The 15 Best '90s Family Sitcoms That Prove TV Really Was Better Back Then

Number of Seasons: 8

Episode Count: 204

What It's About: Tim Taylor is the host of Tool Time, a TV show where he demonstrates how to use tools around the house. He also has to deal with the demands of his family, including his wife and three troublemaking sons, with the support of his co-host and friend Al, as well as his neighbor, Wilson - although those two give him headaches as well. 

Why It's So Watchable: The breezy family show never gets too serious, making viewers feel safe and relaxed. Tim's life is simple and easygoing, but his tendency to treat things too lightly usually result in mishaps. His friends' and sons' mischievous antics provide plenty of funny scenarios for Tim to fix, with or without his beloved tools.

Standout Cast Member: Tim Allen, already known for stand-up comedy before Home Improvement boosted his acting career. He was on a roll during Home Improvement's run, starring in popular movies like Toy Story, The Santa Clause, and Galaxy Quest. He has continued his solid list of credits with more Toy Story movies, The Santa Clauses TV series, and the sitcom Last Man Standing.

Number of Seasons: 6

Episode Count: 148

What It's About: Will Smith moves in with his rich relatives in Bel-Air, the Banks, after a fight in his Philadelphia hometown. After growing up in a middle-class household, Will is at odds with his new family's wealthy lifestyle. He frequently clashes with his stern Uncle Phil Banks and prissy cousin Carlton, while the rest of the family members display their own quirks. Will's presence changes the Banks's lifestyle along with his own.

Why It's So Watchable: The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is one of the few family sitcoms where each cast member has a fleshed-out identity, including the wisecracking Will, goofy Carlton, and sarcastic butler Geoffrey. The show's comedic take on the upper-class lifestyle is the main hook, with Will and Carlton getting on Uncle Phil's nerves by regularly overplaying their family's rich status. The series also has serious episodes that double as life lessons exploring topics like gun control and absent parents.

Standout Cast Member: Will Smith. Before the show he was a known rapper, but the sitcom propelled him into stardom. Smith appeared in the blockbuster films Bad Boys and Independence Day while Fresh Prince was still on the air. He then starred in several superhits over the next three decades, including I Am Legend, Hancock, Men in Black, Aladdin, and King Richard, for which he won an Oscar.

Number of Seasons: 9

Episode Count: 215

What It's About: The Winslows are a blue-collar, working-class family who stick to their values while keeping up with changing times. Patriarch Carl tries to be a present parent while maintaining his duties as a police officer. During the first season, the Winslows' neighbor, Steve Urkel, begins showing up due to his crush on their daughter, Laura. Steve eventually becomes the main character, coming up with wacky inventions, quirky fixes to the family's problems, and even breaking the laws of physics.

Why It's So Watchable: The show delivers a barrel of laughs while staying true to its middle-class roots. Although it goes off the rails frequently in later seasons, Family Matters has a lot of heart. Steve's popularity was a phenomenon at the time; the character showed up in other shows like Full House, Step by Step, and even Scooby-Doo. Life lessons learned include tolerance, standing up for yourself, and self-acceptance.

Standout Cast Member: Jaleel White, who played Steve. White went on to star in the sitcom Grown Ups and voice the lead character in various Sonic the Hedgehog media. He's also had notable appearances in films like Dreamgirls and shows such as Dancing with the Stars.

Number of Seasons: 7

Episode Count: 158

What It's About: At the start of the series, Cory Matthews is a middle school student who faces everyday preteen problems. As the show progresses, Cory enters high school and begins a relationship with classmate Topanga Lawrence. By the end of the show's run, Cory starts college and faces real-world problems along with Topanga, his best friend Shawn, and their other friends. Through it all, he has the guidance of his beloved teacher and mentor, Mr. Feeny, as well as his parents.

Why It's So Watchable: Boy Meets World is one of the most relatable shows made for young audiences, and follows the crucial stages of an adolescent's life. Watching Cory tackle real-life issues hits close to home because viewers likely have gone through the same trials. The show also has a strong grasp on the importance of a supportive family and social group. Because of the positive influence of his parents, his elder brother Eric, and his mentor, Cory develops into a fine human being. Boy Meets World also balances heavy elements with humor.

Standout Cast Member: Will Friedle. The actor who played Cory's brother Eric won many fans for his portrayal of the character as a lovably goofy sibling. Friedle's main accomplishments in show business are as a voice actor. He's known for voicing Terry McGinnis in Batman Beyond, Ron Stoppable in Kim Possible, and Bumblebee in Transformers media. He also appeared a guest in the Boy Meets World spinoff Girl Meets World, reprising his role as Eric.

Number of Seasons: 8

Episode Count: 192

What It's About: After his wife passes away, Danny Tanner has his best friend, Joey Gladstone, and brother-in-law, Jesse Katsopolis, move in to help take care of his three daughters. They end up becoming a true family, sticking together through thick and thin as the girls grow up. Over the years, Joey progresses in his career as a comedian, Danny moves on to pursue new romances, Jesse marries and becomes a father himself, and the girls navigate lives as children and teenagers. 

Why It's So Watchable: Full House is filled with warmth and life lessons. Each episode has a central conflict that ends with the characters learning from their mistakes and growing closer. Humor is based on each family member's quirks: Jesse's obsession with his hair, Joey's comedic impressions, Danny's cleanliness, and Michelle's catchphrases.

Standout Cast Members: John Stamos and the Olsen twins. 

Stamos first gained relevance with a role in General Hospital before making it big on Full House. After the series ended, the actor continued with lead roles in sitcoms like Jake in Progress and Grandfathered, and dramas such as ER and Big Shot.

The Olsen twins were breakout stars as children, appearing together as leads in the films Billboard Dad, Passport to Paris, When in Rome, and New York Minute, among others. Even after stepping away from acting, they've remained famous in the fashion industry.

Number of Seasons: 6

Episode Count: 115

What It's About: The show, set during 1968-1973, follows Kevin Arnold during his transformative years. Kevin sees the world through a different lens the older he grows, learning about the difficulties people face no matter what background they come from. Kevin's family members include his gruff father, sweet-natured mother, hippie older sister, and foul-mannered older brother. He spends most of his days with his best friend, Paul, and neighbor, Winnie, for whom Kevin eventually develops feelings. 

Why It's So Watchable: The Wonder Years, which is not a typical sitcom, has many comedic elements, but it's the drama that has the most impact. The show was unique during its time for presenting a family-based show through a single-camera lens, which allows viewers to experience life in the ’60s and ’70s through Kevin's point of view.

Standout Cast Member: Fred Savage. The actor earned multiple awards for his performance in the lead role. He went on to lead other comedies like Crumbs, The Grinder, and Friends from College, and to work as a producer and director, although controversies surrounding his workplace behavior have blighted his legacy.