Just about every TV show with a female main character that appears today owes its existence to Buffy (and, to some extent, Mary Tyler Moore, two decades earlier), and that show's ideas appear near the heart of any number of series that followed (Supernatural, Veronica Mars, Dead Like Me, Wynona Earp, Van Helsing). It also triggered several fantasy shows on other networks during its run (and that of its spinoff, Angel), including Charmed. Given that it started in 1997, the fact that it doesn't appear on this list is a pretty serious oversight.
"Charmed" as well. But it's true, unlike Friends or comedy show, Buffy and Charmed aged pretty poorly. The CGI visual effects are just ridiculous nowadays.
Hmm, all respect to Seinfeld, but because of the pure impact, nineties feel, popularity and the successors it created, this should always have been The Simpsons.
Simpsons should be # 1 just for their Butterfinger ads alone. I never watched Seinfeld or the Simpsons in the 90s, but I knew about the Simpsons from the butterfinger commercials.
Mikeius Braf 0:17 I don't think they are. Considering how they helped build Comedy Central from practically nothing, you would think they would get some respect on the decade defining list.
*This post had contained spoilers and has been edited to remove them* twin peaks was amazing but it was more of a cult success I find and on top of that, the source material didn't allow it to reach out to too big of a market. Not everybody wants to watch a show with such heavy subject matter.... Also Wincest.
Tarkhun Fora Whoa whoa whoa, settle down with the spoilers there buddy, I knew it but there are people in their 20's & younger who will watch this show again. It's a cult classic so it's not an open secret.
DABOSS315 oh no my opinion is diffrent so i am wrong, i didnt say twin peaks is better i sad it had more influence then x files godd there is no better show thats a suvjective question
There were probably about 50 shows that could have been on here, and your favourite isn't always going to make it or be number 1. Don't understand why people get so upset over this stuff.
Seriously, Buffy's not even in there ??? Not even in honorable mentions ??? Are you sick ???? How is Seinfield the most defining show of the 90s ??? In which world do you live ???
Lola Hibberd Save your disappointment for tomorrow..Still has a chance to make it.Ran from 1997-2003 although I agree the 3 years in the 90s were more definitive
klsau 4 years. Started in 1996 Roseand Stem No it's not.... I'm sorry but Buffy was defining for the whole world, and defined a very wide range of series and female characters after her... It deserved a place somewhere in here, and Senfield does NOT deserve the first place !
And I'll add WWF Monday Night Raw over Baywatch too. And Family Matters, In Living Color, and just about every other show they mentioned as an Honorable Mention. Not saying Baywatch is a horrible show, but it certainly wasn't top 10 worthy, not even for defining the decade.
Xena the Warrior Princess and Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired girl power, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was the first show of it's kind in the US and it was also the number #1 live action kids series and it still is. It swept America by storm. Batman the Animated Series set animation at a high with it's superior storyline and animation. And Twin Peaks...the list goes on.
When are we, as a nostalgia-afflicted culture, going to finally admit that Full House, Family Matters, and Saved By The Bell kind of sucked? Boy Meets World was okay, though.
"Home Improvement" was the show that my whole family came together to watch. I'll NEVER forget those moments when my dad would always quote "Tim the Toolman Taylor". It was such a great show for all of us to watch. We loved that show and still do.
One of my favorites too. I also liked Wings, JAG, Saved By The Bell, Renegade, Walker, TR. 80s shows, A-Team, The Fall Guy, MacGyver. 70s, Charlie's Angels, Dukes of Hazzard. There was one Daisy Duke: Catherine Bach.
Buffy the vampire slayer, Twin Peaks ? Not even an honourable mention, really. Both shows have been heavily influential on modern tv, buffy paved the way for strong female characters like no other show,
Some good picks, but seriously, where the fuck is Buffy, one of the most influential shows of all time, let alone the 90s. Also X-Files should be higher up.
Andrew Duong If this is about Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated instead of the DTV movies, then you need to stop. (Also The Simpsons should have ended ages ago, what are you talking about? Or do you just like spouting memes instead of making actual points?)
Palatz Yeah, South Park was still in it's "surrealist comedy" stage in the 90's. Starting with the 1999 movie and afterwards, the show became more satirical. South Park's tone came about in the 2000s.
Predictions for the 2000's list (based on impact and popularity) 1. The Sopranos 2. The Wire 3. South Park 4. American Idol (Can't deny it was huge in the 2000's) 5. Lost 6. That 70's Show 7. Grey's Anatomy 8. Family Guy (again can't deny) 9. Dexter (maybe wishful thinking) 10. House
Yeah I was mostly going off the top of my head. Dexter and House are probably the most replaceable one one on my list, 24 is a definite possibility, I like Jon Stewart but I think the Colbert Report has a better chance, I don't remember much about The West Wing and I aways associate Buffy with the 90's but I could see It getting a mention.
I know there are too many great 90's shows to fit in one list but I don't get for the life of me how you don't even mention FAMILY MATTERS (once again, WM must have something against this show cause every time they belong on a list they are never mentioned) Boy Meets World, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Those were some of the most defining 90's shows SMH.
The 90's is the greatest sitcom era. Seinfeld, Friends, Simpsons, Fraiser, Fresh Prince, Everybody Loves Raymond, Spin City, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Saved by the Bell, and not to mention the back-end of Cheers, Cosby Show, and Golden Girls while introducing the likes of South Park and King of the Hill.
Also missing Living Color too and Living Single and I'm not just saying that because I'm black. Also NYPD and New York Undercover were just as good as Law & Order.
Shane Ballance In Living Color was a very popular sketch comedy show in which many famous 90's and now-a-days actors spawned from...actors such as Jim Carrey ......Family Matters spawned a very popular character ...the quintassential nerd ...Steven J Urkel .....both were 90's shows ...heck.Family Matters was on the popular TGIF line up of which Urkel would host on a regular basis ....those shows were very 90's in their definititions...and pre-dated/out-lived Fresh Prince of Bel Air .... Fresh Prince was a token black show on this list - there is more than 1 decade defining black 90'sd show ....and many others fit some of the other lists that watchmojo has had - but they never enter them on the list to be a choice
***** Except it kinda wasn't? The show didn't pick up until Steve Urkel came on, and then it was just "Watch this dumb nerd create inventions that screw everything up, haha fucking nerds" show. I don't really think it defines African-American culture as well as everyone would like to think.
