The 1990s television space was characterized by groundbreaking and intriguing innovations. From introducing and popularizing previously unknown genres like so many classics from the era, choosing favorites becomes nearly impossible.

Nevertheless, regardless of personal preferences, some of these series are so inherently connected to the spirit of the 1990s that they have not only defined the decade's television landscape but also transcended it. Their cultural impact extended to fashion trends, communication styles, and even the way we think. They became an essential component of the cultural scenery of the time, and they will forever be ed not only for their artistic value but also for capturing the soul of that specific time.

10 The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air

1990-96

Will Smith achieved international fame as a rapper, but once he became the lead of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, it was clear he had all the making of a great television and movie star. The sitcom was a defining moment for his image, but also the TV and musical landscape. The plot centers around Smith's fictionalized version- a clever but trouble-making working-class teenager who moves from West Philadelphia to live with his wealthy relatives in the affluent area of Bel-Air.

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air ran for six seasons and became one of the most popular sitcoms of the period, earning multiple award nominations and victories. In particular, the series represented a pivotal moment for hip-hop culture, as it took advantage of its rising mainstream appeal and further popularized it. At the same time, Smith, with his charismatic screen presence and quick wit, introduced a refreshingly modern comedic style.

9 Saved By The Bell

1989-1993

If someone were to conduct research on American teenage culture in the 1990s, Saved By The Bell would probably be one of the most insightful case studies. The NBC teen sitcom was a humorous and heartening portrayal of the high-school experience of the time. The fashion choices of the characters, communication styles adopted, and topics of discussion were a reflection of the trends and interests of the decade's youths.

Saved By The Bell simultaneously drew inspiration from and inspired entire communities in that period, serving as a mirror of the era and an educational guide.

Although the show mainly focused on nonchalant and carefree situations, it also touched upon more controversial and difficult themes, such as drug consumption, eating disorders, and women's rights. It used its entertaining function to shed light on relevant and timely issues. Saved By The Bell simultaneously drew inspiration from and inspired entire communities in that period, serving as a mirror of the era and an educational guide.

8 Beverly Hills, 90210

1990-2000

It might not have been the first teen drama in television history, but it made the term and the entire genre famous worldwide. Beverly Hills, 90210 served as a source of inspiration and knowledge for countless young individuals in the 1990s while also shaping future shows addressed to them. The series tells the story of a group of high-school kids in the wealthy area of Beverly Hills, California. Although it initially struggled to achieve success, it became a cultural phenomenon during its second season. Jason Priestley and Luke Perry, the actors who respectively played Brandon and Dylan, became teen idols.

Beverly Hills, 90210 was one of the first shows in history to tackle sensitive subjects such as sexual violence, teenage pregnancy, and homophobia in a thoughtful and intelligent manner. By doing so, the series provided the younger generation with a solid foundation for navigating their teenage years and also approaching the adult world.

7 E.R.

1994-2009

Before Grey's Anatomy, another series popularized medical dramas: E.R. The show pioneered the world of hospital-based fiction, combining emotional depth with socio-political issues such as HIV, mental illness, and organ transplants. It is reasonable to assume that, if it weren't for its creation and success, we would likely not have such a wide range of choices in the category nowadays. The production, featuring a young George Clooney, is the highest-awarded medical drama, with 128 accolades out of 442 nominations during its 15-year run.

E.R. followed the professional and private lives of a group of doctors working in the emergency rooms of Cook County General Hospital. Premiering in 1994, it became the second-most watched TV series in America, behind Seinfeld- and during its second, third, and fifth seasons, it earned first place. The stand-out feature was its ability to intertwine the intimate experiences of the characters, doctors and patients, with the high-stakes medical field they operate within, offering both objective and emotionally immersive perspectives on many complex situations.

6 Twin Peaks

1990-1991

The early 1990s started with one of the most pressing questions in television history: "Who killed Laura Palmer?". Twin Peaks was a creative masterpiece that kept a whole generation of viewers on edge with melodramatic intrigues, a horror-like atmosphere, and endless enigmas. Its success opened the door for a media franchise that included a prequel movie and different tie-in books. Lynch's signature experimental and bizarre style and absurdist sense of humor made it stand out for the time.

It is no surprise that this 1990s classic inspired so many horror movies and TV shows. The series was groundbreaking with its blend of different genres and shock value. Although the original run only went on from 1990 to 1991, the lingering mystery surrounding the plot and the questions left unanswered by the cliffhanger ending made Twin Peaks a point of discussion for the following years.

