Top 20 TV Shows 1990-1999

I love lists. As this decade comes to close, I was going to continue listing my favourite twenty shows from the last ten years. However, I thought I would go back even further and list my favourites from the 90’s, then repost my slightly updated 00’s and conclude with the 10’s. The criteria is that the show needs to have more than two seasons (sustainability is important) and should be plot driven (no Last Week Tonight). Here’s the list. Enjoy the nostalgia.

1. FRIENDS (NBC)

Creators: David Crane, Marta Kauffman

Seasons: 10 Episodes: 236 Years: 1994-2004 Best Season: 5   

The chemistry between these six characters are incredible. The fun storylines and relationships make you want to be friends with these people. Thankfully, it won’t be rebooted.

Standout Episode: The One Where Everyone Finds Out (S05E14)

Chandler and Monica hiding their relationship was fantastic but Phoebe playing sexual chicken with Chandler to make his admit was the ultimate payoff. 

2. SEINFELD (NBC)

Creators: Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 173 Years: 1989-1998 Best Season: 7   

The finale did a great job of showing just how despicable these four characters were. Luckily they were also funny so we liked them anyway. An amazing feat for a show about ‘nothing’.

Standout Episode: The Contest (S04E11)

Gotta hand it to an episode where they talk about masturbation without every mentioning the word. Master of their domain indeed.

3. THE SIMPSONS (FOX)

Creators: James L Brooks, Matt Groening, Sam Simon

Seasons: 31 Episodes: 671 Years: 1989-Present Best Season: 4   

Admittedly, it is not as strong as it used to be but it’s still loaded with irreverent humour that is surprisingly relevant. I’ve seen every episode and still enjoy it. It still makes me laugh.

Standout Episode: Lisa the Vegetarian (S07E15)

One of the most quotable episodes for me, this episode ran during the golden years of the series. You don’t make friends with salad.  

4. CHEERS (NBC)

Creators: James Burrows, Glen Charles, Les Charles

Seasons: 11 Episodes: 271 Years: 1982-1993 Best Season: 10   

A practically perfect workplace comedy. With an amazing cast of regulars, the bar hijinks were fun and the lines were incredibly clever. Love the theme song.

Standout Episode: An Old Fashioned Wedding (S10E25-26)

The entire cast gets a chance to shine as the gang tries to get Woody and Kelly married before they give into their sexual urgings.

5. BUFFY, THE VAMPIRE SLAYER (WB & UPN)

Creator: Joss Whedon

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 145 Years: 1997-2003 Best Season: 3  

Don’t let the name (or crappy film) fool you, this was one of the best shows ever produced with scripts that were full of action, humour, emotion and social commentary. By season two I was completely hooked.

Standout Episode: Once More, With Feeling (S06E07)

Whedon penned a beautiful musical that not only got his characters to express their emotions but also advance the plot significantly. Not just a quirky episode.

6. MAD ABOUT YOU (NBC)

Creators: Danny Jacobson, Paul Reiser

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 162 Years: 1992-1999 Best Season: 5   

A wonderful portrayal of married life. Paul Reiser and Helen Hunt play so well off each other that I was seriously depressed when they had their story arc of almost splitting up at the end of season four.

Standout Episode: The Grant (S05E02)

Mel Brooks as Uncle Phil steals the show as his eccentric self, but Jamie trying to stay off coffee is also well played.

7. DAWSON’S CREEK (WB)

Creator: Kevin Williamson

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 128 Years: 1998-2003 Best Season: 3   

This coming-of-age soap opera was a guilty pleasure that got me through a hard time despite being older than the demographic. I easily got suckered into the lives of these ultra-articulate teenagers.

Standout Episode: The Longest Day (S03E20)

Joey and Pacey’s hidden relationship is revealed in the Roshomon way of replaying the day from different points of view.

8. FRASIER (NBC)

Creators: David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee

Seasons: 11 Episodes: 263 Years: 1993-2004 Best Season: 5   

The sophisticated spin-off of Cheers made great use of high-brow humour and silly misunderstandings. The addition of a more ‘Frasier’ Frasier in the form of Niles was a masterstroke.

Standout Episode: The Matchmaker (S02E03)

One of their first brilliant scripts that involve people mistaking each other’s intentions to hilarious results. Fraiser sets up Daphne.

