In the 80s and 90s, television was more than just entertainment; it was a shared experience that brought families and friends together. From the laughter-filled antics of “Friends” to the suspenseful mysteries of “The X-Files,” these shows shaped our childhoods and continue to hold a special place in our hearts.
In the 80s and 90s, our beloved television sets held the same sway over us that YouTube does today. Such a prized possession, it was often kept covered with a dust cloth, and sometimes even locked away in a box.
The television set wasn’t just a piece of furniture; it was the centrepiece of our social lives. Family and friends would gather around, creating a shared experience unlike anything we know today. We’d anticipate our favourite shows, discuss plot points, and laugh together at the comedic antics of our favourite characters. It was a time of collective joy, when the television set became a window to the world, bringing us laughter, entertainment, and a sense of shared community.”
Here are some of the most iconic and nostalgic TV shows from that era:
1. Friends (1994-2004)
– How can there be a list of nostalgic television shows that does not begin with the classic, Friends, a sitcom about a group of friends navigating life and love in New York City. Watching the lead characters navigate through their lives felt almost personal to so many of us, who identified with these characters and their lives. Despite the sitcom being set in New York, far away from our daily realities, Friends connected with us like no other show.
Doordarshan Era
2. Hum Log (1984-1985)
– While this show came before my time, it was India’s first television soap opera, depicting the struggles of a middle-class family. The show addressed various social issues like family planning, societal inequalities and women’s empowerment, all this while making an entertaining show. This series will always be special, given it was one of its kind and paved the way for many others to come.
3. Fauji (1989)
– This iconic show, which launched the career of superstar Shah Rukh Khan, captivated audiences in the late 1980s. It offered a realistic and inspiring glimpse into the lives of army cadets, showcasing their training, camaraderie, and challenges. “Fauji” became a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its authentic portrayal of military life and its memorable characters. You might want to go back and check this one out.
4. Surabhi (1993)
– Hosted by Renuka Shahane and Siddharth Kak, this popular cultural magazine show took viewers on a fascinating journey through India’s rich heritage. It explored diverse art forms, historical sites, traditional crafts, and unique customs from across the country. “Surabhi” was highly acclaimed for its insightful content, engaging presentation, and its role in promoting cultural awareness, making it a beloved program for many years. You might want to go back and check this one out.
5. Small Wonder (1985-1989)
– The quintessential American family of the 90’s, the show centered around a robotic child named V.I.C.I. (Voice Input Child Inductee) who was created by a young scientist. The show’s theme song and catchphrases are still remembered today, serving as a reminder of a bygone era of television.
6. Dekh Bhai Dekh (1993-1997)
– I remember the opening song like I watched the show just yesterday – the fun that the Sood family would have together. What made this show stand apart was its relatable humour, endearing characters and the everyday situations that they so comfortable brought alive on screen for us.
7. Fraiser (1993-2004)
– This popular American sitcom follows the life of Dr. Frasier Crane, a psychiatrist who moves back to his hometown of Seattle after his divorce. Witty dialogues, sophisticated humour and generous references to art, literature and music, this series can also be described as a glimpse into a very different world. This is a show that you can go back to even today.
8. Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996)
– Featuring Will Smith as the protagonist, this sitcom went on to become a cultural phenomenon. Will Smith plays a street-smart teenager from West Philadelphia who moves in with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel-Air, California. It showcases his adjustment to his new privileged lifestyle while bringing his own personality and culture to the Banks family. This was also one of the first successful shows to feature an affluent African American family.
9. Hip Hip Hurray (1998-2001)
– Hip Hip Hurray was a popular coming of age teen drama series that focused on the lives of 12th -grade students at the fictional DeNobili High School. It dealt with realistic teenage issues like relationships, peer pressure, academics, and family dynamics. Hip Hip Hurray was certainly one of the first shows that portrayed the life of a teenager so realistically.
10. X-Files (1993-2002)
– David Duchonvy as Fox Mulder, an FBI agent and his partner Gillian Anderson as Dana Scully, who portrayed the role of a medical doctor in the show, was a huge hit. The chemistry between Mulder and Scully, went on to become one of TV’s most celebrated partnerships. The show covered a plethora of topics, from alien abductions to genetic mutations, government conspiracies, and supernatural phenomena.
11. Banegi Apni Baat (1993-1997)
– This popular show explored the lives, relationships, and challenges of a group of college friends transitioning into adulthood. Known for its realistic portrayal of youth culture, friendships, and evolving social norms, it featured a talented ensemble cast including R. Madhavan, Irrfan Khan, Divya Seth, and Shefali Shah, among others. “Banegi Apni Baat” resonated deeply with a generation, becoming a benchmark for youth-oriented television.
Balaji Telefilms – K Series era
12. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (2000-2008)
– This iconic show, starring Smriti Irani, became a household name. It centered around the Virani family, depicting their traditions, values, and internal conflicts, making Smriti Irani’s character, Tulsi, a cultural phenomenon.
13. Kasautii Zindagii Kay (2001-2008)
– This romantic drama followed the tumultuous love story of Anurag and Prerna, intertwined with family politics and the memorable antagonist, Komolika, and the powerful character of Mr. Bajaj.
14. Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii (2000-2008)
– Featuring Sakshi Tanwar as Parvati, this show explored the life of an ideal daughter-in-law in a Marwari joint family. It was celebrated for its strong female protagonist and its deep dive into family relationships and societal norms.
Do you remember watching any of these? Any more to add to this list? Do share with us!
