10 Best Modern TV Shows Set in the ’90s

10 Best Modern TV Shows Set in the '90s

As someone who grew up during the 90s, I have to admit that these shows transport me back to those days with a mix of nostalgia and amusement. The Big Bang Theory was a staple in my household, and Young Sheldon gave us an entertaining glimpse into his earlier years. Pam and Tommy, while not exactly light-hearted, is an intriguing portrayal of a time when the lines between privacy and celebrity were blurred.

The 1990s, now clearly behind us, are rapidly becoming a popular wellspring of nostalgia, significantly impacting today’s culture in various ways. The style and music of that era have made a comeback in recent films such as “Captain Marvel,” “Mid90s,” and “I, Tonya,” where they skillfully rekindle the essence, aesthetics, and mood of the decade.

Numerous TV shows have seized the chance to draw inspiration from this rich source, and an abundance of recent series have been produced that are set in the ’90s. Here, we examine ten shows that brilliantly capture the essence of the ’90s.

10 Everything Sucks (2018)

10 Best Modern TV Shows Set in the '90s

As a gamer, here’s my take on paraphrasing your sentence: In the world of Boring, Oregon, a small-town tale unfolds about a tight-knit group of us high schoolers. Struggling to fit in with the cool kids, we find solace in each other and come up with a plan – make our own movie! Our hope is that this project will catapult us into the limelight and earn us some much-desired social recognition.

Everything Sucks! Is a Timeless Tale of Friendship and Self-acceptance

Cranking up the nostalgia to maximum levels, complete with a ’90s alternative rock playlist and an abundance of debatable fashion trends from that era, Everything Sucks! is a classic story about friendship and self-discovery. As the characters navigate their identities, mental health struggles, and adolescence, they find themselves grappling with their sexual orientations and growing up.

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9 Clarice (2021)

In 1991, people everywhere felt deeply unsettled upon the arrival of a film that would go on to become both infamous and acclaimed – “Silence of The Lambs”.

The film featured Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, a novice FBI agent, who consulted the brilliant but imprisoned psychiatrist Hannibal Lecter, portrayed by Sir Anthony Hopkins in one of his finest performances. Lecter, a cannibalistic serial killer, aimed to assist her in understanding the psyche of a murderer so she could catch Buffalo Bill, another psychopathic killer.

Clarice Takes Place Between Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal

As a die-hard gamer, I can confidently say that the movie was an unparalleled triumph, earning critical recognition and a heap of awards. It’s no surprise then, that they greenlit a follow-up, which ultimately led to the premier of Hannibal in 2001. Sandwiched between these two epic stories, Clarice (starring Rebecca Breeds) unfolds, chronicling the career advancements of its namesake protagonist during the ’90s. She’s honing her detective skills like a prodigy, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us!

8 Pose (2018)

Spotlighting the LGBTQ+ ballroom scene prevalent among Latino and African-American communities in the late ’80s and ’90s, Pose has garnered an abundance of favorable responses. Delving into weighty topics such as transphobia, racism, and the HIV/AIDS crisis, Pose skillfully integrates humor with drama to produce a captivating and intellectually stimulating TV series.

Pose Broke New Ground

In 2018, I stumbled upon a groundbreaking series predominantly set in the ’90s – a remarkable production that has reaped countless awards and made history along the way. One of its many historic achievements includes Billy Porter, a talented actor who broke barriers by becoming the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy for Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Another milestone was set when Michaela Jaé Rodriguez earned a nomination as the first trans lead ever for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series at the Primetime Emmys.

7 City on a Hill (2019 – 2022)

In the turbulent ’90s of Boston, where violence, racial tensions, and corruption ran rampant, an Assistant District Attorney and a former FBI agent unexpectedly join forces with the goal of reforming their city, rooting out corrupt law enforcement in the process.

City on a Hill is Based on a Story By Ben Affleck

According to a tale dreamt up by Ben Affleck, who also functions as an executive producer alongside Matt Damon, City on a Hill offers the usual dose of excitement and emotional drama associated with Boston natives. With a respectable 76% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Kevin Bacon’s performance as the aging, former FBI Agent was highly acclaimed. However, some criticism targeted the convoluted narrative, leading to the show’s cancellation in 2022.