Technically WWE dosen't even want to consider themselves as a "TV show" That's why they don't enter themselves into award shows like the emmy's. Really its more of a sport even though its not competitive
illuzion30 maybe it is you who is sad? wwe is alot of fun if u really get into it or just watch it occasionally for a laugh! and it spawned the rock! so it is a good thing!
Everybody's going on about Boy Meets World, which I agree definitely deserves a spot on this list, but c'mon BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is hands down the 2nd most influential show to come out of the 90's after "The Simpsons."
Beauty Effulgent not sure i completely agree with you but you make a good point. i can remember local bars holding halloween parties centered around halloween special episodes of btvs.
Kewl Beans Well, after giving it a little more thought I would say that Seinfield, The X-Files, and Twin Peaks were also more influential than Buffy. But Buffy hands down deserves a spot on this list. The fact that it didn't even get an honorable mention is beyond preposterous. Buffy made history by being the only show in the world that is recognized as an academic discipline, it has more thesis papers written about it than Seinfield and The Simpsons, and it (along w/ Xena) started the trend of strong and confident female heroines that we still see on tv today. And don't even get me started on the many ways it re-defined genre television, I would be here all night.
Beauty Effulgent though i wasn't a fan of seinfeld i do put it pretty much equal to friends as far as cultural impact. you can't have a show on tv for 10 years and not affect society...just ask the twerps that produce american idol. xD
I really thought the 90's list was gonna be Good, I was Wrong, No Family Matters, Doogie Howser MD, Full House, Step by Step, Martin, In Living Color, Mad Tv, California Dreams, Blossom, Unhapply Ever After, Power Rangers, Roswell... I can go on and on......
Really surprised to see Seinfeld above Simpsons/Friends/Fresh Prince unless this list is specific to America. I am not American but Friends/Simpsons/Fresh Prince were incredibly popular/influential here in the UK in the 90s but not anywhere near the amount of people who liked them have even heard of Seinfeld as it is practically not shown here. Also please say Scrubs is in the 2000s!
How the HELL did Simpsons get beat by Seinfeld?? The Simpsons was my childhood. Was what I looked forward to every Sunday night. It WAS the 90s. What is this love affair with Seinfeld? I'm sorry but any category The Simpsons is in should always take the top spot. It was such a part of pop culture and to see it as number two on this list is just silly.
Honestly I grew up LOVING the Simpsons. I remember begging my parents to get me home for "Who Shot Mr Burns Part 2". When I was in High School I started watching Seinfeld and man that show made me roll off my couch. Probably the reason I love both shows. Great cast with some fucking funny and intelligent writing. Simpsons will always be my #1. 1992-97 the peak of the Simpsons height will never be touched again on TV.
Shatamx Indeed. Simpsons and Friends is what I grew up on. I also watched ER sometimes with my parents. No one I knew watched Seinfeld and only recently have I seen a small bit of it and just not into it. It's hard to root for that show when, like I said, no one I knew was into it. All these other shows on the countdown I can recall people watching.
holly hirsch i know quite a few people that watched seinfeld. it continues to be syndicated and is very successful; also, jerry seinfeld is the richest actor in the world, mostly based on the royalties from the show, as he took a 10 year hiatus from acting. that said, i was also surprised that it beat the simpsons.
Fuck your childhood, this isn't about you. Seinfeld is a much better, and more clever show than The Simpsons. Besides, it was #2 ffs, stop your damn bitching.
holly hirsch You're acting like something should be rated higher because it has some sentimental value in your life, it makes absolutely no sense. "No one I knew watched Seinfeld" were you like 5 when Seinfeld was in it's prime? I'm guessing you were by your blatant ignorance. Seinfeld has dominated T.V ratings since the 90's. Like I said, Simpsons was #2, not like it didn't get a good spot so STOP YOUR DAMN BITCHING!
stunned that Buffy didn't get on 90's or 2000's :S that had a huge following, and enormous impact. between girl power, gays, magic, occult... hell, without Buffy, ya wouldn't have all these "supernatural" type shows... (its been stated several times by people behind many shows, and networks.)
You didn't even mention Ren and Stimpi, and they ran only in the '90s, and without them, there wouldn't be Beavis an Butthead, so they also deserve at least honorable mention.
Hell yeah ma brother! MST3K needed to be on this list. Changed the way I watch crappy movies. All these people who don't know this show needs to get the hell out of here and check it out!
I'll have to agree with the people missing Buffy... Okay, it is not entirely main stream but I'd say it was still impactful enough for an honorable mention... oh, well.
It definitely had a huge impact on 90's culture and influenced many shows after it though. While I rank it as more of a cult classic, the vast influence it had definitely deserved AT LEAST an honorable mention, if not a place in the top ten (I would have put Buffy in the honorable mentions or low on the list, BUT I certainly would NOT have left it off entirely like watchmojo did). I also feel friends deserved the number one spot, but other than the friends/Buffy thing I liked the list.
Is there really nothing for Buffy the Vampire Slayer? I'm pretty sure every vampire, werewolf, demon, and other supernatural show since Buffy aired can be attributed to it, and that makes it culturally significant. Plus, it spawned Angel as a successful spinoff, so you could give it an honorable mention at least.
***** for a second i thought i would be number 1 smfh first not puting different strokes on the 80s list now not putting BMW on 90s? i mean come on? i don't think they will put smallville on the 2000s list tomorrow too watchmojo has been sucking imo
If you say so. I grew up in the 90's, and I prefer today... I don't have to go to school anymore, smart phones, video games are way better and more accessible.
