Here’s a list of the most iconic ’90s teen shows, ranked based on the input of angsty teens and former teens everywhere. The 1990s was a golden age for television, with top-tier programming in every genre, including shows that resonated with young adults. Some of the standout ’90s teen series delved into the rollercoaster of high school romance, while others followed young heroes on supernatural adventures.
So, what can you expect to find on this list? “My So Called Life” was a groundbreaking young adult series that perfectly captured the grunge era. It fearlessly explored heavy topics like friendship, love, and personal struggles as Angela Chase (played by Claire Danes) and her friends navigated the twists and turns of life. “Beverly Hills, 90210” is another classic teen show from the ’90s that had viewers hooked. Some fans even synchronized their Swatches to ensure they never missed an episode of the wild ride that was “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose.” Other notable young adult programs featured on this list include “Dawson’s Creek,” “Felicity,” and “Moesha.”
What do you believe are the ultimate ’90s teen shows? Did your personal favorites make the cut? Share your thoughts on the shows that deserve to be crowned as the best of the decade and discover where your beloved ’90s teen shows land on this epic list.
1. Boy Meets World
Imagine what happens when you take a wide-eyed teenage boy and thrust him into the maelstrom of adolescence. Well, you end up with a delightful coming-of-age story that is chock-full of valuable life lessons learned through a series of ups and downs. The star of the show is Ben Savage, who plays the endearing main character, Cory Matthews. Surrounding him is an ensemble cast of colorful personalities, each imparting their own nuggets of wisdom about love, friendship, and the process of growing up. And let’s not forget about Mr. Feeny, who serves as our guiding light throughout this wild journey we call life. Together, we embark on an exhilarating roller coaster ride that is sure to leave you entertained and, perhaps, a little wiser.
Actors: Ben Savage, William Daniels, Betsy Randle, Will Friedle, Rider Strong
ABC
2. Saved by the Bell
Ah, high school, the classic experience. Lockers slamming, bells ringing, and a group of friends figuring out the rollercoaster of teenage life. You know the show I’m talking about, right? The one with Zack Morris, A.C. Slater, and Kelly Kapowski. It was a massive hit that won over the hearts of teenagers everywhere. Packed with humor and heartwarming moments, it tackled issues that were both timeless and relatable. Love triangles, school dances, and who could forget that epic caffeine pill meltdown? This teen classic truly had it all.
Actors: Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Tiffani Thiessen, Mario López, Elizabeth Berkley Lauren, Dustin Diamond
NBC
3. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Born and raised in West Philadelphia – you know the words! This wisecracking street-smart teenager found himself living with his wealthy family in Bel-Air, and let me tell you, it was pure hilarity. With the irresistible goofball Will Smith at the helm, he charmed audiences with his antics while trying to navigate life in a completely different world.
What made the show so special was that it wasn’t just your typical sitcom. It delivered equal parts humor and heartbreak, tackling real-life issues like racism and class differences. This elevated it from being just another TV show to a true cultural phenomenon.
Actors: Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid, Alfonso Ribeiro, Janet Hubert
NBC
4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Hold on to your necks, vampires! There’s a badass vampire slayer on the loose in this town! This cult classic totally changed the game when it comes to teenage heroes. It gave us a feisty blonde cheerleader who became the savior of humanity against all sorts of supernatural baddies. Sarah Michelle Gellar rocked the role of our fearless heroine, juggling schoolwork with kicking evil’s butt alongside her awesome crew, The Scooby Gang. This show was a masterclass in blending horror and humor, and its unforgettable characters left an everlasting impact on pop culture.
Actors: Sarah Michelle Gellar, Nicholas Brendon, Alyson Hannigan, James Marsters, Emma Caulfield
WB, UPN
5. Sabrina the Teenage Witch
Imagine having magical powers to help you survive high school. Well, this amazing show had Melissa Joan Hart playing a young witch who had to balance her newfound abilities with all the regular teenage problems. And let’s not forget her talking cat, Salem, and her quirky aunts, Hilda and Zelda. This show was a perfect blend of supernatural adventures and teenage drama. It had such a captivating cast and interesting storylines that it still holds a special place in the hearts of its audience.
Actors: Melissa Joan Hart, Caroline Rhea, Beth Broderick, Nick Bakay, Nate Richert
ABC, WB
6. That ’70s Show
Imagine this – a bunch of cool friends rocking flared pants and feeling the disco fever, chilling in their beloved basement. This sitcom took us right back to the groovy 70s, delivering laughs that hit us right in the nostalgia while tackling relatable teenage problems. With a cast led by Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis, it effortlessly mixed uproarious humor with genuine moments of emotion. Whether it was navigating first loves or dealing with family drama, this blast from the past struck a chord with viewers of all ages.
Actors: Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon
FOX
7. Dawson’s Creek
Set in the charming town of Capeside, this drama truly encapsulated the ups and downs of teenage life in a way like no other. Picture-perfect scenery and a cast of talented actors including James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams made it absolutely irresistible to not get caught up in their emotional rollercoaster. From navigating complicated love triangles to grappling with personal identity crises and making life-altering choices, this show became the epitome of 90s teenage angst.
Actors: James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Kerr Smith
WB
8. Beverly Hills, 90210
Life in Beverly Hills is undeniably full of drama. One show that captured this perfectly was an iconic soap opera. It revolved around a group of high school friends who had to deal with love triangles, scandalous secrets, and heartbreak. The show had an impressive ensemble cast, including Jason Priestley and Shannen Doherty, and it became the benchmark for teen dramas. It combined glitz, glamour, and captivating storylines that had viewers hooked and always wanting more.
Actors: Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley
FOX, NBC
9. My So-Called Life
This groundbreaking drama truly captured the raw and unfiltered essence of adolescence. It was refreshing to see teenage life portrayed so honestly through Claire Danes’ angsty character, Angela Chase. The show fearlessly tackled themes of identity, sexuality, and self-discovery, bringing a level of authenticity that is rarely seen on television. Even though it didn’t run for long, its impact was profound. Viewers found solace in its relatable characters and brutally real storylines, and it left a lasting impression on them.
Actors: Bess Armstrong, Wilson Cruz, Claire Danes, Devon Gummersall, A.J. Langer
ABC
10. Clarissa Explains It All
This quirky show was all about breaking down the fourth wall like it was nobody’s business. It followed the life of a sardonic teen who had to deal with the ups and downs of high school in her own unique way. Melissa Joan Hart brilliantly portrayed our lovable heroine, and her candid monologues really resonated with viewers who saw themselves in her honest take on adolescence. This TV gem spoke directly to our hearts, touching on everything from first crushes to sibling rivalry.
Actors: Melissa Joan Hart, Jason Zimbler, Elizabeth Hess, Joe O’Connor, Sean O’Neal
Nickelodeon
11. Sister, Sister
Ever experienced a case of double vision? Well, get ready to meet the Mowry sisters, Tia and Tamera, in this hilarious family sitcom. These two twins, who were unfortunately separated at birth, finally find each other and become a dynamic duo once again. Joining them on their wacky adventures are their adoptive parents and the witty younger brother, Roger. Together, they bring non-stop laughter to our screens while dealing with those oh-so-relatable teenage problems – think love, friendship, and finding oneself. The undeniable on-screen chemistry between these real-life sisters instantly captivated audiences, making this show an absolute hit. It just goes to show that sometimes, having a partner in crime makes everything even better.
Actors: Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Jackée Harry, Tim Reid, Marques Houston
ABC, WB
