Top 10 Forgotten 90s TV Shows
#10: "seaQuest DSV" (1993-96)
The Earth's surface is 71 percent water, and its depths remain largely unexplored - making it a perfect science-fiction backdrop. Set in the early twenty first century, this NBC series could be described as “Star Trek” but underwater. On-air for three seasons, the series centers on the seaQuest DSV 4600 crew as they protect ocean floor colonies on behalf of the United Earth Oceans Organization. The ensemble cast stars Roy Scheider from Spielberg's “Jaws” and 90s teen heartthrob Jonathan Brandis. Spielberg also served as an executive producer for the series. While not often brought up today, it was a fun and innovative show. And who can forget the lifelike animatronic dolphin Darwin—so convincing that audiences believed Darwin was real.
#9: "Stark Raving Mad" (1999-2000)
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This NBC sitcom starred Tony Shalhoub as eccentric horror novelist Ian Stark and Neil Patrick Harris and his OCD editor. Although Shalhoub and Harris would find long-term series success with “Monk” and “How I Met Your Mother,” the pair only got one season together on "Stark Raving Mad", despite an average viewership of 15.5 million. Fortunately, that one season was 22 episodes long, enough to show off their chemistry on screen. For fans wondering “what if Barney Stinson had OCD?” or “what if Adrian Monk was an oddball trickster?”—well, wonder no more.
#8: "Sports Night" (1998-2000)
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Celebrated screenwriter Aaron Sorkin found success on the small screen with his Emmy Award-winning series “The West Wing.” However, before that, Sorkin created, produced, and wrote the oft-forgotten “Sports Night” on ABC. With only a two-year run before cancellation, “Sports Night” offers a fictional account of a sports news show, which Sorkin based on ESPN's SportsCenter. The series includes all the Sorkin hallmarks that have endeared him to audiences: snappy dialogue, the "walk and talk," and carefully crafted comedy and drama. Sadly, it was canceled after just two seasons - too soon!
#7: "Big Bad Beetleborgs" (1996-98)
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Pop culture icons "The Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" dominated kids' programming throughout the 90s. But the lesser-known Saban property “Big Bad Beetleborgs” remains a cult favorite. Running for just two years, this series could be described as a wackier version of Power Rangers meets “Pee-wee's Playhouse.” It followed three kids, Drew, Jo, and Roland, who accidentally release a wish-granting phantasm named Flabber, who resembles a weird mix of Jay Leno, Liberace, and Elvis. The kids’ wish? To become their comic book heroes: the Big Bad BeetleBorgs. Unfortunately, the show has faded into relative obscurity - despite having one of the most memorable and, dare we say, raddest theme songs of the decade.
#6: "Farscape" (1999-2003)
The MCU's "Guardians of the Galaxy" films propelled director James Gunn into another stratum of fame, and he points to the Australian-American show "Farscape" as a direct influence. The sci-fi series is about an astronaut, John Crichton, who’s launched by a wormhole to the other end of the universe, landing in the middle of an intergalactic conflict. Crichton’s quips often reference American pop culture, directed at viewers more than the alien characters around him. Puppeteer Brian Henson served as executive producer throughout, so Jim Henson Company creatures and top-tier puppetry brought Farscape's world to life.
#5: "Dark Skies" (1996-97)
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Although Fox's "The X-Files" set the standard for alien-conspiracy TV in the 90s, NBC's "Dark Skies" still made its mark - despite being canceled during its first season. The series takes a historical approach to alien conspiracy theories, using the tagline "History as we know it is a lie." The show begins in 1960s America, where John Loengard and Kim Sayers have to outwit the shadowy Majestic 12 as they seek to expose the invading alien Hive. New spins on history and 1960s icons feature in season one, and historical figures from the 70s, 80s, and 90s were planned for future seasons. Still, season one shows enough great potential to be worth the watch.
#4: "Clueless" (1996-99)
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No other 90s movie captured slang or contributed to the American lexicon like 1995's "Clueless," starring 90s Betty Alicia Silverstone. Hot off the film's success, ABC introduced the TV version of the movie as part of TGIF. It loosely continues from the film with some notable recasts, departures, and additions. Rachel Blanchard replaced Alicia Silverstone as Cher, while Stacey Dash reprised her role as bestie Dionne. Donald Faison and Elisa Donovan also returned as Murray and Amber. It’s a shame the show was canceled after three seasons, because we thought it was totally fetch.
#3: "The Ben Stiller Show" (1992-95)
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It's hard to believe that a show created by Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow, starring Bob Odenkirk, would be canceled after 13 episodes. Still, “The Ben Stiller Show” suffered that fate in the mid 90s. The sketch comedy series featured the titular comedian, among other 90s comics and writers parodying pop culture for the MTV generation. Ahead of its time, the show highlighted the alternative comedy scene for mainstream audiences. However, TV ratings did not match the well-deserved critical acclaim it received, ironically, after its cancellation.
#2: "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place" (1998-2001)
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Before becoming a leading pop culture mainstay and movie star lead, Ryan Reynolds starred in the late 90s television series "Two Guys, a Girl and a Pizza Place." After season two, the series was renamed “Two Guys and a Girl”, with the show focusing less on Beacon Street Pizza and more on the characters’ personal lives. Set in Boston, the series follows Reynolds' character Berg, his co-worker Pete, and their friend Sharon as they attend Tufts University. After the first season, Sharon's romantic interest Johnny is introduced, played by television favorite Nathan Fillion. The comedy spotlighted Ryan Reynolds in his first leading role, and the famous Reynolds charm shone for four seasons. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.
"The Adventures of Pete and Pete" (1991-96)
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"Carol & Company" (1990-91)
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"Highlander: The Series" (1992-98)
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"Eerie, Indiana" (1991-92)
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#1: "My So-Called Life" (1994-95)
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This teen drama series treated its subject matter with seriousness and care, managing to be subtle but also heartfelt. Set in the fictionalized Pennsylvania suburb Three Rivers, the series follows Angela Chase, a 15-year-old high school sophomore played by Claire Danes. The series authentically depicted teenage social life and its difficulties, not shying away from topics like drug use and abuse. Wilson Cruz’s portrayal of Rickie Vasquez is still revered today for the impact it had on gay representation in pop culture. A young Jared Leto also stars on the sho, as Angela’s love interest. Thanks to Angela's narration, the short-lived series literally gave a voice to teenage girls. Alas, it was canceled after just one season.
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