5 Buffy The Vampire Slayer

1997-2003

During the 2010s, a significant portion of the female population dreamed of being Daenerys Targaryen. In the late 1990s, the female role model was Buffy Summers, a teenage slayer who would go to school by day and impale vampires by night. Buffy was a revolutionary character who subverted expectations around traditional gender roles and beyond, proving that even a seemingly innocuous sixteen-year-old girl could be the hero we all looked up to.

...Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a spooky, emotionally aware, and witty TV show full of mysteries and drama.

But besides that, Buffy The Vampire Slayer was a spooky, emotionally aware, and witty TV show full of mysteries and drama. The intriguing world of the supernatural and the horror threat were not just entertaining. On the other hand, they occasionally served as a lens to discuss more serious topics about morality, grief, and sexual identity. With its subversive characterizations and depiction of shifting social dynamics, this television classic is essential to understanding the 1990s.

4 Seinfeld

1989-1998

During a time when Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David were among the most popular comedians in the United States, they came up with Seinfeld, which would later become one of the most acclaimed sitcoms of all time. Described as "a show about nothing," this television classic became a cultural phenomenon because of its ability to find satire in the monotony and awkwardness of everyday life. The background setting in New York contributed to cementing its status as a cult.

This 1990s-defining show might not hold up nowadays, but its cultural significance cannot be overlooked. The simplicity of the situations depicted—treated with sharp humor and self-irony—offered viewers a way to process the mundane and subtle frustrations of modern existence. The show influenced entire generations, and many of its iconic expressions and catchphrases have entered everyday vocabulary.

3 The X-Files

1993-2002

Inspired by previous cults of the sci-fi horror genre, The X-Files became a cult on its own. With a charismatic couple of leads like David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, the show had all the makings of a great classic. The plot tackled mysterious and spooky subjects related to government and institutions' cover-ups, conspiracies about extraterrestrial lives, and supernatural threats. The production received numerous accolades and nominations, garnered a loyal fanbase, and expanded into a bigger franchise.

Duchovny's Mulder was an open-minded believer with a tendency to see conspiracy theories and hidden agendas everywhere, while Anderson's Dana played the role of the skeptical scientist tasked with debunking his seemingly wild beliefs.

Like other shows of the period, The X-Files also attempted to be subversive in its narrative arcs and form, changing traditional tropes previously seen on television. One of its most notable reversals was the dynamic of its protagonists. Duchovny's Mulder was an open-minded believer with a tendency to see conspiracy theories and hidden agendas everywhere, while Anderson's Dana played the role of the skeptical scientist tasked with debunking his seemingly wild beliefs. This role shift was striking at the time.

2 Law & Order

1990-2010

One of television's most famous franchises began in 1990 with the debut of the legendary series Law & Order, the procedural drama that changed how crime and justice were depicted on screen. The show was divided into two parts: the police investigations and the subsequent legal prosecution. This dual approach helped craft a highly nuanced and multifaceted narrative that allowed the public to understand the criminal world through different perspectives.

Additionally, the cases depicted drew inspiration from contemporary real-life crimes that had made the headlines, creating a simultaneously timely and unsettlingly familiar tone while also encouraging relevant discussions about the justice system. With numerous accolades and significant public interest, Law & Order became one of the greatest legal drama TV shows ever and a cultural cornerstone that forever changed crime television. As a testament to its enduring importance, eleven years after its cancelation, the show came back on the small screen.

1 Friends

1994-2004

It would be difficult to find a TV series that meant so much to so many people as Friends did in the 90s. With its incredibly realistic albeit compelling characters, the heartwarming relationships between them, and the exhilarating- occasionally hilarious-situations they found themselves in, the sitcom completely dominated the period. The chemistry between the cast and the themes of adulthood, friendship, and self-actualization appealed to the public in a profoundly intimate way.

Friends was the show of the decade, and it impacted millions of people in the U.S. and beyond. Jennifer Aniston's signature haircut in the earlier seasons became known as "The Rachel", with fans worldwide emulating it. The show also influenced English vocabulary, with Joey's popular catchphrase "How you doing?" becoming part of Western slang. It normalized alternative living arrangements, making it acceptable for people to live with their friends. The last episode of the series was watched by about 52.2 million Americans.