As a TV junkie, I make it my mission to watch shows from all eras of media. From The Honeymooners to Bob's Burgers , if anything, I've tried them all. No one can see everything, but in the 1990s I felt like I made a solid attempt. Our generation has some of the last great multi-camera sitcoms, the best children's programming, and groundbreaking series that actually aired on network television. The '90s are almost a different country these days, but television endures. The best TV show of the '90s still has a huge following today, and its influence reaches across all areas of television.
If there hadn't been "Twin Peaks ," would there have been "Lost" ? A "How do I meet your mother without friends ?" "I do not think so. Not all '90s television was great, but when it was good, it was unlike anything the medium had ever seen before. From sitcoms to children's shows to dramas about nighttime happenings, the 21 shows on this list are some of the best from the '90s. More importantly, I think they are shows that everyone should watch. We've entered an age of television overload, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't take the time to enjoy the shows that make quality programming possible.
1. Friends (1994-2004)
Not many TV shows can say they defined a generation, but the story of six aimless New Yorkers coming of age is beloved by viewers of a certain age. The legacy of Friends still lives on today—just look at the reaction from fans when the show aired on Netflix.
2. The X-Files (1993-2002)
The mythology of The X-Files has spawned more sophisticated sci-fi/fantasy shows, but the real legacy of The X-Files is the everlasting and devoted relationship between Mulder and Scully.
3. Northern Exposure (1990-1995)
Never watched "Northern Storm "? It's no surprise; a music rights dispute has kept the show from being available on streaming services, but the lack of availability doesn't take away from the greatness of this small-town drama, which has prominent Native American characters and a diverse cast of cultural references of deep respect, feminist leadership, and the first same-sex marriage on television.
4. Roseanne (1988-1997)
Before "Roseanne ," the average American family with money problems, a messy house and imperfect children wasn't considered suitable sitcom fodder. Then along comes Roseanne, who breaks the rules and becomes a rough, fearless, unapologetic working-class mom.
5. My so-called life (1994-1995)
Angela Chase has been on TV for less than a year, but she and her friends are bringing the secret, angst-ridden lives of teenagers to a painful reality.
6. Emergency Room (1994-2009)
Would anyone object to me if I called ER the greatest hospital drama of all time? Not only did the show launch George Clooney's career, it blended the high-stakes world of emergency room doctors and nurses with personal stories, ensuring it will always be a favorite.
7. Twin Peaks (1990-1991)
David Lynch's cult masterpiece is psychedelic, unsettling, and so influential that shows as diverse as Bates Motel and Gravity Falls still draw inspiration from its bizarre Inspiration was found in the townspeople.
8. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
The theme song isn't the only thing iconic about "The Fresh Prince" : The show launched Will Smith's career and made "Carlton" a pop culture phenomenon that continues to entertain today.
9. "The Simpsons " (1989-present)
Forget America - The Simpsons may be the most famous family in the world right now, and while it may not seem like it now, in the '90s the show was the most edgy comedy on television.
10. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
Holidays, sponge cakes, Nazi soup—if none of this sounds familiar, then either you're new to it or you've never experienced the wry, hilarious humor of "Seinfeld."
11. Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)
Buffy fights the darkest evil and goes to school in Hellmouth. She saved the world a lot, and she made television a safer place for complex and heroic women.
12. The Adventures of Pete and Pete (1992-1996)
If you loved Pete and Pete as a kid, you should revisit it as an adult. Not only does the show endure, but it also gets funnier when you get all the jokes.
13. Freaks and Geeks (1999-2000)
The wonder of this season is another true teen drama that also happens to be the one that has a super-famous cast and gave the world its first taste of Judd Apatow.
14. Full House (1987-1995)
Simplistic, a little cheesy, but well worth watching, Full House was everything I (and many others) needed in a sitcom.
15. Quantum Leap (1989-1993)
Sam travels through time by "jumping" into other people's bodies to right past wrongs. In the process, he experiences perspectives he could never experience because his jumps are free of gender, age, or racial discrimination.
16. Fraser (1993-2004)
No spin-off has the right to be as witty and satirical as "Frasier." Somewhere between slapstick and highbrow humor, "Frasier" almost outdoes "Cheers" in terms of laughs.
17. Hey Arnold! (1996-2004)
This sensitive cartoon touches on some heavy themes - including war - but it's Arnold's ability to speak to children without being condescending that makes it so special.
18. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
The lessons Corey, Sean, and Topanga teach children about friendship are invaluable, and the lessons Mr. Feeney teaches viewers about life will stick with them for a lifetime.
19. Crazy for you (1992-1999)
This show is clear proof that a married couple (with no children) can make funny, heartwarming, and compelling television.
20. The Magic School Bus (1994-1998)
You know television is good when it truly entices you to study and enjoy it .
21.Are you afraid of the dark? (1990-2000)
Has the acting always been great? No, but you can bet your pants will be blown away week after week, which is the true sign of a great anthology show. As of now, are you afraid of the dark? holds the special status of being the last of the great true anthology horror television series.
The '90s were filled with amazing TV shows, and truth be told, this list is just a sample. I hope these 21 shows inspire you to dig deeper into '90s TV and find more hidden gems for your next Netflix marathon.
Image: Warner Bros. Television; NBC; Jiffy (20)
