90s Sitcoms: 13 Series for Adults and Kids that Dominated Prime Time

kids watching TV — We're talking about what aired hours before the late-night talk shows came on. Pressmaster / Shutterstock

Before streaming queues and binge-watching marathons, 90s sitcoms ruled the airwaves. These half-hour comedy blocks became cultural anchors, shaping everything from catchphrases to family dinners.

Whether it was a magical teen, a brainy neighbor, or a pair of long-lost twins, the characters felt like part of the household. Let’s rewind to a decade when network TV delivered big laughs—and even bigger hugs.

1. 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'

Will Smith went from West Philly to the mansion gates of Bel Air in this fish-out-of-water sitcom. The show gave us more than laughs with wisecracks from Carlton; it delivered life lessons with every side-eye from Uncle Phil.

The dynamic between the street-smart Will and the upscale Banks family made it one of the most memorable sitcoms of the decade.

2. 'Full House'

Almost every episode of "Full House" ended with a hug, a moral and a saxophone solo.

Centered around Danny Tanner raising his daughters with the help of Uncle Jesse and Joey, it was a crash course in family, friendship and growing up. Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen played Michelle, instantly becoming household names.

3. 'Boy Meets World'

Cory Matthews, his best friend Shawn, and eventual girlfriend Topanga carried this coming-of-age series from middle school to marriage.

With its blend of comedy and serious moments, "Boy Meets World" felt like real life on television. Feeny's classroom wisdom? Unmatched.

4. 'Martin'

Martin Lawrence played multiple characters in this wild Detroit-based sitcom, including himself—a radio host navigating love, friendship and his professional life. His girlfriend Gina and best friends brought the chaos and charm, making "Martin" a cornerstone of Black sitcoms in the 90s.

5. 'Family Matters'

The Winslow family would have been a standard sitcom clan if not for Steve Urkel. The suspenders, the voice, the devotion to Laura—he stole the show.

Originally a side character, Urkel became the heart of "Family Matters," and transformed the series into one of the most beloved family comedies of the decade.

6. 'The Steve Harvey Show'

Long before his talk show hosting days, Steve Harvey played a music teacher in "The Steve Harvey Show." With co-star Cedric the Entertainer and students like Romeo and Bullethead, it struck a balance between comedy and heartfelt moments, especially in the later seasons.

7. 'Sister, Sister'

Twin sisters Tia Landry and Tamera Campbell (then Tia and Tamera Mowry), separated at birth and reunited by chance, lived out the ultimate switcheroo fantasy. Their contrasting personalities and strong sisterly bond made "Sister, Sister" a staple among teen viewers.

Marques Houston and Jackée Harry added extra laughs. Also, we'd be remiss to skip this fun fact: Tia and Tamera's younger brother Taj Mowry starred in his own Disney Channel series, "Smart Guy."

8. 'Sabrina the Teenage Witch'

Mix one teenage girl, two quirky aunts, a talking cat and a whole lot of spells, and you've got "Sabrina the Teenage Witch."

Starring Melissa Joan Hart, this sitcom blended high school drama with magical chaos, showing that being different could be a superpower.

9. 'Living Single'

Queen Latifah led an ensemble of female roommates and friends navigating work, love and life in New York City. Before "Friends," there was "Living Single," and it captured the rhythm of Black professional life with sharp wit and standout performances.

10. 'Spin City'

Michael J. Fox starred as the deputy mayor of New York in "Spin City," a workplace comedy packed with rapid-fire dialogue and political mishaps. Later seasons featured Charlie Sheen, and the supporting cast included a standout turn from Alan Ruck.

11. 'Friends'

Six friends, one coffee shop and endless reruns. "Friends" followed Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe through dating disasters, job changes and, of course, a lot of smelly cats.

It became a defining show of the decade, blending sarcastic banter with heart and influencing how people talked, dressed, and decorated their apartments.

12. 'Seinfeld'

Billed as a "show about nothing," "Seinfeld" dissected the weird little rules of everyday life. Jerry, George, Elaine and Kramer turned soup lines and parking disputes into comedy gold.

Larry David’s writing and the cast’s sharp delivery made it one of the most quotable—and rewatchable—sitcoms ever.

13. 'Frasier'

A spinoff of "Cheers," "Frasier" took the radio psychiatrist to Seattle for more therapy sessions and family friction.

With his pompous charm, brotherly rivalry with Niles, and constant clashes with his working-class dad, Frasier Crane brought sophistication and slapstick to prime time. Even the dog had impeccable timing.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.