10 Best Underrated '90s TV Shows You Missed
Hey guys! Remember the 90s? What an incredible decade for television! We had iconic shows that defined a generation, but there were also some real gems that, for whatever reason, just didn't get the love they deserved. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and shine a spotlight on 10 underrated '90s TV shows that should have been way bigger. Get ready for some serious nostalgia! We're diving deep into the decade of dial-up internet, flannel shirts, and some seriously amazing television. This list isn't just a random collection of shows; it’s a curated selection of series that, in my humble opinion, pushed boundaries, told compelling stories, and featured some seriously talented folks both in front of and behind the camera. We're talking about shows that might have been ahead of their time, suffered from poor marketing, or simply got lost in the shuffle of a very crowded television landscape. But despite their lack of mainstream success, these shows left a lasting impact on those who did watch them, and they continue to be discovered and appreciated by new audiences today. So, grab your favorite 90s snack (I'm thinking Dunkaroos, anyone?) and let's get started! We're about to unearth some television treasures that you absolutely need to add to your watchlist. Trust me, you won't be disappointed. And hey, if you've already seen these shows, consider this a reminder to revisit them – they're just as good as you remember, maybe even better!
1. My So-Called Life
First up, we have My So-Called Life. This show… oh man, this show was EVERYTHING for teenagers in the mid-90s. My So-Called Life perfectly captured the angst, confusion, and awkwardness of high school life. Starring Claire Danes as Angela Chase, the series followed her journey through the treacherous waters of adolescence, dealing with friendships, first loves, and identity crises. The writing was incredibly sharp and insightful, and the performances were top-notch. The show's exploration of teenage identity, social dynamics, and the search for self-discovery was groundbreaking for its time. It wasn't afraid to tackle tough issues like peer pressure, drug use, and sexuality, and it did so with a level of honesty and authenticity that was rare in teen dramas. Angela Chase, with her signature flannel shirts and introspective voiceovers, became an icon for a generation of young women who felt misunderstood and overlooked. The supporting cast, including Jared Leto as the dreamy but troubled Jordan Catalano and Wilson Cruz as the openly gay Rickie Vasquez, was equally compelling. Each character was richly developed and faced their own unique challenges, making the show feel incredibly real and relatable. My So-Called Life only lasted for one season, which is a crime, I tell you! The cancellation broke the hearts of its devoted fans, but the show's impact has endured. It's still considered a cult classic and a major influence on subsequent teen dramas like Freaks and Geeks and The O.C. If you've never seen it, do yourself a favor and check it out. You might just find yourself transported back to your own awkward teenage years, but in the best possible way. The show's legacy extends far beyond its short run, influencing a generation of writers, filmmakers, and actors. Its realistic portrayal of teenage life paved the way for more complex and nuanced portrayals of young people on television. My So-Called Life remains a touchstone for anyone who has ever felt lost, confused, or just plain awkward in the face of growing up. It's a reminder that those feelings are universal and that you're not alone in navigating the sometimes-turbulent waters of adolescence. And let's be honest, who hasn't felt like Angela Chase at some point in their lives? That's the show's magic – its ability to tap into those universal experiences and emotions that connect us all. So, if you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even cringe a little, My So-Called Life is the perfect choice.
2. Profit
Okay, guys, let's talk about Profit. This show was dark. Like, really dark. And maybe that's why it didn't stick around for long, but it was also brilliantly dark. Profit starred Adrian Pasdar as Jim Profit, a sociopathic corporate climber who would stop at nothing to get ahead. We're talking manipulation, blackmail, even murder. The show was a scathing satire of corporate greed and the ruthless pursuit of power. It was also incredibly unsettling, thanks to Pasdar's chilling performance and the show's bleak, almost dystopian atmosphere. Profit aired for only four episodes on Fox before being canceled due to low ratings and complaints about its disturbing content. But those four episodes were a wild ride. The show's portrayal of corporate amorality was groundbreaking for its time, and it remains surprisingly relevant today. Jim Profit was a character unlike anything else on television – a charming but utterly soulless individual who saw people as mere pawns in his twisted game. The show's creators didn't shy away from depicting Profit's dark side, and they explored the psychological factors that might have contributed to his sociopathic tendencies. This made him a fascinating, albeit terrifying, character to watch. Profit was definitely not for everyone. Its cynical worldview and disturbing content were a turn-off for some viewers. But for those who appreciated its sharp writing and bold storytelling, it was a truly unforgettable show. It's a shame that it was canceled so quickly, because it had the potential to be one of the most groundbreaking dramas of the 90s. In retrospect, Profit may have been too ahead of its time. Its unflinching portrayal of corporate corruption and the dark side of human nature was a stark contrast to the more optimistic and feel-good programming that dominated television in the 90s. Today, in a world increasingly aware of corporate malfeasance and social inequality, Profit's themes resonate even more strongly. It's a show that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about power, greed, and the lengths people will go to achieve their ambitions. If you're looking for a show that will make you think, Profit is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some seriously dark and disturbing content! It's not exactly the kind of show you can watch before bedtime, but it's a fascinating and thought-provoking piece of television history.