9. JUST SHOOT ME! (NBC)

Creator: Steve Levitan

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 149 Years: 1997-2003 Best Season: 3  

Taking the Seinfeld model of selfish characters, the one-liner put downs in this show were quick and fun. A great use of the sarcastic comedy of SNL’s David Spade.

Standout Episode: Funny Girl (S03E04)

An elaborate prank unfolds after Maya pulls a trick on Elliot. It’s great to see people work hard to screw with each other.

10. NEWSRADIO (NBC)

Creator: Paul Simms

Seasons: 5 Episodes: 97 Years: 1995-1999 Best Season: 3   

It’s sad that this hard-working sitcom didn’t get the same respect as NBC’s other shows. Phil Hartman and David Foley led a very fun cast through a number of office hijinks. Andy Dick is a bit much though.

Standout Episode: The Trainer (S03E11)

Bill tries to get out of a gym membership but can’t shake Ben Stiller’s pitch, while the rest of the office finds out Dave is Canadian.

11. THE X-FILES (FOX)

Creator: Chris Carter

Seasons: 11 Episodes: 217 Years: 1993-2018 Best Season: 6   

The mythology of the show got a little confusing but the stand-alone episodes were at times horrific, clever and fun (especially Breaking Bad’s Vince Gilligan and Darin Morgan episodes).

Standout Episode: Hollywood A.D. (S07E19)

This fun episode, written and directed by David Duchovny, features a screenwriter following the agents and a cameo from Garry Shandling.

12. NIGHT COURT (NBC)

Creator: Reinhold Weege

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 193 Years: 1984-1992 Best Season: 4   

The highlight of each episode was the outrageous court cases that went before Judge Harry Stone. When they left the courtroom, it was a mixed bag. John Larroquette could always bring the funny though.

Standout Episode: Still Another Day in the Life (S07E22)

The best episodes featured a non-stop string of hilarious court cases. This one included: cheerleaders, coyotes, librarians, opera singers and mimes.

13. E.R. (NBC)

Creator: Michael Crichton

Seasons: 15 Episodes: 331 Years: 1994-2009 Best Season: 4   

I was a little late to the game on this show and I’ll admit to have not seeing every episode of this hospital soap opera, but it still has a large number of amazing episodes.

Standout Episode: All in the Family (S06E14)

Carter and Lucy have been brutally stabbed by a crazy patient, the ER tries to save their lives. An intense forty minutes of drama.

14. THAT 70’S SHOW (FOX)

Creators: Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 200 Years: 1998-2006 Best Season: 3   

Not a huge fan of the era but the comedy was timeless. These teenagers worked so well together. Also loved the smoking circle and the dream sequences. Too bad Eric left for the last season of the show. 

Standout Episode: Eric’s Panties (S03E06)

Donna gets suspicious when she finds panties in Eric’s car. The dream sequence of Eric playing in a large pile of panties is fun stuff.

15. WINGS (NBC)

Creators: David Angell, Peter Casey, David Lee

Seasons: 8 Episodes: 172 Years: 1990-1997 Best Season: 7   

Not the strongest of NBC’s Must See TV, but they held their own with some fun storylines. Also fun to see Steven Weber and Tony Shalhoub do comedy before they got all dramatic.

Standout Episode: Burnin’ Down the House (S07E01-02)

Brian & Casey accidentally burn down Joe and Helen’s house while having sex. Their guilt and the couple’s response is priceless.

16. SPIN CITY (ABC)

Creators: Gary David Goldberg, Bill Lawrence

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 145 Years: 1996-2002 Best Season: 3   

Michael J Fox and political comedy go hand in hand. Throw in a fun supporting cast and some New York hijinks and you’ve got an entertaining show. Season 1 is pretty rough though.

Standout Episode: Gone with the Wind (S03E03)

Mike has to keep his relationship with Heidi Klum a secret as James mourns the death of his family cow. Great physical comedy.  

17. EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND (CBS)

Creator: Philip Rosenthal

Seasons: 9 Episodes: 210 Years: 1996-2005 Best Season: 5   

What made this family sitcom work was the simple and incredibly relatable storylines. The inter-generational relationships had something for everyone. Holy crap!

