The 1990s were all about simpler times. When flannel was cool and pagers were considered high-tech. Even TV shows were wholesome, providing a much-needed escape from the real world. From the relatable charm of Friends to the angsty appeal of Beverly Hills, 90210, several shows from the decade became legendary. And while streaming services have made it accessible for us to rewatch these shows anytime, there's still a strange longing to return to the glorious '90s and experience the era with fresh eyes, once again.
Fortunately, program creators and showrunners seem to get the scent of this longing every now and then because, in recent years, we've been treated with numerous reboots and revivals of favorite '90s TV shows. These reboots nail the perfect balance between the timelessness of the original and infuse their storylines with modern sensibilities. Some even managed to bottle the lightning and keep coming back for more seasons. This list counts down the 10 best reboots that prove that the '90s are alive and thriving in our hearts even today.
10 'And Just Like That...' (2021 - Present)
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And Just Like That... ComedyRomanceDrama
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*Availability in US Release Date December 9, 2021 Cast Sarah Jessica Parker , Cynthia Nixon , Kristin Davis , Sara Ramirez Seasons 1
Sex and the City is a timeless, stylish, influential, and endlessly rewatchable TV show that epitomizes the early 2000s. Its revival and sequel, And Just Like That..., brought the iconic characters back to the screen, but this time, the glitz and glamor of Manhattan has been replaced with the hard realities of getting older. Carrie, Miranda and Charlotte (yes, Kim Cattrall's Samantha Jones isn't in on the fun) navigate the challenges of life in the '50s, deal with relationships, career shifts, losing a dear friend, and raising opinionated teens.
Explores Mature Friendships
While the original series was all about the fabulous single life of the inseparable foursome, the reboot takes a more introspective look at the trials and tribulations of middle age. Their bond is still unbreakable, and their dynamic is just as familiar as it's fresh. The writers deftly balance cutesy moments with raw emotions like grief, change, and self-discovery. Even though Sam isn't a part of the journey, And Just Like That... is a standout series with the third season due to premiere in 2025.
9 'The Conners' (2018 - Present)
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The Conners TV-PG ComedyDrama
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*Availability in US Release Date October 16, 2018 Cast John Goodman , Sara Gilbert , Macaulay Callard , Laurie Metcalf , Lecy Goranson , Michael Fishman , Emma Kenney , Ames McNamara , Jayden Rey , Maya Lynne Robinson , Jay R. Ferguson
When the Roseanne reboot was abruptly canceled in 2018 due to controversial tweets by its star Roseanne Barr, the network quickly pivoted and developed this spin-off series and made sure it focused solely on the working-class Conner family. With Barr's character written out completely, the series explored how the family dealt with her absence and navigated the many struggles in their lives, from financial woes to relationship drama.
Authentic Reboot That Honors the Original
Offering a candid and poignant look at the struggles of the modern American family, The Conners was a massive hit because of its refreshing storylines, clever writing, and touching on time-relevant themes of identity, parenting, and equality. Sure, the absence of Barr's iconic character was felt every now and then, but the show managed to capture the essence of the original, was sharp and funny, and featured an exceptional cast led by John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, and more.
8 '90210' (2008 - 2013)
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90210 Drama
Release Date September 2, 2008 Cast Shenae Grimes , Tristan Wilds , AnnaLynne McCord , Jessica Stroup , Michael Steger , Jessica Lowndes , Matt Lanter Seasons 5
Beverly Hills, 90210 became a global pop culture phenomenon, and it was believed to be impossible to replicate, until The CW announced 90210. The zip code may be the same, but the drama is decidedly different in this reboot, where a new generation of Beverly Hills students traverse the treacherous waters of high school life. From romance and family conflicts to academic pressures and emerging identities, the series touches on all aspects of life for these young adults.
The Perfect Guilty Pleasure Viewing
90210 lacks the gritty realism of the original but makes up for it with its compulsively watchable and extremely addictive melodrama. It combines nostalgic comebacks (by bringing back original cast members, including Jennie Garth, Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, and more) with fresh and contemporary storylines that resonate with a new generation. The series provides the perfect escapist entertainment for five whole seasons.
