The 90s was a time brimming with iconic characters in the best sitcoms of the 90s who brought laughter that transcended generations.
This era redefined the sitcom landscape and set the bar for the future of television comedy.
As we step back into the vibrant decade of flannel shirts and scrunchies, you’ll find the sitcoms of the 90s to be a joyride.
You are in luck, whether you are a devoted fan seeking to relive treasured memories or just curious about these comedic gems.
Here is a collection of humor, heart, and nostalgia that made up the best sitcoms of the 90s.
1. Friends (1994-2004)
- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer.
- IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready to laugh your socks off with the wackiest bunch of twenty-somethings ever to hit the small screen.
Meet Ross, the ‘Dino-Dater’ who can’t find his Jurassic spark in love. Meanwhile, Rachel Green, the fashion-forward diva, struts her stuff through life’s runway of surprises.
Also, you don’t want to track dirt into Monica’s pristine domain because she’s the Queen of Clean.
These friends tackle everything life throws their way, from love triangles to family drama and many laugh-out-loud moments.
Friends is a decade of comedy gold where every day is a new hilarious adventure.
2. Seinfeld (1989-1998)
- Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards.
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
In this rib-tickling sitcom, you will witness the continuing misadventures of New York City’s slickers as they stumble, bumble, and tumble through life.
Jerry Seinfeld navigates the hilarious minefield of neurotic antics alongside his equally nutty pals.
The show has got friendship, fun, and fiascos aplenty. It is the crème de la crème of the best sitcoms of the 90s.
The laughs are guaranteed, the humor is timeless, and you’ll wonder why you missed this 90s showdown.
3. Frasier (1993-2004)
- Cast: Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, Jane Leeves, Peri Gilpin, John Mahoney.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
A successful therapist moves across the map for a fresh start.
He is a radio talk show host who serves up a prescription of humor and wisdom to his eager listeners. However, our leading man’s life isn’t all smooth sailing.
He’s got a storm brewing with his down-to-earth father and a splash of sibling rivalry with his oh-so-fancy brother.
To top it off, there’s the swirling tornado of quirky friends and colleagues. Can he survive without losing his sanity?
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
- Cast: Will Smith, James Avery, Alfonso Ribeiro, Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali.
- IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
This epic African-American sitcom follows the hilarious misadventures of a then-20-year-old Will Smith. He plays a wise-cracking teenager from the mean streets of West Philadelphia.
Fearing for her son’s safety and growth in an underserved black community, she ships him off to live with their fancy-pants relatives in Bel-Air.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is the ultimate treat among the best sitcoms of the 90s.
5. The Simpsons (1989-present)
- Cast: Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, Harry Shearer.
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Matt Groening, the comedy genius, brings a whole new approach to the funny business. The Simpsons family is more iconic than a golden pizza pie.
There’s Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, little Maggie, and everything that is sure to tip the world over.
The show hilariously caricatures society, Western culture, and even television itself.
It’s a pop-culture sensation that will hurt your cheeks from so much laughter.
6. Home Improvement (1991-1999)
- Cast: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman, Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
- IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor has a grand plan to fix everything, well, almost everything.
The project, however, shifts from power tools to parenting. This sitcom is a demolition derby of mischief and glee,
with Tim’s three mischievous boys running around.
But not to worry, Tim’s wife fixes not just leaky faucets but also Tim’s occasional slip-ups.
Together, they form a dynamic duo that makes the show enjoyable.
This is one of the best sitcoms of the 90s that shows that family and a little DIY mishap make for a good time.
7. The X-Files (1993-2002)
- Cast: David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi.
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Join the eerie adventures of Mulder and Scully as they tackle the spookiest and strangest cases known to humanity.
They set out to debunk the paranormality behind the infamous X-Files with a prescription of logic and some eye-rolls.
You can’t watch an episode and not agree that this is one of the best sitcoms of the ’90s.
Mulder and Scully chase UFOs and uncover cryptic creatures so bizarre and inexplicable to man.
The only thing scarier than the monsters is the truth behind Mulder’s UFO posters. Are they ironic or genuine?
8. Roseanne (1988-1997)
- Cast: Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
The Conners are a lovable bunch of misfits who are experts in turning life’s lemons into comedic lemonade.
Dan is the hardworking head of the family and juggles a limited household income. Then there’s Roseanne, the queen of quick-witted comebacks.
Together with their adorable ankle-biters: Becky, Darlene, and D.J., they reside at 714 Delaware Street in Lanford.
Roseanne is so side-splittingly epic you’ll need to sit down for it. Don’t miss out on this craze that had the 90s roaring with delight.
9. Boy Meets World (1993-2000)
- Cast: Ben Savage, Rider Strong, Danielle Fishel, William Daniels.
- IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
Cory Matthews is the mastermind of mischief with not one but TWO pesky siblings. Talk about a triple threat of trouble!
