Anyone?
There weren't any streaming services, but the 90s was definitely a time of TV overload—and with so much on the tube, there were some gems (and a few not so gems) that just slipped through the cracks in our collective memories. Well, not all of our collective memories, because there has to be others out there who remember these shows...right?
“Herman’s Head” (1991–1994)
Long before Pixar gave us Inside Out, Fox gave us this quirky sitcom about Herman (William Ragsdale), a fact-checker whose every decision was acted out by four characters inside his brain—lust, sensitivity, intellect, and anxiety. This one ran for three seasons, developed a small cult following, and even got spoofed on The Simpsons.
Fox, Herman’s Head (1991–1994)
“Chicago Hope” (1994–2000)
Premiering the same week as ER, this David E. Kelley drama starred Mandy Patinkin, Christine Lahti, Adam Arkin, and Peter MacNicol. With intense storylines and powerhouse performances, it won multiple Emmys and critical praise. Yet, right from the start, it was in ER’s massive shadow and it stayed there for 6 seasons—never becoming the cultural juggernaut it could've been otherwise.
“Brooklyn Bridge” (1991–1993)
Created by Gary David Goldberg—the man who also gave us Family Ties—this heartfelt dramedy followed 14-year-old Alan Silver and his Jewish-American family in 1950s Brooklyn. Critics adored it, and it even picked up an Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series. But poor ratings ended it after two seasons, leaving it one of TV’s most respected lost shows.
CBS, Brooklyn Bridge (1991–1993)
“The Single Guy” (1995–1997)
Jonathan Silverman starred as a struggling New York writer navigating disastrous dates and overbearing friends. NBC hyped it by slotting it between Friends and Seinfeld, hoping for another hit. Despite guest cameos from the Friends cast, it never caught on, lasting just two seasons. Today, it’s remembered only as NBC’s great Thursday-night misfire.
NBC, The Single Guy (1995–1997)
“Northern Exposure” (1990–1995)
We gotta believe there are a bunch of you out there who remember this one. A young New York doctor (Rob Morrow) ends up practicing medicine in quirky Cicely, Alaska, where moose wander the streets and the locals spout philosophy. The comedy, romance, and magical realism brought the show a Peabody Award and multiple Emmys. But despite all the critical love, it faded in rerun obscurity and rarely gets mentioned today.
CBS, Northern Exposure (1990–1995)
“Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” (1990–1993)
Corin Nemec played Parker Lewis, a Ferris Bueller-style teen who never lost. Known for its zany editing, surreal gags, and catchphrase “Not a problem,” it was one of Fox’s most stylized shows. Critics loved its inventiveness, but mainstream audiences didn’t bite. After three seasons, it ended, remembered only by its die-hard cult fans.
Fox, Parker Lewis Can’t Lose (1990–1993)
“Step by Step” (1991–1998)
Any other TGIF fans out there? If so, then you'll no doubt remember this Brady Bunch-style sitcom starring Patrick Duffy and Suzanne Somers. Blending two big families into one chaotic household, it was a Friday-night staple for seven seasons.
“The Secret World of Alex Mack” (1994–1998)
Larisa Oleynik starred as Alex, a regular teen who gained powers after a chemical spill. She could melt into puddles, zap things with her mind, and juggle high school drama. A Nickelodeon staple for four seasons, it had an edgy vibe for kids’ TV—but when it ended, the character evaporated from memory like her goo form.
Nickelodeon, The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994–1998)
“Space: Above and Beyond” (1995–1996)
Fox gambled big on this military sci-fi about space marines battling alien invaders. With gritty tone, movie-level production values, and heavy themes, it looked like Battlestar Galactica before its time. Sadly, the budget was massive, the ratings were weak, and it was canceled after just one season—becoming a cult favorite in hindsight.
Fox, Space: Above and Beyond (1995–1996)
“Hang Time” (1995–2000)
Part of NBC’s Saturday morning teen block, this sitcom centered on Julie (Daniella Deutscher), the only girl on a boys’ basketball team. With slam dunks, dating drama, and plenty of cheesy dialogue, it quietly lasted six seasons. Somehow, though, it’s almost never mentioned when people talk about ’90s teen TV.
