10 Cult Classic Series from the '90s Worth Rewatching

1. Nowhere Man (1995-1996)

Nowhere Man is a psychological thriller series that unfolds like an extended Twilight Zone episode. Bruce Greenwood stars as Thomas Veil, a photographer who finds his existence wiped out overnight. His wife doesn't recognize him, his credit cards are suddenly invalid, and his best friend is murdered when he tries to figure out what's happening.

The enigmatic series, full of mind-bending twists and turns, revolves around Veil's quest to reclaim his identity and solve the grand conspiracy at the heart of his plight. The show was cut short after a single season and didn't get the spotlight it truly deserved.

2. American Gothic (1995-1996)

If Twin Peaks had a southern cousin, it'd probably be American Gothic. Set in the fictional town of Trinity, South Carolina, it follows the devilish Sheriff Lucas Buck, played with terrifying charm by Gary Cole. The Sheriff's supernatural control over his town and his unsettling interest in a young boy named Caleb leads to an eerie tale of good versus evil.

While the series was sadly axed after just one season, it left behind a legacy of chilling, atmospheric storytelling that's worth revisiting. Also, American Gothic was one of the early works of Shaun Cassidy, who would later be known for the cult hit Invasion.

3. Space: Above and Beyond (1995-1996)

Space: Above and Beyond is taking us to the final frontier. This military sci-fi series charted the interstellar war between humans and a mysterious alien species known as the Chigs. While it may seem like your typical us versus them trope, the series tackled complex themes of xenophobia, fear, and sacrifice. Tragically, the series was cancelled before it could fully explore its planned narrative, but it remains an entertaining enough watch for those seeking a deep, thoughtful sci-fi romp.

4. Kindred: The Embraced (1996)

Kindred: The Embraced was a vampire drama way before vampire dramas were cool. Based on the Vampire: The Masquerade role-playing game, it delved into the intricate politics and power plays between different vampire clans in San Francisco. Tragically, the series was cut short by the untimely death of its lead actor, Mark Frankel, after only eight episodes. Despite its short run, the show still gained a cult following, offering a mature, character-driven vampire drama long before True Blood or The Vampire Diaries.

5. Profit (1996-1997)

This ahead-of-its-time series featured a sociopathic corporate climber, Jim Profit (played by Adrian Pasdar), who would stop at nothing to rise to the top of the multinational company Gracen & Gracen. Its depiction of corporate greed and corruption was both shocking and compelling. While it only lasted a single season of four episodes due to low ratings and controversy, it was praised by critics and has since gained a cult following. Entertainment Weekly even named it the 4th best cult TV show ever.

6. The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993-1994)

The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. was a Wild West comedy adventure series that blended in a generous portion of science fiction. This show starred Bruce Campbell (yes, Ash from the Evil Dead series) as the titular character, a Harvard-educated lawyer turned bounty hunter, on a mission to avenge his father's murder.

The show mixed high adventure, comedy, and some pretty inventive (if not exactly scientifically accurate) steampunk elements. Kind of a wild mix, right? Well, it still worked somehow: despite its cancellation after only one season, the show managed a Rotten Tomatoes rating of 92%.

7. Eerie, Indiana (1991-1992)

If you enjoy Stranger Things, you might want to take a detour through Eerie, Indiana. The show follows Marshall Teller, a teenager who moves to the small town of Eerie and quickly realizes that things aren't as they seem. Alongside his new friend Simon, he encounters everything from sentient dogs planning a canine uprising to love-struck ghosts causing havoc.

The series blends humor and horror in equal measure, creating a uniquely unsettling but charming viewing experience. Despite lasting only one season, the show left an impression with its quirky writing and cast, including Omri Katz of Hocus Pocus fame as Marshall.

8. VR.5 (1995-1997)

The series followed Sydney Bloom (played by Lori Singer), a telephone lineswoman who accidentally discovers that she can transport people into a virtual reality plane using her homemade VR system and a phone line.

The show is a fascinating (and kind of funny in 2023) snapshot of the 90s tech boom, and it used the concept of VR as a metaphor for exploring human consciousness and morality. While VR.5 only lasted for one season, it broke ground in its exploration of then-nascent technology and left a lasting legacy in cyberpunk television.

9. The Secret World of Alex Mack (1994-1998)

Thanks to this show we all learned that coming of age is tough, especially when you're morphing into a silver puddle. The Secret World of Alex Mack was part of the golden era of Nickelodeon, where the ordinary blended seamlessly with the extraordinary.

Alex Mack, played by Larisa Oleynik, was an average teenager until she was doused with a top-secret chemical that gave her superpowers like telekinesis and the ability to convert into a liquid form. The series, while primarily a comedy-drama, addressed deeper themes about growing up, lasting four seasons before its intentionally ambiguous finale.

10. Parker Lewis Can't Lose (1990-1993)

In the era dominated by Saved by the Bell, this high-school comedy offered an alternative, with sharper wit and a unique visual style. Parker Lewis, played by Corin Nemec, was the smooth high schooler who, as the title suggested, couldn't lose. The show was replete with eccentric characters, including Parker's friends, Mikey and Jerry, and his nemesis, Principal Musso. Over the course of three seasons, the show managed to create a distinct identity, delivering smart, absurdist humor in a John Hughes-like high school setting.