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Posts 7 'Rugrats' (2021 - Present)
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Rugrats TV-Y7 AnimationComedy
Release Date May 27, 2021 Cast Elizabeth Daily , Nancy Cartwright , Cheryl Chase , Cree Summer , Kath Soucie , Ashley Rae Spillers , tommy dewey , Tony Hale , Natalie Morales , Anna Chlumsky , Timothy Simons , Nicole Byer , Omar Benson Miller , Michael McKean Expand
Bringing back a classic series that ran from 1991 to 2004, Rugrats was a reboot that premiered on Paramount+ in 2021. The mischievous toddlers from the series returned, but this time, their world was bursting with 3D animation. Tommy, Chuckie, Angelica, and the rest of the adorable crew experience early childhood, sibling fights, big adventures, and imaginative inner lives in the wildest and most entertaining ways possible.
A Delightful Dose of Nostalgia
Fans of the original series, who had kept up with All Grown Up!, the Rugrats sequel that focused on the life and friends of Tommy Pickles, were delighted to have familiar characters and whimsical storytelling return to the screen. The reboot, however appealing and visually stunning to some, suffered somewhat with the animation for others and was a hit only because it tackled relevant issues like diversity and inclusivity.
6 'Bel-Air' (2022 - Present)
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Bel-Air TV-MA Drama
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*Availability in US Release Date February 13, 2022 Cast Jabari Banks , Cassandra Freeman , Jimmy Akingbola , Olly Sholotan , Coco Jones Seasons 2
Bel-Air reimagines the beloved '90s sitcom, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, but that's not all it does. Giving a cold-shoulder to the original's comedic tone and employing a darker and dramatic tone instead, it follows a teenager named Will Smith, whose life is irrevocably changed when he's forced to leave his Philadelphia home and move in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in the upscale neighborhood of Bel-Air.
A Dramatic Reinvention of a Classic
While the premise of both shows is the same, and Bel-Air begins with a fish-out-of-water narrative, it soon takes on a bold approach that sets it apart from the lighthearted original. The series takes a deep dive into the challenges of code-switching, confronts issues of race, class, and identity, and even explores the emotional toll of being an outsider in a world of wealth and privilege. Jabari Banks slips into the role effortlessly and commits to explore every nuance of his character and the show.
5 'Saved by the Bell' (2020 - 2021)
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Saved by the Bell TV-14 Comedy
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*Availability in US Release Date November 25, 2020 Cast Ed Alonzo , Matt Kaminsky , Selenis Leyva , Bryan Safi , Dexter Darden , Holger Moncada Jr. , Brie Eley , Eliza Shin , Dino Petrera , Mitchell Hoog , Alycia Pascual-Peña , Haskiri Velazquez , Brett Hoyle , Courtney Lopez , Xavier Avila , Cole Taylor , Josie Totah , Belmont Cameli , John Michael Higgins , Elizabeth Berkley , Mario Lopez , Lark Voorhies , Brady Hender , Mark-Paul Gosselaar , Tiffani Thiessen Expand
Set 26 years after Zack and Kelly's wedding, Saved by the Bell reunites California's most famous high school students reunite as adults, and the result is a brilliant mix of nostalgia and modern perspectives. The reboot follows a new generation of students as they enter Bayside High School, but this time, they also welcome students from a nearby low-income high school, which creates some conflict.
Charming, Self-Aware and Funny
Saved by the Bell pays loving homage to its predecessor, but at the same time, it's also aware of how cheesy it was. So, instead of focusing on callbacks, it expertly blends iconic moments from the original and delivers new storylines, sharp writing, and timely issues that feel organic and relevant to modern audiences. Several returning cast members like Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley are joined by newcomers like Haskiri Velazquez, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Peña and Josie Totah.