“Brotherly Love” (1995–1997)
Starring Joey, Matthew, and Andrew Lawrence as brothers running their late father’s Philadelphia garage, this sitcom banked on the real siblings’ charisma. It was wholesome, funny, and full of ’90s family sitcom vibes. But it only lasted two seasons—making it the type of show people vaguely remember, if at all.
NBC, Brotherly Love (1995–1997)
“Animorphs” (1998–2000)
Nickelodeon’s adaptation of the hit book series starred Shawn Ashmore as Jake, a teen who, along with friends, could morph into animals to battle aliens. The low-budget CGI transformations were memorably awkward, but fans still tuned in. After two seasons, it ended, leaving readers to stick with the books instead.
Nickelodeon, Animorphs (1998–2000)
“Unhappily Ever After” (1995–1999)
WB’s raunchy sitcom starred Geoff Pierson as a divorced dad who regularly confided in Mr. Floppy, a stuffed bunny voiced by Bobcat Goldthwait. Nikki Cox became the breakout star, and the show ran for five seasons. Despite its run, it’s now a footnote, often dismissed as a Married… with Children knock-off.
The WB, Unhappily Ever After (1995–1999)
“So Weird” (1999–2001)
Disney Channel went darker than usual with this paranormal teen drama. Fiona (Cara DeLizia) blogged about supernatural encounters while traveling with her mom’s rock band. Featuring ghosts, aliens, and eerie storylines, it became a cult hit for kids craving scares. After three seasons, it was replaced with a lighter tone—and forgotten soon after.
Disney Channel, So Weird (1999–2001)
“The Pretender” (1996–2000)
Michael T. Weiss starred as Jarod, a genius who could instantly master any profession. Escaping from a sinister research center, he used his talents to help others while searching for his family. The show ran four seasons, even spawning two TV movies, but still slipped out of mainstream memory.
NBC, The Pretender (1996–2000)
“The Torkelsons” (1991–1993)
This NBC family sitcom followed a widowed mother raising five kids in Oklahoma. With small-town humor and homespun heart, it felt like a throwback to earlier TV. After two seasons, it was retooled into a new show (Almost Home) before being canceled completely. Fans remember it fondly, but most never saw it.
NBC, The Torkelsons (1991–1993)
“Profiler” (1996–2000)
Ally Walker starred as Dr. Sam Waters, an FBI profiler with an uncanny gift for tracking the bad guys. The dark crime drama often aired alongside The Pretender as part of NBC’s Friday lineup. It pushed boundaries with disturbing cases years before Criminal Minds, but after four seasons, it was quietly retired.
“Weird Science” (1994–1998)
Based on the John Hughes movie, this USA Network sitcom ran for five seasons. Michael Manasseri and John Mallory Asher played the nerdy teens who created Lisa, a computer-generated “perfect woman” (Vanessa Angel). The show leaned into slapstick absurdity, but even with a decent run, it fell off the cultural radar.
USA Network, Weird Science (1994–1998)
“Relativity” (1996–1997)
ABC’s short-lived drama followed Isabel (Poppy Montgomery) and Leo (David Conrad), two young lovers in Los Angeles. Critics praised its realism and nuanced writing, but ratings were abysmal. It lasted only 17 episodes before being canceled—one of those series more beloved by TV writers than audiences.
“The Journey of Allen Strange” (1997–2000)
Nickelodeon’s sci-fi dramedy followed Allen, an alien disguised as a teen boy living with a foster family. He ate cat food, quoted Earth pop culture, and learned human emotions in surprisingly touching storylines. The show ran three seasons, but never reached the fame of other Nickelodeon hits.
Nickelodeon, The Journey of Allen Strange (1997–2000)
“Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher” (1996–1998)
Comedian Mitch Mullany starred as Nick, a wannabe actor turned eccentric high school teacher. It was goofy and upbeat, fitting WB’s young-skewing brand. But competing with heavy-hitters like Buffy and Dawson’s Creek doomed it. After two seasons, it quietly disappeared, known only to WB loyalists.
The WB, Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (1996–1998)
“Ghostwriter” (1992–1995)
This PBS mystery series had a group of kids solving cases with the help of Ghostwriter, a spirit who could only communicate through writing. It was both fun and educational, winning praise for boosting literacy. Though it ran three seasons, its low-key nature meant it faded after its run.
