As a connoisseur of all things ’90s, I must say that this list is a veritable treasure trove of forgotten gems! From the manic energy of “The Ben Stiller Show” to the enigmatic charm of “Weird Science”, these shows truly embody the spirit of the decade.
The 1990s stood out as an exceptional period for television that showcased the unusual and innovative, ranging from the cost-effective masterpieces of MTV’s generation to the inception of NBC’s Must-See TV era, which brought about popular sitcom sensations. Despite the widespread acclaim of series such as Friends and Seinfeld, there are numerous high-quality shows that often go unnoticed, perhaps due to early cancellations or limitations in streaming availability.
These are some lesser-known and less frequently talked about masterpieces from the ’90s, which truly warrant more recognition.
In Living Color
As a gaming enthusiast, I’ve always found myself pondering why shows like “In Living Color,” which birthed stars such as Jim Carrey and the Wayans family, aren’t often mentioned in the same breath as iconic comedy series like “Saturday Night Live,” “madTV,” or “Key & Peele.” Could it be that its sometimes edgy humor made it less appealing at certain times? But let’s not forget to acknowledge its groundbreaking influence, an impact that deserves eternal recognition.
The Adventures Of Brisco County, Jr.
Fans of Bruce Campbell might particularly delight in his reprisal of the sci-fi western world from “The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.,” a series that ran for only one season on Fox. This beloved cult classic was jointly created by Jeffrey Boam, who wrote “Last Crusade” and “Lost Boys,” as well as Carlton Cuse, known for “Lost.” The show boasted an exceptional supporting cast including John Astin, R. Lee Ermey, and others. It deserves recognition with its own awards.
The Commish
Prior to Michael Chiklis portraying a morally ambiguous character in “The Shield”, he lent a more light-hearted approach to police work over five seasons on ABC’s “The Commish”. Pioneering the dramedy format, the series combined family-oriented storylines with police drama and tackled several weighty social issues. However, the arrival of “NYPD Blue” has often overshadowed “The Commish” in discussions.
Duckman
Apart from “Seinfeld”, Jason Alexander also graced another one of the wittiest (with a touch of quirky anxiety) sitcoms of the ’90s – “Duckman”. This series revolved around its beaky private investigator protagonist and his peculiar family dynamics. Partly created by animation powerhouse Klasky Csupo, it boasted an impressive cast of voice actors, including the talented Nancy Travis. It was nothing short of madness! We could all benefit from a bit more “Duckman” in our days.
The Pretender
From 1996-2000, “The Pretender” television series featured Michael T. Weiss portraying a highly skilled imposter who breaks free from the clutches of a secretive organization that abducted him in his childhood. He then utilizes his abilities to apprehend a variety of criminals. The show gained enough popularity to inspire two sequential TV movies after its unexpected termination.
Viva Variety
The quartet of comedians – Robert Ben Garant, Thomas Lennon, Kerry Kinney, and Michael Ian Black, who are known for their versatility in comedy across various genres – continue to amaze us. However, even though they’ve dabbled in countless comedic styles, their late-’90s TV show spoof, Viva Variety, remains remarkably unique and scarcely replicated on television. Ranging from avant-garde to outrageous and everything in between, a touch of the spirit of Viva Variety should always persist in our entertainment landscape.
Beyond Belief: Fact Or Fiction
Regardless of whether you enjoy the campy reenactments and acting in Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, or the calmly captivating hosting skills of Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes, this guessing game series is a treasure trove with stories that may sometimes leave an unsettling impression. And yes, those stories were based on real events.
Nightmare Ned
Among Disney’s most creative and unusual productions, nestled in their collection of less frequently revisited films and series, lies the animated show “Nightmare Ned.” This series infused a unique creativity into the nightmares of its preteen protagonist, although its costly production ultimately limited it to only 12 episodes. These episodes were stored away in Disney’s vault, but there also exists a video game with the same title.
Millennium
Chris Carter hit it out of the conspiracy park — but did anyone see this hit? — with The X-Files, but still hit a perfectly bonkers double with Lance Henriksen’s not-a-psychic Frank Black and Millennium. Its three seasons have built a fandom in the years since its cancellation, and since it’s hard to imagine, let’s keep celebrating this wacky thriller.
The Sifl And Olly Show
For a while, MTV’s scripted programming catered to a wide variety of weird interests, and Liam Lynch deserves a big hand (or two) for the sock-puppet sorta-sketch brilliance of The Sifl and Olly Show. The lo-fi aesthetic has rarely been replicated, and I’m not sure anything could replicate its alchemy of silliness, surrealness and rock ‘n’ roll sleaze, and yet it became impossible to watch anywhere for years after airing.
