The Best '90s Sitcoms, Ranked
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    • ABC/Home Improvement, Fox Film Corporation/The Simpsons, NBC/The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The Best '90s Sitcoms, Ranked

Ranker TV
Updated September 8, 2025 478.2K views 51 items
Ranked By
14.3Kvoters167.9Kvotes
23reranks
Voting Rules
Vote up your favorite sitcoms and comedy shows that aired between 1991 and 1999.

The allure of 1990s sitcoms is undeniable, with their endearing themes, catchy theme songs, and unforgettable characters. These shows have left an everlasting impact on television history, demonstrating a golden age of humor and storytelling. This decade was teeming with creativity and ingenuity, offering sitcoms that range from the whimsically animated world of The Simpsons to the family dynamics and wisecracks of Home Improvement. During the '90s, sitcoms reigned supreme, captivating viewers with their relatable storylines and laugh-out-loud moments. The list of the best 90s sitcoms highlights the cream of the crop, showcasing why these shows continue to be celebrated decades later.

It’s hard to choose the best sitcoms of the ‘90s - so many quality theme songs, so many outlandish misunderstandings, and so many will-they-or-wont-they plot lines. Though Seinfeld dominated much of the era, the show actually began its run in the ‘80s, so for the purposes of this best-of list, we begin at the beginning: The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Home Improvement, and Beavis and Butt-head are just a few of the greatest sitcoms to start the ‘90s.

By the time President Clinton was sworn into office, Blossom, Martin, and Mad About You were already must-see mainstays in '90s television. Building on the successes of ensemble comedies like Cheers and Night Court, other sitcoms of the '90s like Wings, Frasier, and The Drew Carey Show had a core group of characters getting equal airtime and having intersecting storylines.

Then, there were the cultural phenomena. Friends took off like a pop-culture rocket, influencing music, fashion, hairstyles, and vernacular. The long-running South Park launched on Comedy Central and neither animation nor celebrity spoofing would ever be the same. Cable broke new programming ground with Sex and the City, among other shows, setting a course for the ‘00s and teens, where subscription cable dominates the zeitgeist and awards shows.

Some critics’ darlings, like NewsRadio, saw abbreviated runs, while worn-out premises, like The Nanny, exceeded expectations. Shows like Will & Grace, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Living Single, and Step by Step reflected how the culture was redefining the traditional family. The funniest shows of the ‘90s entertained but were also informed by the way we live today.

What are the best '90s sitcoms? Did the sitcoms you think are best make the list? Are they still as fresh today as they were 30 (yes 30!) years ago? Take a look and vote the best 1990s sitcoms to the top.

 

 

Most divisive: Will & Grace
Over 14.3K Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of The Best '90s Sitcoms, Ranked
This list is dynamically ranked based on user voting. The order reflects the consensus of our voters and is not influenced by paid placements or editorial bias.
Ranked by
  • The Simpsons
    1
    Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright
    4,385 votes

    A groundbreaking and enduring animated sitcom, The Simpsons captured the hearts of both children and adults alike throughout the 1990s. With an impressive voice cast featuring Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Hank Azaria, and Harry Shearer, the show introduced a colorful world inhabited by unforgettable characters like Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson. As America's favorite dysfunctional family unit living in the fictional town of Springfield. The Simpsons garnered numerous accolades including 34 Primetime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Its impact on pop culture is enormous with catchphrases like "D'oh!" becoming part of everyday language.

    • Premiered: December 17, 1989
    • Network: FOX
    • 'Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace' References 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' With Groundskeeper Willie As Freddy Krueger
      1'Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace' References 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' With Groundskeeper Willie As Freddy Krueger
       
       
      159 Votes
    • 'The Shinning' References 'The Shining' With Homer As Jack Torrance
      2'The Shinning' References 'The Shining' With Homer As Jack Torrance
       
       
      152 Votes
    • 'Bart Simpson's Dracula' References 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'
      3'Bart Simpson's Dracula' References 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'
       
       
      118 Votes
    • 'Dial 'Z' For Zombies' References 'Night of the Living Dead'
      4'Dial 'Z' For Zombies' References 'Night of the Living Dead'
       
       
      117 Votes
  • Cheers
    2
    Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt
    2,862 votes

    Set within a cozy Boston bar aptly named Cheers, this beloved sitcom ran for eleven successful seasons from 1982 to 1993. Cheers was known for its witty humor and lovable ensemble cast that included Ted Danson as bartender Sam Malone alongside Rhea Perlman as sassy waitress Carla Tortelli. This critically-acclaimed show earned many awards during its run including 28 Primetime Emmy Awards out of an impressive 117 nominations. Its memorable theme song became synonymous with the idea of camaraderie and friendship - making Cheers an instrumental piece in defining '90s pop culture.

