Top 10 Times 90s Sitcoms Tackled Serious Issues

Shawn hasn’t had the easiest ride in life, and in this episode, we see him searching for a purpose. After a serious conversation with his teacher and former guardian, Mr. Turner, Shawn is approached by another student named Sherri. She takes him to “The Centre” which Shawn quickly deduces is a cult. However, their all-hugging, no judgment beliefs quickly sway him, much to the concern of those who actually care about him. Everyone tries to open Shawn’s eyes to reality, to no avail. Sadly, it takes Mr. Turner getting into a horrible motorcycle accident for Shawn to finally snap out of it.

This season four episode addressed the subject of gun safety. Blossom spots one of her classmates with a gun in his locker. He tells her that he’s brought in with the purpose of scaring someone, and it certainly does just that. He insists that it’s not real, but tells her not to say a word to anyone anyway. Blossom is conflicted over what to do, but ultimately decides to call an anonymous tip line. However, when Jimmy’s locker gets searched, he knows she’s the one who tattled and threatens her. Later, we learn that, tragically, Jimmy dies after an accident involving his gun.

During the rise of the digital age, this episode focused on the importance of online safety. After T.J.’s dad refuses to pay $55 for a video game, Karen tells T.J. about a kid she met in a chatroom who sells bootlegs for 20 bucks. However, they soon discover that “Marky412” isn’t a kid at all. He lures them to his basement with more games and that’s when things get really scary. Luckily T.J. and Karen get out quickly and report the guy. T.J and his dad then have the all-important conversation about being a “Smart Guy” online.

This family-friendly show knew how to make us laugh but occasionally they addressed real issues too. These episodes included season four’s “Shape Up,” which discussed eating disorders and body image, to season six’s “Silence is Not Golden”, which dealt with abuse. After Stephanie’s project partner, Charles, accidentally reveals his dad’s terrible maltreatment, he swears her to secrecy. However, when Charles is absent from school, Stephanie deliberates whether or not to tell an adult what she knows. Ultimately she tells Uncle Jesse, who thankfully convinces her that she did the right thing. After the episode, the actors did a PSA directly to camera, urging people to report suspected abuse.

Shortly after coming out in “Time” Magazine, Ellen wanted her TV character to do the same. But when she pitched the idea, it was suggested that she get a puppy instead - hence this episode’s title. Despite winning an Emmy, a barrage of intolerance was stirred up, something Ellen addressed in subsequent episodes. ABC also added an “adult content” warning at the start of certain episodes. Although the show was renewed for a fifth season, the ratings took such a hit that it was soon canceled, and the industry turned its back on Ellen. However, she had opened the door for future LGBTQ+ TV shows.

When Tim discovers a bag of weed while filming an episode of “Tool Time,” the adults band together to figure out to whom it belongs. During a stakeout, they catch Brad redhanded and pretty much react the way we often see TV parents do. However, after he calls them out on their hypocrisy they realize that they’ve handled the situation all wrong. Instead, Jill decides to share her own pot-using days as a cautionary tale. After hearing her story, Brad decides that it’s not worth jeopardizing his future. While this subject would probably be handled differently today, it was still pretty progressive for its time.

This show was known to tackle real social issues, especially ones that concerned their predominantly teenage audience. In season four, Niecy accidentally reveals that she is the first amongst the group to have had sex. She then urges Moesha to visit a free clinic if she’s thinking of sleeping with Aaron. The episode explores the importance of safe sex, with a brief explanation about contraception. It also focuses on the emotional side, and knowing when you’re ready. However, after a conversation with Aaron, she realizes that she is, in fact, not yet ready. She also reminds the audience that your first time should happen only when you’re ready.

Throughout its run, “Roseanne” broke multiple barriers and addressed a plethora of so-called taboos. Their abortion episode was particularly revolutionary for the nineties, and their “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” episode was very progressive for its era, as well. “Roseanne” broke the trope of LGBTQ+ characters being entirely defined by their sexuality. And, in this episode, the show also addresses the internalized homophobia in society. After she’s kissed by Nancy’s friend Sharon, Roseanne starts to reflect on her own prejudices. The episode was nearly pulled just for featuring two women kissing. But it thankfully wasn’t, and the New York Times called it “ a sophisticated half-hour that turned homophobia on its ear.”

Although “Fresh Prince” always knew how to make us laugh out loud, the show’s creators weren’t afraid to hit on some home truths as well. Season one’s “Mistaken Identity” [xref] tackled racism in a way that’s still relevant today. However, the most gut-wrenching moment occurs in season four, when Will’s dad walks out on him yet again. Will’s impassioned monologue has become one of the most iconic scenes from the show. It’s such a raw moment, and Will’s acting is so persuasive that it sparked rumors that he used his own experiences to improvise this speech. This scene left everyone both in the studio, and at home, in tears.

Although “Family Matters” is fondly remembered for its, well, family-fun comedy, it also got real about social issues and racism. In season two, Laura experiences the most abhorrent racism from her classmates when she campaigns for her school to include Black History in the curriculum. Later, in season five, Eddie is a victim of racial profiling when he’s arrested for a traffic violation. Laura is urged by Mother Winslow to keep fighting for what is right, and eventually succeeds. However, the scene where Carl confronts his co-workers about institutional racism forgoes any jokes or laughter. And it still rings true, and is just as powerful, today.