Top 10 Sitcoms of The 90’s

10. Family Matters – Did I do that? Steve Urkel (Jaleel White) will likely go as one of the most irritating characters in television history. However, there is no denying this shows charm. This quirky spin-off of Perfect Strangers had a supportive enough audience to last a whopping 215 episodes, making it the second longest running sitcom in TV history with a largely African-American cast.

9. Married…With Children – While this sitcom may seem tame by today’s standards, back in the early 90’s it certainly sparked its fair share of controversy. Ed O’Neill, who has recently made a triumphant return to television on the hit series Modern Family, stars as one of televisions most iconic patriarchs – former high school football star and current shoe salesman Al Bundy. Al, his outspoken wife Peggy, and his children Bud and Kelly form one of the most dysfunctional families ever to appear on television.

8. Full House- The Olsen twins are all grown up now, but once upon a time they were taking turns as the role of Michelle Tanner. Bob Saget played the role of Danny Tanner and John Stamos played the role of the always cool, Uncle Jesse. While this show was probably a little to cute to appeal to the teenage/young adult demographic, it was the perfect sitcom for parents to watch with younger children.

7. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air- Ever heard of Will Smith, anyone? As most know, he is now one of Hollywood’s biggest motion picture stars. In the 90’s this former rapper earned his acting wings as the hilarious goof-off Will, a teenager form West Philly who winds up living with his rich aunt and uncle in Bel-Air. Smith quickly proved he had what it took as he had enough charisma and charm to take over almost any scene. As good as Smith was, supporting cast members such as Alfonso Ribeiro, who played Will’s nerdy cousin Carlton, were also extremely gifted in the funny department and helped this sitcom launch into stardom.

6. Home Improvement – This show was one for the guys. Tim Allen stars as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor, a power tool obsessed mans man who hosts his own home improvement show. This shows premise is simple, but funny. Tim had a strong supporting cast in the form of three mischeivous sons, a loyal co-host, a domineering wife and a genius neigbor.

5. Roseanne- As obnoxious as Steve Urkel is, Roseanne Barrs sarcastic matriarch might set the bar. Roseanne Barr and John Goodman created quite the sitcom dynamic duo when it came to portraying a family dealing with the every day struggles of middle American life. This show was a pioneer in the sitcom genre as it was one of the first to tackle sensitive subjects such as teen pregnancy, homosexuality, and domestic violence, since they were not normally seen outside of serious TV dramas.

4. Frasier- What a genius sitcom this was. Frasier sets the bar when it comes to accolades. This spin-off from the 80’s hit show Cheers earned a record 37 Emmy awards during its tenured 11 year run. Kelsey Grammar reprises his role as a thick headed psychiatrist, but it is David Hyde Pierce as Frasier’s geeky brother Niles who really steals the show. The on set chemistry between the two is so uncanny you almost have to remind yourself they are not brothers in real life. Frasier will most likely go down as the most successful spin-off ever.

3. The Simpsons- Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the dozens of supporting characters that inhabit the town of Springfield are as well known to most viewers as “real life” characters on television. As the longest running sitcom on television, The Simpsons has a little bit of something for everyone. The humor is irreverent, but hilarious. Homer will go down as one of the most iconic television fathers of all-time…pretty impressive for a cartoon character!

2. Friends – The casts of Friends consisting of Matthew Perry (Chandler), Matt LeBlanc (Joey), David Schwimmer (Ross), Courtney Cox (Monica), Jennifer Anniston (Rachel) and Lisa Kudrow (Phoebe), created perhaps the most charismatic cast of all time. This show offered something for everyone. The sarcastic Chandler and the dim-witted Joey provided plenty of comic relief while Ross and Rachel provided romance. Monica was the dudley-do-right control freak while Phoebe was the free spirited wild card of the bunch. This was a show that reflected, in some way or another, groups of friends everywhere.

1. Seinfeld – Perhaps the greatest sitcom of all time. Much like Friends, the cast of Seinfeld is second to none. Jerry, George, Kramer and Elaine are recognized in almost all social circles still today. Though Larry David created a show about nothing, the premise was oddly complex as it always tied together in the end. It turned into one of the funniest and most ageless sitcoms of all time. 

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