The 12 Best ’90s Kids Shows Everyone Should Watch At Least Once

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Xennials and Millennials had an unique bond, unlike younger generations, because they all grew up with a common tradition – returning home from school each day to catch whatever was airing on local television or, if fortunate, cable TV. If a friend happened to have missed it initially, the 1990s, known as syndication’s golden age, offered countless re-runs for catch-up.

Despite being filled with cheesy jokes and lacking advanced CGI and big-budget production, 90’s live-action children’s shows were vibrant, engaging, and excessively outrageous in all the best ways. For those who missed out on this era of post-school TV entertainment, numerous throwback series can still be found on streaming platforms or tucked away in YouTube’s nostalgic corners where you’ll discover long-forgotten kids’ shows that could have had their own movie franchise but never quite made it.

If you feel as though you were born in the wrong time, find yourself running out of new shows to watch, or yearn for a more straightforward era, these shows offer an abundance of thrilling adventures from the past waiting to be revisited. Stock up on Snapple and Fruit by the Foot, then prepare to immerse yourself in the most captivating live-action children’s programs of the 1990s.

Goosebumps

In the 1990s, “Goosebumps” was the popular preteen book series that even reluctant readers enjoyed. Similar to the source material, “Goosebumps” provided a collection of chilling tales designed for kids, each one offering a new spine-tingling adventure. Although not every episode directly adapted from the teen novel series, many did, with some stories stretching across two episodes.

As a kid who loved the thrill, I found “Goosebumps” to be just the right amount of spooky without being too scary or gory. The fear factor was akin to urban legends and less intense versions of creepypasta. It was the kind of psychological horror that would send chills down my spine as a kid, with plots inspired by the best “Goosebumps” episodes – from Slappy the menacing ventriloquist dummy, to haunting specters, and cursed masks. Many of these stories had unexpected twists, much like a more family-friendly version of “The Twilight Zone.” Even though it might have been a bit cheesy at times, it was the perfect blend for young horror enthusiasts in the 1990s, with decent production quality and special effects for its era – not to mention an absolute blast to watch!

Starring: Hayden Christensen, Elizabeth Saunders, Jonathan Whittaker

Creator: R. L. Stine

Years: 1995 – 1998

Rating: TV-Y7

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 7.6

Are You Afraid of the Dark?

As a kid deeply into gaming, I can’t help but draw a connection between my love for “Goosebumps” and the chilling tales spun by “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” on Nickelodeon. Although it debuted years before the release of “Goosebumps”, this captivating series managed to maintain its grip on audiences, even undergoing a few revivals. The show centers around a tight-knit group of horror enthusiasts known as “The Midnight Society”. Each episode finds these kids meeting in secret at their woodland hideout, where they take turns weaving spine-tingling stories that will leave you shivering with fear.

The majority of stories featured are eerie, suspenseful, and often rooted in the supernatural or paranormal, some even hinting at urban legends or fairy tales. For instance, one story revolves around a jacket that is haunted by the spirit of a deceased aunt, causing its wearer to be possessed. Another delves into a pair of glasses that grant their user eerie visions of faceless entities from another dimension. The stories generally have a darker, more spine-chilling tone than “Goosebumps,” which is appreciated by fans and has attracted adults eagerly tuning in each week.

Starring: Ross Hull, Jodie Resther, Daniel DeSanto

Creators: D. J. MacHale, Ned Kandel

Years: 1990 – 1996, 1999 – 2000, 2019 – 2022

Rating: TV-Y7

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 82% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 8.2

Saved by the Bell

The television series “Saved By the Bell,” which aired in the Palisades’ Bayside High School during the ’90s, is arguably the most iconic show of that decade. This popular sitcom focuses on a group of friends including Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani Thiessen), Samuel “Screech” Powers (Dustin Diamond), A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), and Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley). In addition to numerous educational projects such as mock weddings and teenage business ventures, the students at Bayside High School spend their days dealing with dating, pranks, and the constant mischief of Zack, the notorious trickster.

Speaking of which, dancing plays a significant role – from school dances and dance parties to contests and performances. It’s worth noting that “Jessie’s Song,” an extraordinary episode from the series, showcases an unusual anti-drug message, making it one of the strangest episodes ever created. Although the series doesn’t mirror the typical high school experience for many ’90s teenagers, it provided a fantastic escape during those times.

Starring: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond

Creator: Sam Bobrick

Years: 1989 – 1993

Rating: TV-G

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 61% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 7.1

Eerie, Indiana

In the ’90s, I found “Eerie, Indiana” to be one of the strangely captivating kid’s shows that aired back then. This show, with its peculiar blend of horror and sci-fi elements, will strike a chord with fans of “Welcome to Night Vale.” The series is set in the enigmatic town of Eerie, Indiana, where an assortment of paranormal, supernatural, and just plain bizarre phenomena coexist.