***** Eh,I always thought of How I met your mother as a poor man's 'Friends'..It might be in the list but definitely not above Sopranos,the show which was very influential for many future drama shows including Breaking Bad
2000s Predictions (Based on the quality of seasons in this decade, rather than seasons in the '10s that declined): 1. Dexter 2. Breaking Bad (Could be on the 2010s list really) 3. Firefly 4. Chuck 5. The Wire 6. Arrested Development (luckily, S4 wasn't in this decade, so it's worthy of a top spot) 7. Six Feet Under 8. 24 9. Prison Break 10. The Shield Honourable Mentions: 11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars 12. BSG 13. House 14. Sons of Anarchy 15. Death Note Sopranos' seasons in the '00s ranged from high 7s to 8/10, so despite being a trend setter, it wasn't as good as the above shows imo.
I think you put Chuck waaaay to high. That show is lucky to crack the list. Its possible Buffy cracks that list. Also you missed on Entourage imo. Id put the one season of Playmakers over Chuck. Supernatural could also get in as well. I think BB gets the top spot of the 2010 to present list.
salvador155 Chuck is amazing, S5 was pointless but I'd still give a 9/10, it was brilliant. Wasn't crazy on S4 (still very entertaining though), but 1,2,3 and 5 were ridiculously good. Dexter Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 were better than Breaking Bad's best seasons in my opinion.
Here are my picks for top 10 shows of the 90's 10) Monday Night Raw (during the attitude era) 9) Late Show with David Letterman 8) Boy meets world 7) South Park 6) Who wants to be a millionaire 5) Law and order 4) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers 3) Seinfeld 2) Friends 1) The Simpsons
Right shows, wrong positions in my opinion. But one thing is sure you can't get a more influential group of shows for any decade. 1. Friends 2. The X-Files 3. Seinfeld 4. ER 5. The Simpsons 6. Twin Peaks 7. Frasier
Ok why are they all American?.....allo allo. Vicar of dibly, absolutely fabulous, bottom, men behaving baldly, gimmy gimmy gimmy, top of the pops, faulty towers.....seriously the list could go on and on.
I'm British and not a single one of 'lala' choices I would say belongs in a list of defining shows of the 90's. British TV was great at points but American tv had better budget and writing for the most part of it,
ICYMI: The other videos so far in this series! Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1950s Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1960s Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1970s Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1980s
seinfield... really? as decade defining??? im sorry... but if we are talking about decade defining shows of the 90s then simpsons 1 and friends 2. they were the biggest shows in the WORLD not just north america.
And here I was hoping they would finally mention Twin Peaks. But no, they just put a tiny little clip at the start and end of the video and didn't even give it an honorable mention. WHY DO THEY NEVER MENTION TWIN PEAKS
Buffy the Vampire Slayer has had way more influence on modern tv and even film than all of these shows, unless it's in the 2000s list. Not to mention South Park the best cartoon of all time; again, unless it's in the 2000s list.
I like Friends but Seinfeld is amazing and very unique! The fact that they can take such a boring subject (such as waiting for a table in a restaurant) and make a complex storyline around it, that is funny and quotable! Truly amazing!
Family Matters, Full House, Boy Meets World, That 70's Show, Batman: The Animated Series, Saved by the Bell; where were they when this video was being produced?
The British original version of Coupling is excellent. It has strong, interesting characters. The American remake is a pale imitation, in which the characters have no personalities.
Friends is my favourite show of all time but I agree it's place at #3. The Simpsons truly defined the decade and has been one of the most successful shows ever and (even thought I hate it) Seinfeld did too.
That's it. I am outta here. No Twin Peaks!!! Its time to unsubscribe this stupid channel. One of the most influential TV shows ever doesn't even got a mention when it should have been #1. Live long and prosper, Watchmojo. I am out.
I was gonna suggest that show, too... and as much as I loved the show, it wasn't really "decade defining". EVERYBODY, however, knew "Full House" and "Family Matters".
In Living Color brought us Jim Carrey, Jamie Fox, The Wayans Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, David Alan Grier, Tommy Davidson. The show literally started in 1990 and is ten times funnier than all of the other shows mentioned.
You show hints of Twin Peaks but it's not even on the list, which should be high up on the list, it's not even an honorable mention! What is wrong with you!?
You must be kidding. Twin Peaks is not a first? Is that suppose to be a joke? The show that inspired all mystery TV series and gave us so much originality? Shame on you!
1. ER 2. X Files 3. Beverly Hills 90210 4. Baywatch 5. Friends 6. Buffy, The Vampire Hunter 7. Xena/Hercules 8. Lois & Clark 9. Dawson's Creek 10. Fresh Prince of Bel Air
How bout Buffy?! You can't deny that was a hit like The X Files. Buffy was a movie but a flop so they made a show and it turned into a hit. Everybody talked about it and still do to this day. The channel E! and many others are still talking about it like having a reunion show of the cast. Buffy was so popular they made a spin - off show Angel which was also a hit. Many of us Buffy fans moved on to Supernatural hence all the Buffy guests on that show. Supernatural is also a hit. Going into its 10th season now. Maybe they'll have some of the Buffy cast guest star again for the Buffy fans of the show. Buffy is huge!! And Supernatural!! They both better be in the 2000's top 10!!!
RowenKyleBrody It was arguably the first superhero cartoon that didn't treat their audience like they were stupid and trusted kids to follow complex stories so yes it should have been on the list. Also the writing for the most part was sublime and it is up there with the best shows of the 90s in my opinion.
i think Buffy the Vampire Slayer should have gotten an honorable mention
Samantha Lepkowski It should be in the top 5, if not at #1.
Just about every TV show with a female main character that appears today owes its existence to Buffy (and, to some extent, Mary Tyler Moore, two decades earlier), and that show's ideas appear near the heart of any number of series that followed (Supernatural, Veronica Mars, Dead Like Me, Wynona Earp, Van Helsing). It also triggered several fantasy shows on other networks during its run (and that of its spinoff, Angel), including Charmed. Given that it started in 1997, the fact that it doesn't appear on this list is a pretty serious oversight.
