Top 10 Sitcoms From the 90s

When it comes to sitcoms, the 90s were really the golden years of television. While parents watched shows like Fraiser and Seinfeld, which remain the comedy standards for the 30+ demographic, those who grew up in the 90s had an entirely different set of favorites. From ABC’S TGIF programming block to the Disney Channel, there were plenty of amazing shows to watch.

So, what are the Top 10 best sitcoms, at least in the minds of 90s kids? Let’s take a look:

Sister Sister

Every girl fantasizes about finding out they have a long-lost sister and becoming best friends, right? That was the premise of The Disney Channel’s Sister Sister, which starred real-life twins Tia and Tamera Mowry. On the show, Tia and Tamera accidentally meet after being separated at birth, then force their (very different) single, adoptive parents to move in together. After they become a family, six seasons of shenanigans and sisterly bonding ensue. That’s a recipe for a perfect sitcom.

The Nanny

Most 90s kids have a love-hate relationship with Fran Drescher and The Nanny. Fran’s nasally voice grated on everyone’s nerves, but her funny personality made up for it. For six seasons, this show followed the antics of Fran as she steered her way through the unexpectedly hilarious world of being a New York nanny to the three children of a wealthy British widower. Hearing her obnoxious laugh while flipping through late-night tv is sure to bring back a wave of nostalgia for anyone who grew up during the show’s run.

Step by Step

The Brady Bunch got an update in 1991, when Step by Step took to the airwaves. After Frank Lambert and Carol Foster meet on vacation and spontaneously marry, their children must suddenly learn to love each other. With six kids and two parents crammed into one house, there was no shortage of laughs and heart-warming moments for Step by Step’s audience. Was this the best comedy of all time? Maybe not, but its slot in the “TGIF” block made it a popular family favorite in the 90s.

Roseanne

Roseanne is truly one of the 90s classics, and although it was geared towards adults, even kids were able to relate to the characters on this sitcom. Those who grew up in the 90s also grew up alongside Becky, Darlene, and D.J., as they fought with their parents and dealt with every day struggles. Roseanne managed to capture middle class life in a poignant way that everyone could relate to, regardless of age, while still being hilarious in each of its nine seasons. This is one show that deserves a special place in television history.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

When most kids turn 16, they get their driver’s license – but Sabrina Spellman found out she had magical powers. With a pair of delightfully crazy witches as her aunts and guardians, Sabrina learns to navigate the wizarding world while also dealing with high school and her endearingly oafish boyfriend, Harvey. Add in Salem, a warlock-turned-talking-cat, and this sitcom was comedy gold. Sabrina the Teenage Witch entertained kids on “TGIF” and after school for seven seasons, and is remembered fondly by all 90s kids.

Family Matters

Mega-nerd Steve Urkel just couldn’t leave the Winslow family alone on Family Matters, no matter how hard they tried to avoid him. That’s what made him such an adorable pest. While wearing classic oversized glasses and hideous suspenders, Steve seemed to have only one goal in life: to accidentally drive his next-door neighbors insane. This “TGIF” favorite made being a nerd seem funny, but it also had its touching moments, and even those who didn’t watch it are familiar with Steve’s popular catchphrase: “Did I do that?”

Boy Meets World

Every 90s girl thought Cory and Topanga had the most romantic relationship of all time, and every 90s guy just wanted to date Topanga themselves. This show was also part of the “TGIF” lineup, and made its way into the hearts of everyone who watched it. The creators of Boy Meets World knew just how to take a serious issue and make it both funny and touching, without making the show too much of an after-school special. If you didn’t cry when everyone said their goodbyes to Mr. Feeny, your heart may or may not be made of stone.

Full House

Full House was so popular in the 90s that legions of tourists still trek out to visit similar-looking houses in San Francisco, never mind that it was filmed on a set. But who can blame them? This show was perfection. Danny, Joey and Jesse were the ideal “parents”, it was easy to relate to the Full House girls no matter what age you were, and everyone wanted a dog just like Comet. Thankfully, we get to relive the past with the newest episodes of Fuller House, but nothing will ever compare to the original episodes featuring very tiny versions of Michelle, Stephanie and D.J.

Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

If you don’t know all of the words to the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme song, you didn’t grow up in the 90s. Everyone’s favorite nephew was Will Smith, who leaves the mean streets of Philadelphia to spend his high school years with the wealthy and respectable Banks family in California. Will certainly experiences some growing pains as he settles in with his aunt and uncle, and their three children, but his street-smart persona makes him a hilariously cool and loveable character. Let’s all admit we bought at least one of Will Smith’s rap albums because of how much we love this show.

Friends

Discovering Friends was a life-changing moment for most 90s teens. It was a first glimpse into adulthood, from professional to personal relationships. Everyone wanted to live in Manhattan, hang out at Central Perk, and be adopted into the group. Since that wasn’t possible, it was fascinating to watch the gang’s journey from naïve 20-somethings into seasoned adults, facing just about nearly every imaginable crisis along the way. For its ability to make audiences laugh, cry, and feel real affection for the characters, this show easily is the best sitcom of the 90s.DFriends was a life-changing moment for most 90s teens. It was a first glimpse into adulthood, from professional to personal relationships. Everyone wanted to live in Manhattan, hang out at Central Perk, and be adopted into the group. Since that wasn’t possible, it was fascinating to watch the gang’s journey from naïve 20-somethings into seasoned adults, facing just about nearly every imaginable crisis along the way. For its ability to make audiences laugh, cry, and feel real affection for the characters, this show easily is the best sitcom of the 90s.