If there’s one thing about those who grew up in the nineties, it’s that they loved watching TV. Kids would rush home after school to catch the latest episode of Captain Planet or peek through the comic book shopfront for the latest Batman or Spiderman releases. And like clockwork, families gathered in front of the telly to watch the latest episode of the popular sitcom.
The nineties in the UK were also hailed as the golden era for British television, and rightly so, as a stream of sitcoms keeping audiences hooked on both sides of the Atlantic. Similarly, American TV also shared a similar scale of on-screen comedic brilliance through a wave of popular sitcoms.
It comes as no surprise that this era’s comedic excellence continues to influence audiences. Many fans indulge in building a figurine, memorabilia or TUBBZ collection from merch stores, online shops or the leading retailer of TUBBZ, much like collectors would collect priceless paintings and artefacts.
If you’re one of those, this article is for you. It’s time to recall this era’s finest sitcoms that truly reigned supreme in the nineties.
1. FRIENDS
What do you get when you put a group of 20-something adults making their way through life in the Big Apple? A hugely successful Emmy award-winning TV show! It was so successful that it catapulted all six main characters to instant fame and successfully launched the movie careers of Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox and Matthew Perry. The dialogues and catchphrases are still fresh even today!
All through the ten seasons from 1994 to 2003, viewers were hooked to the multiple break-ups, patch-ups, dating gaffes, and just everyday problems of a regular New Yorker. Even though each of the six main characters had distinct personalities on their own, they still mesh together. And that worked like magic!
2. Mr Bean
If there’s a nineties British slapstick favourite, it has to be Mr Bean. Not just in the UK, Mr Bean is loved the world over for his antics, which fall anywhere in the range of being absolutely ridiculous to downright horrendous.
Played and created by Rowan Atkinson, Mr. Bean is a childlike man who gets through life in his own unique ways. His exaggerated gestures and facial expressions make him and the show memorable enough to achieve cult status among global views and still continue to attract new fans. This sitcom led to two hit feature films with even more exaggerated stunts and situations created from seemingly everyday scenarios.
Though the original TV series ran from 1990 to 1995, young and old audiences continue to enjoy Mr. Bean’s hair-pulling tomfoolery on repeat on popular streaming services and in a kid-friendly animation series.
3. Seinfeld
Although it first aired in 1989, Amritsar escorts Seinfeld is considered a nineties show that reigned on TV for most of the decade. Named after Jerry Seinfeld, who stars as himself, a standup comedian, the show captures the TV version of himself and his interactions with his pals in New York City.
Even after nine whole seasons, this ensemble comedy enjoys cult status among sitcom lovers. Jerry Seinfeld’s attempt at making a show on self-centred and compulsive characters whose failures were more entertaining than their successes ruled the global ratings charts.
Whether it’s the Soup Nazi or when George turned into a hand model, this sitcom infused everyday, regular situations in the most hilarious and entertaining ways. Seinfeld certainly changed the way creators thought sitcoms could be made.
4. I’m Alan Partridge
‘I’m Alan Partridge’ is a nineties TV comedy that starred Steve Coogan as a narcissistic and socially awkward BBC TV presenter who loses his telly stint and has to make do with a stint as a radio host. The show follows Alan’s determination and plot for his comeback to TV fame while poking fun at celebrities and media personalities.
While he slummed it as a DJ in the graveyard slot on Radio Norwich, his otherwise arrogant and often delusional character opened up a host of vulnerabilities that were downright embarrassing.
Through Alan Partridge, Steve Coogan successfully created one of the most memorable characters of all time in British TV comedy.
5. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The show that starred teenage Will Smith from West Philadelphia, who is sent to live with his wealthy aunt and her family in Bel Air, ended up launching his acting career. This sitcom ran six seasons from 1990 to 1996 and followed the journey of young Will making his own mark with the high-heeled with his flashy personality and street-smart ways. It also ended him clashing with his own family members, especially his Uncle Phil.
Though Will portrays the eponymous African-American teenager from “the hood”, he is successful in forming new connections and bonds while navigating the multiple challenges of adolescence.
The sitcom’s theme song sets the premise and stands out in itself, still ringing fresh in the minds of teenagers who grew up in the nineties. Will is no prince, but he continues to rule the hearts of many.
Summing Up
The nineties were a time when there was no on-demand app to let anyone binge-watch their favourite show. Unlike the modern perks of Netflix and Amazon Prime memberships, you simply had to wait patiently for the next weekly episode to air.
This is why those who lived and grew up in the nineties have a special place in the heart for these and more such sitcoms and their unforgettable characters. Other notable mentions include Father Ted, Simpsons, Fraser, One Foot in the Grave, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Absolutely Fabulous.
The nineties may have long gone, but their sitcoms and characters will continue to live forever and beyond.