"Charmed" as well. But it's true, unlike Friends or comedy show, Buffy and Charmed aged pretty poorly. The CGI visual effects are just ridiculous nowadays.
I thought buffy was from the 2000
@@Lxxx3Roses nah 1997
Hmm, all respect to Seinfeld, but because of the pure impact, nineties feel, popularity and the successors it created, this should always have been The Simpsons.
Also: Twin Peaks is the ninetiest show of all time. ;-)
Simpsons should be # 1 just for their Butterfinger ads alone. I never watched Seinfeld or the Simpsons in the 90s, but I knew about the Simpsons from the butterfinger commercials.
Its a generational preference. Both are valid #1.
Two elephants in the room:
South Park and Twin Peaks
i think they're saving south park for the 2000s
Mikeius Braf 0:17 I don't think they are. Considering how they helped build Comedy Central from practically nothing, you would think they would get some respect on the decade defining list.
*This post had contained spoilers and has been edited to remove them*
twin peaks was amazing but it was more of a cult success I find and on top of that, the source material didn't allow it to reach out to too big of a market. Not everybody wants to watch a show with such heavy subject matter....
Also Wincest.
Tarkhun Fora Actually, that's not true. The first season was a huge phenomenon and became a big part of the popular culture at the time.
Tarkhun Fora
Whoa whoa whoa, settle down with the spoilers there buddy, I knew it but there are people in their 20's & younger who will watch this show again. It's a cult classic so it's not an open secret.
Seriously, how is X-Files not higher up? Like it or not it is one of the most famous TV-Shows of all time.
One of tbe kost creative and original too.
+Jack Marco I agree I was think at least top 4
x files influenced hundreds of thousands of boys and girls all over the world during this period, it should be the first.
Victor Eagle99 twin peaks influenced x files so twin peaks > x files. they should have both got on the list
DABOSS315 oh no my opinion is diffrent so i am wrong, i didnt say twin peaks is better i sad it had more influence then x files godd there is no better show thats a suvjective question
I was surprised that Full House and Boy Meets World weren't in the honorable mentions...
I know right?
I was sure boy meets world will be there considering it is like the most iconic show of the 1990. Continued by girl meets world
boy meets world should have been #1
Full House is from the 80s
There were probably about 50 shows that could have been on here, and your favourite isn't always going to make it or be number 1. Don't understand why people get so upset over this stuff.
good point.
Watch Buffy and tell me you believe it doesn't need to be on this list.
Seriously, Buffy's not even in there ??? Not even in honorable mentions ??? Are you sick ???? How is Seinfield the most defining show of the 90s ??? In which world do you live ???
A world not ruled by overdramatic fandoms.
i know buffy ;-;
Lola Hibberd Save your disappointment for tomorrow..Still has a chance to make it.Ran from 1997-2003 although I agree the 3 years in the 90s were more definitive
Seinfeld IS the most defining, take your little school girl dramatics else where
klsau 4 years. Started in 1996
Roseand Stem No it's not.... I'm sorry but Buffy was defining for the whole world, and defined a very wide range of series and female characters after her... It deserved a place somewhere in here, and Senfield does NOT deserve the first place !
Where's Buffy the Vampire Slayer?!?!
The fact that there was not even a mention of Buffy was pathetic
Seriously. I feel ya.
yeah agree,totally agree,but watch mojo is shit like always
It should've been given a proper spot. Like in the top 5 or 3 or smth. That show is a masterpiece, everyone who actually watched knows it
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and South Park should've both been on the list over Baywatch. By far!!
And I'll add WWF Monday Night Raw over Baywatch too. And Family Matters, In Living Color, and just about every other show they mentioned as an Honorable Mention. Not saying Baywatch is a horrible show, but it certainly wasn't top 10 worthy, not even for defining the decade.
For me, it was defining.
Xena the Warrior Princess and Buffy the Vampire Slayer inspired girl power, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers was the first show of it's kind in the US and it was also the number #1 live action kids series and it still is. It swept America by storm. Batman the Animated Series set animation at a high with it's superior storyline and animation. And Twin Peaks...the list goes on.
Sabrina The Teenage Witch?📜😼🎩
....Are you kidding me? No Full House, Family Matters, or Boy Meets World?
i know. Family Matters is my childhood
IKR
Family Matters sucked though. I would have definitely mentioned Boy Meets World and Full house however.
Full House sucked
When are we, as a nostalgia-afflicted culture, going to finally admit that Full House, Family Matters, and Saved By The Bell kind of sucked? Boy Meets World was okay, though.
"Home Improvement" was the show that my whole family came together to watch. I'll NEVER forget those moments when my dad would always quote "Tim the Toolman Taylor". It was such a great show for all of us to watch. We loved that show and still do.
One of my favorites too. I also liked Wings, JAG, Saved By The Bell, Renegade, Walker, TR. 80s shows, A-Team, The Fall Guy, MacGyver. 70s, Charlie's Angels, Dukes of Hazzard. There was one Daisy Duke: Catherine Bach.
That 70's Show? It could've at least been an honorable mention
Yeah more 2000s
@@tombradyshow1222 How it started in 1998
@@m56214 the same way shoes on this list started in the 80s. The impact and relevance of That 70s Show wasn’t realized until at least 2000.
@@Binxx00 Dumazz.
Buffy the vampire slayer, Twin Peaks ? Not even an honourable mention, really. Both shows have been heavily influential on modern tv, buffy paved the way for strong female characters like no other show,
OF COURSE... Twin Peaks influenced most of the series of the 90s... so if you see at the end of the vid 13:51 --> Twin Peaks is Number 1+ ;)
faehne Seinfeld was Number 1 actually. They just used a clip of Twin Peaks to round out the episode.
@@callumharrison806 i saw that... Thats why tp got 1+ and seinfeld only got a simple 1 😉
Some good picks, but seriously, where the fuck is Buffy, one of the most influential shows of all time, let alone the 90s. Also X-Files should be higher up.
_The Simpsons_ has long since overstayed its welcome.
Your argument is extremely invalid.
Also, this should apply to Scooby doo, not the Simpsons.
