Before the age of streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Apple TV, Hulu, and Peacock, regular television channels were the norm. These channels played some heartwarming shows that remain etched in the hearts of viewers even today.
The old sitcoms are still enjoyed by different generations across age groups. With genres such as crime drama, suspense, mystery, horror, fantasy and action on the rise, these old shows are a nice wholesome break.
There are many iconic shows from the 90s and early 2000s that are currently on streaming platforms simply waiting to be enjoyed. They give a glimpse into the days before CGI, thrilling film sets and special effects on screen.
Grab a blanket, prepare some hot cocoa, a nice hot meal, and take your pick of these top 10 binge-worthy series from the 90s and 2000s which are sure to make your day.
Disclaimer: This article is based solely on the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.
Shows from the 90s and 2000s you must watch
1) Friends
If you can hear the catchy tune of the opening theme song, you're a hardcore fan! Friends is a sitcom based on six best friends simply battling life together. Whether it's getting over a breakup, dating a total stranger, getting married, or hanging out for coffee - they go through all these experiences together.
The show stars Jennifer Aniston [Rachel Green], David Schwimmer [Ross Geller], Courteney Cox [Monica Geller], late actor Matthew Perry [Chandler Bing], Matt LeBlanc [Joey Tribbiani], and Lisa Kudrow [Phoebe Buffay]. The show practically defines friendship goals and has many meme-worthy moments.
if you are looking to be left with pearls of laughter, some tears, and a warm fuzzy heart - go for Friends.
2) Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Next on the list is the classic show that gave actor Will Smith the big break he needed. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is about a teenager named Will from Philadelphia, sent to live with his rich uncle in Bel-Air. The story revolves around how he remains his authentic goofy self despite his uncle's nagging.
The show was first released in 1990 and ran for 6 seasons. It went on to become a big hit over the years.
The show stars Alfonso Ribeiro [Carlton Banks], James Avery [Philip Banks], Karyn Parsons [Hilary Banks], Daphne Maxwell Reid [Vivian Banks], Ross Bagley [Nicky Banks], and Nia Long [Lisa Wilkes] among others.
You might've encountered dozens of comedy shows but this much is a guarantee: there isn't a prince like Fresh Prince out there!
3) Everybody Loves Raymond
Everybody Loves Raymond is a classic family drama revolving around Raymond Barone [Ray Romano] and his family who dearly love him. The show features Raymond's everyday life surrounded by the sometimes overwhelming love of his family.
His mother never truly lets him go, even as he gets married to the love of his life and later settles down with children.
Often emphasized as a great cook, Raymond's mother shows up often to his place just to check on him and sometimes bicker with her daughter-in-law. This heartwarming story has a beautiful finale too.
The show stars Patricia Heaton [Debra Barone], Brad Garret [Robert Barone], Doris Roberts [Marie Barone], Peter Boyle [Frank Barone], Monica Horan [Amy MacDougall], Fred Willard [Hank MacDougall], and more.
4) Seinfeld
Seinfeld is the epitome of a show with sharp wit and sarcasm. What makes Seinfeld particularly engaging is the performance of the actors, who embody the characters well.
The show has nine seasons and it last aired in 1998. It is a little more mature in comparison to Friends, but doesn't miss a beat of comedy.
Seinfeld was also a platform for many big-time actors to shine.
The show featured Jerry Seinfeld [who acted as himself], Jason Alexander [George Costanza], Larry David [George Steinbrenner], Michael Richards [Kramer], and Julia Louis-Dreyfus [Elaine Benes].
5) Monk
The OG of all detective shows: Monk is a comedy-crime drama that features an exemplary detective who uses absurd means to catch criminals. This 2002 hit show has about eight seasons packed with fun, thrills, and some romance.
The show features legendary actor Tony Shalhoub [Adrian Monk], Traylor Howard [Natalie Teeger], Melora Hardin [Trudy Monk], and Hector Elizondo [Dr. Neven Bell] among others. If you are looking to unwind over some classic detective-solving crime stories, this is your go-to show!
6) House M.D.
Dr. Gregory House is a disgruntled individual who loathes emotions. However, behind that rough and insufferable exterior is a big softie who deeply cares for his patients as a doctor.
Along with Grey's Anatomy, House MD dominated television in the medical drama sector. The show's 8 seasons feature the genius Dr. House and his fellow team of residents navigating their way through some intense and nerve-racking medical cases.
When it comes to building character, this show was the pinnacle, especially with House himself. He went from not smiling at all to flaunting a ghost of a smile and gradually opening up about his emotions.
7) 2 Broke Girls
Who could possibly forget Max Black and Caroline Channing [Kat Dennings and Beth Behrs respectively]? This iconic duo taught us that you can be both broke and happy if you have even one good friend in the world.
2 Broke Girls revolves around Caroline's story from riches to rags [yup, you read that correctly], along the way meeting her roommate, best friend, and business partner Max.
The two initially start off waitressing at the infamous Williamsburg diner where they regularly meet colorful characters like Oleg [Jonathan Kite], Sophie [Jennifer Coolidge], and Earl [Garret Morris].
The six seasons of the show, full of innuendo, humorous gags, and Oleg's obscure fashion statements, feature some pretty important lessons in friendship too. This is the kind of show you can enjoy with your close friends.
8) Gossip Girl
Have you ever scribbled 'xoxo' at the bottom of your pages or when you send a message to your special someone? Well, Gossip Girl practically invented that. The show is the pinnacle of teen drama, with some shocking plot twists and a whole lot of gossip.
The show is also what gave Blake Lively a big boost in her career along with her co-stars Leighton Meester [Blair Waldorf], Ed Westwick [Chuck Bass], Chace Crawford [Nate Archibald], and Penn Badgley [Dan Humphrey].
Gossip Girl will leave you guessing about who the real bad guy or girl is. The show has 6 seasons and each one will leave you reeling and wanting more!
9) Gilmore Girls
This list would remain incomplete without mentioning Gilmore Girls. Another feel-good series, the show features the adventures of single mom Lorelai Gilmore [a coffee lover] played by Lauren Graham, and her daughter [an even bigger coffee lover than her mom] Rory Gilmore, played by Alexis Bledel.
The duo have some classic mother-daughter moments including the little outbursts, the impromptu sleepovers, fighting over boys, and more. When you go through 7 seasons with them, you tend to grow up just like Rory did.
From finishing high school to going off to college and graduating - it's an invigorating journey. At the end of the show, you may find yourself feeling nostalgic about your youth and feel immense pride and joy over Rory's success.
10) The Big Bang Theory
Ending the list with a big bang [pun intended] is The Big Bang Theory! This show revolves around highly qualified scientists who spend their time playing D&D, eating Chinese (sometimes Thai when Sheldon's in a mood) food, and talking about their complicated love lives.
Sheldon Cooper [Jim Parsons] is the one who usually governs the group's activities, and he can be quite childish. But his journey from absolutely hating affection and jibber-jabber to growing to love it and working on his people skills with the rest of the friend group is truly awe-inspiring.
It might not be a 90s show but it is still a binge-worthy one filled with Comic Cons, Halloween parties, visits to the Cheesecake Factory, three weddings, some funerals, painful heartbreaks, and incredible revelations.
The 12 seasons ensured we had enough and more moments of pure humor, sarcasm and love, along with scientific facts.
These shows have created a truly special place for themselves. Whether you're an early teen, a young adult or someone in their 50s, age is just a number when it comes to watching these binge-worthy shows.
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