15 TV Shows from the ’90s You Totally Forgot About
Get ready for a nostalgia trip with these 15 forgotten TV gems from the ’90s that will have you reminiscing about simpler times.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 6 min read
The ‘90s gave us some of the most iconic TV shows ever, but not all of them stood the test of time. Some were short-lived, others were underrated, and a few just disappeared into the pop culture void. Let’s dust off these hidden gems and see if you still remember watching them on your chunky tube TV.
1. Hang Time
Keiteay on Wikimedia Commons
A teen sitcom about a high school basketball team, Hang Time had drama, comedy, and surprisingly decent sports action. It stood out because its main character, Julie, was the only girl on the all-male team, which made for some interesting storylines. The show also tackled real-life issues like teamwork, competition, and friendships. It wasn’t as famous as Saved by the Bell, but it had its own charm.
2. The Secret World of Alex Mack
greg2600 on Wikimedia Commons
A regular teen gets doused with a secret chemical and suddenly has superpowers—what could go wrong? Alex Mack had telekinesis, could zap electricity from her fingers, and even turn into a puddle of goo. The show was equal parts sci-fi adventure and coming-of-age story, making it a hit with ’90s kids. Plus, who didn’t secretly wish they could melt into liquid to escape awkward situations?
3. Brotherly Love
Capital FM Kenya on Wikimedia Commons
Starring all three Lawrence brothers, this sitcom had everything: sibling rivalry, cheesy jokes, and heartfelt moments. It followed three brothers running a business together after their dad’s passing, which led to plenty of comedic chaos. Joey Lawrence played the cool older brother (complete with his signature “Whoa!”), while Matthew and Andrew brought the younger sibling energy. It was wholesome, funny, and pure ’90s goodness.
4. Moesha
MusicUnity on Wikimedia Commons
Before becoming a music superstar, Brandy was Moesha Mitchell—a smart, independent teen navigating life with her family and friends. This show was a mix of teen drama, comedy, and real-life issues, making it a standout. It tackled topics like relationships, peer pressure, and family struggles in a way that felt authentic. The theme song alone is enough to spark instant nostalgia.
5. Two of a Kind
David Shankbone on Wikimedia Commons
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were at the height of their twin-powered fame when they starred in this sitcom. They played sisters (obviously) raised by their single dad, with plenty of classic twin hijinks. The show had the classic ’90s sitcom formula—laugh track, heartwarming lessons, and ridiculous misunderstandings. It didn’t last long, but it was peak Olsen twins content.
6. The Pretender
Dru95fr on Wikimedia Commons
This one was part mystery, part action, and a whole lot of ’90s weirdness. Jared was a genius who could impersonate anyone, using his skills to help people while running from a shady government group. Every episode had him taking on a new identity—doctor, lawyer, firefighter—you name it. It was like “MacGyver” meets “The Fugitive,” but with even more disguises.
7. Pepper Ann
Louise Palanker on Wikimedia Commons
A Disney animated show about a quirky, awkward middle schooler, “Pepper Ann,” had big “misunderstood cool girl” energy. She was always getting into ridiculous situations, usually because of her overactive imagination. The show was packed with humor, heart, and some surprisingly deep messages about growing up. It deserved way more love than it got.
8. The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo
Raven Underwood on Wikimedia Commons
This Nickelodeon detective show followed a teenage girl, Shelby, who solved mysteries while working at a museum. It had classic whodunit vibes, with Shelby using her smarts and curiosity to crack cases. It wasn’t as flashy as “Nancy Drew,” but it had its own ’90s charm. Plus, there was always that one weird twist at the end.
9. Johnny Bravo
Duque Santiago on Wikimedia Commons
With his sunglasses, pompadour, and over-the-top confidence, Johnny Bravo was the ultimate himbo before we even had a word for it. His entire life revolved around flexing his muscles and failing miserably at impressing women, usually ending with him getting punched, thrown, or humiliated. The show’s humor was a mix of slapstick, pop culture parodies, and self-aware jokes that made it fun for kids and adults.
10. Space Cases
William Blair on Wikimedia Commons
Think “Star Trek,” but with kids. A group of misfit students accidentally gets stranded in space and has to find their way home while dealing with aliens and weird sci-fi problems. The show had cool (for the ’90s) special effects and a surprisingly deep storyline. It was like “Power Rangers” meets “Lost in Space,” and it deserved more attention.
11. City Guys
Universal Television on Wikimedia Commons
This is a teen sitcom about two completely different high schoolers—one street-smart, one rich—who become best friends. It followed their adventures in an inner-city school, tackling comedy and serious topics like racism and peer pressure. The show had the classic ’90s upbeat theme song, complete with random record scratches. It wasn’t as famous as “Saved by the Bell,” but it had its own loyal fanbase.
12. The Amanda Show
The Heart Truth on Wikimedia Commons
Before she became a Nickelodeon star, Amanda Bynes hosted a sketch comedy show filled with bizarre characters and catchphrases. Judge Trudy, Totally Kyle, and the dancing lobsters were peak absurd humor. The show was basically “SNL” for kids, with plenty of slapstick comedy. Looking back, some of the skits were downright weird, but that’s what made it memorable.
13. Roundhouse
Ivandudynsky on Wikimedia Commons
A lesser-known Nickelodeon gem, this was a mix of sketch comedy, music, and dance. It had a live-theater vibe, making it different from anything else on TV at the time. The show tackled everything from school stress to family drama, but always with a fun, over-the-top twist. It was like “All That” for kids who thought they were too cool for “All That.”
14. Freakazoid!
Amblin Partners on Wikimedia Commons
A superhero cartoon that was completely unhinged, “Freakazoid!” was all about a nerdy kid who became a bizarre, hyperactive hero. The jokes were fast, the animation was wild, and the humor was way ahead of time. It had a cult following, even if mainstream audiences didn’t get it. If Deadpool had a long-lost animated cousin, it would be Freakazoid.
15. Wishbone
Plank on Wikimedia Commons
A well-dressed Jack Russell Terrier reenacted classic literature—what’s not to love? “Wishbone” took stories like “Robin Hood” and “The Odyssey” and made them fun and accessible for kids. It was adorable and surprisingly educational. Honestly, more shows should have dogs in period costumes.