If watching shows, complete with scrunchies, light-washed denim jeans, and unflattering colorfully patterned sweatshirts is what you’re into, then 90s shows are for you.
Although fashions and lifestyles have changed since these sitcoms began, the heart of the shows remain. At its core, these shows are about family and friendship and growing up — no special effects needed. The characters and the sometimes cheesy, but totally relatable, storylines make these half-hour classics a joy to watch.
“Boy Meets World” (1993-2000)
There are no best friends quite like these two. The show follows Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, and Shawn Hunter, played by Rider Strong, class clowns at John Adams High. Their friendship makes the duo a perfect balance, between rebellious Shawn and neurotic Cory.
Topanga Lawrence, played by Danielle Fishel, is Cory’s love interest, and they face challenges as a young couple in love. Shawn also faces family problems while living in a trailer park. Cory’s older brother, Eric, played by Will Friedle, is an out-of-this-world, not-too-bright funny character who’s always bugging their principal, Mr. Feeney, played by William Daniels, who happens to be the Matthews’ next-door neighbor.
This summer, spinoff “Girl Meets World,” will premiere on Disney Channel. The show will follow Cory and Topanga, played by Savage and Fishel, raising their son and daughter.
“Saved by the Bell” (1989-1993)
This comedy is one of the most memorable shows of the 90s and is still popular today. It centers around six students: rebellious prankster Zack Morris, jock A.C. Slater, overachiever Jessie Spano, cheerleader Kelly Kapowski, fashionista Lisa Turtle, and nerd Screech Powers, who all happen to be friends despite the social hierarchy. Morris, the leader of the pack, played by Mark-
Paul Gosselaar, is always doing everything in his power to win over Kapowski and test Principal Belding’s limits. Bayside High School wouldn’t be complete without Zack’s infamously large cell phone and his monologues to the viewers.
“Full House” (1987-1995)
Two loveable uncles, a corny but stern dad, and three daughters — you got it, dude. After the girls lose their mother in a car accident, cool Elvis-loving Uncle Jesse, played by John Stamos, and goofball comedian Uncle Joey, played by Dave Coulier, move in to help Danny, played by Bob Saget, take care of his girls, DJ, Stephanie and Michelle.
Watching three guys raise three girls as they experience adolescence, dating and dilemmas is amusing to watch. Each episode ends by resolving issues as a family, followed by uplifting music and a heartwarming hug. But, corniness aside, it’s a family show at its core.
“Sister, Sister” (1994-1999)
We can all relate to finding our long-lost identical twin while shopping at the mall, can’t we?
Set in Detroit, Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell, played by Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housley, were separated at birth and adopted individually by seamstress Lisa Landry, played by Jackee Harry, and limo-service owner Ray Campbell, played by Tim Reid. When the girls meet, they refuse to live apart any longer, after missing out on each other’s lives. Their parents agree for everyone to live under one roof, complete with a pesky next-door neighbor, whom the twins repeatedly tell “Go home, Roger.” Ray and Lisa eventually develop romantic feelings for each other, an interesting twist to an inevitable romance.