3. Action
If you're a fan of Hollywood satire, you need to check out Action. This show, starring Jay Mohr as a sleazy movie producer named Peter Dragon, was a hilarious and often cringe-worthy look at the inner workings of the entertainment industry. Action was fast-paced, witty, and filled with memorable characters. It was like Entourage but, like, way more cynical and biting. The show lampooned everything from studio executives to actors to the very idea of selling out. Peter Dragon was a master of manipulation and self-promotion, and his antics were both appalling and endlessly entertaining. Action suffered from poor scheduling and low ratings, and it was canceled after only 13 episodes. But it has since gained a cult following, thanks to its sharp writing and Mohr's brilliant performance. The show's behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood was both hilarious and horrifying. It exposed the egos, the power struggles, and the sheer absurdity of the movie-making process. Action didn't pull any punches, and it was often brutally honest in its portrayal of the entertainment industry. This may have been one of the reasons why it didn't find a wider audience – people in Hollywood probably didn't want their dirty laundry aired on national television! But for those of us who enjoy a good dose of satire, Action was a true gem. It's a show that you can watch again and again and still find new things to laugh at. The characters are so well-developed and the writing is so clever that it never gets old. And let's be honest, the real-life Hollywood is probably even crazier than anything depicted on Action. So, if you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, think, and maybe even feel a little bit disgusted, Action is the perfect choice. It's a hilarious and insightful look at the world of entertainment, and it's a show that definitely deserved more recognition. Peter Dragon is a character for the ages – a flawed, hilarious, and ultimately compelling anti-hero. And the supporting cast is equally brilliant, filled with quirky and memorable characters who populate the surreal world of Hollywood. Action is a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll, and it's a must-see for anyone who loves smart, satirical comedy.
4. Get a Life
Okay, this one's a weird one, guys. But in the best possible way. Get a Life starred Chris Elliott as Chris Peterson, a 30-year-old paperboy who lived with his parents and had a seriously warped view of the world. Get a Life was surreal, absurd, and often just plain bizarre. It was like a live-action cartoon, with over-the-top characters, outlandish situations, and a healthy dose of dark humor. The show was created by Elliott, Adam Resnick, and David Mirkin, the same minds behind The Simpsons, and it definitely shared that show's irreverent and boundary-pushing sensibility. Get a Life only lasted for two seasons on Fox, but it has since become a cult favorite. Its unique brand of humor is definitely an acquired taste, but for those who appreciate it, it's pure genius. The show's willingness to embrace the absurd and the surreal set it apart from other sitcoms of the time. Chris Peterson was a character unlike any other on television – a man-child who seemed completely oblivious to the realities of the world around him. The situations he found himself in were often bizarre and hilarious, and the show never shied away from pushing the boundaries of good taste. Get a Life was a show that you either loved or hated. There was really no in-between. But for those who loved it, it was a true masterpiece of comedic weirdness. It's a show that you can watch again and again and still discover new jokes and absurdities. The supporting cast, including Elliott's real-life father Bob Elliott as his dad, was equally brilliant. The show's unique sensibility and willingness to take risks made it a true original. Get a Life is a show that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of comedy fans. It's a reminder that the best comedy often comes from the most unexpected places. And let's be honest, in a world that often feels too serious, a little bit of absurdism can go a long way. So, if you're looking for a show that will make you laugh, scratch your head, and maybe even feel a little bit uncomfortable, Get a Life is the perfect choice. It's a weird, wild, and wonderful ride, and it's a show that you won't soon forget.