Despite their ups and about, Cory tries to negotiate the chaotic hurdles of adolescence.
Shawn Hunter joins Cory on this whirlwind expedition through the pitfalls of puberty.
Together, they conquer everything from pop quizzes to puppy love with enough flair and finesse.
This flick is the rocket fuel your funny bone craves, and it is one of the best sitcoms of the 90s that will bend you over.
10. Full House (1987-1995)
- Cast: Bob Saget, John Stamos, Dave Coulier, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin, Mary-Kate, and Ashley Olsen.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
First up, we have Jesse, the brooding and talented rock musician. Joey comes next with his wacky antics and endless impressions.
Danny follows with his three young daughters, DJ, Stephanie, and Michelle, who complete the circle.
Each of these characters is not without a unique personality. They are ‘unstoppable,’ armed with love, laughter, and maybe a touch of chaos.
In the heartwarming streets of San Francisco, they experience the joys and mishaps of parenting, resulting in a house so packed you’d think it’s a circus.
11. The Wonder Years (1988-1993)
- Cast: Fred Savage, Dan Lauria, Alley Mills, Olivia d’Abo.
- IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Kevin Arnold is a young lad from
an all-American suburban middle-class family. His story captures the essence of coming-of-age with a sprinkle of nostalgic magic.
You’ll feel like you’re reliving your awkward teenage years but with way more laughs and fewer pimples.
Kevin’s adventure through adolescence every day brings new surprises and amplified emotions. The show is one of the best sitcoms of the 90s that celebrates retro living.
Think white picket fences, BBQs, and occasionally encountering a sneaky garden gnome.
13. The Drew Carey Show (1995-2004)
- Cast: Drew Carey, Diedrich Bader, Kathy Kinney, Ryan Stiles.
- IMDb Rating: 6.9/10
The Drew Carey Show is more than one of the best sitcoms of the 90s. It dares to redefine what it means to be a “laugh out loud” comedy.
Why settle for mediocrity when you can have Drew Carey’s larger-than-life laughathon?
The show is a fictionalized version of the comedy Maestro himself. It is pretty entertaining, if you must know, with belly-busting brilliance. Don’t miss this chance to crash into Drew’s home turf!
14. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996-2003)
- Cast: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Nate Richert.
- IMDb Rating: 6.7/10
Sabrina Spellman is a magically gifted teenager with her feet in the mortal world and the supernatural realm, respectively.
With her long line of witchy ancestors, she is as tricky as a professional magician at a bunny convention.
Despite her marked calendar, Sabrina must balance high school, love, and the ever-eerie world of witchcraft.
Living with her wacky aunts is a hoot and a half. These magical mavens are like the original odd couple.
They have the complete dash of double toil and trouble that will make you cackle like a boiling cauldron.
15. Everybody Loves Raymond (1996-2005)
- Cast: Ray Romano, Patricia Heaton, Brad Garrett, Doris Roberts, Peter Boyle.
- IMDb Rating: 7.0/10
Ray Barone is the man with the plan, or at least he tries to be one.
He’s got it all, a successful sports writer gig, a family to love, and a house in a choice location.
Meddling Marie’s earned a Ph.D. by poking her nose into Ray’s business, and she puts it to good use.
When she’s not dishing out unwanted advice, she’s busy cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Get ready for laughter, love, and a whole lot of in-your-face family dynamics.
Everybody Loves Raymond, and we guarantee you’ll be head over heels for this piece among the best sitcoms of the 90s.
17. Married… with Children (1987-1997)
- Cast: Ed O’Neill, Katey Sagal, Christina Applegate, David Faustino.
- IMDb Rating: 8.0/10
Al Bundy is a man who went from gridiron glory to ‘sole-crushing’ shoe sales.
He embarks on a comically tragic journey through the maze of shoes and family woes. Nonetheless, he’s got Peggy, a lovingly irritating wife.
She might not always be the sharpest tool in the shed, but she’s got enough sass to fill a shoe store.
So, if you’re up for a hilarious dose of ’90s sitcom gold, Married… with Children is the shoo-in winner. Keep up with this amazing family that’s more entertaining than a clown car.
Trust me; you won’t want to miss a single moment of this riotous romp through suburban life.
18. Saved by the Bell (1989-1993)
- Cast: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Dustin Diamond, Tiffani Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley
- IMDb Rating: 7.1/10
At Bayside High, it’s not just about textbooks and chalk dust but surviving the ultimate challenges of teen life.
This series, among the best sitcoms of the 90s, highlights relationships more confusing than advanced calculus.
Zack and his pals go ahead to prove that high school is not for the faint of heart.
As this naughty crew wreaks havoc and causes mayhem, they continuously give their principal, Mr. Richard Belding, a run for his money.
Mr. Belding tries to keep these lovable troublemakers in check, but will they ever learn? No, and that’s what makes it all the more entertaining.
