The '90s is, to this day, still one of the best time periods in American entertainment. From fashion to music to cinema, the '90s inspired us in a way that is still prominent today. (Hello over-lined lips, scrunchies, crop tops and pop music.) However, one of the best things the '90s gave us was television sitcoms. Some of the most well-known catchphrases and theme music comes from this time period, so here is a list of nine of the best sitcoms of the '90s that you need to watch.
9. "Will & Grace"
Years: 1998-2006
Starring: Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Megan Mullally, Sean Hayes
A culturally significant show, "Will & Grace" tells the story of four friends: Grace Adler, a Jewish interior designer, her best friend Will Truman, a gay lawyer, and their two best friends Jack McFarland, a gay entertainer and Karen Walker, a spoiled socialite. Although the stories weren’t anything new, revolving around life and love in New York City (think "Friends" and "Sex and the City"), the characters were coming from cultures that had never been represented before. "Will & Grace" remains a pivotal show for gay culture, representing gay characters in a leading role more than that of a “wacky best friend” The show received an absurd 83 Emmy nominations throughout its eight year run, winning 16. In addition, each of the four main stars won an individual Emmy, with Megan Mullally winning twice, making it only one of three sitcoms to claim that feat.
8. "Family Matters"
Years: 1989-1998
Starring: Jaleel White, Kellie Shanygne, Michelle Thomas, Darius McCrary, Jo Marie Payton, Reginald VelJohnson
A spinoff of another American sitcom, "Perfect Strangers," Family Matters revolves around the Winslow family, a middle-class African American family living in Chicago. The Winslows’ nerdy neighbor Steve Urkel is introduced in the first season and quickly becomes the breakout star of the show. Known for his thick glasses, suspenders and cardigan sweaters, his unrequited love for Laura Winslow is what originally introduces him on the show. Only intended to appear once, White’s portrayal became popular with the studio audience and as a result he joined the main cast in season two. Urkel is central to many recurring gags, usually property damage and personal injury, and is known for his catchphrase “Did I do that?” when he does cause damage. Even now, years after the show’s finale Steve Urkel remains one of televisions most beloved characters.
7. "Beverly Hills 90210"
Years: 1990-2000
Starring: Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, and many others
A trailblazer in the drama category, "Beverly Hills, 90210" followed the lives of a group of teenagers living in the star-studded Beverly Hills, Cali. The premise of the show was based on the adjustment and culture shock two of the main characters experience when they move from Minneapolis to Beverly Hills. The show discussed numerous issues such as date rape, gay rights, animal rights, alcoholism, domestic violence, eating disorders, teenage pregnancy and suicide, and many other social issues not yet discussed at the time. It highlighted the teen demographic and tackled issues that directly applied to a younger audience. The show also spawned four spin-offs and is one of the most culturally significant shows of all time.
6. "Seinfeld"
Years: 1989-1998
Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Jason Alexander
Starring Jerry Seinfield as a fictionalized version of himself, the show mixes Seinfeld’s stand-up comedy routines and idiosyncratic, conversational scenes focusing on mundane aspects of everyday life. Many of the episodes are based on the writers’ real-life experiences, with the experiences re-interpreted for the characters’ storylines. "Seinfeld" broke several conventions of mainstream television, widely described as a postmodern interpretation. The show also popularized many catchphrases and recurring phrases and slang became known as Seinlanguage. Seinfeld is left a legacy behind matched by no other sitcom, even being named by TV Guide as the greatest show of all time in 2013. The show has also won Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG awards.
5. "Full House"
Years: 1987-1995
Starring: Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, John Stamos, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron, Jodie Sweetin
The show that brought us the Olsen twins and John Stamos, Full House is set in San Francisco, California and chronicles the life of widowed father Danny Tanner (Saget) who enlists the help of his best friend Joey (Coulier) and brother-in-law Jesse (Stamos) to help him raise his three daughters. Over time the three men and children bond and the family tackles various issues together, anything from middle school drama to adult problems such as jobs. In August 2014 it was announced that plans were underway to reboot the series, which would reunite most of the original cast. So before Full House 2.0 reaches your screens make sure you catch up on all the episodes of the original hit.
4. "Saved by the Bell"
Years: 1989-1993
Starring: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Mario Lopez, Elizabeth Berkley, Dustin Diamond, Lark Voorhies, Dennis Haskins
A retool of the Disney Channel series "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," the show follows a group of friends and their principal. Primarily focusing on lighthearted comedic situations, it occasionally touches on serious social issues such as drug use, driving under the influence, homelessness, remarriage, death, women’s rights and environmental issues. Two spin-off series and two television movies came out of the series, and is one of the most successful television series of all time. The show differs from many sitcoms by breaking the fourth wall and addressing the viewers directly, with one of the characters often discussing with the viewers what his next plan of action will be. The show was highly influential in fashions of the time as well, with the style of character Kelly Kapowski being emulated even today.
3. "Sex and the City"
Years: 1998-2004
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Based on the book by the same name, "Sex and the City" follows the lives of four women and their differing lives. The quirky series had multiple continuing storylines that tackled relevant and modern social issues such as sexuality, safe sex, promiscuity and femininity while exploring the difference between friendships and romantic relationships. The series received both acclaim and criticism for its subjects and characters and won seven of its 54 Emmy Award nominations, eight of its 24 Golden Globe Award nominations and three of its 11 SAG Award nominations. Two movies and a prequel resulted from the show and the show still airs in syndication worldwide.
2. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
Years: 1990-1996
Starring: Will Smith, Alfonso Ribeiro, James Avery, Karyn Parsons, Janet Hubert-Whitten, Daphne Maxwell Reid, Tatyana M. Ali, Joseph Marcell, Tyra Banks
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air stars Will Smith as a fictionalized version of himself, a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia, who is sent to move in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in their Bel-Air mansion. His lifestyle often clashes with the lifestyle of his relatives and the adventures that ensue from these disagreements are the plotlines for the show. The show is almost more successful now that it was when it originally aired, and the theme song is one of the most recognizable songs in history. Tyra Banks is also known for her portrayal of Jackie on the show, which help boosted her career.
1. "Friends"
Years: 1994-2004
Starring: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, Davis Schwimmer
Arguably the most popular sitcom of all time, "Friends" revolves around a circle of friends living in Manhattan. Nominated for 62 Emmys and winning for Outstanding Comedy Series, the show is ranked highly on many “best shows of all times” list and catapulted each of the six main characters to success. As stated by the creators of the show, “It’s about sex, love, relationships, careers, a time in your life when everything’s possible. And it’s about friendship because when you’re single and in the city, your friends are your family.” If you haven’t watched "Friends" yet it’s actually embarrassing how far behind you are in life, and this is the first show you need to binge watch on Netflix immediately.
