15 Forgotten ’90s TV Specials That Only Aired Once
Some of the most curious and creative TV moments of the ’90s happened in one-night-only specials that came and went in a flash. These shows made us sit up, laugh, or wonder what we had just watched, only to never see them again. Whether holiday-themed, celebrity-packed, or just plain weird, these specials left their mark and then disappeared.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
The 1990s were full of bold television experiments, and many specials aired just once before fading into obscurity. These one-off broadcasts ranged from animated oddities to musical mashups, all carrying that signature ’90s energy. Though they didn’t get reruns or second chances, they still live on in the memories of viewers who caught them. Here are 15 forgotten TV specials from the ’90s that aired a single time and left us both puzzled and entertained.
1. Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue (1990)
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
This anti-drug animated special brought together characters from The Smurfs, Garfield, Muppet Babies, and more. It was meant to teach kids about saying no to drugs, with a surprisingly serious tone. Though widely promoted, it aired just once and was never shown again.
2. Nickelodeon’s The Big Help-a-Thon (1994)
Viacom International Inc. on Wikimedia
Airing live for one day, this special featured Nick stars encouraging kids to volunteer and help their communities. It blended comedy, interviews, and real-life stories of kids making a difference. After its debut, it was replaced by other campaigns and never re-aired.
3. The Flintstones Meet Rockula and Frankenstone (1994 rerun)
Hanna-Barbera on Wikimedia
This Halloween special originally aired in the ’70s but had one last showing in the early ’90s. Its spooky yet silly story featured Dracula-like characters in Bedrock. Despite a strong nostalgia appeal, it vanished from schedules afterward.
4. MTV’s Rock the Vote ’92
OnePhase on Wikimedia
This star-studded special was aimed at getting young people to vote in the presidential election. Musicians and celebrities performed and spoke about civic engagement. It aired once just before Election Day and wasn’t repeated in future cycles.
5. Disney’s Fluppy Dogs (1990 rebroadcast)
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Fluppy Dogs was a failed pilot about magical, talking dogs from another world. It aired once as a one-hour special and never became a full series. Still, fans remember it for its odd mix of fantasy and friendship.
6. It’s the Girl in the Red Truck, Charlie Brown (1990 rerun)
Peanuts Worldwide LLC on Wikimedia
This rare Peanuts special mixed live-action and animation, following Snoopy’s brother Spike. The tone was offbeat, and it confused many fans expecting a classic Peanuts feel. After its one-time airing, it quietly disappeared from rotation.
7. Nickelodeon’s Doo-Wop at the Apollo (1991)
ANTONI SHKRABA production on Pexels
This unique musical special featured classic doo-wop acts performed by a young audience. It aired once as part of Nickelodeon’s Black History Month content, but the mix of nostalgia and live music didn’t return for another round.
8. NBC’s Saved by the Bell: Hawaiian Style (1992)
National Broadcasting Company on Wikimedia
While technically a made-for-TV movie, this tropical getaway episode aired once as a Sunday night special. It featured the gang on vacation and included extra drama and laughs. It was rarely repeated, making it a hidden gem for fans.
9. CBS’ The Halloween That Almost Wasn’t (1990 rebroadcast)
Towers of London productions on Wikimedia
Though made in the late ’70s, it aired again in the early ’90s and then was gone. It featured Count Dracula and other monsters saving Halloween. The quirky humor and costumes made it memorable, if short-lived.
10. ABC’s TGIF Crossover Special (1997)
Paul Rand on Wikimedia
Several TGIF shows joined together for one night of crossover fun, with characters popping into each other’s worlds. It was chaotic, funny, and perfect for fans of Family Matters, Sabrina, and Boy Meets World. Despite its fun format, it wasn’t repeated or reused.
11. VH1’s Men Strike Back (1999)
Viacom/MTV Networks/Adams Morioka on Wikimedia
Created as a response to the Divas Live series, this concert featured male artists performing iconic songs. It included stars like Seal, Sting, and Lenny Kravitz. The special was high energy but never got a second airing.
12. Nickelodeon’s Weinerville Chanukah Special (1995)
Nickelodeon on Wikimedia
This offbeat holiday episode was part puppet show, comedy, and tradition. It told the story of Chanukah with Marc Weiner’s signature humor and wacky characters. Aired once, it was never added to regular rerun rotations.
13. Fox’s The Magic School Bus Live! (1997)
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In a rare live-action version, the Magic School Bus crew did science experiments in front of a live audience. It was part educational, part performance. Though it had promise, it didn’t return or rerun after the original airing.
14. ABC’s A Very Brady Christmas (1990 rerun)
Игорь Лушницкий on Pexels
This reunion special brought back the Brady family for a heartfelt holiday gathering. It aired once in the ’90s, giving fans one more dose of nostalgia. After that, it was hard to find outside of VHS collections.
15. NBC’s Y2K: The Movie (1999)
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Just before the year 2000, this special imagined a worst-case Y2K scenario. It showed computers crashing, planes falling, and panic everywhere. It aired once and never resurfaced, becoming a true time capsule of late ’90s fears.