Excellent TV series are released all the time, but these ’90s TV shows are still the best. We can all likely agree that there is an abundance of intriguing TV to watch these days, from exciting The Walking Dead spinoffs to the latest season of a Netflix drama or thriller your friends can’t stop recommending.

It’s clear that certain shows that aired during the 1990s were particularly great, whether they covered groundbreaking topics, delved into fresh and unique characters, or had well-crafted episodes that still resonate. Some of these shows are forever favorites and always a perfect choice to rewatch, whether you’re in the mood to laugh, feel nostalgic, or be moved all over again.

Mad About You (1992-1999)

The ’90s sitcom followed Seinfeld and Friends and tells a heartfelt NYC story about married couple Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie (Helen Hunt. At first glance, it might not stand out much as they deal with problems like her quirky sister, overbearing parents, and career changes.

But Mad About You is a complex and smart look at a long-term relationship. You root for Paul and Jamie, whose mishaps are relatable. When they go on a road trip to find a restaurant that serves amazing clams and then realize there’s a new location right near their apartment, that could happen to you, too.

Oz (1997-2003)

At its core, a TV show set in a prison is going to be tough to watch, and it’s true that Oz is a grim series all the way through. The six-season show is so gripping that it’s still considered one of the most unforgettable series in the genre.

The 2000s series Prison Break and Orange Is the New Black, which began streaming on Netflix in 2013, might have similar settings, but nothing compares to the powerful storytelling of Oz. As you get to know the characters, the series has something important to say about those in prison as people rather than only focusing on their crimes.

Sex and the City (1998-2004)

Before Sex and the City, most female TV characters didn’t openly talk about sex and intimacy, which is what made the HBO show so groundbreaking. A smart exploration of close friendships and the highs and lows of dating, it’s hard to ignore the show’s impact.

The weak revival And Just Like That only emphasizes the strengths of the original. All four main characters are depicted as clever and ambitious women who, except for single free spirit Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), want a partner but also career success and fulfilling experiences.

Almost every episode of the ’90s series feels like the relatable experience of going on a date and then having brunch or dinner with friends to talk about what happened. With hindsight, the iconic romance between Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Big (Chris Noth) is problematic, as he should have treated her better. Still, the show remains meaningful.

ER (1994-2009)

When you tune into a medical drama, you expect a different case every episode, wise doctors, and some debates about the best treatment plan. You also assume there will be drama between the main characters, and more about their personal lives will be revealed. ER started all this, and it’s still one of the best medical dramas of all time.

Some shows about doctors are filled with melodrama and treat affairs, flings, and dating storylines as more important than the actual medicine. ER is so fantastic because you have fun watching the characters go about their days and save lives, but you also get to see them fall in love and deal with intriguing challenges.

My So-Called Life (1994-1995)

In contrast to shows that air for only one season and have disappointing character arcs or lackluster plots, My So-Called Life is an intelligent and quirky teen drama. You’re drawn in by Angela Chase (Claire Danes), a relatable main character who is perfectly herself.

As Angela leaves her popular best friend, Sharon Cherski (Devon Odessa), behind and bonds with artistic Rayanne Graff (A.J. Langer) and kind Rickie Vasquez (Wilson Cruz), she goes on a journey of self-identity that many adolescents do. Today’s teen shows sometimes forget that the characters need to be fresh and cool rather than just insecure and rebelling against their parents.

My So-Called Life also stands out thanks to its sharp dialogue, which is much smarter and more memorable than any recent show from the genre. One of the best ones? When Angela says life is “a test” because otherwise, “you would have received instructions on where to go and what to do.“

The X-Files (1993-2002)

The opposite belief systems of Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) make this sci-fi series stand out above the rest. No matter what case they investigate, you want to see how they react to it.

Other shows have tried and failed to tell a similarly epic and compelling story about aliens, and often these shows are short-lived, like The Whispers and The Event, which only had one season each. The show’s episodes are detailed, intricate, and clever.

The X-Files revival might not be as good as the original, but given how you love watching the main characters, you can’t help but wish the show had never ended.

Friends (1994-2004)

It’s hard to overstate the pop culture impact of Friends, and the well-drawn characters stay with you, all these years later. Sure, you’ll laugh and feel moved by the character arcs on recent sitcoms like Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory, but Friends has several big moments that have become part of daily life.

Maybe you always think of Monica Geller (Courteney Cox) with a turkey over her head on Thanksgiving or Ross Geller (David Schwimmer) and Rachel Green’s (Jennifer Aniston) break. Or perhaps you immediately think of Ross screaming “Pivot!” when moving a couch upstairs. Either way, these scenes and quotes have had a more lasting impact than any sitcom of the 2020s.

The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air (1990-1996)

From the theme song that everyone still knows every word of to the storylines about class and money, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air remains a classic sitcom that hasn’t been overshadowed by anything made today.

Instead of silly plotlines that feel more like a run-through of every sitcom trope than actual entertainment, the show focused on the heartwarming Banks family. When Will (Will Smith) begins living with his aunt Vivian (Janet Hubert-Whitten and Daphne Maxwell Reid), uncle Philip (James Avery), and their son Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro), it’s sweet watching their relationships form.

Of course, there are some funny moments here, too, and Carlton’s dance moves have become as famous as Elaine Benes’ (Julia-Louis Dreyfus) terrible attempts on Seinfeld. A more recent family sitcom, like Modern Family, is popular and fun, but it’s hard to say it has the iconic status of Fresh Prince.

Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003)

The memorable main character at the heart of this teen fantasy drama makes it an entertaining rewatch any time. No other show has managed to blend teen storylines with supernatural creatures so effortlessly and impressively.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer‘s romantic storylines are just as fun and exciting as the fast-paced battles, and the show makes you care equally about vampires like Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsden) as Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar).

But while the unique tone makes it more unforgettable than any sci-fi show today, Buffy also made you feel. Season 5, episode 16, “The Body” is perhaps the most moving exploration of grief on TV. You’re also deeply invested in Buffy’s journey, and while she’s tasked with saving the world, the show never forgets the small details of her life.

Twin Peaks (1990-1991)

Although there are undeniably some moments from the popular series that still feel perplexing, David Lynch’s singular, artistic, and clever filmmaking style makes Twin Peaks one of the most memorable TV-watching experiences you could have.

No recent thriller series about a disappearance or murder has been as creative, and the iconic elements, like Dale Cooper (Kyle MacLachlan) enjoying coffee and cherry pie, haven’t been matched since. You genuinely wanted to know who murdered Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee) and also find out more about her.

You don’t get tidy answers here, and it’s fair to say that the series made a lot of viewers excited to watch a mystery and try to pick up on clues, spot red herrings, and interpret strange elements.