Top TV Shows of the 1990s

Cheers (1982 - 1993)

Cheers is a television sitcom that aired from 1982 to 1993. The show is set in a Boston bar named Cheers, and follows the lives of its regulars, including the owner, Sam Malone (Ted Danson), the bartender, Woody Boyd (Woody Harrelson), the waitress, Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), and the regular customers, including the lovable mailman, Cliff Clavin (John Ratzenberger), and accountant, Norm (Norm!) Peterson (George Wendt). The show is known for its witty writing and lovable characters, and explores themes of friendship, romance, and personal growth. Cheers became one of the most popular sitcoms of all time and was awarded 28 Primetime Emmy Awards throughout its run.

Roseanne (1988 - 2018)

Roseanne follows the lives of the blue-collar Conner family, living in the fictional town of Lanford, Illinois. The matriarch of the family is Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr), a sarcastic and outspoken working-class mother who often struggles to make ends meet.

The show also features Roseanne's husband Dan (John Goodman), their three children, Becky (Alicia Goranson/Lecy Goranson), Darlene (Sara Gilbert), and DJ (Michael Fishman), as well as Roseanne's younger sister, Jackie (Laurie Metcalf).

The show is known for its realistic portrayal of working-class family life and tackles issues such as poverty, addiction, and domestic violence. It was praised for its use of humor to address serious topics, and it has been regarded as one of the most important sitcoms of its time. In 2018, the show was briefly revived for a tenth season before being cancelled due to controversial statements made by Roseanne Barr.

The Golden Girls (1985 - 1992)

The Golden Girls follows the lives of four older women who live together in a house in Miami, Florida: Dorothy Zbornak (Bea Arthur), her mother Sophia Petrillo (Estelle Getty), and their friends, Blanche Devereaux (Rue McClanahan) and Rose Nylund (Betty White, RIP). The show is known for its humor and tackling social issues such as aging, sexuality, and women's rights. Each of the main characters brings a unique personality to the show, with Dorothy being the level-headed voice of reason, Blanche being the Southern belle with a penchant for younger men, Rose being the sweet and naive but loveable Minnesotan, and Sophia being the sharp-tongued and sassy Italian mother.

The Golden Girls has been regarded as groundbreaking for its portrayal of older women as strong, independent, and sexually active, and has remained a beloved classic in American television.

Full House (1987 - 1995)

Full House revolves around a widowed father, Danny Tanner (Bob Saget), who enlists the help of his brother-in-law, Jesse Katsopolis (John Stamos), and best friend, Joey Gladstone (Dave Coulier), to raise his three young daughters: D.J. (Candace Cameron), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin), and Michelle (played by the Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley). The show is set in San Francisco and follows the family's day-to-day lives, as well as their struggles and triumphs. Full House is known for its wholesome and family-friendly content, and for its use of humor to address important issues such as bullying and peer pressure. In 2016, Netflix released a revival series titled Fuller House, which follows the lives of the Tanner sisters and their families.

Friends (1994 - 2004)

Friends is considered one of the greatest sitcoms of all time. The show follows the lives of six friends living in New York City: Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), his sister Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow).

The show explores the group's personal and professional lives, romantic relationships, and everyday adventures. Friends is known for its iconic cast of characters, witty writing, and memorable catchphrases, as well as its exploration of themes such as friendship, love, and adulthood. Friends remains popular with audiences around the world, and its impact on popular culture can still be seen today.

Home Improvement (1991 - 1999)

Home Improvement follows the life of Tim Taylor (Tim Allen), the host of a fictional DIY television show called "Tool Time." Tim is a family man with a wife, Jill (Patricia Richardson), and three sons, Brad (Zachery Ty Bryan), Randy (Jonathan Taylor Thomas), and Mark (Taran Noah Smith).

The show explores the dynamic between Tim's love for power tools and his struggles to balance his family life with his career. Alongside Tim, the show features a cast of recurring characters, including his co-host Al Borland (Richard Karn) and his eccentric neighbor Wilson Wilson Jr. (Earl Hindman). Home Improvement is known for its humor and the use of Tim's "more power" catchphrase, as well as its exploration of family values and the importance of communication.

Frasier (1993 - 2004)

Frasier is a spin-off of Cheers, and follows the life of Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer), a psychiatrist who returns to his hometown of Seattle to host a radio talk show. The show explores Frasier's personal and professional life, as well as his relationships with his family and friends. Alongside Frasier, the show features a cast of recurring characters, including his brother Niles (David Hyde Pierce), his father Martin (John Mahoney), his producer Roz (Peri Gilpin), and his co-worker Bulldog (Dan Butler). Frasier is known for its sharp writing, witty humor, and exploration of complex social issues. It has been widely praised for its portrayal of mental health and its emphasis on the importance of therapy. The show won multiple Emmy awards.

Seinfeld (1989 - 1998)

Seinfeld is regarded as the greatest comedy sitcom of all time. The show follows the life of comedian Jerry Seinfeld (played by himself) and his group of friends: his best friend George Costanza (Jason Alexander), his ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and his neighbor Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards). The show is known for its observational humor and its exploration of mundane and relatable aspects of everyday life, such as relationships, social norms, and pop culture. Seinfeld famously declared itself to be a "show about nothing," as it often tackled topics without a traditional plot structure. The show's impact on popular culture can still be seen today, and its quotable catchphrases and references have become part of the cultural lexicon.

Touched by an Angel (1994 - 2003)

Touched by an Angel follows the life of a team of angels, led by the compassionate and wise Tess (Della Reese), who are sent to Earth to help people in need.

Each episode features a different story, with the angels working to guide and comfort people through difficult times, often dealing with issues such as loss, addiction, and family struggles. Alongside Tess, the show features a rotating cast of angels, including the determined and no-nonsense Monica (Roma Downey).

Touched by an Angel is known for its uplifting and heartwarming stories, and its exploration of faith and spirituality.

ER (1994 - 2009)

ER is a medical drama set (shocklingy) in the emergency room of the fictional County General Hospital in Chicago and follows the personal and professional lives of the doctors, nurses, and staff who work there. The show explores a wide range of medical issues, from heart attacks and gunshot wounds to chronic illnesses and mental health struggles. The main characters include Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards), Dr. John Carter (Noah Wyle), Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney), and Nurse Carol Hathaway (Julianna Margulies).

ER is known for its realistic portrayal of the medical profession, its fast-paced and intense storytelling, and its strong performances from its cast. The show was a critical and commercial success, winning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards and launching the careers of several actors.

The Cosby Show (1984 - 1992)

The Cosby Show follows the life of the Huxtable family, including Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable (Bill Cosby), a successful obstetrician and gynecologist, and his wife Claire (Phylicia Rashad), a successful lawyer. The show explores the dynamic between the Huxtable family and their daily lives, as well as their struggles and triumphs. The couple has five children: Sondra, Denise, Theo, Vanessa, and Rudy.

The Cosby Show is known for its warm-hearted humor, its exploration of African-American family life and values, and its emphasis on education and family values. The show was a cultural phenomenon and a critical and commercial success, becoming one of the most-watched television shows in history. However, it has been marred by allegations of sexual assault against Bill Cosby, the show's creator and star.