10 Kids’ TV Shows From The 1990s That No One Remembers

Nostalgia is a powerful phenomenon that can make certain things seem better than they actually were, and while the best 90s kids TV shows still hold up, others benefit from nostalgia. It also has the ability to wipe all memory of a show until, for some reason, it randomly pops up in conversation or on a streaming service and then the theme tune comes flooding back in its entirety. Then there are those TV shows that were so obscure, it seems baffling that they managed to last a few seasons despite not knowing anyone who watched them. But, some people did.

The 1990s saw a boom in many different channels, from PBS ’90s kids shows and shows for preschool kids and older kids alike. The rise of satellite and cable brought a huge array of all kinds of shows to keep kids entertained. From TGI Fridays to the early days of Nickelodeon and the Disney Channel, there was a lot to watch. While staples like Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, and Rugrats stood the test of time and are still watched today, other kids’ TV shows of the decades are ones most people may not even remember existed.

10

Smart Guy (1997-1999)

Ran for 51 episodes

Sister, Sister was a huge hit in the 1990s, and made Tia and Tamera Mowry into household names. A whole generation grew up watching the twins’ shenanigans as they navigated the ups and downs of high school and college. Just like with Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s sister, Elizabeth, Tia and Tamera had another talented sibling of their own. Tahj Mowry had already guest-starred on shows like Full House, Friends, and, of course, Sister, Sister, before he was given his very own series to lead.

Mowry played a child prodigy who is moved up a few classes and starts high school with his much more laid back older brother. This charming sitcom features some of the most impressive lists of guest spots on TV. In addition to his famous sisters who lent their star power to the show, it featured the likes of Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, and even Destiny’s Child. The show saw some success but was definitely overshadowed by his siblings’ lasting popularity.

9

New Kids on the Block (1990-1991)

Ran for 16 episodes

Music and TV have always gone hand in hand, or in this case, step by step, and in the late ’80s and early ’90s, New Kids on the Block were one of the biggest boy bands in the world. A template for Backstreet Boys, N’Sync, and later One Direction, they sang, danced, and had a very dedicated following. In addition to having worldwide hits like “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” and “I’ll Be Loving You”, they then had a TV show dedicated to them.

Very much made for the existing fan base, this animated series followed the exploits of the members of the group; Donnie, Jordan, Joey, Danny, and Jonathan. Though they were featured in some pre-shot videos, they did not voice their own characters in the project. The show lasted only one season, and as the band’s popularity waned, as did the need for more NKOTB media, but the show is a quintessential time capsule for 1990s fan culture.

8

Lamb Chop’s Play Along (1992-1997)

Ran for 72 episodes

Puppets were a very big thing in the 1990s. Inspired by the success of The Muppets and Sesame Street, the decade saw a rise of more shows that featured either marionettes or people dressed as colorful anthropomorphic animals. While Lamb Chop’s Play Along started around the same time as Barney and Friends, it didn’t have quite as much staying power or commercial success. It followed a similar format with sketches, educational skits and real kid participants.

The titular puppet was a tiny woolen lamb, operated by co-host Shari Lewis, who was as enthusiastic and bubbly as she was colorful. The name seems a bit on the nose, even for a ’90s show, but it was heartwarming, sweet and very positive. While some shows from the decade age very well and are pleasant to revisit after all that time, others should definitely stay locked in memory where they belong.

7

Dr. Zitbag’s Transylvania Pet Shop (1994-1997)

Ran for 52 episodes

Lovable monsters have always been a popular trope in children’s cartoons, with zombies, vampires, and many other ghouls getting their very own hero treatment in their shows. This particular one followed a Transilvanian pet shop owner who wanted to be the best at his profession but fell short a lot of the time. Therefore, he opens his very own shop in a haunted castle, now less, and hilarity inevitably ensues. He starts creating his own versions of pets based on well-known monsters.

By leaning into seemingly scary themes with a comedic twinge, children were able to enjoy themselves while becoming braver in the process. Many of the character names played into the monster theme, with the doctor’s dog called Horrifido, with Zombunny and The Exorsisters highlights as well.

6

Ready or Not (1993-1997)

Ran for 65 episodes

Canada has produced its fair share of popular shows aimed at the youth market. Road to Avonlea, Are you Afraid of the Dark? and Degrassi had drawn many viewers and were syndicated around the world. Ready or Not was also broadcast in multiple countries but not to quite as much fanfare. It followed two best friends who were very different. Busy was more confident in who she was and unapologetic.

