Contrary to popular belief, we kids born in the late 1990s (let's say 1996 through 1999) are still considered "'90s kids." I know, I know. That sounds rather obvious, but I can't tell you how many times I talk about, post about, or retweet something related to the '90s, and immediately it gets followed up with something along the lines of "You were born in '96—you're not a real '90s baby."
Well, yes, Fictional Person I Just Made Up: I am in fact a '90s baby, as much as you'd like to believe that I am not. We may have been born later on in the decade, but we still appreciate and reminisce about the glorious toys, movies and especially TV shows that the '90s blessed us with.
To prove to this Imaginary Person just how much of a 90s baby I truly am, I've put together a list of some of (arguably) the best TV shows from the 90s. I may not remember all the shows from the decade, but I do remember some of the best ones. So, in no particular order, here we go:
1. "Doug" (1996-1999)
This right here proves my point. "Doug" practically defines the '90s for me, and it didn't even air until later in the decade.
2. "Arthur" (1996 - )
OK, I didn't know "Arthur" was still on the air until now. BRB, gotta go catch up.
3. "Rugrats" (1991-2004)
This show inspired countless spinoffs ("All Grown Up!," "Rugrats Pre-School Daze," "The Rugrats Movie") and was a pivotal aspect of my childhood.
4. "Barney and Friends" (1992-2010)
Oh come on, I had to. This list wouldn't be complete without the mention of the big purple dinosaur and the show that kick-started the careers of Disney starlets Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez.
5. "Dexter's Laboratory" (1996-2003)
I totally forgot about this show until a friend showed me this song. Ah, the memories.
6. "The Big Comfy Couch" (1992-2006)
All I have to say is "!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
7. and 8. "All That" (1994-2005) and "The Amanda Show" (1999-2002)
I decided to list these two together because, for some reason, I always used to confuse them with each other. Even though I guess technically "The Amanda Show" wasn't around long enough to be considered a '90s show, we're still going to lump the two together.
9. "Bear in the Big Blue House" (1997-2006)
Let me just say that Playhouse Disney—officially launched in 1997—was literally everything to me. Get ready for a ton of those.
10. "PB&J Otter" (1998-2005)
This might sound odd, but my favorite part of this show was how colorful everything was. Seriously, it was such a pleasure just to look at. Good job, Disney.
11. "Rolie Polie Olie" (1998-2006)
I vividly remember one episode where gravity stopped working. It looked like so much fun. I hope that happens one day.
That's a joke.
12. "The Little Mermaid" (1997-2002)
Not many people knew that "The Little Mermaid" (1989) inspired a spin-off TV series almost a decade that followed Ariel and her adventures under the sea. (Now that I think about it, what happened to Prince Eric?)
13. "The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" (1997-2006)
Hits me right in the heart.
14. "Hey Arnold!" (1996-2004)
Twelve years later, and I'm still not sure what Arnold is wearing around his waist? Is it a long flannel?? A dress? A cardigan? I just want my questions answered.
15. "Kenan & Kel" (1996-2000)
Can't mention the '90s without Kenan or Kel.
16. "Rocko's Modern Life" (1993-1996)
This is one of those shows that I can't remember whether I loved it or hated it...either way, I still remembered it. Props to you Nickelodeon.
17. "Catdog" (1998-2005)
I thought catdgos were an actual thing thanks to this show. I can't even begin to tell you how awkward that conversation is to have with your parents. On many levels.
18. "Legends of the Hidden Temple" (1993-1995)
I'll admit I didn't watch this overlooked game show until it started to re-air in the 2000s, but when I did, it was hard not to binge-watch.
19. "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" (1990-1996)
Oh come on: look at that face. Will Smith in the '90s still looks like Will Smith in 2016.
20. "Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)
A show so successful, it inspired a spin-off 14 years after this one ended.
21. "The Wild Thornberrys" (1998-2005)
For some reason, no one remembers this show, but it was key bonding time for me and my mom. (The movie was even better.)
22. "The Powerpuff Girls" (1998-2005)
Including this one solely because up until just now I thought the show was titled the Powderpuff Girls and not The Powerpuff Girls.
23. "Rocket Power" (1999-2002)
I distinctly remember wanting to learn how to skateboard every time I watched this show.
Ah, the '90s.