I hate the Simpsons so much
I'm fine with The Simpisons its Family Guy that needs to leave, not a good show at all.
Andrew Duong If this is about Scooby Doo: Mystery Incorporated instead of the DTV movies, then you need to stop.
(Also The Simpsons should have ended ages ago, what are you talking about? Or do you just like spouting memes instead of making actual points?)
didnt it go bankrupt
Seriously... No South Park ???
It'll most probably be on the 2000's list. If not, I'll be seriously pissed.
Palatz Yeah, South Park was still in it's "surrealist comedy" stage in the 90's. Starting with the 1999 movie and afterwards, the show became more satirical. South Park's tone came about in the 2000s.
No south park or Buffy
No south park or Buffy
You should have included Buffy or Charmed.....But mostly Buffy
Tina.Hororka I think Charmed was more 2000s than 90s.
How is Buffy not even in the honorable mentions?
Predictions for the 2000's list (based on impact and popularity)
1. The Sopranos
2. The Wire
3. South Park
4. American Idol (Can't deny it was huge in the 2000's)
5. Lost
6. That 70's Show
7. Grey's Anatomy
8. Family Guy (again can't deny)
9. Dexter (maybe wishful thinking)
10. House
and Buffy
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has to be on the list.
Yeah I was mostly going off the top of my head. Dexter and House are probably the most replaceable one one on my list, 24 is a definite possibility, I like Jon Stewart but I think the Colbert Report has a better chance, I don't remember much about The West Wing and I aways associate Buffy with the 90's but I could see It getting a mention.
#1 breaking bad
As long as Jersey Shore is not on there, I'm good!
I know there are too many great 90's shows to fit in one list but I don't get for the life of me how you don't even mention FAMILY MATTERS (once again, WM must have something against this show cause every time they belong on a list they are never mentioned) Boy Meets World, or Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Those were some of the most defining 90's shows SMH.
agreed. Family Matters should be on a few lists all ready
Yeah, FM was one of the best and popular African American shows of the 90's! They keep excluding it from their lists every single time.
Did Family Matters not see it's highest popularity in the mid to late 80's? Or am I thinking of another show?
The 90's was when Family Matters really took off and become a hugely popular show so yeah, I think your thinking of another show.
EZDose
is that really true?
I Miss The 90s,Which's Kinda Weird Since I Was Born in 91,I Miss Everything That I've Missed
X-Files and Twin Peaks had the best actors, most innovative and great storytelling shows on this list.
The 90's is the greatest sitcom era. Seinfeld, Friends, Simpsons, Fraiser, Fresh Prince, Everybody Loves Raymond, Spin City, Boy Meets World, Family Matters, Saved by the Bell, and not to mention the back-end of Cheers, Cosby Show, and Golden Girls while introducing the likes of South Park and King of the Hill.
You kmow thay all started im tbe 80s
boy meets world tho.
Maybe girl meets world will be on the next list.
Lol, I only clicked this video to see if they included BMW.
Not even an honorable mention for Saved By The Bell? What about Martin?? Wow...
Also missing Living Color too and Living Single and I'm not just saying that because I'm black. Also NYPD and New York Undercover were just as good as Law & Order.
and Steve Urkel
Watchmojo RARELY shows anything with black casts unless its hood movies -_-
Shane Ballance In Living Color was a very popular sketch comedy show in which many famous 90's and now-a-days actors spawned from...actors such as Jim Carrey ......Family Matters spawned a very popular character ...the quintassential nerd ...Steven J Urkel .....both were 90's shows ...heck.Family Matters was on the popular TGIF line up of which Urkel would host on a regular basis ....those shows were very 90's in their definititions...and pre-dated/out-lived Fresh Prince of Bel Air .... Fresh Prince was a token black show on this list - there is more than 1 decade defining black 90'sd show ....and many others fit some of the other lists that watchmojo has had - but they never enter them on the list to be a choice
A lot of these shows stated in this thread of comments should have made the list.
What the fuck no full house, or boy meets world, those shows were classic shows they were better than Friends in my opinion.
Full House is only good when you're below, like, 13.
Weren't we all that age back then?
***** Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were the ultimate supreme being of these comments.
***** Except it kinda wasn't? The show didn't pick up until Steve Urkel came on, and then it was just "Watch this dumb nerd create inventions that screw everything up, haha fucking nerds" show. I don't really think it defines African-American culture as well as everyone would like to think.
You take that back!!
IM SORRY BUT WHERE TF WAS THE BUFFY MENTION???? I MEAN DEFINITELY TOP 5.
jemma callow yeah these people are fools. BUFFY is a masterpiece
Does WWE Monday night RAW count as a tv show? If it does than it deserves to be on this list.
fuck yeah it does!
Technically WWE dosen't even want to consider themselves as a "TV show" That's why they don't enter themselves into award shows like the emmy's. Really its more of a sport even though its not competitive
illuzion30 loool Raw in the late 90's was better than almost anything else on TV at the time and it was incredibly popular!
illuzion30
maybe it is you who is sad? wwe is alot of fun if u really get into it or just watch it occasionally for a laugh! and it spawned the rock! so it is a good thing!
If your talking about raw what about wcw and the massive popularity with them and the nwo
I wish DBZ, Sailor Moon, Cowboy Bebop, and even South Park were mentioned. Still, it's a pretty good list. #1 is right.
They didn't even put Animaniacs on the list either. Or Saved by the Bell.
DBZ came out in the 2000s
correction, it came in the 90s. Im a 2000s child and I love the show tho lol
And Rugrats.
what im suprised is that batman the animated was voted to #7 but didnt even get an honorable mention
3# Fresh prince of bel air 2# friends 1# the Simpsons like if u agree
replace friends with boy meets world than i will agree.
xxpatrickizradxxx
yup
Everybody's going on about Boy Meets World, which I agree definitely deserves a spot on this list, but c'mon BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER is hands down the 2nd most influential show to come out of the 90's after "The Simpsons."