5. Space: Above and Beyond
Okay, sci-fi fans, this one's for you. Space: Above and Beyond was a military science fiction series that aired for one season on Fox. Space: Above and Beyond followed a group of young U.S. Marines fighting an alien race in the year 2063. The show was a mix of action, drama, and social commentary, and it tackled themes like war, prejudice, and the future of humanity. It was like Starship Troopers meets Platoon, but with a surprisingly emotional core. Space: Above and Beyond was visually stunning and featured some impressive special effects for its time. The cast was also excellent, and the characters were well-developed and relatable. The show explored the psychological toll of war on young soldiers and the challenges of fighting an enemy that they didn't fully understand. It also addressed issues of racial and social inequality, making it a surprisingly relevant show even today. Space: Above and Beyond suffered from poor scheduling and low ratings, and it was canceled after only one season. But it has since gained a devoted following, thanks to its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and action-packed storylines. The show's exploration of the human cost of war and the complexities of interspecies conflict set it apart from other science fiction series of the time. It wasn't just about spaceships and laser battles; it was about the people caught in the middle of a cosmic conflict. Space: Above and Beyond is a show that deserves a second look. It's a smart, exciting, and emotionally resonant series that tackled big issues in a compelling way. If you're a fan of military science fiction, this is a show that you absolutely need to check out. The show's visual effects still hold up surprisingly well, and the storylines are just as engaging today as they were in the 90s. Space: Above and Beyond is a reminder that science fiction can be more than just escapism; it can also be a powerful tool for exploring important social and political issues. So, if you're looking for a show that will make you think, feel, and root for the good guys, Space: Above and Beyond is the perfect choice. It's a hidden gem of 90s television, and it's a show that deserves to be rediscovered by a new generation of viewers.
6. Nowhere Man
Prepare for a mind-bending thriller! Nowhere Man starred Bruce Greenwood as Thomas Veil, a photographer whose life is mysteriously erased. He's lost his family, his friends, his job – everything. And he has no idea why. Nowhere Man was a dark and paranoid series that explored themes of identity, conspiracy, and the fragility of reality. The show was a masterclass in suspense, and it kept viewers guessing until the very end. Each episode presented a new mystery and a new challenge for Thomas Veil as he tried to piece together the fragments of his shattered life. The show's ambiguous storytelling and unsettling atmosphere created a sense of unease that permeated every scene. Nowhere Man was critically acclaimed but struggled in the ratings, and it was canceled after one season. But its unique premise and gripping storytelling have earned it a cult following. The show's exploration of identity loss and the search for truth resonated with viewers who felt alienated and disillusioned in the 90s. Thomas Veil's struggle to reclaim his life and uncover the conspiracy that had destroyed it was a compelling narrative that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Nowhere Man is a show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. Its themes of paranoia, mistrust, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world are just as relevant today as they were in the 90s. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, this is a show that you absolutely need to see. The show's ambiguous ending is sure to spark debate and discussion, and it's a testament to the show's ability to provoke thought and challenge viewers' assumptions. Nowhere Man is a reminder that sometimes the greatest mysteries are the ones we can't solve, and that the search for truth can be a dangerous and unpredictable journey. So, if you're looking for a show that will keep you guessing and questioning everything you think you know, Nowhere Man is the perfect choice. It's a hidden gem of 90s television, and it's a show that deserves to be remembered.
7. Strange Luck
Strange Luck was a unique and intriguing series that starred D.B. Sweeney as Chance Harper, a man who seemed to attract bizarre and dangerous events. Strange Luck was a mix of mystery, drama, and the supernatural, and it explored the idea of fate and coincidence. Each episode featured Chance getting caught up in a new and unusual situation, often involving criminal activity or paranormal phenomena. The show's premise was definitely out there, but it was also strangely compelling. Chance Harper was a likable and relatable character, despite his unusual circumstances. He was a good guy who was simply trying to make sense of the strange things that kept happening to him. The show's writers did a good job of balancing the mystery and supernatural elements with the human drama, making it a show that appealed to a wide range of viewers. Strange Luck was canceled after one season, but it has since gained a small but devoted following. Its unique premise and D.B. Sweeney's charismatic performance made it a show that stood out from the crowd. The show's exploration of fate and coincidence raised interesting questions about the nature of reality and the role of chance in our lives. It was a show that encouraged viewers to think about the things that can't be explained and to consider the possibility that there might be forces at work in the world that we don't fully understand. Strange Luck is a show that deserves to be remembered for its originality and its willingness to take risks. It's a show that proves that sometimes the most interesting stories are the ones that defy easy explanation. If you're a fan of mystery, drama, and the supernatural, Strange Luck is a show that you should definitely check out. Its unique premise and compelling characters make it a hidden gem of 90s television. Strange Luck is a reminder that sometimes the strangest things in life are the most fascinating, and that the world is full of mysteries waiting to be uncovered. So, if you're looking for a show that will challenge your perceptions and keep you guessing, Strange Luck is the perfect choice. It's a show that will make you wonder about the role of fate in your own life and the strange coincidences that shape our destinies.