    • Premiered: September 30, 1982
    • Network: NBC
    • Pick a Con...Any Con
      1Pick a Con...Any Con
       
       
      99 Votes
    • Thanksgiving Orphans
      2Thanksgiving Orphans
       
       
      170 Votes
    • What is... Cliff Clavin?
      3What is... Cliff Clavin?
       
       
      156 Votes
    • Give Me a Ring Sometime
      4Give Me a Ring Sometime
       
       
      124 Votes
  • Home Improvement
    3
    Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Earl Hindman
    5,433 votes

    Starring Tim Allen as an eccentric TV personality and family man, Home Improvement showcased the light-hearted misadventures of the Taylor family through eight successful seasons. With Patricia Richardson playing Jill Taylor, Tim's long-suffering wife, and a young Jonathan Taylor Thomas as their son Randy, the show struck a chord with audiences for its relatable family dynamics and clever humor. An undeniable hit during the '90s, Home Improvement cemented its place in sitcom history by winning multiple awards and setting the stage for many spin-offs and career opportunities for its cast members.

    • Premiered: September 17, 1991
    • Network: ABC
  • The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
    4
    Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid
    6,346 votes

    This iconic '90s sitcom launched Will Smith's acting career into superstardom as he played a fictionalized version of himself - a charming yet mischievous teenager from Philadelphia sent to live with his wealthy relatives in their Bel-Air mansion. With standout performances by James Avery as stern Uncle Phil and Alfonso Ribeiro as preppy cousin Carlton Banks, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air masterfully combined heartfelt moments with hilarious hijinks over six popular seasons. The show received multiple awards during its run while also leaving an indelible mark on fashion trends and pop culture with its catchy theme song and memorable dance moves.

    • Premiered: September 10, 1990
    • Network: NBC
    • No One Wins When the Family Feuds
      1No One Wins When the Family Feuds
       
       
      17 Votes
    • Yamacraw
      2Yamacraw
       
       
      24 Votes
    • Canvass
      3Canvass
       
       
      18 Votes
    • Payback's a B*tch
      4Payback's a B*tch
       
       
      5 Votes
  • Friends
    5
    Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
    7,652 votes

    A cultural phenomenon that defined a generation, Friends followed six close-knit friends navigating life, love, and laughter in New York City. The ensemble cast featuring Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer became household names thanks to their hilarious performances as Rachel Green, Monica Geller-Bing, Phoebe Buffay-Hannigan, Joey Tribbiani, Chandler Bing, Ross Geller respectively. Over ten wildly popular seasons from 1994 to 2004, Friends garnered numerous accolades including multiple Emmy Awards while spawning catchphrases like "How you doin'?" that continue to resonate with fans today.


     

    • Premiered: September 22, 1994
    • Network: NBC
    • The One Where Everybody Finds Out
      1The One Where Everybody Finds Out
       
       
      1,650 Votes
    • The One with the Embryos
      2The One with the Embryos
       
       
      1,394 Votes
    • The One Where No One's Ready
      3The One Where No One's Ready
       
       
      1,162 Votes
    • The One Where Ross Got High
      4The One Where Ross Got High
       
       
      999 Votes
  • That '70s Show
    6
    Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher
    5,558 votes

    A period sitcom set in Wisconsin during the late 1970s, That '70s Show debuted in 1998 boasting a talented ensemble cast featuring Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson and Wilmer Valderrama who played teenagers Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, Jackie Burkhart Michael Kelso Steven Hyde Fez respectively. This nostalgia-driven series cleverly captured teenage life amidst shifting cultural attitudes of '70s era America earning positive reviews critical acclaim throughout its eight-season run. With memorable catchphrases like "Burn!" and iconic introductions of future A-list actors, That '70s Show remains a steadfast favorite among sitcom enthusiasts.

    • Premiered: August 23, 1998
    • Network: FOX
    • Wilmer Valderrama (Fez)
      1Wilmer Valderrama (Fez)
       
       
      1,651 Votes
    • Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti)
      2Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti)
       
       
      1,283 Votes
    • Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso)
      3Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso)
       
       
      1,225 Votes
    • Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde)
      4Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde)
       
       
      1,342 Votes