Sitcoms That Aged Well: Top 10 Comedies from the 90's
These are the top 10 underappreciated sitcoms of the 90s that have aged like a vintage Cabernet - some may say they're even better now than they were in their heyday.
10. "NewsRadio" (1995-1999)
This WNYX-staffed sitcom combined witty banter with absurd humor, resulting in a highly unique show for its time.
Despite a lukewarm start, NewsRadio has aged well like a fine wine – with the last sip (or in this case, episode) being as satisfying as the first. Though its ratings fluctuated during its original run, the series sits comfortably at an 95% on Rotten Tomatoes today, which is no small feat for a sitcom.
The most intriguing thing about the show is its cast: Dave Foley, Maura Tierney, Phil Hartman – they're all absolute comedic gems. Joe Rogan, of all people, also had a starring role.
9. "Caroline in the City" (1995-1999)
Caroline Duffy, a successful cartoonist living in Manhattan, is navigating love and life, all while trying to meet the constant demands of her comic strip. Simple, yet engaging, right?
"Caroline in the City" was part of NBC's famous "Must-See TV" Thursday line-up, which also included "Friends." But, unlike its compatriots, "Caroline in the City" seems to have been lost in the annals of time.
Over the years, though, it has gained a cult following, with many people now appreciating the fun dynamics of the characters and the quaint charm of the 90s NYC setting.
8. "The Nanny" (1993-1999)
Just one word of advice for new viewers: don't let the over-the-top costumes and Fran Drescher's nasally voice distract you. This show was something else!
A riches to rags story in reverse, Fran Fine goes from being a cosmetics sales girl to a nanny for a wealthy widower's three children. The ensuing hijinks are laugh-out-loud funny. According to Letterboxd, the show boasts a solid rating of 3.7.
Besides, how could one not love a sitcom that presents a surprisingly elaborate Broadway-style musical episode as its finale?
7. "Dharma & Greg" (1997-2002)
A free-spirited yoga instructor marries a conservative lawyer. It's the perfect set-up for a hilarious culture clash sitcom. Despite the formulaic premise, the charm lies in the execution and the undeniable chemistry between Jenna Elfman and Thomas Gibson.
Interestingly enough, Dharma's hippie mother was played by Mimi Kennedy, who later played Marjorie on "Mom," another successful sitcom.
6. "Sister, Sister" (1994-1999)
What happens when two identical twins, separated at birth, bump into each other in a shopping mall? You get "Sister, Sister," a fun family sitcom that not only entertained but also dealt quite cleverly with serious issues like adoption and identity.
It had a uniquely Afrocentric perspective for its time and a charming cast that included future stars Tia and Tamera Mowry. The series was rebooted in 2020, giving the twins another chance to charm viewers with their infectious chemistry.
5. "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996-2001)
This was a show about alien invasions, but not as you'd imagine them! The plot follows a team of extraterrestrial researchers masquerading as a regular human family to observe Earth's habits and customs. The fish-out-of-water concept is expertly executed, with a stellar (pun intended) cast including John Lithgow, Jane Curtin, and a young Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
The situational comedy that arises from these aliens trying to make sense of human emotion, tradition, and social norms is the backbone of this wonderfully wacky series.
4. "Just Shoot Me!" (1997-2003)
"Just Shoot Me!" was a fashion-industry based sitcom set in the glitzy office of Blush magazine.
Laura San Giacomo stars as Maya Gallo, a journalist who, after getting fired from her job, ends up working for her fashion-mogul father at Blush. The show also boasts of memorable performances from Wendie Malick, George Segal, and the iconic David Spade.
"Just Shoot Me!" dishes out humorous and often absurd takes on vanity, celebrity, and the fashion industry – not a theme you see every day in sitcoms.
3. "Spin City" (1996-2002)
Serving as a light-hearted insight into the chaos of local government long before "Parks and Recreation, " "Spin City" stars Michael J. Fox as Mike Flaherty, the deputy mayor of New York City. The show centers around Mike's attempts to maintain the mayor's positive public image while dealing with the constant mishaps and blunders of the mayor's office staff.
After Michael J. Fox left the show due to his battle with Parkinson's disease, Charlie Sheen stepped in as his replacement. Despite the change in lead, the witty writing and the ensemble cast ensured the sitcom's continued success.
2. "Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)
This beloved show needs no introduction. Following the life of Cory Matthews from his pre-teen years to his early adulthood, "Boy Meets World" taught a generation of viewers about friendship, love, and growing up.
Notably, it's one of the few sitcoms that allowed its characters to grow and evolve, capturing the essence of life's transitional periods – that's partly why it holds up well enough even today in 2023. The on-screen romance between Cory and Topanga eventually translated into real life, with actors Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel dating for some time during the show's run.
1. "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992-1998)
Holding the crown is this groundbreaking, behind-the-scenes mockumentary of a late-night talk show. Starring Garry Shandling as the titular character, the series skillfully blends fiction and reality, often featuring real-life celebrities playing exaggerated versions of themselves.
Despite its cynical take on the television industry, the show possesses a genuine heart beneath its sharp humor. The Larry Sanders Show is often considered a pioneer in comedy, paving the way for later hits like "The Office " and "30 Rock".