“The Powers That Be” (1992–1993)
Produced by Norman Lear, this NBC satire centered on a bumbling U.S. senator (John Forsythe) and his dysfunctional family. With David Hyde Pierce and Holland Taylor in the cast, it had pedigree—but only lasted two seasons. Critics liked it, but audiences weren’t ready for political satire on primetime TV.
NBC, The Powers That Be (1992–1993)
“Now and Again” (1999–2000)
CBS tried a high-concept dramedy: a middle-aged man (John Goodman) dies, but his brain is transplanted into a genetically perfect young body (Eric Close). Smart, funny, and heartfelt, it developed a loyal fan base. But the budget was high, and CBS pulled the plug after one season.
CBS, Now and Again (1999–2000)
“Life with Louie” (1995–1998)
Comedian Louie Anderson transformed his Wisconsin childhood into this animated series. With Louie narrating, it balanced humor, nostalgia, and touching lessons about family life. Airing on Fox Kids, it won Emmys and a Humanitas Prize. Despite the acclaim, it quietly ended after three seasons and slipped from memory.
Fox, Life with Louie (1995–1998)
“Working” (1997–1999)
Fred Savage returned to TV as a corporate drone trapped in office politics. A cynical workplace satire, it took aim at corporate culture long before The Office. Though it lasted two seasons and featured cameos from Danica McKellar, audiences never fully warmed to Savage in an adult role.
“Nothing Sacred” (1997–1998)
ABC’s controversial drama followed a Catholic priest wrestling with modern issues like poverty and faith. Critics praised its boldness, and it even won a Peabody Award. But backlash from religious groups torpedoed ratings, and the show was canceled after just one season.
ABC, Nothing Sacred (1997–1998)
“Dinosaurs” (1991–1994)
Jim Henson’s Creature Shop created this sitcom about the Sinclair dinosaur family, led by patriarch Earl. It was funny, satirical, and surprisingly political. Kids loved Baby Sinclair’s “Not the mama!” catchphrase. But its infamous finale—where the Ice Age begins—left viewers shocked, making it one of TV’s darkest endings ever.
“Out of This World” (1987–1991, reruns in the ’90s)
Teen Evie (Maureen Flannigan) discovers her alien dad gave her the power to freeze time by touching her fingers. It was pure camp, with Burt Reynolds voicing the father via a crystal ball. Though it ended in 1991, constant ’90s reruns made kids remember it—until they didn’t.
NBC, Out of This World (1987–1991)
“EZ Streets” (1996–1997)
Created by Paul Haggis, this CBS crime drama starred Ken Olin, Joe Pantoliano, and Jason Gedrick. Critics compared it to great crime novels, calling it ahead of its time. But audiences weren’t ready for morally gray antiheroes, and it was canceled after just nine aired episodes.
“The Adventures of Pete & Pete” (1993–1996)
Nickelodeon’s surreal suburban comedy followed two brothers—both named Pete—through bizarre adventures. With characters like Artie the Strongest Man in the World, it became a cult favorite. Featuring cameos from Iggy Pop and Michael Stipe, it was one of the most unique shows of the decade.
Nickelodeon, The Adventures of Pete & Pete (1993–1996)
“Clarissa Explains It All” (1991–1994)
Melissa Joan Hart starred as Clarissa, a quirky teen who broke the fourth wall to explain her life directly to viewers. With neon fashion, weird plots, and an alligator in her room, it was a Nickelodeon classic. Oddly, it’s often overshadowed by Hart’s next hit, Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
Nickelodeon, Clarissa Explains It All (1991–1994)
“Are You Afraid of the Dark?” (1990–1996)
Nickelodeon’s scariest show introduced the Midnight Society, kids who gathered at a campfire to tell terrifying tales. With haunted houses, cursed comics, and nightmare-inducing clowns, it terrified a generation. Hugely influential, it ran for five seasons but is oddly absent from most mainstream ’90s TV nostalgia.
Nickelodeon, Are You Afraid of the Dark? (1990–1996)
“Salute Your Shorts” (1991–1992)
Camp Anawanna gave Nickelodeon one of its funniest sitcoms, with Donkey Lips, Budnick, and Zeke the Plumber haunting our memories. Its two short seasons packed in enough laughs and pranks to become legendary. The theme song—“Camp Anawanna, we hold you in our hearts”—still sticks in fans’ heads decades later.
Nickelodeon, Salute Your Shorts (1991–1992)
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