8. Brimstone
Okay, guys, let's get a little supernatural! Brimstone was a dark and gritty series that starred Peter Horton as Ezekiel Stone, a disgraced police detective who makes a deal with the Devil to hunt down escaped souls from Hell. Brimstone was a mix of crime drama, horror, and fantasy, and it featured some seriously creepy villains. The show's premise was definitely unique, and it allowed for some creative and imaginative storylines. Ezekiel Stone was a complex and compelling character, haunted by his past and driven by a desire for redemption. The show explored themes of good and evil, justice and revenge, and the consequences of our actions. Brimstone was canceled after one season, but it has since gained a cult following among fans of supernatural dramas. Its dark tone, compelling characters, and imaginative storylines made it a show that stood out from the crowd. The show's portrayal of Hell and its inhabitants was particularly striking, and the villains were genuinely terrifying. Brimstone is a show that deserves to be rediscovered by fans of shows like Supernatural and Lucifer. It's a dark and gritty series that doesn't shy away from exploring the darker side of human nature. If you're looking for a show that will keep you on the edge of your seat and give you nightmares, Brimstone is the perfect choice. The show's special effects may look a little dated by today's standards, but the storytelling and the performances are still top-notch. Brimstone is a reminder that sometimes the best stories are the ones that explore the battle between good and evil, and that even the most flawed characters can find redemption. So, if you're looking for a show that will take you on a dark and twisted journey, Brimstone is the perfect choice. It's a hidden gem of 90s television, and it's a show that deserves to be remembered for its originality and its willingness to push the boundaries of genre.
9. EZ Streets
EZ Streets was a critically acclaimed crime drama that aired for only nine episodes on CBS. EZ Streets was created by Paul Haggis, the same guy who wrote and directed Crash and co-wrote Million Dollar Baby, so you know it's good. The show followed the interconnected lives of cops, criminals, and the people caught in between in a gritty and realistic urban landscape. EZ Streets was a complex and morally ambiguous series that explored themes of corruption, redemption, and the human cost of violence. The show's characters were well-developed and flawed, and the storylines were intricate and compelling. EZ Streets was praised for its realistic portrayal of urban crime and its willingness to challenge viewers' expectations. The show didn't shy away from depicting the darker side of human nature, and it explored the complex relationships between law enforcement and the criminal underworld. EZ Streets suffered from low ratings and was canceled before it had a chance to find a wider audience. But it has since gained a reputation as one of the most underrated crime dramas of the 90s. Its complex characters, gritty realism, and morally ambiguous storylines make it a show that stands the test of time. EZ Streets is a show that deserves to be rediscovered by fans of shows like The Wire and The Shield. It's a smart, intense, and thought-provoking series that will keep you hooked from the first episode to the last. The show's cast was also excellent, featuring a talented ensemble of actors who brought their characters to life with depth and nuance. EZ Streets is a reminder that sometimes the best television shows are the ones that challenge us and force us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world around us. So, if you're looking for a crime drama that's both intelligent and gripping, EZ Streets is the perfect choice. It's a hidden gem of 90s television, and it's a show that deserves a second chance.
10. Homicide: Life on the Street
Last but not least, we have Homicide: Life on the Street. This show was a masterpiece of police procedural television. Homicide: Life on the Street was based on David Simon's book Homicide: A Year on the Killing Streets (the same David Simon who created The Wire, BTW) and it offered a gritty, realistic, and often depressing look at the lives of Baltimore homicide detectives. The show was known for its naturalistic dialogue, its ensemble cast, and its willingness to tackle tough social issues. Homicide: Life on the Street was a critical darling, winning numerous awards and earning a devoted following. But it never quite achieved mainstream success, perhaps because it was just too real for some viewers. The show's unflinching portrayal of violence, poverty, and the emotional toll of police work was a stark contrast to the more glamorous and action-oriented police procedurals that dominated television in the 90s. Homicide: Life on the Street is a show that deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest television dramas of all time. Its complex characters, realistic storylines, and willingness to tackle difficult issues set it apart from other shows of its era. If you're a fan of The Wire, you owe it to yourself to check out Homicide: Life on the Street. It's a show that will stay with you long after you've finished watching it. The show's naturalistic dialogue and its focus on the psychological toll of police work made it a groundbreaking series that influenced countless other shows in the years that followed. Homicide: Life on the Street is a reminder that the best television dramas are the ones that tell stories that matter and that challenge us to think about the world in new ways. So, if you're looking for a show that will stay with you long after the credits roll, Homicide: Life on the Street is the perfect choice. It's a hidden gem of 90s television, and it's a show that deserves to be celebrated for its artistry and its social impact.
So there you have it, guys! 10 underrated '90s TV shows that deserved more recognition. What do you think? Have you seen any of these? What are some other '90s shows that you think were overlooked? Let's chat in the comments! And remember, the 90s may be over, but the awesome TV lives on!
