Top 10 90s Shows That Need to Make a Comeback
#10: “Xena: Warrior Princess” (1995-2001)
Female-led action shows may be more common today, but in the ‘90s the biggest name in town was unquestionably “Xena: Warrior Princess.” A spin-off of “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys,” this show followed the eponymous former warlord and her quest to redeem herself by aiding the helpless. While it wouldn’t feel quite so groundbreaking these days, its compelling female protagonist and LGBTQ subtext would still be a welcome addition to the TV landscape. A reboot was discussed in 2015, but all plans for it were unfortunately dropped by 2017. Ideally we’d like to see Lucy Lawless return for one more adventure, but if not, we’d settle for someone else picking up the chakram.
#9: “Nickelodeon GUTS” (1992-95)
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Nickelodeon helped define what a children’s network could and should be, with not only its cartoons, but also its live-action shows, which included competition shows for kids. One of these was “Nickelodeon GUTS,” which was “American Gladiators” for kids, with fun and/or extreme spins on existing sports and other essential activities. Although kids’ competition shows are still around today, none of them have quite the same outlandish flair or potential nostalgic value of “GUTS” – after all, none of them have the Aggro Crag! If Nickelodeon brought this show back, it would definitely reclaim its title as king of the “Crag”.
#8: “3rd Rock from the Sun” (1996-2001)
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This sci-fi sitcom depicted a team of four aliens who masqueraded as a human family to learn more about Earth. The group’s misunderstandings of social interactions, biology, and pop culture are all hilarious, but the show’s greatest strength was the way in which it held up a mirror to the often inherently bizarre nature of many human behaviors and conventions. Reviving the series would offer a slew of new things for Tommy, Dick, Harry, and Sally to get wrong about being human, since technology and culture have progressed in a lot of ways in the early 21st century. Considering how successful Joseph Gordon-Levitt has since become, we think a revival would prove to be a major television event.
#7: “Doug” (1991-94; 1996-99)
This animated series followed aggressively normal tween Doug Funnie and his colorful friends and family as they navigate various everyday situations. “Doug” would be a nice return to a more down to Earth cartoon, even if the show’s color scheme, soundtrack, and a few of Doug’s fantasies get pretty out of this world. Whether a future series followed an older Doug or simply acted as a reboot, there are many fans who’d be thrilled to catch up with these beloved characters. That being said, a revival or reboot would likely send a whole new generation of guys actually named Doug up the wall.
#6: “Goosebumps” (1995-98)
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Horror anthology series aren’t just for adults! In the ‘90s, there were several of them, but the one with the most brand recognition was arguably “Goosebumps,” which was based on the popular children’s book series of the same name. The show adapted a number of the spine-tingling books for TV to deliver age-appropriate thrills and chills without verging into overt nightmare territory. Given that the franchise has had several early 21st century movie adaptations, the time does feel ripe for a return to the small screen too. Maybe with Jack Black returning to narrate or host? In the ‘90s, the involvement of such a high profile actor would have been unthinkable, but we’re living in a brave new era of big budget television, so why not?
#5: “Gargoyles” (1994-97)
Speaking of kids’ shows that aren’t afraid to get a little grim, “Gargoyles” is a surprisingly dark Disney cartoon about gargoyles who turn to stone during the day, but battle evil at night. The show’s mature tone as well as its more complex characters and longer story arcs set it apart in the ‘90s. In fact, it still feels grown up even by today’s standard of animated series for kids. Since the show maintains a devoted fan following, and considering that Disney has begun reviving several of their other animated hits from the ‘90s, we’d love to see the age of “Gargoyles” begin once more!
#4: “Freaks and Geeks” (1999-2000)
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Tucked into the tail end of the decade, “Freaks and Geeks” was a short-lived and much loved dramedy about several groups of young social outcasts in the 1980s. Featuring whip smart writing and a stellar cast, it’s no wonder the show became a cult hit, despite it only running for one season. While the fact that many of its stars are now big names in Hollywood could make a full reunion difficult, we’d love to see where the characters are now…or then, depending on whether it’s set in the present, in the ‘90s itself or even the early 2000s.
#3: “Friends” (1994-2004)
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One of the defining sitcoms of the ‘90s, “Friends” followed a group of six friends as they navigated life and love in New York City. Defined by its snappy dialogue, memorable characters who feel like people you know, and one of the catchiest theme songs ever, “Friends” may be one of the most rewatchable shows out there…but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t love to see more! Despite a mostly satisfying ending and a not so satisfying spin-off, we’re still dying to catch up with the characters who’ve “been there” for us for so many years.
#2: “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1990-96)
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This sitcom helped turn Will Smith into a household name and featured a fantastic supporting cast to boot. The story of an inner city kid sent to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” featured comedy and heart in equal measure, winning it a massive and devoted following. Although a full reunion is sadly no longer possible given the death of James Avery, who played Uncle Phil, it’s possible the show could follow suit by exploring the loss of his character. Or how about a story all about how someone else’s life got “flip-turned upside down”? Maybe Uncle Will could step up to help Carlton, Hilary, or Ashley with their kids. Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: “Martin” (1992-97) “Home Improvement” (1991-99) “Dinosaurs” (1991-94) “The Secret World of Alex Mack” (1994-98)
#1: “Seinfeld” (1989-98)
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Yeah, okay, this show started in ’89, but we’re willing to bend the rules because let’s face it - it’s a ‘90s show. (“Man, it's the nineties, it's Hammer time!”) “Seinfeld” redefined sitcoms by using its flawed but endearing characters to examine the minutiae of society in hilarious ways. Although we’ve had many great sitcoms since the show went off the air, we’d still love to see Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer get into all kinds of farcical trouble picking over the pop culture of today. Sure, we got that sort of reunion on “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” but we need more! We’re tired of griping about “Seinfeld” not being on TV every Festivus!
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