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- ABC/Home Improvement, Fox Film Corporation/The Simpsons, NBC/The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Best '90s Sitcoms, Ranked
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
- 1'Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace' References 'A Nightmare on Elm Street' With Groundskeeper Willie As Freddy Krueger159 Votes
- 2'The Shinning' References 'The Shining' With Homer As Jack Torrance152 Votes
- 3'Bart Simpson's Dracula' References 'Bram Stoker's Dracula'118 Votes
- 4'Dial 'Z' For Zombies' References 'Night of the Living Dead'117 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
- 1Pick a Con...Any Con99 Votes
- 2Thanksgiving Orphans170 Votes
- 3What is... Cliff Clavin?156 Votes
- 4Give Me a Ring Sometime124 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
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
- 1No One Wins When the Family Feuds17 Votes
- 2Yamacraw24 Votes
- 3Canvass18 Votes
- 4Payback's a B*tch5 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
- 1The One Where Everybody Finds Out1,650 Votes
- 2The One with the Embryos1,394 Votes
- 3The One Where No One's Ready1,162 Votes
- 4The One Where Ross Got High999 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
- 1Wilmer Valderrama (Fez)1,651 Votes
- 2Laura Prepon (Donna Pinciotti)1,283 Votes
- 3Ashton Kutcher (Michael Kelso)1,225 Votes
- 4Danny Masterson (Steven Hyde)1,342 Votes