Over the last few years, Hulu and Netflix have been answering our prayers and streaming throwback TV shows from the '90s and early 2000s. While I am grateful, I am also a bit disappointed in some of the options. On January 11th, Hulu gifted us with all the seasons of Living Single, but we are still waiting for more.
Here are 8 shows that we are all dying to see pop up on our "new on Hulu" lists!
1. That's so Raven
Sorry, not sorry, Miley Stewart and Alex Russo. There was a female leading character that topped you both and that was Raven Baxter. Crazy disguises, shenanigans and stylish outfits, Raven will always be one of the female characters of my childhood that I could never forget.This comedy was not just funny but it also touched on subjects of racism and beauty standards. With 100 episodes, you will never get enough of Raven.
2. The Proud Family
Speaking of Disney Channel shows that needs to be added to Netflix and Hulu, "The Proud Family" is next on the list. This is another show that I did not realize was progressive like "That's So Raven" as a child until I became older. Penny Proud goes through the struggles of the average teenager, but the difference between this cartoon and many others was the themes in a few of their episodes.
Penny learns about her African-American heritage, cultural differences between Islamic and African-American culture and dealing with peer pressure. And who can forget the many guest stars: Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Gabrielle Union, Mos Def, and Steve Harvey.
3. Sister, Sister
It is official. "Sister, Sister" is getting a reboot. No better time than now to upload all the seasons of "Sister, Sister" and catch up before the premiere. In some shows for teenagers, the teenage main character is the funniest and fan-favorite. "Sister, Sister" is not that show. We love the twins, but sassy mother Lisa Landry (Jackee Harry) and total opposite Ray Campbell (Tim Reid) almost always steal the show. And who can forget about their annoyingly adorable neighbor Roger (Marques Houston)?
4. Moesha
"Moesha" is about a black, middle-class family living in South Central of Los Angeles that goes through the everyday struggles of life. Mostly centered on Moesha (Brandy) as she struggles through the many troubles that young teenagers usually face in their life. Throughout the series, we see controversial topics of teen pregnancies, premarital sex, race, and drug use. It may seem like the usual since more shows have those topics now, but it was not the norm for a TV sitcom in the 90s.
5. The Parkers
We can not talk about "Moesha" without bringing up its spinoff "The Parkers." "The Parkers "shows us that going to college with your parents could actually be fun and not embarrassing. Through the show, you would see mother and daughter go through the everyday struggles of college life. Both characters are fun to watch, but sassy mother Nikki Parker (Mo’Nique) steals the show especially when it comes to her five-year-long crush on Professor Oglevee (Dorien Wilson).
6. A Different World
Before there was "Grown-ish,"" A Different World "shows college life at a historically black college/ university. This show goes deeper than just black students dealing with difficult classes and peer pressure in college. " A Different World "addressed controversial issues such as date rape, racism, domestic violence and the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
7. In Living Color
Yeah, yeah. I know that "In Living Color's" clips are on Hulu, but I will not be satisfied until full episodes are streaming. It is not fair when all full episodes of every season of" Saturday Night Live" are on Hulu. We do not need to see just clips of the sketches, but also the intro musical guests' performances, and dance routines of the Fly Girls. That is not much to ask.
8. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
This list will not be complete without the best of the best comedies. We all know the theme song better than we know the national anthem (I will admit that this true for me). While the show is streaming on Netflix, it is not streaming in America but in the United Kingdom. Who knows why Netflix decided to have "The Fresh Princ"e "of Bel"-Air across the pond? Do they realize how many of us are miffed that we can not watch it on TV because of the odd showtimes that run simultaneously with our classes? Not only does this show crack you up, it also has its serious moments (we all remember that heart-wrenching scene when Will's dad abandoned him, again).
So, come on, Netflix. America has been waiting patiently for the past year.
