Do you remember waking up on Saturday mornings, full of anticipation for the cartoons and kid shows that would fill your day?
If you grew up in the 90s, this was a weekly ritual. Today, as a dad, you have the chance to bring these classics back to life for your children, and maybe even enjoy a bit of nostalgia yourself.
This article will not only take you on a trip down memory lane with the top 10 90s kids TV shows, but also explain why they still hold appeal for the younger generation and where you can stream these timeless gems.
I also have an article on the Worst Kids TV Shows in the UK, cataloguing the most irritating shows for younger kids if you feel like torturing yourself!
Why 90s Kids’ Shows Still Appeal to Modern Day Children
The 90s was an era teeming with creative and innovative kids’ TV shows. These shows had a unique blend of humour, adventure, and life lessons that are still relevant today.
They didn’t shy away from presenting real-life situations and addressing issues like friendship, family values, and personal growth. The characters were relatable and the narratives were engaging, making them timeless classics that still resonate with children today.
What’s more, although technology wasn’t quite as advanced back then as it is today, it was good enough that modern day kids won’t turn up their noses at the graphics or animations.
Re-watching these shows with your kids can turn into a delightful bonding experience. You can share your childhood memories associated with these shows, while your children get to enjoy and learn from them.
It’s a win-win situation.
Top 10 90s Kids TV Shows
So without further ado, and in no particular order, here are the top 10 90s kids TV shows that you can enjoy with your children.
1. Rugrats (Nickelodeon)
Rugrats was the brainchild of then husband-and-wife animation duo Arlene Klasky and Gabor Csupo. This original Nicktoon offered a peek into the secret world of adventurous toddlers. Led by baby Tommy Pickles, these lovable characters navigated the world with unbridled curiosity, offering a hilarious bridge between innocent perception and the real world.
The show began in 1991 and ended in 2004, so a whole generation grew up watching Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, Phil and Lil (and later, Dil).
2. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Fox Kids)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was a cultural phenomenon in the 90s. Based on Japan’s Super Sentai franchise, it followed a group of teenage martial arts pros tasked with saving Earth from various villains. The show was packed with high-energy action and imbued with a sense of camaraderie that made every kid want to be a Power Ranger.
It’s actually still around today, albeit with a new cast, but nothing beats the original.
3. Doug (Nickelodeon)
This quirky classic introduced us to Doug Funnie, a regular kid navigating middle school life. Doug was unique in its ability to weave stories about everyday mishaps, growing pains, and daydreams about a superhero alter ego – Quailman.
It ran from 1991 to 1999, with Doug narrating us through his vivid imagination via entries in his diary, and always wearing his green pullover vest.
4. Saved by the Bell (NBC)
Diving into the vibrant and often comedic trials of teenage life, “Saved by the Bell” was the quintessential after-school series that defined a generation. Running from 1989 to 1993, this spirited sitcom followed the misadventures and milestones of a close-knit group of high school students at Bayside High. The show centered on the charismatic schemer Zack Morris, his best friend A.C. Slater, the fashion-forward Lisa Turtle, the studious Jessie Spano, the sweetheart Kelly Kapowski, and the quirky Samuel “Screech” Powers, all under the watchful eye of their principal, Mr. Richard Belding.
Tackling themes like friendship, first loves, and moral challenges, the show seamlessly blended humor with heartfelt moments, creating an enduring pop-culture phenomenon that spun off into college years and new classes. It’s the nostalgia-infused bell that still rings true for those who grew up with Zack and the gang.
5. Hey Arnold! (Nickelodeon)
Hey Arnold! was a jazzy cartoon centred around nine-year-old Arnold, who lived with his grandparents in a boarding house. The show captured the essence of city life through the eyes of a child, dealing with themes of friendship, school, and family.
Although it was often joked about, no one ever explained why Arnold’s head was shaped like an American football.
6. Kenan & Kel (Nickelodeon)
Kenan & Kel captured the hearts of audiences with its infectious humour and memorable catchphrases. Starring Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell, this sitcom centered around the misadventures of two high-spirited teenagers, Kenan Rockmore and Kel Kimble. Set in Chicago, the show often revolved around Kenan’s elaborate schemes, with his impulsive best friend Kel always there to add to the chaos, usually with his insatiable love for orange soda.
Their on-screen chemistry, coupled with the show’s knack for slapstick and situational comedy, made it a staple of Nickelodeon’s programming and a beloved classic for an entire generation.
7. Dinosaurs (ABC)
Dinosaurs was a unique sitcom featuring a family of animatronic dinosaurs living in a modern world. The show cleverly used its prehistoric characters to satire modern human life, making it entertaining for both kids and adults.
Although it only ran from 1991 to 1994, the show’s unique style and design made it extremely memorable to everyone who saw it. The Sinclair family were iconic for many 90s kids.
8. Clarissa Explains It All (Nickelodeon)
This coming-of-age comedy starred Melissa Joan Hart as Clarissa Darling, a teenager who navigated the challenges of adolescence with wit and style. Clarissa often broke the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience, making the viewers feel like a part of her world.
Another show that only ran between 1991 and 1994, the show was repeated until the early 200s, so kids got to know the episodes very well, and their relevance never faded, since the show concerned common issues facing teen girls, like pimples, boys, and going through puberty.
9. Sister Sister (WB/Netflix)
An endearing blend of comedy and family drama, Sister Sister captures the hearts of audiences with its unique premise of reunited twins. The series chronicles the lives of Tia and Tamera, two identical twins separated at birth and coincidentally brought back together as teenagers.
Together with their adoptive parents, they navigate the complexities of high school, family bonds, and the search for their individual identities, all while indulging in the hilarity that comes from their uncanny connection, and constantly telling their loved up younger neighbour to “Go home Roger!”.
It ran from 1995 to 1999.
10. Are You Afraid of the Dark? (Nickelodeon)
Are You Afraid of the Dark? was a horror fantasy series that featured a group of teenagers, known as The Midnight Society, sharing spooky stories around a campfire. Each episode was a standalone tale, making it the perfect combination of scary and captivating for kids.
The show kept kids suitably scared from 1992 until 1996, but offshoots were launched in later years.
Where to Watch Old 90s Kids TV Shows
You might have thought that these shows were lost to the annals of time, but never fear, because nostalgia is just a click away, thanks to various streaming platforms.
Here are some places where you can find these classic 90s kids TV shows:
- Netflix: The Magic School Bus, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, The Baby-Sitters Club
- Hulu: Full House, Doug, Hey Arnold!
- Disney+: Darkwing Duck, Boy Meets World
- Amazon Prime: Bill Nye the Science Guy, Daria, A Different World
- Youtube: Shows you can;t find on streaming platforms can often be found on sites like Youtube, even if it’s only clips rather than full episodes.
Many of these platforms offer free trials, so you can start your nostalgia trip right away.
In conclusion, the golden era of the 90s kids TV shows holds a special place in our hearts. Sharing them with your children not only brings back cherished memories but also offers a fresh perspective through their eyes.
It’s time to hit the play button and relive the magic of the 90s!
