The 1990s sitcoms were a golden age of television comedy, offering a diverse range of shows that captured the zeitgeist and left a lasting impact on pop culture. From the iconic 'hangout' sitcoms to the quirky and surreal, these shows pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the small screen. Here's a look at some of the most memorable and unique sitcoms from the decade, each with its own distinct flavor and charm.
Two Guys and a Girl
This ABC sitcom, starring Ryan Reynolds and Nathan Fillion, was a light-hearted take on the lives of three 20-somethings navigating love and work. Reynolds played the slacking Berg, who found himself in a love triangle with Pete (Richard Ruccolo) and Sharon (Traylor Howard). The show's second season introduced Johnny Donnelly (Fillion), a jukebox repairman who became a love interest for Sharon. With a mix of humor and heart, the series ran for four seasons and featured notable guest stars like Jon Cryer and Fred Willard.
3rd Rock From The Sun
A sci-fi sitcom with a unique premise, 3rd Rock From The Sun starred Joseph Gordon-Levitt and John Lithgow as a group of aliens disguised as a human family in Ohio. Lithgow's performance as the High Commander, Dick Solomon, was particularly acclaimed, earning him an Emmy nomination every year the show was on air. The series won five Primetime Emmy Awards in 1997 and received widespread critical acclaim. With a mix of humor and heart, it explored the challenges of being an alien in a human world, and its guest stars included John Cleese and Kathy Bates.
Herman's Head
Fox's Herman's Head was a dark comedy that delved into the inner thoughts of aspiring writer Herman Brooks (William Ragsdale). The show featured a unique ensemble cast, with each character representing a different aspect of Herman's personality. From the sensitive Angel (Molly Hagan) to the lustful Animal (Ken Hudson Campbell), the characters provided a rich tapestry of humor and drama. Despite its short three-season run, the show left a lasting cultural impact, with references in The Simpsons and Only Murders in the Building.
Empty Nest
A spin-off of The Golden Girls, Empty Nest starred Richard Mulligan as Dr. Harry Weston, a recently widowed pediatrician whose adult daughters return home. The show ran for seven seasons and earned several Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Mulligan's performance as the struggling father was a standout, and the show's exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of parenting an adult child was both relatable and humorous. The series even spawned its own spin-off, Nurses, which followed a group of nurses at the same hospital.
Murphy Brown
Candice Bergen's iconic portrayal of the title character in Murphy Brown was a trailblazer for single mothers on screen. The show, which ran for a decade, followed investigative journalist Murphy as she returned to work after seeking treatment for alcoholism. While it sparked controversy during the 1992 presidential campaign, the show's impact on the portrayal of single mothers in media was significant. Murphy Brown's strong, independent character resonated with audiences, and the show's influence can still be felt today.
The Single Guy
Amid the success of 'singles in the city' shows like Friends and Seinfeld, The Single Guy emerged as a unique take on the genre. Jonathan Silverman starred as struggling New York City writer Jonathan Eliot, the last unmarried member of his friend group. The show followed his adventures in the daunting New York dating scene, with a cast that included Jessica Hecht and Joey Slotnick. With a mix of humor and heart, the series welcomed a impressive roster of guest stars, including Larry Miller and David Schwimmer.
Can't Hurry Love
Mariska Hargitay, before her Emmy-winning turn as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, starred in the New York City-set sitcom Can't Hurry Love. The show followed 28-year-old Annie O'Donnell (Nancy McKeon) as she navigated the NYC dating scene alongside her roommate Didi (Hargitay). Despite having an average household rating of 11.4, the series was cancelled after just one season. The show's exploration of the dating scene in New York City provided a relatable and humorous take on the challenges of modern romance.
High Society
An attempt to replicate the success of the British sitcom Absolutely Fabulous in the U.S., High Society starred Jean Smart and Mary McDonnell as two outrageous, champagne-swilling women in New York City. The show's premise was unique, with Ellie (Smart) and Dott (McDonnell) navigating their glamorous lives on Fifth Avenue. While the series ran for just 13 episodes, it left a lasting impression with its bold and eccentric characters.
Stark Raving Mad
Neil Patrick Harris, before his iconic role as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother, played a neurotic book editor in Stark Raving Mad. The series followed obsessive-compulsive editor Henry McNeeley (Harris) as he tried to coax a new manuscript from eccentric horror writer Ian Stark (Tony Shalhoub). Despite drawing in an average of 15 million viewers and winning a People's Choice Award, the show was axed after just one season. The unique premise and the dynamic between the two main characters made it a memorable entry in the 90s sitcom landscape.
Get A Life
Chris Elliott, before becoming a fixture of American comedy, made his sitcom debut in Get A Life. The surreal Fox comedy followed 30-year-old paperboy Chris Peterson, who lived in an apartment above his parents' garage. With a mix of bizarre and dark humor, the show is often referred to as an 'anti-sitcom.' Elliott's performance as Chris, alongside his real-life father Bob Elliott, made for a unique and memorable viewing experience.