We're the only two sane and rational people here. I could agree with you more
Beauty Effulgent not sure i completely agree with you but you make a good point. i can remember local bars holding halloween parties centered around halloween special episodes of btvs.
Kewl Beans Well, after giving it a little more thought I would say that Seinfield, The X-Files, and Twin Peaks were also more influential than Buffy. But Buffy hands down deserves a spot on this list. The fact that it didn't even get an honorable mention is beyond preposterous. Buffy made history by being the only show in the world that is recognized as an academic discipline, it has more thesis papers written about it than Seinfield and The Simpsons, and it (along w/ Xena) started the trend of strong and confident female heroines that we still see on tv today. And don't even get me started on the many ways it re-defined genre television, I would be here all night.
Beauty Effulgent
though i wasn't a fan of seinfeld i do put it pretty much equal to friends as far as cultural impact. you can't have a show on tv for 10 years and not affect society...just ask the twerps that produce american idol. xD
Kewl Beans Yeah, as painful as it is to admit, I think I agree with you on that :)
I really thought the 90's list was gonna be Good, I was Wrong, No Family Matters, Doogie Howser MD, Full House, Step by Step, Martin, In Living Color, Mad Tv, California Dreams, Blossom, Unhapply Ever After, Power Rangers, Roswell... I can go on and on......
Blossom.. in decade defining.. LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
mike pilkington
and i mean LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!
illuzion30 ^this XD lol
Batman the animated series,sorry it's the best Batman adaptation ever.
What about Boy Meets World?
I'm sorry but Friends defined a GENERATION.
Seinfeld defined Friend lol
Really surprised to see Seinfeld above Simpsons/Friends/Fresh Prince unless this list is specific to America. I am not American but Friends/Simpsons/Fresh Prince were incredibly popular/influential here in the UK in the 90s but not anywhere near the amount of people who liked them have even heard of Seinfeld as it is practically not shown here. Also please say Scrubs is in the 2000s!
ikr. french here, can't help but thinking wtf is Seinfeld? the three you picked, i'm sure even a guy in Bhutan would have watched them
Surprised about that. Seinfeld was pretty big here in Australia in the late 90s. Holy shit, did we actually get something BEFORE someone else?
It's voted on and most of the people that vote are from America
Well, actually that does mean we got it before you. We have it, and you guys don't, ergo we got it before you.
Scrubs never gets any love from WatchMojo, so it won't be on the 2000s list.
Twin Peaks was the first narrative based television series, very revolutionary deserved a spot.
Cannot BELIEVE that BtVS wasn't even an honorable mention. Highly disappointed.
Unsubscribing.
they don't know how to do this where is Buffy the vampire slayer
I'm more than a little disappointed that Buffy wasn't even an honorable mention.
What about Daria, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Xena The Warrior Princess, Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman and Power Rangers ?
Power rangers sucked ass, it was boring, and it was so fucking weird
Honestly only one of those shows would be on the list if it were for me.
Super Sentai from Japan Is Much Much Better Than Teenagers with cheeky attitude
***** but it was sooo booooring
***** IT'S TIME TO CONQUER EARTH!
How the HELL did Simpsons get beat by Seinfeld?? The Simpsons was my childhood. Was what I looked forward to every Sunday night. It WAS the 90s. What is this love affair with Seinfeld? I'm sorry but any category The Simpsons is in should always take the top spot. It was such a part of pop culture and to see it as number two on this list is just silly.
Honestly I grew up LOVING the Simpsons. I remember begging my parents to get me home for "Who Shot Mr Burns Part 2". When I was in High School I started watching Seinfeld and man that show made me roll off my couch. Probably the reason I love both shows. Great cast with some fucking funny and intelligent writing. Simpsons will always be my #1. 1992-97 the peak of the Simpsons height will never be touched again on TV.
Shatamx
Indeed. Simpsons and Friends is what I grew up on. I also watched ER sometimes with my parents. No one I knew watched Seinfeld and only recently have I seen a small bit of it and just not into it. It's hard to root for that show when, like I said, no one I knew was into it. All these other shows on the countdown I can recall people watching.
holly hirsch i know quite a few people that watched seinfeld. it continues to be syndicated and is very successful; also, jerry seinfeld is the richest actor in the world, mostly based on the royalties from the show, as he took a 10 year hiatus from acting. that said, i was also surprised that it beat the simpsons.
Fuck your childhood, this isn't about you. Seinfeld is a much better, and more clever show than The Simpsons. Besides, it was #2 ffs, stop your damn bitching.
holly hirsch You're acting like something should be rated higher because it has some sentimental value in your life, it makes absolutely no sense. "No one I knew watched Seinfeld" were you like 5 when Seinfeld was in it's prime? I'm guessing you were by your blatant ignorance. Seinfeld has dominated T.V ratings since the 90's. Like I said, Simpsons was #2, not like it didn't get a good spot so STOP YOUR DAMN BITCHING!
stunned that Buffy didn't get on 90's or 2000's :S
that had a huge following, and enormous impact.
between girl power, gays, magic, occult... hell, without Buffy, ya wouldn't have all these "supernatural" type shows... (its been stated several times by people behind many shows, and networks.)
You didn't even mention Ren and Stimpi, and they ran only in the '90s, and without them, there wouldn't be Beavis an Butthead, so they also deserve at least honorable mention.
Real #1 = Twin Peaks
And where the hell is "Mystery Science Theater 3000"?!?
that's a show?
Technically, yes
Hell yeah ma brother! MST3K needed to be on this list. Changed the way I watch crappy movies. All these people who don't know this show needs to get the hell out of here and check it out!
MST3K was the only reason I tuned on the Sci-Fi channel. Damn I miss that show.
Coulda at least had an Honorable Mention, seriously. Northern Exposure, too.
I'll have to agree with the people missing Buffy... Okay, it is not entirely main stream but I'd say it was still impactful enough for an honorable mention... oh, well.