In this extraordinary world, Tupperware preserves food (and whatever else gets placed inside) for decades. There’s a school nurse with mind-bending abilities, a dental retainer that allows its wearer to comprehend canine thoughts, extraterrestrial beings, spirits, and a tornado chaser who’s more than a little unstable—all part of the everyday life in this quirky town.

Remarkably clever, oddly captivating, superbly written, and seemingly years ahead, the show “Eerie, Indiana” remains a cherished cult classic for sci-fi and horror enthusiasts even today. As one viewer expressed on IMDb, “If all television was as outstanding as this, we would be living in a much more joyful era.

Starring: Omri Katz, Justin Shenkarow, Mary-Margaret Humes

Creators: José Rivera, Karl Schaefer

Years: 1991 – 1993

Rating: TV-Y7

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100% Tomatometer, 88% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 8.2

Clarissa Explains it All

One of the original Nickelodeon teen sitcoms was called “Clarissa Explains It All,” which starred Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling, the main character who often shared her thoughts and experiences with the audience to clarify aspects of her life. The series brings back memories of that stage in everyone’s youth when everyday occurrences like choosing what to wear or minor disputes with friends felt more significant than they actually were.

Clarissa’s life mirrors that of a typical teenager, filled with first experiences and common challenges faced by many adolescents: buying her first training bra, dealing with school bullies, navigating parental issues, and more. Hart skillfully portrays the spirited Clarissa, adding humor to her character while also showcasing her impeccable ’90s teen fashion sense. To this day, it remains one of Nickelodeon’s finest shows, with fans fondly recalling their youthful affection for Clarissa.

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Joe O’Connor, Elizabeth Hess

Creator: Mitchell Kriegman

Years: 1991 – 1994

Rating: TV-Y

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

IMDb: 7.1

Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Following her experiences in the dramatic teen years portrayed in “Clarissa Explains it All,” Melissa Joan Hart later carved out a significant niche in ’90s television by embodying iconic witches such as the Halliwell Sisters from “Charmed” and Willow Rosenberg of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” In her own role, she played Sabrina Spellman, a character originally from the Archie Comics. “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” is a humorous series reminiscent of “Bewitched,” centered around a teenager who discovers her magical abilities on her 16th birthday.

Sabrina resides in Massachusetts, sharing her home with her chatty feline companion Salem (voiced by Nick Bakay) and her two centuries-old witch aunts, Zelda and Hilda (played by Beth Broderick and Caroline Rhea respectively). Many viewers prefer Sabrina’s high school escapades to the subsequent college years, suggesting that the series should conclude during the fourth season, as they feel the magical elements begin to lose their charm at this point.

Starring: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick

Creator: Nell Scovell

Years: 1996 – 2003

Rating: TV-G

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 67% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 6.7

Beakman’s World

A children’s educational show titled “Beakman’s World” revolves around the character Beakman, an eccentric yet likable scientist who conducts intriguing science experiments in his unusual lab. Accompanied by a lab rat that resembles a nightmare and a changing team of female assistants, this program combines elements of comedy and learning, offering a unique blend of humor and science education.

As a dedicated gamer, I’d describe this captivating series as a unique blend where humor and absurdity take center stage, yet it’s subtly infused with intriguing scientific facts about diverse topics such as magnets, weather patterns, volcanoes, and animal behavior. One Reddit user, reminiscing about their ’90s childhood, aptly compared it to Bill Nye on a psychedelic trip! This show ignited a profound passion for science within countless kids like me who eagerly tuned in every Saturday morning, fostering a generation that cherishes the wonders of science.

Starring: Paul Zaloom, Alanna Ubach, Eliza Schneider

Creator: Jok Church

Years: 1992 – 1997

Rating: TV-Y7

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers

Expressing in simpler terms, the “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” was incredibly popular when it debuted, similar to the frenzy around Pokemon. The original series wasn’t your typical superhero story; rather, it was an extravagant science fiction saga filled with intergalactic battles, sorceresses from other worlds, and robots that were fashionable yet menacing.

The story unfolds in the California town of Angel Grove, where five energetic teenagers are selected by the ancient figure Zordon to safeguard Earth from Rita Repulsa, an evil alien sorceress determined to dominate our planet with her minions’ assistance. To aid them in their mission, Zordon imbues them with powers that transform them into the Power Rangers, a formidable superhero squad equipped with some of the coolest weapons around, even by Saturnian standards. Prepare for an exhilarating ride that will have you on the edge of your seat – and you won’t want to miss a second!