4 'Girl Meets World' (2014 - 2017)
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Girl Meets World childrenComedyFamily
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*Availability in US Release Date June 27, 2014 Cast Rowan Blanchard , Ben Savage , Danielle Fishel
Years after Cory and Topanga Matthews achieved their happily-ever-after, moved to New York City, and became parents to two kids, Disney Channel stepped forward with a reboot of Boy Meets World. A charming and heartfelt series, Girl Meets World revolves around the coming-of-age story of their daughter, Riley, who enters middle school and uses the wisdom of her parents and her circle of friends to get through almost everything.
Restores a Heartwarming Legacy
Girl Meets World certainly plays to its younger target demographic, but it never loses sight of the core themes that made Boy Meets World such a beloved classic. With Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel returning as Cory and Topanga, and Rowan Blanchard leading the show alongside Sabrina Carpenter, who plays Maya Hart, Riley's best friend, the reboot offered the same blend of humor, heart, and life lessons, all while infusing positive adolescent experiences.
3 'Will & Grace' (2017 - 2020)
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Will and Grace Sitcom
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*Availability in US Release Date September 21, 1998 Cast Eric McCormack , Debra Messing Seasons 11
Will & Grace originally ran for eight seasons and became the highest-rated sitcom for its clever writing and for educating people and improving their opinion of the LGBTQIA+ community. Almost a decade later, the series returned for three more seasons, bringing back the fast-talking, fast-living quartet of Will, Grace, Jack, and Karen. They navigated the rapidly changing social and political landscape, with their banter growing stronger and sharper with time.
A Seamless Transition Into Another Season
Sure, Will & Grace initially received a healthy dose of criticism for its stereotypical portrayal of queer characters, but the revival was a highly anticipated event for true fans. And it's fitting to say it did not disappoint. The series picked up where the original left off, with the characters, played by Debra Messing, Eric McCormack, Megan Mullally, and Sean Hayes, living the same fast-paced lives and sharing the same hilarious dynamics. It addressed important topics and showcased the challenges of growing older and walking the path of self-discovery.
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Posts 2 'That '90s Show' (2023 - Present)
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That '90s Show
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*Availability in US Release Date January 19, 2023 Cast Debra Jo Rupp , Kurtwood Smith , Callie Haverda , Ashley Aufderheide , Mace Coronel , Reyn Doi , Sam Morelos , Maxwell Acee Donovan Seasons 2
The '90s make a lot of people feel wistful and homesick; the decade's pull is so strong that it's no surprise that there's another reboot of a beloved sitcom from that era. That '90s Show shifts its narrative to the next generation, as Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, spends a life-changing summer with her grandparents, Red and Kitty Forman, in their basement, and a group of quirky friends help her carve out her own identity.
Familiar Faces and Fresh Perspectives
Anchored by a winning central performance from Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, with Callie Haverda playing Leia, the show weaves a narrative so iconic that it's a treat for longtime fans and a new generation of viewers. Critics describe it as "a little edgy and occasionally chuckle-inducing and mostly sweet-natured," because it recreates the hilarity and charm of That '70s Show, but it was canceled after two seasons due to a lack of strong viewership.
1 'Fuller House' (2016 - 2020)
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Fuller House Comedy
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*Availability in US Release Date February 26, 2016 Cast Jodie Sweetin , Candace Cameron Bure , Juan Pablo Di Pace Seasons 4
Fuller House is a beautiful continuation of Full House and it sees the Tanner family having grown up, but their sense of belonging and the importance of family is as strong as ever. It centers on D.J. Tanner-Fuller, who loses her husband and raises her three sons on her own. When she finds herself in need of support, she turns to her sister Stephanie and best friend Kimmy, and they drop by the very same San Francisco where D.J. grew up.
About the Power of Family and Friendship
Though some devoted fans were skeptical of a Full House reboot, Fuller House proved to be a gratifying surprise. It captured the warmth, humor, and sense of community of the classic, brought back almost all the original cast members (other than Mary Kate Olsen and Ashley Olsen), introduced a new generation of Tanners, and offered a comforting escape to viewers. A winner for fans of the original, it ran for five strong seasons despite mixed critical reviews.