6 Cruel Summer (2021-2023)

The two seasons of this show tell distinct tales, yet both are tied together by their common thread of missing teenagers in the ’90s setting. With enough surprises to captivate even the most dedicated mystery lover, the initial season of Cruel Summer garnered an outstanding 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Season Two Failed to Capture the Same Magic

In contrast to the first season, the second one offered a less captivating narrative that was complicated and hard to follow, along with characters who were less appealing. Although it wasn’t terrible, it didn’t manage to rekindle the charm of the original, leading to a substantial decline in both viewer numbers and critical acclaim. Sadly, this resulted in its termination.

5 Derry Girls (2018 – 2022)

In the turbulent setting of Northern Ireland’s ethno-nationalist struggle, a comedic series unfolds, contrasting the chaotic behavior of a high school girl group from a Catholic school. While maintaining a balance between political undertones and humor, the show was highly acclaimed for its authentic portrayal of growing up in Derry during the ’90s.

Derry Girls are Brash, Bold and Utterly Hilarious

Drawing inspiration from iconic Irish comedies such as Father Ted and Derry Girls, this series skillfully blends quick-witted humor with a dash of the bizarre and a subtle undertone of dark comedy. As a result, it stands out among the funniest sitcoms in recent times, as evidenced by its exceptional Rotten Tomatoes ratings of 100%, 97% and 100% (for seasons 1, 2, and 3).

4 Young Sheldon (2017 – 2024)

As a dedicated gamer for over a decade, I’ve found myself immersed in the quirky adventures of Sheldon Cooper and his band of socially awkward friends and peers. This unique gang graced our screens on the hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory, debuting in 2007 and rapidly climbing the ranks to become one of the greatest sitcoms ever made. The announcement that Sheldon would star in a prequel spin-off, titled Young Sheldon, had fans everywhere jumping for joy!

Young Sheldon Sees the Child Prodigy Growing Up as an Outcast in East Texas

The series presented audiences with a depiction of Sheldon during his youth in the ’90s, growing up as a child prodigy amidst ordinary life. Both fans and critics appreciated getting a glimpse into his early years, which helped keep the show popular until its recent conclusion this year.

3 Pam and Tommy (2023)

The ’90s were marked by a perplexing period, with hyper-sexualization and teen angst appearing to be everywhere. This era reached its peak with the chaotic Woodstock 99 festival, which ended in disaster. Right at the heart of this decade was the well-known story of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, a strange and, in certain aspects, troubling narrative about a whirlwind romance, rock ‘n’ roll indulgence, and exploitation.

Pam and Tommy Holds a Mirror to its Viewers

The show primarily revolves around the unauthorized release and circulation of Pam and Tommy’s private video, as anticipated. It offers ample opportunities for laughter, thanks to its comedic elements, which are characteristic of the executive producers like Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, and Dave Franco. However, beneath the humor lies a profound message concerning our habits of consuming media and invading people’s privacy without considering the repercussions. This message resonates strongly in today’s world more than ever before.

2 Fresh off the Boat

The TV series titled “Fresh off the Boat” delves into the day-to-day lives of the Huangs, a Taiwanese-American family who reside in Florida during the ’90s. This show is inspired by the real experiences of renowned chef Eddie Huang and provides an amusing perspective on their uncommon family dynamics and their encounters with primarily white neighbors.

Fresh off the Boat Subverts Expectations

The show challenges typical Asian-American stereotypes in the same way, and instead offers a heartwarming, family-oriented sitcom rather than relying solely on race-centric humor. Both viewers and critics have been captivated by its impressive acting, clever dialogue, and nuanced satire.

1 That ’90s Show

As a passionate gamer reminiscing about my past, it’s been over two and a half decades since the legendary sitcom “That ’70s Show” graced our screens. Since then, life has taken some unexpected turns for the original cast members. Some have soared to unparalleled heights of stardom, while others have faced some hard falls.

That ’90s Show Is Dripping in Nostalgia

Apart from brief appearances by Red and Kitty Foreman, the main focus of That ’90s Show shifts to a new set of teenage friends navigating life in ’90s suburbia. While it’s not lacking humor, it struggles to fully replicate the unique blend of chemistry that made the original series so popular.

It accurately captures the details of the period it portrays, making it feel like a tribute to that time. From the clothing and set decorations, to the vintage technology and popular brands, every aspect reflects an affectionate homage to the past.

2024-08-03 03:02