Picket Fences
One way to rephrase the given text in natural and easy-to-read language is: David E. Kelley’s first major television show after “L.A. Law,” titled “Picket Fences,” is still considered one of CBS’ most unusual series. Partially inspired by the peculiar small-town narratives of “Twin Peaks” and “Northern Exposure,” this show featured a dark, eccentric mix of comedy and drama (dramedy). Starring Tom Skerritt and Kathy Baker, the series integrated legal themes into a diverse range of unusual cases that tackled social issues not frequently explored on television at that time.
Action
Created by a collaborator of “Bosom Buddies,” with megaproducer Joel Silver providing support, the Fox satire comedy titled “Action” features a comedic trio consisting of Jay Mohr, Illeana Douglas, and Buddy Hackett. They are part of the production team at fictional action-film studio Dragonfire Films. In 1999, it may have been too audacious and sarcastic for broadcast television, as Fox halted the series after just eight out of thirteen episodes were aired.
Tenacious D
Despite being iconic for their comedic rock persona, Tenacious D, Jack Black and Kyle Gass’ six-episode HBO series has often been overlooked in both comedy discussions and Tenacious D conversations. Remarkably, it’s considered the best show out there, deserving of special recognition.
Perversions Of Science
As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my enthusiasm for “Perversions of Science,” a captivating one-season spinoff from the beloved horror anthology series, “Tales from the Crypt,” masterfully executive produced by Richard Donner and Robert Zemeckis. This series, while maintaining the horror essence, significantly amplifies the sci-fi elements compared to its predecessor. Drawing inspiration from tales within the comic “Weird Science,” this often overlooked gem featured genre veterans like Heather Langenkamp, Sean Astin, Jeffrey Combs, William Shatner, and many more talented individuals.
Night Stand With Dick Dietrick
Back in the ’90s, I’d say we hit the golden age of parody, and while many recognize this, there’s one show that often gets overlooked – Timothy Stack’s “Night Stand with Dick Dietrick.” This hilarious series took aim at those scandalous daytime talk shows, think Jerry Springer and Maury Povich, by turning them into a spoof. To add to the fun, even Jerry Springer himself made an appearance as a guest star! It’s a sidesplitting good time that deserves more recognition in the conversation about ’90s entertainment.
Anything But Love
Jamie Lee Curtis transformed her “scream queen” role into a “comedy queen” with the films “Trading Places” and “A Fish Called Wanda,” and she partnered with stand-up legend Richard Lewis for the romance-centric sitcom “Anything But Love.” This Wendy Kout creation ran for four seasons from 1989 to 1993, experiencing significant cast changes and story adjustments throughout each season. However, it persisted for as long as it did due to the exceptional chemistry between its principal actors.
Fun House
Although not renowned as one of the greatest game shows, the youth-oriented “Fun House” stood out with its thrilling obstacle courses, similar to those seen in “Double Dare,” which made trivia more entertaining by incorporating messy elements. With J.D. Roth at the helm, this zany show ran for an impressive 375 episodes between syndication and Fox from 1988-1991. However, despite its long run, it hasn’t initiated any prime-time reboots to date.
Down The Shore
Prior to contributing to “Yes Dear” and “Raising Hope”, Alan Kirschenbaum developed the two-season sitcom “Down the Shore”. This show revolved around three old friends who acquire a house at the Jersey Shore with the aim of meeting women, embodying the typical humor associated with early ’90s Fox comedies. The production values were enhanced by early appearances from Anna Gunn, known for “Breaking Bad”, and Pamela Adlon, star of “Better Things”.
The Adventures Of Pete And Pete
Nickelodeon isn’t famous for groundbreaking television content, but “The Adventures of Pete & Pete” is the program that comes closest to this distinction. Michael Maronna and Danny Tamberelli play the main characters, two brothers living eccentric lives in the fictional town of Wellsville. Their days are filled with unusual experiences involving many of the town’s peculiar residents, with a cast of recognizable faces occasionally making appearances. Despite challenges related to rights issues, we keep hoping for more DVD releases to enjoy Mr. Tastee and his antics!
Square One TV
Apart from “Sesame Street,” another popular children’s show that was rich in pop culture references hailed from PBS: “Square One TV.” This educational show blended math concepts with parodies of various programs such as “Late Night with David Letterman,” “Fawlty Towers,” and even “Pac-Man.” The standout segment was the humorous “Dragnet” spin-off, “Mathnet.” Although it may not have simplified math, it certainly made learning fun.
American Gothic
In the overlooked masterpiece of a chilling thriller titled “American Gothic“, Gary Cole from “NCIS” takes on the captivating role of a small-town sheriff with a sinister side, meeting his journalist relative portrayed by Paige Turco from “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles“. As they jointly delve into her mother’s mysterious demise, various intriguing, malevolent scenes unfold, featuring other well-known faces in the genre such as Sarah Paulson and Evan Rachel Wood.