Standout Episode: Baggage (S07E22)

So much humour is mined from a stand-off between Ray and Debra as to who should bring the suitcase upstairs after a trip.

18. THE LARRY SANDERS SHOW (HBO)

Creators: Dennis Klein, Garry Shandling

Seasons: 6 Episodes: 89 Years: 1992-1998 Best Season: 4  

Shandling has always been adept at meta humour and nails it again with this send-up of a late night talk show. Great cast. So much neuroses. No flipping.

Standout Episode: Flip (S06E11)

For the series finale of the show, Larry gets an all-star line-up to say goodbye including Jim Carrey and David Duchovny. It’s a fitting end.

19. GROWING PAINS (ABC)

Creator: Neal Marlens

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 167 Years: 1985-1992 Best Season: 4  

More of an eighties show than nineties, it got some fresh blood when an unknown Leonardo DiCaprio joined the Seaver clan as Luke. This one remains one of my favourite family sitcoms from my youth.

Standout Episode: The Triangle & Return of the Triangle (S05E14-15)

Mike falls for his leading lady, Kate, but needs to deal with her boyfriend first. I’ll admit I had a crush on Chelsea Noble.

20. MACGYVER (ABC)

Creator: Lee David Zlotoff

Seasons: 7 Episodes: 139 Years: 1985-1992 Best Season: 5  

Loved watching MacGyver get out of sticky situations with a paperclip and a stick of gum. Also loved his nemesis Murdoc. Looking back the show was cheesy but I loved it back then. (Not watching the reboot.)

Standout Episode: The Widowmaker (S03E08)

MacGyver is trapped on the side of a mountain with Murdoc chasing after him. Lots of stuff with ropes. Being afraid of heights, I found this one intense.

Film: Star Wars - The Rise of Skywalker

GENRE: Action Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for sci-fi violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 21 minutes

STARRING: Daisy Ridley (Murder on the Orient Express)

Adam Driver (Marriage Story), John Boyega (Detroit)

DIRECTOR: JJ Abrams (Star Trek, Alias, Felicity, Mission Impossible III)

WRITERS: Chris Terrio (Argo, Justice League) & Abrams (Super 8)

PLOT: The surviving Resistance takes on the First Order.        

FULL DISCLOSURE: I love this series. Yes, even The Last Jedi.  

STORY STUFF: I loved it. I thought it hit all the right notes. It was exciting, it was humorous, it was respectful of what came before it. I love the new locals, the increase of scale, the new droid and allies, the cameos and the wrapping up of the story. It was a big task to end this saga properly and I commend Abrams for doing just that. I would like to say more but don’t want to ruin anything for anyone.

ACTING STUFF: Everyone gives it their all. Ridley and Driver amp up their emotional parental baggage. Boyega and Oscar Isaac have some great buddy moments, along with Chewbacca. The droids are also fun, even C-3PO. Yes, you read that right, C-3PO. I do think Kelly Marie Tran is underused considering her role in the last film though.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The special effects are awesome. The chase scenes are riveting. The score is phenomenal as always. The set pieces are the epitome of grand. I usually don’t comment on costumes but I liked Zorii Bliss’ helmet and I finally saw the necessity of Chewbacca’s belt (he looks so awkward without it).  

VERDICT: Five stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You watched the other Star Wars films.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Little Women

Film: Marriage Story

GENRE: Dramedy

RATING: R for language and sexual references
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 16 minutes

STARRING: Adam Driver (Star Wars VII-IX, Black KkKlansman)

Scarlett Johansson (Avengers), Laura Dern (Wild, Big Little Lies)

DIRECTOR: Noah Baumbach (The Squid and the Whale, Frances Ha)

WRITER: Baumbach (Life Aquatic, Margot at the Wedding, Greenberg)

PLOT: An emotional look at divorce.        

FULL DISCLOSURE: Got a good critic rating and Globe nominations.

STORY STUFF: I found the story heart-breaking. While I would usually be annoyed and possibly disgusted by the constant selfishness, I felt compassion for the couple. (I’ll admit that I rooted for the husband more though.) I absolutely adored the opening monologues that described the couple as individuals. It’s a beautiful way to start the film and made me contemplate all the things I love about my wife. The story is well told but does tend to drag at times; I think it could have benefitted from a 20-minute trim.