It definitely had a huge impact on 90's culture and influenced many shows after it though. While I rank it as more of a cult classic, the vast influence it had definitely deserved AT LEAST an honorable mention, if not a place in the top ten (I would have put Buffy in the honorable mentions or low on the list, BUT I certainly would NOT have left it off entirely like watchmojo did). I also feel friends deserved the number one spot, but other than the friends/Buffy thing I liked the list.
Guessing Seinfeld is #1
How obvious...
It is awesome and I'm 13 (:
I'm 14 and I am addicted to it
1. Friends
2. The Simpsons
3. Seinfeld
+Plutone 3: boy meets world 2: full house1: 3rd rock from the sun
Nah. Seinfeld is way better
F R A S I E R
Darwaxion Fresh Prince of Bel Air,Friends,The Simpson
The Nanny
Is there really nothing for Buffy the Vampire Slayer? I'm pretty sure every vampire, werewolf, demon, and other supernatural show since Buffy aired can be attributed to it, and that makes it culturally significant. Plus, it spawned Angel as a successful spinoff, so you could give it an honorable mention at least.
Before I watch, hoping for Boy Meets World, Full House, and Family Matters.
None of them made it, even though I think Full House should have at least got a honorable mention :/
***** for a second i thought i would be number 1 smfh first not puting different strokes on the 80s list now not putting BMW on 90s? i mean come on? i don't think they will put smallville on the 2000s list tomorrow too watchmojo has been sucking imo
No that 70 show???! :(
123455thatguy the TV show that was called that and it was also one of my favorite TV show
He means the show that 70s show
It wasn't a joke you dumbass "that 70s show" was a title of a show
iEATyou u mad
It was more big in the 00's.
dam I miss the 90s such a better time
If you say so. I grew up in the 90's, and I prefer today... I don't have to go to school anymore, smart phones, video games are way better and more accessible.
Fraiser over ER and X Files? What a crock?
Where is Full House at?
It came out in the 80's
I love the majority of the shows on this list but Friends is my number 1, because it's just one of the best.
Finally, the list people actually care about
So, my guess is that Breaking Bad will be #1 on the next list.
Even though The Sopranos and The Wire deserve the top spot more.
Im pretty sure The Wire will be #1 Breaking Bad will be number #2 and Game Of Thrones will be #1 for the 2010's
***** Actually you might be right about BB in the 2010's
***** Eh,I always thought of How I met your mother as a poor man's 'Friends'..It might be in the list but definitely not above Sopranos,the show which was very influential for many future drama shows including Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is overrated.
***** breaking bad was 08 so it will be 00s
SEX AND THE CITY deserves way more than a memorable mention
No twin peaks?
What about Mr. Bean?
The Americans wouldn't include a British show if their lives depended on it
joe foley Well man, WatchMojo is Canadian. Your answer is invalid
TWIN PEAKS
2000s Predictions (Based on the quality of seasons in this decade, rather than seasons in the '10s that declined):
1. Dexter
2. Breaking Bad (Could be on the 2010s list really)
3. Firefly
4. Chuck
5. The Wire
6. Arrested Development (luckily, S4 wasn't in this decade, so it's worthy of a top spot)
7. Six Feet Under
8. 24
9. Prison Break
10. The Shield
Honourable Mentions:
11. Star Wars: The Clone Wars
12. BSG
13. House
14. Sons of Anarchy
15. Death Note
Sopranos' seasons in the '00s ranged from high 7s to 8/10, so despite being a trend setter, it wasn't as good as the above shows imo.
I think you put Chuck waaaay to high. That show is lucky to crack the list. Its possible Buffy cracks that list. Also you missed on Entourage imo. Id put the one season of Playmakers over Chuck. Supernatural could also get in as well. I think BB gets the top spot of the 2010 to present list.
salvador155 Chuck is amazing, S5 was pointless but I'd still give a 9/10, it was brilliant. Wasn't crazy on S4 (still very entertaining though), but 1,2,3 and 5 were ridiculously good.
Dexter Seasons 1, 2, 3 and 4 were better than Breaking Bad's best seasons in my opinion.
I like chuck, but was it big enough to be on the top 10, also I would guess if it it got on the list then House would be higher.
Spongebob Squarepants?
Sex and the City?
Here are my picks for top 10 shows of the 90's
10) Monday Night Raw (during the attitude era)
9) Late Show with David Letterman
8) Boy meets world
7) South Park
6) Who wants to be a millionaire
5) Law and order
4) Mighty Morphin Power Rangers
3) Seinfeld
2) Friends
1) The Simpsons
Right shows, wrong positions in my opinion. But one thing is sure you can't get a more influential group of shows for any decade.
1. Friends 2. The X-Files 3. Seinfeld 4. ER 5. The Simpsons 6. Twin Peaks 7. Frasier
Ok why are they all American?.....allo allo. Vicar of dibly, absolutely fabulous, bottom, men behaving baldly, gimmy gimmy gimmy, top of the pops, faulty towers.....seriously the list could go on and on.
Mr Bean.
Because American TV ROCKS!!!!!
Faulty Towers was an honorable mention in there 1970s list.
It Says DEFINING Not Best even thou they usually are
I'm British and not a single one of 'lala' choices I would say belongs in a list of defining shows of the 90's.
British TV was great at points but American tv had better budget and writing for the most part of it,
ICYMI: The other videos so far in this series!
Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1950s
Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1960s
Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1970s
Top 10 Decade Defining TV Shows: 1980s
you forgot WWE Raw :)
In the 90's it wasn't, now yes it is.
seinfield... really? as decade defining??? im sorry... but if we are talking about decade defining shows of the 90s then simpsons 1 and friends 2. they were the biggest shows in the WORLD not just north america.
That 70's show should of been in honorable mentions...
Spencer Jordan
But it didn't define the 90s. The 70s, maybe.
And here I was hoping they would finally mention Twin Peaks. But no, they just put a tiny little clip at the start and end of the video and didn't even give it an honorable mention. WHY DO THEY NEVER MENTION TWIN PEAKS
Friends and the Simpsons are definitely more popular and influential than Seinfeld.
Friends should have been #1!! Friends rules I miss this show! ❤️
Buffy the Vampire Slayer has had way more influence on modern tv and even film than all of these shows, unless it's in the 2000s list.
