Entertainment

21 '90s TV Shows Your Kids Will Love Just As Much As You

by Sarah Bunton

There's no doubt that the 1990s are back in a big way. With Independence Day: Resurgence proving sequels to '90s classics can work and news there will be follow-up to The Blair Witch Project, you know nothing can top the entertainment from your childhood. Even '90s bands like Sleater-Kinney, Prodigy ,and Soundgarden have all made recent comebacks. With nostalgia at an all-time high, you can bet there are '90s TV shows your kids will love just as much as you did when you were their age.

Though I'm most definitely biased, I'd argue with anyone that the '90s were the Golden Age of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network's programming. From cartoons and comic book heroes to angtsy teen drama and campfire horror stories, the 1990s had a wide range of options when it came to TV shows.

Plus, there are shows from the decade of the '90s that weren't even aimed at children that still hold up today. Just look at the longevity of "grown up" shows like The X-Files and Twin Peaks —both of which have reboots, by the way. So pop open some Surge soda, get in some comfy Hammer pants, and check out these TV shows from the '90s your kids will love.

1

'Rugrats'

Who can forget the original #squadgoals of the little tykes on Rugrats. Ringleader Tommy Pickles, loyal friend Chuckie, quirky twins Phil and Lil, and rude girl Angelica weren't a crew you'd wanna mess with.

2

'The Simpsons'

Speaking of iconic cartoons, The Simpsons is actually still on air and will definitely resonate with your kids. Though the graphics have improved considerably, the show still has that '90s edge to it.

3

'The Powerpuff Girls'

Thanks to its recent reboot, The Powerpuff Girls are reaching a whole new generation of kids. Now you can vie for who gets to be Buttercup when you and your children play pretend.

4

'Dexter's Laboratory'

Stewie Griffin ain't got nothing on the original child genius with an accent, Dexter and his awe-inspiring laboratory. Dexter's Laboratory inspired many kids to try their hand at scientific experiments and it may have the same result with your child.

5

'Hey Arnold!'

Think of it as The Breakfast Club, but for kids. All the major character types are there: a brain, an athlete, a basket case, a princess, and a criminal (well, sort of).

6

'Animaniacs'

It's like the PG-13 version of Looney Tunes. Yakko, Wakko, and, Dot live up to their title with one shenanigan after the other. It's still kid-friendly, but even older children will appreciate the wacky humor of Animaniacs.

7

'Pinky and The Brain'

Pinky and the Brain actually got their start as a recurring segment on the Animaniacs, which led into their own spin-off. With an endless supply of quote-worthy material, your kids will totally love this classic comedy duo.

8

'Doug'

Though this show was animated, it felt as close to real life as any other program. Doug, the title character, goes through all the same trials and tribulations any middle school kid typically does. With a memorable ensemble cast and Doug's hilarious alter-ego, Quailman, this is a feel-good show for all ages.

9

'Rocko's Modern Life'

Both you and your child will enjoy watching this since you, as an adult, will be able to pick up on all the subtle "grown up" jokes you might have missed the first time around. Rocko deals with comically exaggerated problems and you can always count on his pal, Heffer, to make things goofy.

10

'Aaahh!!! Real Monsters'

If Monsters, Inc. and Tim Burton had a baby, it'd be Aaahh!!! Real Monsters. The show follows a group of monsters-in-training at their academy and you can bet there are plenty of antics along the way.

11

'Clarissa Explains It All'

Clarissa is a spunky teen who breaks the fourth wall and gives the audience the low-down on her life, annoying brother, parents, and everything in between. Some of her wisdom still holds up today.

12

'Saved By The Bell'

Similar to Clarissa Explains It All, Zack Morris often talks to the camera and will even freeze time to give you the inside scoop at Bayside High. Teens and tweens will get a kick out of all the throwback styles in this show, too.

13

'Are You Afraid Of The Dark?'

I'm not going to lie, this show still gives me the willies and I'm almost 30. The kids of the Midnight Society meet up to tell spooky stories around a campfire and I can guarantee even adults will find some of the episodes ramping up the creep factor.

14

'All That'

Sort of like Saturday Night Live, but starring kids, this sketch-comedy show interestingly enough launched the careers of some current celebs. Amanda Bynes, Lori Beth Denberg, Nick Cannon, Jamie Lynn Spears, Drake Bell, Miranda Cosgrove, Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, and Taran Kilam (the last two are actually on SNL) all got their start on All That.

15

'Boy Meets World'

Chances are, your child has heard of or seen Girl Meets World. Why not introduce them to the show that started it all, Boy Meets World? With story lines that still apply today, you can bet this show will hold your kids' attention.

16

'Legends of The Hidden Temple'

Speaking of '90s shows that got a modern-day treatment, Nickelodeon released a trailer for Legends of the Hidden Temple: The Movie at Comic Con. You can totally brag to your kids how you were around for the original kids' game show.

17

'Guts'

It would be a shame if your child never learned about the majestic monolith that was the Aggro Crag. After watching the show, you just might be inspired to join your kids in making your own obstacle course.

18

'The Adventures of Pete & Pete'

The Adventures of Pete & Pete was a semi-surreal show about two brothers, both named Pete, and chronicles the many adventures and mysteries they encounter in their small town.

19

'Salute Your Shorts'

Oh, Camp Anawanna. Between the pranks and the crotchety counselors, the kids still found time to bond at summer camp. Though the show might be a bit dated, it still makes for a fun little romp.

20

'The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air'

Your kids are probably more familiar with Willow and Jaden Smith than they are with their parents, so consider this show an opportunity for education. Your kids will probably get a laugh out of some of the '90s fashion, but the jokes still hit the mark.

21

'My So-Called Life'

If you have an angst-ridden tween or teen in your house who longs for a time when melancholy was in vogue, they'll love My So-Called Life and probably will grieve over it's short run just like you did, too.