ACTING STUFF: Driver and Johansson are amazing to watch. They beautifully tap into their roller coaster of emotions. It’s a wonderful mix of chemistry and coldness. The supporting cast is also top notch with some fun performances. Unfortunately, Dern’s role is too much like her Big Little Lies character; does she want to be typecast in this kind of role? I enjoyed seeing the punitive performance of Ray Liotta (Goodfellas). I will say the evaluator played by Martha Kelly (Baskets) was cringingly awkward but I believe this was on purpose.

ARTISTIC STUFF: As mentioned, the opening montages are well done. The filming is creative at times but the emphasis is on the acting. I wish there were some songs rather than Randy Newman’s score, not that it was terrible. It just seemed too bare at times.

VERDICT: Four stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want great acting (or considering divorce I guess).

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Film: Knives Out

GENRE: Crime, Drama, Comedy

RATING: PG-13 for some violence, language, drug material
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 10 minutes

STARRING: Daniel Craig (Skyfall, Spectre, No Time to Die, Munich)

Chris Evans (Avengers, Snowpiercer), Ana de Armas (newcomer)

DIRECTOR: Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi)

WRITER: Rian Johnson (Brick, Looper, Star Wars VIII: The Last Jedi)

PLOT: The patriarch of an eccentric family is dead. Was it murder or suicide? A detective investigates.       

FULL DISCLOSURE: I love Rian Johnson’s work (particularly Brick).

STORY STUFF: I like myself a good mystery. Johnson has a crafted an engaging story that is full of fun characters, sly twists and great laughs. I like a mystery where it is possible for the viewer to mostly put the pieces together if they evaluate all the clues. Of course, if it is too obvious, it doesn’t work. Johnson does a great job of laying out his mystery and having you second guess yourself at every turn. Wonderfully done.

ACTING STUFF: I loved seeing Daniel Craig have fun as the private investigator, Benoit Blanc. He revels in the mystery and gets some playful moments throughout. The rest of the cast is also top notch. Chris Evans gleefully plays the jerk family member who everyone hates. Ana de Armas holds her own amongst this eccentric cast. Jamie Lee Curtis (Halloween), Michael Shannon (Shape of Water), Don Johnson (Miami Vice) and Toni Collette (Sixth Sense) are highly entertaining as they backstab and lie. LaKeith Stanfield (Atlanta) unfortunately has to play the straight man as the lead detective but Noah Segan (Brick) is delightful as a star-struck trooper. Kudos all around.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Johnson has some fun with his camera and uses his Clue-inspired house well. There’s a highly entertaining car chase that made me giggle and a specific prop that made me laugh out loud. I’ll leave it that.  

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like a good old-fashioned whodunit.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker

Film: The Good Liar

GENRE: Drama, Mystery

RATING: R for some strong violence and language
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 49 minutes

STARRING: Helen Mirren (The Queen, RED, Eye in the Sky, Hitchcock)

Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings, X-Men), Jim Carter (Downton Abbey)

DIRECTOR: Bill Condon (Gods & Monsters, Dreamgirls, Mr. Holmes)

WRITER: Jeffrey Hatcher (Casanova, The Duchess, Mr. Holmes)

PLOT: A conman sets his sights on a rich widow but not everything is as it seems.      

FULL DISCLOSURE: Like the actors, not the rotten tomatoes score.

STORY STUFF: I like a good con movie like Matchstick Men or Ocean’s Eleven; ones that take a certain glee in swindling money out of people using elaborate schemes. This film fell short of that. There are some good moments throughout but they didn’t allow the viewer to play along as much. There’s a whole backstory that we are not privy to until later so motives cannot be analyzed by the audience. It’s a shame.

ACTING STUFF: McKellen and Mirren are top notch. These are seasoned pros and it is entertaining to watch them work and play off each other. They have great chemistry. Also interesting to see Downton Abbey’s Carson in a less honorable role.

ARTISTIC STUFF: A few interesting shots and angles, but nothing really stood out for me. Some of the violence makes you look away though. It’s a little surprising that way.

VERDICT: Two and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You like Helen Mirren and Ian McKellen

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Knives Out