Starring: Austin St. John, Walter Emanuel Jones, Amy Jo Johnson

Creator: Haim Saban, Shuki Levy

Years: 1993 – 1995

Rating: TV-G

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 79% Popcornmeter

IMDb: 6.6

Bill Nye the Science Guy

Bill Nye, an exceptional science educator in the 1990s, possesses a unique talent for simplifying complex ideas into digestible notions – a skill that has made his show popular in numerous classrooms since its debut. In each episode of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” Nye explored various scientific concepts through the lens of genuine curiosity. One reason this program was so influential was because it emphasized testing hypotheses and observational science, areas that many modern students are not receiving sufficient exposure to.

In a straightforward and engaging manner, one could say: Bill Nye, whether discussing pollution or biology, never simplifies his ideas for children, nor does he heavily rely on tricks to convey his message. Instead, he promotes intellectual exploration, which ignited an interest in STEM subjects for many ‘90s kids – not just the younger ones. IMDb’s review section is brimming with nostalgic comments from fans who fondly remember singing the famous “Bill Nye the Science Guy” theme song in high school and cherishing every minute of it.

Starring: Bill Nye, Chais Dean, Suzanne Mikawa

Creator: Bill Nye, James McKenna, Erren Gottlieb

Years: 1993 – 1998

Rating: TV-Y

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

IMDb: 8.2

The Tribe

Towards the end of the 1990s, “The Tribe” was a standout children’s show that deserves mention on any list. This series is unique for its premise: a mysterious virus wipes out all adults, leaving behind only kids and teens who, without adult supervision, have reverted to a wild state, forming communal groups reminiscent of festival-goers heading to Burning Man.

The Mallrats, who reside in malls, are a tranquil community yearning to restore an old world. On the other hand, there are The Chosen, a devout sect led by an authoritative figure they adore; the highly intelligent Technos; and the violent and feuding groups Demon Dogz and Locos. “The Tribe” is similar to “The 100,” but with more exaggerated characters and soap-operatic drama. It’s perfect for a guilty pleasure watch, given its massive 260 episodes and extensive cast of characters that require your attention over an extended period.

Starring: Dwayne Cameron, Beth Allen, Caleb Ross

Creator: Raymond Thompson, Harry Duffin

Years: 1999 – 2003

Rating: TV-PG

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

IMDb: 7.6

Animorphs

In simple terms, “Animorphs” is a series of books that follow a band of teenagers who stumble upon an abandoned construction site and meet an alien prince named Elfangor. He reveals to them that Earth is under threat from a vicious, slug-like alien species known as the Yeerks. To combat this impending invasion, Elfangor gives them the ability to transform into various animals, which forms the basis of the series’ title.

In the Animorphs series, the power to transform into animals is gained by DNA transfer: when an Animorph touches an animal, they gain the ability to shape-shift into it. However, this power comes with conditions, such as a two-hour time limit after which the transformation becomes permanent, and the potential for a DNA allergy that could impair their abilities. The visual effects can sometimes be frightening, but some might argue that’s just part of the nostalgic appeal of this imaginative sci-fi/fantasy show. Many fans believe it’s the millennial nostalgia property that Hollywood should no longer overlook.

Starring: Shawn Ashmore, Boris Cabrera, Nadia Nascimento

Creator: K. A. Applegate

Years: 1998 – 1999

Rating: TV-G

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

IMDb: 6.5

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?

In the ’90s, the TV show “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego” significantly enhanced children’s geographical knowledge much like how “Bill Nye the Science Guy” and “Beakman’s World” boosted their scientific understanding. Originating from an educational computer game that Xennials would play on their computers, where they often perished due to dysentery in “The Oregon Trail,” this TV series took the idea and turned it into a game show, weaving it around a captivating fictional narrative.

This series features Lynne Thigpen portraying the Chief, leader of ACME Crimenet, an organization dedicated to capturing the Villains International League of Evil (VILE), led by the cunning global hide-and-seek champion Carmen Sandiego, who is known for her distinctive red hat. The show’s background music is provided by the vocal group Rockapella, acting as the in-house band for the game show. Contestants, referred to as “gumshoes,” engage in geography challenges to locate and apprehend criminals scattered across the globe.

This series, with its creative storytelling and gameplay, played a significant role in helping children of that time grasp their position in the world and particularly their connections with other nations globally. The attention to detail in creating complex side characters and intricate settings set it apart as superior entertainment compared to most shows of its era.

Starring: Lynne Thigpen, Scott Leonard, Sean Altman

Creator: Broderbund

Years: 1992 – 1995

Rating: TV-Y

Rotten Tomatoes Score: n/a

IMDb: 7.6

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2025-07-16 13:32