Amanda’s goal was to be more popular and liked, and the two often clashed on their opposing views. In typical teen show fashion, it tackled many topics that young viewers were experiencing, including eating disorders, dating, and issues at school. It was not afraid to get serious, as it even saw the death of a recurring character, which was a big shock to viewers of the time, especially at such a young age.

5

Fish Police (1992)

Ran for 6 episodes

This forgotten cartoon followed an underwater detective who solved crimes in the depths of the ocean. The premise was based on film noir style, and featured the hero and main protagonist (Inspector Gill), a femme fatale (Goldie), and various goons who dabbled in the criminal underworld. More surprisingly, it featured the voices of big names like Edward Asner, Hektor Elizondo, and Tim Curry. Although, that wouldn’t hold much weight with young viewers.

Unlike Sharky and George, which followed a similar premise, Fish Police only lasted six episodes before being canceled. It could be that the themes were a bit too grown up and went over many of the viewers’ heads, or that they weren’t ready for such a high-concept cartoon. It certainly showed promise, and perhaps, if given a chance, could have developed into something more memorable. Shark Tale proved that there were definitely more mysteries to be explored under the sea.

4

Duckman (1994-1997)

Ran for 71 episodes

While Duckman featured more adult themes and was perhaps aimed at an older audience, it’s a well-known fact that if it’s animated, kids will most likely watch it. Happy Tree Friends and Celebrity Death Match were proof of that. Set in a reality where humans and anthropomorphic animals live side by side, it follows a rather disgruntled and pessimistic main character who is not like most heroes of the time.

Voiced by Jason Alexander, the show developed a sort of cult following at the time but failed to create a lasting legacy the way Family Guy and The Simpsons did. As a detective, Eric Duckman was able to investigate a new mystery every week and was assisted by his sidekick called Cornfed Pig. There is a lot to enjoy about this strange production, whis is packed with peak ’90s humor.

3

USA High (1997-1999)

Ran for 95 episodes

Teen shows were very popular in the 1990s and made many of their young actors into household names. There was a big market to be explored and the success of some of the shows of the time influenced many more that followed. Saved by the Bell was a template, which was then followed by California Dreams, which was successful the world over. The latter proved that a gimmick was able to make it seem like it wasn’t just a carbon copy of the Bayside-set show.

The teens in California Dreams sang in a band, those in Hang Time played basketball, and the ones in USA High went to an international school in Paris. The premise allowed for many themes to be explored and did its best to educate viewers on geography, history, and international relations. Though it managed nearly 100 episodes, it seemed to fade into obscurity.

2

The Sifl & Olly Show (1998-1999)

Ran for 3 seasons

In truly 1990s fashion, this show was strange and unexpected, with a particular gimmick which was explored to its fullest. It followed a couple of sock puppets, who mostly chatted to each other and into a microphone. The premise was so simple that it seemed almost unscripted, making it feel like the characters were having a friendly chat as audiences eavesdropped.

There were musical performances, guest spots, and some of the lowest budget animation to have ever hit the screens. But, the show found an audience on MTV, with its fan base even calling each other “sockheads”. It goes to show that despite how popular something might be at the time, its longevity and widespread appeal depends on a quality that should resonate on a larger scale. The fact the IMDb does not have a full episode list for this show says it all.

1

James Bond Jr. (1991-1992)

Ran for 65 episodes

It was bold of the creators to take a character unknown to most children, and try and introduce them to his lore. The James Bond films’ popularity was waning at the time, with the Timothy Dalton efforts not hitting the dizzying highs of the previous two agents. It was also very much targeted an older audience with a lot of adult themes throughout, and it simply wasn’t “cool”. However, James Bond Jr. took some of the more fun aspects of the film series and adapted it to their young viewers.

The main hero was 007’s teen nephew, and he was friends with Q’s grandson as they navigated the treacherous world of superspies as well as school. There were a lot of fun callbacks to the source material with his sidekick called IQ, an evil organization called S.C.U.M., and even a twist on the famous catchphrase. The gadgets were clearly inspired by Inspector Gadget‘s very own contraptions, and it could be that lack of originality that saw the show stay in the back of people’s memories for so long.