelle Gellar initially auditioned for the role of Cordelia Chase before landing the lead role.
4. Degrassi Junior High/Degrassi High (1987-1991)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “It’s Late” – This is the episode where Spike realizes she’s pregnant. It tackles teen pregnancy with an honesty and directness. This episode was groundbreaking at the time.
Watching it was my first real exposure to the topic and it was an eye-opener. I appreciated the show-runners for believing that we, the teen audience, could handle the mature subject.
Did You Know?: “Degrassi” is known for its realistic portrayal of teen life. To maintain its authenticity, the show’s creators cast actual teenagers rather than adults in teen roles. This was a rarity in television during this era.
5. The X-Files (1993-2002)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose” – An irritable elderly man possessing the ability to foresee individuals’ deaths aids the agents in their pursuit of a deranged murderer.
He also mysteriously discloses to Mulder and Scully their eventual destinies.
This episode won two Emmys, including one for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series.
Did You Know?: The famous tagline “The truth is out there” was changed several times throughout the series. Variations included: “Trust no one” and “Believe the lie.”
6. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “And Then There Was Shawn” – In this episode Cory, Shawn, Topanga, Angela, and Kenny find themselves in detention together. However, the situation turns eerie when they stumble upon a dead body and a chilling message on the blackboard: “NO ONE GETS OUT ALIVE.”
The tension escalates when Jack and Eric join them, and together, they attempt to uncover the identity of the murderer. A memorable and unique episode that parodies horror movies showcasing the show’s ability to balance humour and life lessons.
Did You Know?: The character of Topanga was named after Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles. The show’s creator was stuck in traffic there and decided it was a perfect name.
7. Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Jessie’s Song” – Jessie turns to caffeine pills to keep up with her studies and her new singing group, Hot Sundae.
Known for the “I’m so excited, I’m so scared” scene, this episode tackled the issue of prescription drug abuse.
Did You Know?: The show was originally a retooling of a Disney Channel series called “Good Morning, Miss Bliss.”
8. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “The Contest” – Perhaps the show’s most famous episode. It was revolutionary for its handling of adult themes with humour and subtlety.
In a hilariously awkward turn of events, George gets caught by his mom in a rather compromising solo act.
This sparks Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer to compete in a quirky challenge to see who can go the longest without indulging in any form of self-pleasure.
As the challenge unfolds, it’s a comedy of errors and hormones. The episode showcases our favourite foursome’s knack for turning the mundane into the unforgettable.
Did You Know?: The character of Kramer was based on a real-life neighbour of co-creator Larry David.
9. Twin Peaks (1990-1991, 2017)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Lonely Souls” – This episode reveals Laura Palmer’s killer in a shocking and haunting fashion.
If you’re like me, you were too young to stay up to watch this adult-themed show when it first aired. I discovered it’s allure many years later when I rented it to see what all the hype was about.
Just in case, you haven’t seen it yet and it is on your shortlist of series to watch, I’m not going to spoil it. But please trust me that it’s worth the wait!
Did You Know?: The show’s haunting theme music was composed in just 20 minutes.
10. Full House (1987-1995)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “The Last Dance” – This emotional episode deals with the death of Uncle Jesse’s grandfather; teaching us lessons about grief and loss.
In my opinion, the show handled the topic much better than the Disney movies we grew up with.
It was something that we could all relate to, or that we would inevitably have to confront some day.
Did You Know?: The Tanner house is located in San Francisco, and its exterior shots were filmed there, becoming a tourist attraction.
11. The Simpsons (1989-Present)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Lisa’s Substitute” – This episode deals with Lisa’s intellectual and emotional bond with her substitute teacher. It highlights the show’s depth as it is more drama than comdey.
Many fans claim that it was the first really good Lisa-focussed episode.
Homer also shines in this one as we see his big heart and redeeming qualities highlighted in contrast to his normal buffoonery.
Bart is reliable to keep the laughter rolling, but this one was more heart than hilarity and put the focus on family.
Did You Know?: Michael Jackson guest-starred in the episode “Stark Raving Dad,” but contractual obligations prevented him from being credited under his real name.
12. ER (1994-2009)
One Episode That Sticks Out: “Love’s Labor Lost” – In a heart-wrenching episode of “ER,” Dr. Benton finds himself in a whirlwind of emotions as he navigates the difficult aftermath of his mother’s fall.
Meanwhile Dr. Greene faces a daunting challenge when Jodi O’Brien, who is just two weeks shy of her due date, arrives in desperate need.
Admittedly this was more my mom’s show than mine, but I do remember seeing most of this episode and it was fairly intense and emotional.
It also won multiple Emmys and showcased the show’s ability to blend medical drama with deep human stories, setting the bar for similar shows that followed.
Did You Know?: The show was initially conceived as a feature film by Michael Crichton in the 1970s.
Summarizing the 90s TV Shows that Shaped Us
These shows influenced the culture of the ’90s, offering laughter, tears, and unforgettable characters as they entertained weekly viewers.
Whether you were a fan of comedy, drama, or the supernatural, the ’90s had something special for everyone.
Which of these shows helped shape your experiences? Or did we miss your favourite '90s TV show? Share your cherished '90s TV memories in the comments below!
FAQs:
Why were ’90s TV shows so impactful?
90s TV shows were groundbreaking in their storytelling, character development, and willingness to tackle social issues, making them resonate deeply with audiences.
Can I watch these ’90s TV shows today?
Many of these shows are available on streaming platforms, offering a perfect opportunity for a nostalgic binge-watch.
Which ’90s TV show won the most awards?
“ER” and “The X-Files” are among the most awarded, each garnering numerous Emmys during their runs.
Were there any ’90s TV shows rebooted or revived?
Yes, shows like “Twin Peaks” and “The X-Files” have modern continuations that appealed to both old fans and new audiences.
Why do ’90s TV shows remain popular today?
Their timeless appeal, relatable characters, and innovative storytelling continue to captivate audiences, proving that great content never goes out of style.
What made Canadian ’90s TV shows (like Degrassi) unique?
Canadian shows often tackled social issues more directly than many of their international counterparts, offering a raw and genuine portrayal of adolescence and beyond.
Craig is a partner, and proud father of a teenage daughter, and two dogs. He's an avid blogger who loves researching and discussing 80s and 90s nostalgia. When not working on his website or hanging with his fam, Craig enjoys playing guitar, watching lacrosse, and being near water.