The Weird Al Show
As a devoted fan, I’d say that “The Weird Al Show” was like stepping into my very own “Pee-Wee’s Playhouse,” but with a unique twist from the one and only “Weird” Al Yankovic! This was his initial venture into the world of children’s television, and behind the scenes was the legendary Dick Clark. The show brought together absurd storylines, animated segments, catchy music, and even bizarre educational attempts, creating a whimsical blend that was truly one-of-a-kind. Unfortunately, it only ran for one season on CBS, but whenever I stumble upon it, I never miss the chance to watch this timeless gem.
Get A Life
David Mirkin, Adam Resnick, Chris Elliott, and Larry Sanders collaborated on the creation of the live-action cartoon “Get a Life.” This series, airing from 1990 to 1992, was centered around Elliott’s character, a manchild paperboy. The show paid homage to earlier sitcoms with its surreal humor, making use of his seemingly endless foolishness to differentiate itself.
Sports Night
Among Aaron Sorkin’s notable works, his first TV series, “Sports Night,” remains my go-to choice when I want to revisit something of his spontaneously. This series revolves around a team producing a sports news program similar to ESPN’s SportsCenter, and it delivers fast-paced comedy in a high-pressure environment. The show boasts standout performances from Peter Kraus, Josh Charles, Felicity Huffman, and several others. Remarkably, despite its initial success and award recognition, ABC decided to discontinue the series after only two seasons.
Herman’s Head
The TV series “Herman’s Head” is often recognized for featuring Hank Azaria and Yeardley Smith, who were on the live-action Simpsons cast. Essentially, it’s like Pixar’s “Inside Out,” but told from the perspective of William Ragsdale’s character, Herman. Inside his mind, four aspects of his personality compete for control in the attic space of his consciousness. Fox’s sitcom is also acclaimed for introducing breakout roles by Molly Hagan, known from “Walker,” and Jane Sibbett, a familiar face from “Friends.
Nightmare Cafe
Running for only six episodes broadcast in early 1992, NBC’s “Nightmare Cafe” is a fantastical series that blends genres. This show revolves around a peculiar cafe with the power to warp reality, offering individuals a chance to rectify a critical choice they made in their lives, leading to different outcomes. Notably, this series reunited the creative minds behind “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” Wes Craven (writer/director) and Robert Englund (Freddy Krueger).
Wings
Originated by the same creative minds behind “Cheers” who later produced “Frasier”. The show “Wings”, which spanned over eight seasons, served as a breakthrough role for actors like Tim Daly, Steven Weber, Tony Shalhoub, and Thomas Haden Church. Veteran actresses Rebecca Schull and David Schramm also delivered outstanding performances. This sitcom, set in an airport on Nantucket Island, embodies the essence of a classic sitcom, but unfortunately, it never received the recognition it truly deserved.
The Chris Rock Show
While many notable talk show hosts hail from broadcast networks, HBO has stood out as a premium cable platform for more thought-provoking conversations since its inception. The groundbreaking series “The Chris Rock Show” may not have received enough recognition, but it certainly made waves when it debuted in 1997, lasting five seasons. Its comedy was raw and socially relevant, providing a platform for rappers and Black entertainers who might not have had the same opportunities elsewhere.
Profiler
A ’90s crime show, “Profiler,” was known for blending ongoing storylines with individual cases. The series initially focused on FBI profiler Samantha Waters, portrayed by Ally Walker, who had been tormented by a serial killer called the Jack of All Trades. Sharing a world with “The Pretender,” “Profiler” shifted gears in its fourth and final season following Walker’s exit, but it didn’t have quite the same impact.
The Ben Stiller Show
For a single season, The Ben Stiller Show brought its namesake’s manic energy to spoofing the entirety of ‘90s pop culture, from Die Hard to Beverly Hills 90210 to the artistry of Charles Manson. It’s perhaps best known as a comedy incubator, though, kicking off the careers of Judd Apatow, Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Janene Garofalo, Andy Dick and more.
Weird Science
I’ve always found it fascinating how remakes of popular ’90s movies can sometimes miss the mark, but somehow, the comedic gem “Weird Science” managed to pull off being both a refreshing take and an homage to its original self. The hilarious camaraderie between Vanessa Angel, John Mallory Asher, and Michael Manasseri truly shines in this quirky sci-fi comedy. I can’t help but wish for a magical streaming device that would make watching “Weird Science” effortless and enjoyable anytime, anywhere!
The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo
Shows on Nickelodeon have their own devoted fanbase, but a particular children’s mystery series often mentioned by dedicated fans is “The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo“. This show chronicled the investigative escapades of Irene Ng’s character as a detective, with Pat Morita portraying her loving grandfather. The reason it doesn’t receive more attention might just be the bigger mystery here.
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2024-12-13 18:38