Best TV Shows From Back in the Day
I'm sure I didn't spend all day every day watching TV as a kid, but I did manage to pack in a fair few shows, and they're still as vivid as ever in my mind. There're some good memories that come back remembering all of these…
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
“Now this is a story all about how my life got flipped-turned upside down. And I'd like to take a minute, just sit right there, I'll tell you how I became the prince of a town called Bel Air…” From the moment the Fresh Prince hit the air it became an instant classic. Will's vibrant personality, dynamic energy, and dorky sense of humor kept me and my friends highly entertained. Guys emulated Will's sly pick-up lines, we all loved Carlton's Dance, boys' crushes grew with each episode as Ashley Banks transformed into a beautiful young woman, and of course, we all cracked up at the inevitable event of Jazzy Jeff getting thrown out of the house.
Sesame Street
They weren't quite as cute as the Care Bears, but these life-size fuzzy puppets certainly bring back nostalgic childhood memories. Big Bird encouraged us to explore life and ask questions. We learned how to speak in the third person through Elmo, and got addicted to tickling him. Our baths would never be the same after falling in love with Ernie's “Rubber Duckies” song. I was outraged that people dared call Cookie Monster's simple lifestyle of being fed cookies all day an obsession – it was an enviable way to live! All in all, Sesame Street taught us how to spell, how to count, how to rock out with musical guest stars and bands, and even how to speak a little Spanish with Rosita and Gloria Estefan! [Photo courtesy of TV Recappers Anonymous]
Family Matters
Sexy suspenders, snug “high-water” pants, thick 80's glasses, and of course, the unforgettable high-pitched voice and snorting laugh. Steve Urkel! As nerdy and annoying as he was, you had to love him. “Did I do that?” – How many times did Urkel break something at the Winslow's house? And remember when Grandmama (NBA star Larry Johnson) balled chumps on the basketball courts? Or the comic relief of that wacky Waldo character? Steve's taste in polka music didn't lure in Laura's heart. But fortunately, his alter-ego Stefan always came to the rescue.
Full House
Full House: the TV show where the only thing more serious than Danny Tanner's parenting was uncle Jesse's hair. How cute were Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen those days? These were innocent times, and we got to live their best moments with them. You could also always look forward to the random visit of their loopy Kimmy Gibbler neighbor. Remember when Michelle was in her Baby Beluga frenzy? That would have been the perfect time for uncle Joey to step in and say, “Cut. It. Out.” I was so sad in that episode when uncle Jesse finally moved out, and shocked when Stephanie crashed uncle Joey's car into the kitchen. However, regardless of what happened, you could always count on the Tanners hugging and making sure the day turned out ok. [Photo courtesy of Full House Fan]
The Wonder Years
Just at the heart of my teenage years, The Wonder Years came on, and everyone I knew – myself included – fell in love with Kevin Arnold and Winnie Cooper. Kevin's first kiss was so romantic it made me look forward to my first kiss. Of course, first we had to endure the awkward lesson from Kevin's gym teacher of the female reproductive system sketched as a cow. Whether it was Paul's confession of being a virgin (shocking only to him), Wayne's ability to always come through with the older brother tough love, or Kevin dancing like nobody's watching, the Wonder Years captivated our hearts in that special stage in our lives where kids from different generations could relate to the same experiences of growing up.
Jerry Springer
It left you feeling rebellious, enlightened, and sometimes shocked and confused, but you didn't care because every night Jerry had some random family crisis to present, and you knew it would ultimately make you feel better about your own life. From the moment the first guest said, “Honey, I've got a secret,” you knew a catfight would ensue, and when the betrayed girlfriend sucker punched her lover's wife the crowd went wild. Another time there was a KKK clan member looking to spread parenting advice… Just when you thought it was impossible, Jerry found a way to present it on stage. [Photo courtesy of Galus Australis]
Saved by the Bell
How many times did you rush to class and quite literally get saved by the bell? It's at moments like those that Zack's ability to call “Time Out!” and freeze everything would have been highly useful. Saved By The Bell was special for more reasons than just the crazy outfits they wore and Zack's top of the line brick-sized cell phone. The show introduced issues relevant to teens such as Jessie Spano's caffeine pill freak out, and Screech's undying love for Lisa Turtle. And of course, how could I ever forget Latino stud-muffin Slater and his hypnotizing 80s dance moves?
Power Rangers
Spandex and skin-tight battle suits had never been cooler. For those born beyond the era of Transformers, the original Mighty Morphing Power Rangers was the first show to make you feel like you could take on any monster, even Godzilla. Everyone I knew wanted to be the red power ranger, until Tommy became the more popular with two color options (green and white). Back then, fighting Puddies was a hassle, but looking back, they were just hyperactive dancing maniacs. And the other characters? The show wouldn't have been the same without the two knuckleheads Bulk and Skull. One thing is for sure: we would all run home after school anxious to watch the next episode. [Photo courtesy of A Missing Button]
Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Week after week, the Midnight Society came together in the woods to tell horror stories, and they never let us down. At some point or other, we all copied their format when telling scary stories with friends at night. Even though the targeted audience was teens, it wasn't uncommon for adults to join us on the couch when the show came on. Are You Afraid of the Dark wasn't exactly Tales From the Crypt, but it was scary enough that you might not want to watch it alone.
Boy Meets World
Out of all the TV shows dealing with junior-high students growing up into mature college adults, Boy Meets World takes the cake. With all the Cory and Topanga relationship madness, it's ironic that Cory shied away from his first kiss because he thought she had cooties. Even though Boy Meets World revolved primarily around Cory Mathews, the funniest character by far was his brother Eric with his classic “Feeny Call.” And there's no way I can forget about the ladies' man Shawn Hunter. His looks always made me forget he lived in a trailer park and came from a broken family. [Photo courtesy of AhSillyMe]
Sabrina The Teenage Witch
Not many people know that Sabrina the Teenage Witch was originally a comic book series. Good thing the comic was brought to life with Melissa Joan Hart! Being a witch in high school certainly had its perks: You could artfully combat your nemesis, Libby, especially if she's trying to steal your boyfriend. You could even bring Britney Spears to perform a private concert in your living room. Even though the principal, Mr. Kraft, was always on to Sabrina's witchlike abilities, there was nothing like coming home to Salem, the insanely smart and generally awesome cat.
Mad TV
When I was too young to go out on Saturday night parties, Saturday night sketch comedy with Mad TV came to the rescue. With a diverse and up-beat cast, Mad TV was the biggest hit since In Living Color. In the 90s there was good old Miss Swan and her “she look like a man” sketches. Then there was the giant and obnoxious Stewart kid, always making life difficult for his mother and showing off his skills with “look what I can do!” And who could forget the hyperactive UBS delivery guy with more energy than an energizer bunny? I loved it all. [Photo courtesy of Kathy Griffin]
