The ’90s was a decade of groundbreakingtelevision shows that were ahead of their time. The decade featured the advent of some genuinely classic television shows, many of which were innovators in terms of storytelling, character development, and social criticism.
RELATED:Best Video Games Based On The ’90s TV Shows
These series addressed complex themes with complicated characters, imaginative storytelling, and broader representation than before. Moreover, these shows affected modern television and are still regarded as some of the best TV shows of all time.
10The X-Files
Science fiction showTheX-Filesinvestigated topics such as government conspiracies, extraterrestrial life,and paranormal events, which were common on TV at the time. It also featured a strong female lead character and an innovative blend of serialized and independent storytelling.
The role she had was an epitome of a woman in a position of authority, paving the way for future female-led shows. For a show from the ’90s,The X-Filesconsisted of a different mix of serialized and standalone narratives. Due to this, the show was motivated to explore complicated ideas throughout the number of episodes.
9Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayeris about a teenage girl who fights vampires and other supernatural monsters, defying gender stereotypes of the usuallymale hero trope. The show was also tackling serious issues such as sexuality, mental illness, and death, which was thought-provoking.
It consisted of LGBTQ characters like Willow, who had a girlfriend, normalizing LGBTQ+ representation and proving groundbreaking at the time. Buffy’s influence on pop culture was significant, and the show has been mentioned in various music as well as other television shows.
8Twin Peaks
This strange crime drama foreshadowed the present trend of premium television. It had a well-developed environment, fascinating characters, and a nonlinear plot that kept viewers wondering.Twin Peaksbegan in 1990 and centered around the investigation of a young girl’s murder in a small town called Twin Peaks.
RELATED:Thriller Series To Watch If You Like Archives 81
The tone of the show was peculiar, along with supernatural aspects which kept viewers hooked to the screen. The show was ahead of its time because of being a forerunner to the modern trend of prestige TV. It showcased taboo subjects of drug abuse, incest, and violence.
7The Simpsons
A caustic critique of American culture and politics, this animated sitcom has influenced many of today’s most popular animated series. The showtackled conversations thatwere difficult at the time in a thought-provoking and funny way. It is a satirical and subversive animated show and is known for its witty, intelligent, and irreverent humor.
The show also challenged traditional gender roles and had a groundbreaking animation style. It was the first to use digital animation, advancing the computer graphics field.The Simpsonsalso pushed the boundaries of traditional sitcoms with their unique brand of humor.
6Seinfeld
Seinfeldwas famous for its “show about nothing” idea and its study of commonplace everyday situations. The show focused on the mundane everyday tasks of the characters. It also addressed taboo subjects such as masturbation and death inhilarious and thought-provokingways, changing the way humor was seen.
Its use of non-linear storytelling was also uncommon at the time. The characters inSeinfeldwere not the typical good guys that were usually on TV and were often selfish, petty, and unlikeable. It was a major change in the genre of comedy as it influenced the modern way of humor.
5The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Airis about a young man from the inner city who moves in with his wealthy relatives in Bel-Air. The show was one of the first few TV shows that included a predominantly black cast while addressing problems of race, class, and identity in amusing and touching ways.
RELATED:Tv Shows That Celebrate Male Friendships
Issues like class and wealth were also tackled while delving into the disparities of the inner city and affluent neighborhoods like Bel-Air. Even issues like gun violence, police brutality, and gang culture were showcased in a way that was understandable to a broad audience, making it way ahead of its time.
4Homicide
Homicidewas based on the book,Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streetswhich was written by David Simon. It was a groundbreaking crime drama that was noted for its realistic depiction of police work, emphasis on character development over the storyline, and innovative treatment of gay people.
The detectives on the show were shown to be overworked and underpaid as the show even highlighted how their jobs took a toll on their personal lives. The show was one of the first ones to showcase gay characters realistically, while showcasing a character’s struggle with his sexuality, making it a show way ahead of its time.
3Quantum Leap
Quantum Leapwas thefirst sci-fi showwhich addressed social issues significantly. This science fiction show followed a scientist who was imprisoned in the past and had to aid those in need while looking for a method to return to his own time. It addressed themes such as racism and gender inequality and the effects of war in a forward-thinking manner.
The show was also among the first to use CGI (Computer Generated Imagery) to innovate special effects while having a diverse cast. The show also addressed abortion and the Vietnam War, which were controversial topics at the time.
2ER
Set in a busy Chicago hospital, this medical drama was noted for its fast-paced storyline, inventive camera technique, and nuanced characters. The fast-paced storytelling along with some rapid-fire dialogues made its style rather innovative and unique.
RELATED:Terrifying Medical Horror Movies
ERwas lauded for its realistic depiction of medical emergencies and procedures, including the usage of medical language and actual medical processes. A medical consultant was on staff to guarantee that the show’s medical parts were accurate. In modern terms, it was the 1990’sGrey’s Anatomy, which is also a popular long-running medical drama show.
1The West Wing
This White House political drama addressed complex themes like gun control, education, and foreign affairs. It also had a varied cast and strong female roles. The show successfully addressed complicated issues of foreign gun policy, gun control as well as education.
The West Wingwas never hesitant on addressing some controversial topics of the White House or in general.The West Wingpaved the path for later political dramas likeHouse of CardsandScandal. Its impact can be observed in how television series today approach politics and governance.
