The Best 1990s NBC Shows

Updated October 19, 2023 9.9K votes 905 voters 24.8K views

Over 900 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of NBC Shows of the 1990s, Ranked

Voting Rules

Vote up your favorite NBC TV series that aired in the '90s

Latest additions: Unsolved Mysteries, The X-Files, The Wonder Years

Most divisive: Will & Grace

These are the best 1990s NBC shows ranked by user votes. The 1990s was a great time for NBC television programs. Some of the best 1990s NBC shows were dramas and other good 90s NBC series were unforgettable comedies. Many of the greatest 1990s NBC TV shows are still popular to this day with syndicated reruns. A few of them are even considered the greatest TV shows of all time. Fans will also enjoy the best 90s after school shows and the best 90s CBS shows.

What shows appear near the top of this best 1990s NBC shows list? Seinfeld is widely considered to be the best NBC sitcoms of the 90s, or any decade. This “show about nothing” found hilarity in the lives of four single friends living their day-to-day lives in New York City. Friends is another good show that aired on NBC in the 1990s.

When it comes to great NBC dramas from the 90s, it doesn't get much better than ER, which premiered in 1994. Other great series that are featured on this top 1990s NBC shows list include Mad About You, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Law & Order.

Do you have a favorite 1990s NBC show? Give the best series a thumbs up!

Ranked by

1
Frasier
Kelsey Grammer, John Mahoney, Jane Leeves
347 votes
- Premiered: September 16, 1993
- Genres: Comedy
A sophisticated comedy that resonated with audiences for over a decade, this multi-award-winning sitcom revolves around the life of a cultured radio psychiatrist, Dr. Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer). Set against the backdrop of Seattle's vibrant cityscape, the show delves into the complexities of familial relationships, as Frasier navigates his bond with his retired police officer father, Martin (John Mahoney), and competitive brother, Niles (David Hyde Pierce). Accented by an ensemble cast of quirky characters, including Roz (Peri Gilpin) and Daphne (Jane Leeves), Frasier artfully balances intellectual humor with heartfelt moments, making it a timeless classic in television history.
2
The Golden Girls
Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White
356 votes
- Premiered: September 14, 1985
- Genres: Comedy
The Golden Girls, a timeless sitcom that has left an indelible mark on television history, follows the adventures of four spirited and witty women navigating their golden years together. Set in sunny Miami, the show boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including the sharp-tongued Dorothy (Bea Arthur), her endearing mother Sophia (Estelle Getty), the lovable and naive Rose (Betty White), and the sultry Southern belle Blanche (Rue McClanahan). Throughout its seven-season run, The Golden Girls garnered numerous accolades, including 11 Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. The show's enduring charm stems from its exploration of friendship, love, and aging, all while delivering heartfelt humor that transcends generations.
3
Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Jason Alexander
431 votes
- Premiered: July 5, 1989
- Genres: Comedy
A quintessential sitcom, Seinfeld explores the amusingly mundane lives of four eccentric New Yorkers navigating through a world filled with unpredictable social encounters. The show features Jerry Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself, while George Costanza (Jason Alexander), Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards) round out the core ensemble. With its innovative storytelling techniques, relatable humor, and memorable catchphrases, Seinfeld has garnered numerous accolades, including ten Primetime Emmy Awards. Although the series concluded in 1998, its timeless wit and unparalleled charm continue to resonate with audiences, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
4
Friends
Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow
434 votes
- Premiered: September 22, 1994
- Genres: Comedy
Set in the heart of New York City, this beloved sitcom explores the intricacies of friendship through the lives of six close-knit individuals. Over the course of ten seasons, audiences watch as Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), Ross Geller (David Schwimmer), Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Phoebe Buffay (Lisa Kudrow) navigate love, career challenges, and personal growth. With its witty humor and relatable storylines, it's no wonder the show garnered numerous accolades, including six Primetime Emmy Awards. Notorious for its memorable catchphrases and iconic moments, the series has earned an enduring legacy in television history.
5
Cheers
Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt
339 votes
- Premiered: September 30, 1982
- Genres: Comedy
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In the bustling heart of Boston lies a cozy, dimly lit haven where strangers become friends and laughter abounds. Cheers, a critically acclaimed sitcom, invites viewers into the warm embrace of its iconic bar. With an ensemble cast, including the affable bartender Sam Malone (Ted Danson) and witty waitress Diane Chambers (Shelley Long), the show explores the endearing camaraderie and humorous antics of its diverse patrons. Over its impressive 11-year run, Cheers garnered numerous accolades, including 28 Emmy Awards, solidifying its place in television history. This timeless classic serves up a generous pour of heartfelt humor and genuine connection, leaving audiences with a lingering warmth and an insatiable thirst for more.
6
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Will Smith, James Avery, Daphne Maxwell-Reid
383 votes
- Premiered: September 10, 1990
- Genres: Comedy
In the early 1990s, a sitcom emerged that deftly combined humor and heart, exploring themes of family, class, and culture. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a beloved classic, follows the life of West Philadelphia-born teenager, Will Smith (played by none other than Will Smith), as he adjusts to his new life with wealthy relatives in their posh Bel-Air mansion. With its talented ensemble cast, including the late James Avery as stern yet caring Uncle Phil and Alfonso Ribeiro as the endearingly dorky cousin Carlton, the show earned numerous award nominations and wins during its six-season run. The series remains a touchstone of television history, fondly remembered for its catchy theme song, memorable moments, and the undeniable charm of its star, Will Smith.

Frasier

The Golden Girls

Seinfeld

Friends

Cheers

The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air