Top 10 Decade Defining Shows of the 1990s

Written by Max Bledstein

Top 10 Decade Defining Shows of the 1990s

This decade was more known for the rise of the internet, but it also saw some great television. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for the top 10 decade defining TV shows of the 1990s.

For our series on the Top Decade Defining Shows Per Era, we picked series that spoke to the period in which they were made, and set the standard for television during that time. These shows were chosen for how important they were in the 1990s, regardless of when they started or finished.

#10: “Baywatch” (1989-2001)

This action drama was cancelled after one season, but came back and became one of the planet’s most-viewed shows – and it certainly earned its viewership. It featured attractive stars like David Hasselhoff and Pamela Anderson as lifeguards dedicated to keeping LA’s beaches safe. As they rushed to save civilians, we got to see the trademark slow-mo shots of them running along the coast, giving us nice views of the beautiful cast. A sort of nighttime soap opera, “Baywatch” wasn’t a critical favorite or an awards darling. But boy, was it popular.

#9: “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (1987-94)

We weren’t sure if anything could live up to this sci-fi show’s classic predecessor, but the reboot easily assuaged our fears. Taking place roughly 71 years after the original, this series brought a new crew aboard the starship Enterprise, including unforgettable characters like Captain Jean-Luc Picard, memorably portrayed by Patrick Stewart. Throughout its seven seasons, the show managed to be both action-packed and surprisingly moving, and a delight for young and old. A syndication success, “The Next Generation” breathed new life into a beloved franchise.

#8: “Law & Order” (1990-2010)

This crime drama was formulaic, but it sure used an effective formula. In the first half of every episode, we’d watch cops investigate a crime. The second half would showcase the perp’s prosecution for the misdeed. Over its impressive run, it brought in amazing actors like Jerry Orbach both as regulars and as guest-stars. It also spawned multiple spinoffs and redefined both the police procedural and the courtroom drama for a new generation, which helped it become one of the longest-running, scripted U.S. primetime series. But really, it’s this sound we’ll never forget.

#7: “ER” (1994-2009)

From the moment its pilot debuted, this medical drama was unlike anything we’d ever seen on TV. The lengthy Steadicam shots of medical procedures and charismatic cast featuring stars like George Clooney put “ER” in a different class from its peers. We could never wait to see what crises the team at County General Hospital would face each week. Nominated for a total of 124 Emmys over its run and winning 22, the show also consistently remained first or second in the ratings until the end of the ‘90s.

#6: “The X-Files” (1993-2002)

Seeing as it was one of the first Monster-of-the-Week shows, this sci-fi drama was among the most influential series in TV history, and was a benchmark of ‘90s television. However, it was way more than just innovative. The chemistry between Agents Mulder and Scully, dazzling visual style, unexpected comedic elements and spooky atmosphere made it appointment television throughout its run. The thought of an alien invasion scared the hell out of us, but it was entertaining to watch and see if the truth really was out there.

#5: “Frasier” (1993-2004)

As much as we loved “Cheers,” nothing could prepare us for how great this sitcom would be, which was a spinoff of the popular ‘80s barroom sitcom. One of the most successful spinoffs ever, “Frasier” was a favorite with critics. The titular psychiatrist leaves Boston for his hometown of Seattle to restart his life, and he and his equally snooty, fellow psychiatrist brother clash with their blue-collar father. The show was remarkably witty, and it preserved a delicate balance between highbrow and lowbrow humor that gave it a broad appeal.

#4: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)

Will Smith had success as a rapper before this show aired, but “The Fresh Prince” launched his acting career and paved the way for him to become one of Hollywood’s most popular leading men. Smith plays a fictionalized version of himself who gets sent to live with his rich aunt and uncle in their mansion after getting into a fight. Naturally, his street-smart style clashed with his new surroundings, and resulted in a hysterical comedy of manners that kept ‘90s teens entertained and had everyone rapping to its theme.

#3: “Friends” (1994-2004)

True to its name, the chemistry between the pals who made up this sitcom’s ensemble cast was what made it one-of-a-kind. The “Friends” were a group of twenty-somethings struggling to survive in New York, and their personal and professional lives made for laugh-out-loud funny and surprisingly moving TV. The strength of individual personalities like quirky Chandler or doofus Joey was only matched by the way they interacted with each other, which helped this staple of NBC’s “Must-See TV” lineup redefine ‘90s sitcoms, influence a generation and become one of the most influential shows ever.

#2: “The Simpsons” (1989-)

This animated sitcom spoofed American middle-class life, pop-culture, and, well, seemingly everything. We loved regulars like Bart and Homer, but even characters that only showed up once in a while were memorable enough to secure places in our hearts. “The Simpsons” left a huge imprint, both on the TV world and on general society. Its trademark wit would be imitated, though never quite matched, for years to come; and while it dipped in quality after decades on the air, nothing can take away from “The Simpsons”’ talent at their peak, in the ‘90s.

Before we unveil our pick for Decade Defining Show of the 1990s, here are a few honorable mentions:
- “Beverly Hills, 90210” (1990-2000)
- “Dawson’s Creek” (1998-2003)
- “Home Improvement” (1991-99)
- “Sex and the City” (1998-2004)
- “Beavis and Butt-head” (1993-97; 2011)
- “Everybody Loves Raymond” (1996-2005)
- “South Park” (1997-)

#1: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)

The ‘90s was a great decade for TV, but this sitcom easily took the top spot on our list thanks to its bizarre sense of humor, ensemble cast and unique individual characters like the one-and-only Kramer. Created by stand-up comedian Jerry Seinfeld and his friend and George Costanza counterpart Larry David, the famous “show about nothing” transformed television forever with its sharp writing, near-constant quotables and unforgettable gags. Even though we never understood how George got girls, the series was funny enough that we didn’t care.

Do you agree with our list? What TV show do you think best defined the 1990s? For more memorable top 10s published daily, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.