High Point University

Only 90’s kids: Top 5 shows to watch when you’re feeling nostalgic

By Ann Shelley // Opinion Editor

 

I believe the greatest TV shows were created between 1990 and 2010. This was the time when the TV shows were alive and thriving. New networks were constantly coming out with new shows. I am a big fan of older TV, especially when it comes to the various popular series during the 1990’s and early 2000’s. If you are someone who wants to watch a good throwback show that brings that 90’s and early 2000’s vibe, check some of the shows out below.

 

Full House — After the death of his wife, Danny Tanner calls on his brother-in-law and childhood friend to come help him raise his three daughters. This series is full of good laughs and relatable moments. “Full House” ran from 1987 to 1995, but even today it still airs on “Nick @ Nite” and other channels. The spin off of this TV show is on Netflix and called “Fuller House” with most of the same characters, as well as a few new ones.

 

Friends — “Joey never shares food” is among my friend group’s favorite Joey quote from the famous comedy sitcom. This series ran for 10 seasons from 1994 to 2004. The fashion evolution of the show is personally my favorite with Rachel Green, one of the six main characters consistently rocking the trends from the time period. Rachel was also the character who started out with nothing and had a coming-of-age story, discovering her career path and who she is. Many of the other characters developed over time as well. The stars Rachel (Jennifer Aniston), Monica (Courtney Cox), Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow), Joey (Matt LeBlanc), Chandler (Matthew Perry) and Ross (David Schwimmer) star in this series.

 

Gilmore Girls — This comedy-drama television series first debuted in October of 2000 and ran until 2007. The story takes place in Connecticut and is about a 30-something single mother, Lorelai Gilmore, who is raising her teenage daughter, Rory, who are played by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel, respectively. They own the town’s bed and breakfast, and all of the relationships that are formed throughout the show come full circle back to Lorelei and Rory. It is a multigenerational drama. Throughout the show, there are many moments that anyone could connect with, making this feel-good show both wholesome and relatable.

 

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That 70s Show — This show is my personal favorite. This American sitcom lasted from 1998 to 2006. Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson), Fez (Wilmer Valderrama) and Eric Forman (Topher Grace) all grew up through their high school and college years together at Point Place, Wisconsin. Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp play Red and Kitty Forman, Eric’s parents. Most of the show either takes place in the Forman’s basement, living room or outside by the garage area. “That 70s Show” centers on a theme of the growing pains of becoming adults and finding independence. There is a definite loss of innocence in the storyline through their transitioning from teenagers to adulthood. This show is still available to watch on Netflix.

 

 

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air — In west Philadelphia, born and raised, Will Smith’s classic hit comedy “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” begins. The premise of the show begins with Will Smith’s mom sending him away from the rough Philadelphia neighborhood to live with his Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian in Bel-Air. The Banks family finds their lives turned upside down when Will, a street-smart Philadelphia relative moves in. Smith has two stuck-up cousins, Carlton and Hilary, that he picks fun at throughout the show. Overall, the show is about Smith transitioning into his new lifestyle and all the bumps and quirks in between.