The 1990s were arguably one of the best decades in television, with so many great shows that made their mark. Many of these shows inspired many others that have come since. The ones that premiered at the beginning of the decade are, if you can believe it, celebrating their 35th anniversary this year, tough to believe since they have such staying power.
Among the shows from the ’90s, there are a few that stand out as downright masterpieces. Bear in mind that TV in the ’90s was nothing like it is today. We didn’t have shows that presented like movies with the same production value, budgets, and even A-list actors (of the time) that we do today. But for differing reasons, some shows are downright masterpieces.
8
‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)
Kicking off the decade, or rather premiering even ahead of it, Seinfeld is a show that defined the ’90s. It was groundbreaking in that the series wasn’t really about anything. A sitcom, the idea was to cover the minutiae of everyday life. Sure, the characters went through significant moments in their lives. But where the show shone was in the meaningless moments, the deli conversations about ridiculous topics or conversations about daily annoyances.
Even decades later, there hasn’t been another show like Seinfeld, save for Curb Your Enthusiasm, which hails from that series creator Larry David, who also stars. From start to finish, in the best episodes of every season of Seinfeld, it was magic. Though its finale was polarizing, Seinfeld didn’t have a single bad, unfunny episode. Almost every episode has a quotable line or moment that fans still reference to this day. With new generations watching the show in syndication and now streaming, it’s timeless as well.
7
‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ (1987–1994)
<em>Star Trek</em> had been around long before Star Trek: The Next Generation, of course. But this sci-fi series in particular, the third series in the franchise, is often considered to be among the best. Set in the latter part of the 24th century, it centers around the Starfleet starship led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew, which included memorable roles by LeVar Burton, Jonathan Frakes, and Wil Wheaton.
Starting in the late ’80s and continuing through to the ’90s, Star Trek: The Next Generation was ahead of its time in more ways than one. Along with depicting a faraway future, the show often predicted technology we have seen with great detail, making it highly influential as well. It also didn’t shy away from making political statements through allegories, leaned heavily into philosophical debates, and created a world that fans could escape into from one week to the next.
6
‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)
Not only did Sex and the City put HBO on the map as a serious network for quality TV, opening the doors for other groundbreaking shows like The Sopranos, but the romantic comedy-drama also proved that four mature women could lead a series that was hip, trendy, and meaningful. Yes, many of the storylines were fluff entertainment about single women in New York dating and navigating their careers while sporting fantastic fashion. But there was a lot more beneath the surface.
Sex and the City empowered women through its best episodes, showcasing strength and resilience in friendships and independence. So many women found the show either relatable or aspirational from the ladies’ confidence to their free-spirited nature, lifestyle, and of course Carrie’s (Sarah Jessica Parker) bold fashion sense, impressive shoe collection, and closet that was the envy of every viewer. Every episode ended on a poignant note as Carrie penned her latest article revealing her discoveries about love and life.
5
‘Friends’ (1994–2004)
There has arguably never been a show so iconic, so easily translatable to other cultures and in other languages as<em>Friends</em>. In fact , many people who don’t speak English as a first language say they learned a lot of language fromFriends . The story of six friends navigating lives in their 20s and 30s in New York City,Friends served as inspiration for virtually every ensemble sitcom featuring a group of young friends.
Every episode was funny , every line memorable , every situation iconic . The characters have become household names ,and even though members of cast went on to achieve great success in other shows and movies ,they will still forever be defined by characters on this show.Friends has carved its place television history ,and it’s one defining shows , if notthe defining show ,of ’90s.
4
‘The X-Files’ (1993–2002)
A masterpiece in sci-fi drama genre,The X-Files became huge somewhat unexpected hit . Fans loved juxtaposition between Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), who thrived on believed paranormal conspiracies ,and more rigid science-minded Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). Journey they took through cases all kinds best episodesX-Files ahead its time way while paying homage shows likeThe Twilight Zone at same time .
The show was so popular that returned 2016 2018 two more seasons even spawned two movies . Duchovny Anderson put all into characters keeping viewers invested week after week incredulous creepy supernatural stories presented one episode next .
A masterpiece in sci-fi drama genre,The X-Files became huge somewhat unexpected hit . Fans loved juxtaposition between Special Agent Fox Mulder (David Duchovny), who thrived on believed paranormal conspiracies ,and more rigid science-minded Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson). Journey they took through cases all kinds best episodesX-Files ahead its time way while paying homage shows likeThe Twilight Zone at same time .
The show was so popular that returned 2016 2018 two more seasons even spawned two movies . Duchovny Anderson put all into characters keeping viewers invested week after week incredulous creepy supernatural stories presented one episode next .