Not to mention South Park the best cartoon of all time; again, unless it's in the 2000s list.
I didn't watch it yet but of Fresh Prince isn't first I'm going to be mad
not even an honorable mention.
Darecky lol it was number 4.
TEC1
oh yes i had to go get my chicken hahaha i missed it;)
im sorry ezio
X Files, Star Trek DS), VOY and TNG, Xena, Babylon 5, Simpsons, The Nanny, Sabrina, Friends - my favorites ;)
The only reason I watched this was to see if The X Files were gonna be on here... good job watchmojo, you kept a subscriber this time.
Same here
No Power Rangers, Boy Meets World, South Park or Pokemon, If you want you could put the in Simpsons in the 90's, 00 's and 10's
you think Power Rangers and Pokemon were the best tvs shows of the 90s
hahahahahahahahahahahhahahahaahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
Nah Simpsons was just okay is the 00s and in the 10s its practically unwatchable its so bad
Same feeling about 3rd rock from the sun!
Friends is way, way better than Seinfield
HAH, thats only because you've only seen Friends. Because Friends is on Netflix. No need to be ashamed, I've seen many of you.
I like Friends but Seinfeld is amazing and very unique! The fact that they can take such a boring subject (such as waiting for a table in a restaurant) and make a complex storyline around it, that is funny and quotable! Truly amazing!
Family Matters, Full House, Boy Meets World, That 70's Show, Batman: The Animated Series, Saved by the Bell; where were they when this video was being produced?
My favorite 90s tv shows- Beverly Hills 90210, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, Seinfeld
Friends will forever be #1 in my heart :)
I guess you haven't seen the British sitcom Coupling.
Andrew Smith yeah America ruined that show
The British original version of Coupling is excellent. It has strong, interesting characters. The American remake is a pale imitation, in which the characters have no personalities.
Andrew Smith agreed
J-Hope My Hope me too the last episode tho
"Boy Meets World" was fantastic and "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" used to scare the shit our of me. I can't believe they were not even mentioned!
Friends is my favourite show of all time but I agree it's place at #3. The Simpsons truly defined the decade and has been one of the most successful shows ever and (even thought I hate it) Seinfeld did too.
Twin peaks is the best by far
Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, Full House, Blossom. They were by far the best 90s shows I've ever seen.
Saved by the Bell is a 1980s tv show that aired from 1989 to 1992 or 1993
That's it.
I am outta here.
No Twin Peaks!!!
Its time to unsubscribe this stupid channel.
One of the most influential TV shows ever doesn't even got a mention when it should have been #1.
Live long and prosper, Watchmojo.
I am out.
Bhanu BYE
it was in the 80’s list
"Sex in the City" got an honorable mention, but not "Full House"? "Family Matters"?? "Martin"?? "Quantum Leap"?!?!
"Quantum Leap" might've actually be 80's, though. Lol
Calm down, they can only put limited shows on the honorable mentions list. I'm sure if they could, they would put ALL of that on there too.
I understand they can only put on a certain amount of shows. But "Sex in the City"??? REALLY!?!? Over ANY of the shows I mentioned?? Ridiculous.
boy meets world!/!!
I was gonna suggest that show, too... and as much as I loved the show, it wasn't really "decade defining". EVERYBODY, however, knew "Full House" and "Family Matters".
Where the fuck is buffy?
Buffy? Stargate SG1?
In Living Color brought us Jim Carrey, Jamie Fox, The Wayans Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, David Alan Grier, Tommy Davidson. The show literally started in 1990 and is ten times funnier than all of the other shows mentioned.
My top 5 1990's show
5. Spawn
4. The Simpson
3. Tiny toons Adventure
2. Pokemon (original)
1. BATMAN THE ANIMATED SERIES
You show hints of Twin Peaks but it's not even on the list, which should be high up on the list, it's not even an honorable mention! What is wrong with you!?
Top five shows of all time. Not in order.
Person of interest
Doctor who
The sopranos
The office
Seinfeld.
You must be kidding. Twin Peaks is not a first? Is that suppose to be a joke? The show that inspired all mystery TV series and gave us so much originality? Shame on you!
Baywatch & Beverly Hills 90210! ❤
1. ER
2. X Files
3. Beverly Hills 90210
4. Baywatch
5. Friends
6. Buffy, The Vampire Hunter
7. Xena/Hercules
8. Lois & Clark
9. Dawson's Creek
10. Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Seinfeld is the best comedy show of all time.
Twin Peaks pls... At least in HM pls...
1.Boy Meets World (93-99)
2.Family Matters (89-98)
3.Full House (87-95)
4.Martin (92-98)
5.The Nanny (93-99)
Boy Meets World ended in 00
My bad
lisa simpson Its all good :)
I would make Martin my #1. I think all of my family could tell you we almost choked to death on a couple of episodes.
& 3rd rock from the sun!
This list is missing Boy Meets World and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
How bout Buffy?! You can't deny that was a hit like The X Files. Buffy was a movie but a flop so they made a show and it turned into a hit. Everybody talked about it and still do to this day. The channel E! and many others are still talking about it like having a reunion show of the cast. Buffy was so popular they made a spin - off show Angel which was also a hit. Many of us Buffy fans moved on to Supernatural hence all the Buffy guests on that show. Supernatural is also a hit. Going into its 10th season now. Maybe they'll have some of the Buffy cast guest star again for the Buffy fans of the show. Buffy is huge!! And Supernatural!! They both better be in the 2000's top 10!!!
Where's batman the animated series?
did batman define the 90s?
RowenKyleBrody yes
+RowenKyleBrody Hell yes. It was arguably the most memorable and talked about superhero/kids/cartoon show of the 90's.
Wade Wilson
maybe ever!
RowenKyleBrody It was arguably the first superhero cartoon that didn't treat their audience like they were stupid and trusted kids to follow complex stories so yes it should have been on the list. Also the writing for the most part was sublime and it is up there with the best shows of the 90s in my opinion.