Turning back the dial... why 90s television still rules
The 1990s offered up some of the best television shows in the history of the medium. During this time period, shows depicted unsavory topics in a realistic way and focused on storytelling that catered to specific demographics. Topics such as blended families, substance abuse, and discrimination became the norm rather than the exception.
The decade saw groundbreaking dramas that are still being talked about today. While previous decades had their share of gritty, realistic television, the 90s turned it up several notches. Nothing was off-limits and topics such as domestic violence, racism, and even cults could be found in popular dramas.
There was also an uptick in television shows that were made specifically for younger people. Networks like Cartoon Network, MTV, and Nickelodeon were also integral to the legacy of 1990s television and the larger cultural landscape long after the end of the decade.
The 90s definitely had several shows across all genres including Cowboy Bebop, Wings, The Nanny, and Beverly Hills, 90210 among others that are now considered classics. Our list details other well-known series and some overlooked gems that would make excellent additions to your public library shelves. Patrons of all ages would enjoy revisiting these nostalgic flashbacks or experiencing them for the first time.
Frasier (1993-2004)
A spinoff of Cheers, Kelsey Grammer starred in the hit series as radio psychiatrist Dr. Frasier Crane. The show opened with Frasier moving from Boston back to his hometown of Seattle. Upon arriving, he moves into a swank apartment in one of the city’s most desired locations. Unfortunately for Frasier, his father and his father’s caretaker ended up sharing his home with him. His brother, who was a rival psychiatrist, is also a steady source of contention. The show’s combination of slapstick humor and intelligent writing made it a standout among its contemporaries. David Hyde Pierce as his brother, Niles, and John Mahoney as his father, Martin, featured in a stacked cast that also included Peri Gilpin and Jane Leeves.
Read our review of Fraiser
Get your copy of Fraiser: The Complete Series on DVD by clicking here.
Living Single (1993-1998)
The blueprint for another 90s hit, Friends, Living Single debuted in 1993. Featuring Queen Latifah and Kim Coles, the series centers around six friends who all live in the same Brooklyn neighborhood. Like many comedy series that came after it, the show used zany humor and didn’t shy away from more adult topics. It was a huge success for Fox and has received recognition for its contributions to the evolution of the sitcom.
Get your copy of the Living Singe: Season 1 DVD by clicking here.
Will and Grace (1998-2006)
NBC initially balked at the idea of creating the series but they decided to take a gamble with Will and Grace. The series was based on the real-life relationship between co-creator Max Mutchnick and his best friend Janet Eisenberg. After a short search, the show cast Debra Messing and Eric McCormack to play the fictional versions of the two best friends. The show initially stalled in the ratings and was met with criticism from the gay community, but eventually, the show picked up steam and gained a loyal audience. Will and Grace was one of the first to star gay characters, and unlike its predecessor Ellen it had lasting success. The series is credited for helping to change the American public’s attitude about the LGBTQ community.
Get your copy of The Complete Will & Grace Set on DVD by clicking here.
Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
Director David Lynch helped bring this short-lived but highly regarded drama to life. Starring Kyle MacLachlan as FBI special agent Dale Cooper, the series follows the investigation of the murder of a local teenager. Despite its straightforward premise, the series utilizes surreal imagery and a sense of mystery—often to great effect. Twin Peaks proved to be incredibly popular, but because it never had a consistent time slot its ratings ultimately suffered. The series was later revisited in a prequel film Fire Walk with Me and a third season that was released in 2017.
Read our review of Twin Peaks
Read our essay on Season Two of Twin Peaks
Get your copy of Twin Peaks: The Television Collection on DVD by clicking here.
The X-Files (1993-2002)
Creator Chris Carter was the main force behind this iconic series, and the show drew inspiration from other well-known mystery and sci-fi dramas including the aforementioned Twin Peaks. The series was set at the FBI headquarters in Washington where two agents were assigned to solve its most mysterious cases. Featuring David Duchovny as FBI special agent Fox Mulder and Gillian Anderson as FBI special agent Dana Scully, the show was a massive hit due in part to the incredible chemistry between Duchovny and Anderson and they became stars. Like Twin Peaks, there was a revival series from 2016-2018 as well as two films, 1998’s Fight the Future and 2008’s I Want to Believe.
Read our review of the revival series of The X-Files.
Get your copy of The X-Files Complete Series, Seasons 1-11 on DVD by clicking here.
Daria (1997-2002)
This animated series followed the ins and outs of its main character, high school student Daria Morgendorffer. Even though Daria was a spin-off of Beavis and Butthead it was very much a different show. The animation, tone, and plotline were more refined, and the characters grew and changed during the course of its run. The series also didn’t shy away from social commentary or overly rely on immature humor. Daria also covered topics that are still relevant and worth discussing even though it aired 20 years ago. These issues are the toll perfectionism can take on teenagers, especially minorities, and the negative effects of peer pressure.
Read our review of Daria
Get your copy of Daria: The Complete Animated Series by clicking here.
The decade had no shortage of high-quality television, and this was due largely to the fact that major networks weren’t relying solely on spin-offs and reboots to drive ratings. Original storytelling was the standard and no subject was off limits. Intelligent writing, weighty subject matter, and offbeat humor were hallmarks of this decade and could be found in everything from dramas to animated series. If you love television, the 90s is definitely a decade worthy of revisiting.