12 Best Sitcoms of the 90s, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes Score
Ready for a powerful trip down memory lane?
The 1990s was a golden era for sitcoms, with projects like Friends and Seinfeld changing television forever and launching many brilliant actors into stardom.
Here are the 12 best sitcoms of that time, as rated by viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. If you grew up in the last decade of the 20th century, each of these titles is sure to bring nostalgia and strong emotions. Get your must-rewatch lists ready.
That '70s Show (1998–2006, 8 seasons, 81%)
Fox's teen sitcom, which spans three years in the lives of six teenagers in Point Place, Wisconsin, is a truly phenomenal show with well-developed storylines and genuine relationships between characters. As a bonus, after watching That '70s Show, you can hop on over to its new sequel series, That '90s Show, which is set in 1995 and features many of the actors from the original sitcom reprising their roles.
Martin (1992–1997, 5 seasons, 82%)
Another Fox sitcom and the highest-rated show during its run on the network is Martin, starring Martin Lawrence. Lawrence plays a free-spirited, sharp-tongued disc jockey who works at a Detroit radio and television station. The show focuses on his life and relationship with his girlfriend (Tisha Campbell) and is far from a generic sitcom.
Everybody Loves Raymond (1996–2005, 9 seasons, 84%)
The CBS sitcom has been ranked by many as one of the greatest TV series of all time. Based on real human stories, characters, and relationships, the show about shy and dryly sarcastic Italian-American sportswriter Raymond Barone and his family has really stood the test of time.
Will & Grace (1998–2006, 11 seasons, 88%)
One of NBC's most popular shows is Will & Grace. The show follows the lives and relationships of two best friends living in New York City: gay lawyer Will Truman and Jewish interior designer Grace Adler. Will & Grace is highly praised for its writing and representation of the LGBTQ+ community.
Boy Meets World (1993–2000, 7 seasons, 90%)
Viewers will always have a special fondness for the ABC coming-of-age sitcom that follows Ben Savage's Cory Matthews as he grows from childhood to adulthood. Many fans actually grew up with Cory and considered him their friend. Adult viewers also praise the show for its great relationships and tackling serious issues.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996, 6 seasons, 90%)
The NBC sitcom that launched Will Smith's career was a lighthearted show with some incredibly real moments. The story of a street-smart teenager coming to terms with his upper-class family was reimagined by Peacock last year in the series Bel-Air, but viewers say the original is much better.
Absolutely Fabulous (1992–2004, 5 seasons, 92%)
Created by and starring Jennifer Saunders, the BBC sitcom was a twisted, campy and exciting ride for every teenager in the 90s. Viewers loved the main characters, drinking and drug-abusing high-powered career women in the London fashion scene, and their hilarious one-liners. Each character seemed to be so much that the show hardly needed a plot to get an episode going.
Sports Night (1998–2000, 2 seasons, 92%)
Although Sports Night was canceled after just two seasons, it left an undeniable mark on the 1990s television and its viewers. Created by iconic showrunner and writer Aaron Sorkin, the ABC series tells the story of the creation of a fictional sports news show and the challenges the main character faces as a result.
Seinfeld (1989–1998, 9 seasons, 92%)
One of the fan-favorite sitcoms of the 90s is NBC's Seinfeld. It stars Jerry Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself and focuses on the daily lives of him and his friends. In all the years that have passed since the sitcom's finale, fans still can't get over its absurd, creative, and profound humor.
Frasier (1993–2004, 11 seasons, 93%)
The NBC sitcom about psychiatrist Frasier Crane, who returns to his hometown to host a radio show and reconnect with his family and friends, was a critical and audience favorite. Frasier's cast won a whopping 37 Primetime Emmy Awards for portraying real, deep, and well-developed characters.
Friends (1994–2004, 10 seasons, 93%)
If you've never heard of Friends, you probably never had a TV or the Internet, or were born yesterday. To this day, this truly iconic NBC show with a massive global following remains the ultimate comfort sitcom for millions of viewers. There is something about the Manhattan-based group of friends that makes you feel like you belong.
Married... With Children (1987–1997, 11 seasons, 99%)
Surprisingly, almost all Rotten Tomatoes users claim to love the story of a Chicago high school football player turned shoe salesman, his family, and his neighbors. With its record-breaking run, this Fox show left a huge mark on modern comedy television, revolutionizing sitcom archetypes.