The 10 best ’90s shows to stream on Netflix right now

Let's hop into the wayback machine.

March 10, 2026 5:00 p.m. ET

Leave a Comment

Elaine! President Bartlet! Martin! Between these guys, Netflix has the '90s covered. Credit:

nbc (2), Fox/courtesy everett

One might argue that there’s more quality television to watch in 2026 than at any point in the past. We simply have more places to watch TV than ever before.

There’s also an abundance of new series being made every week, on every network and streaming service. That said, sometimes the classics will do just fine. There will always be a place for shows you grew up with, or have fond memories of watching during their original run.

For all of Netflix’s original programming, its catalog also includes a wide variety of shows from past decades, including the '90s. With that in mind, here’s **’s rundown of the best ’90s shows streaming on Netflix.

Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003)

James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes eyeing Joshua Jackson (probably) for different reasons in 'Dawson's Creek'.

Taking a trip back to *Dawson’s Creek* is like attending a high school reunion. It’s an opportunity to revisit the friends you came of age with.

The love triangle between Dawson (James Van Der Beek), Joey (Katie Holmes), and Pacey (Joshua Jackson) is one for the ages. Meanwhile, the show doesn’t shy away from teenage traumas like first love, death, depression, divorce, pregnancy, abortion, addiction, homophobia, and more. After following the characters from high school to college, the series flashes forward five years for the finale with one final gut-punch.

Where to watch *Dawson’s Creek*:** **Netflix

**Cast**: James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, Mary-Margaret Humes, Busy Philipps

A Different World (1987–1993)

The main cast of 'A Different World,' conspicuously missing Lisa Bonet.

NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

What began as a spinoff of *The Cosby Show* following the trials and tribulations of Denise Huxtable (Lisa Bonet) at Hillman College quickly evolved into an ensemble comedy that stood on its own. *A Different World *was able to not only survive but thrive without Bonet, who departed after the first season. As a result, the focus shifted to Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), along with other classmates and Hillman faculty, including Coach Oakes (Sinbad) and Col. Taylor (Glynn Turman).

The show’s continued fanbase has led to a Netflix sequel series revolving around Dwayne and Whitley’s daughter, now a Hillman student herself.

Where to watch *A Different World*: Netflix

**Cast**: Kadeem Hardison, Jasmine Guy, Darryl M. Bell, Lisa Bonet, Charnele Brown, Dawnn Lewis, Cree Summer, Glynn Turman, Sinbad

Your ultimate guide to '90s TV is here with EW's collector's edition

The 100 Greatest Moments In Television: 1990s

Goosebumps (1995–1998)

The season 1 episode, 'Piano Lessons Can Be Murder'.

20th Century Fox

What Stephen King is to adults, R.L. Stine is for young readers; he simply knows how to deliver a good spooky story. It was only a matter of time before his signature series was adapted to television. This initial attempt delivered plenty of scares to Fox Kids viewers during its four-season run, including popular episodes like “The Haunted Mask” “Night of the Living Dummy,” and “Say Cheese and Die,” starring none other than Ryan Gosling.

*Goosebumps *has since been rebooted for a 2023 incarnation, and there have been several films as well, but the original ’90s version tends to hold the fondest memories among fans.

Where to watch *Goosebumps*: Netflix

**Cast**: John White, Kaj-Erik Eriksen, Stuart Stone, Kathy Greenwood, Erica Luttrell, Daniel DeSanto, Maggie Castle, Caterina Scorsone

Home Improvement (1991–1999)

Tim Allen parenting his eldest son, probably with his trademark grunts, in 'Home Improvement'.

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

The textbook definition of mainstream American comedy in the 1990s, *Home Improvement* was based on Tim Allen’s stand-up act. The show gave viewers a snapshot of suburban life that revolved around Tim Taylor (Allen), host of a *This Old House*-style home improvement show called *Tool Time*. In addition to kickstarting Allen’s acting career, the series helped launch Pamela Anderson just before she landed *Baywatch*.

The chemistry between Allen and Patricia Richardson remains the biggest draw for many even now, but there’s also the camaraderie between Allen, his *Tool Time* sidekick Richard Karn, and Tim’s mostly hidden neighbor, Wilson (Earl Hindman), to keep viewers coming back.

Where to watch *Home Improvement*:** **Netflix

**Cast**: Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Zachery Ty Bryan, Taran Noah Smith, Richard Karn, Pamela Anderson

The Jamie Foxx Show (1996–2001)

Jamie Foxx and Garcelle Beauvais, flirting at the workplace, in 'The Jamie Foxx Show'. Everett Collection

After gaining attention on *In Living Color*, Jamie Foxx graduated to his own show by starring as Jamie King, an aspiring musician working at the hotel owned by his aunt (Ellia English) and uncle (Garrett Morris). Pivotal to the series was the will-they-won’t-they chemistry between Jamie and his co-worker Fancy (Garcelle Beauvais), who eventually became his wife.

After five seasons, both actors used the show as a stepping stone, with Foxx jumping into a film career and Beauvais joining *NYPD Blue*. The show also cemented the TV bonafides of Christopher B. Duncan, who played Braxton, Jamie’s high-strung frenemy.

Where to watch *The Jamie Foxx Show*:** **Netflix

**Cast**: Jamie Foxx, Garcelle Beauvais, Christopher B. Duncan, Ellia English, Garrett Morris, Suli McCullough

Martin (1992–1997)

Tommy Davidson, Martin Lawrence, and lots of cassette tapes in 'Martin'.

Andrew Semel/Fox/Courtesy Everett

Between his stand-up work and scene-stealing turns in the *House Party* films, Martin Lawrence had enough career momentum to headline his own sitcom. He starred as Martin Payne, a DJ — and later a talk show host — living with his girlfriend Gina (Tisha Campbell).

In addition to Martin’s friends, Cole and Tommy, and Tisha’s pal Pam, the series also gave Lawrence the opportunity to create other characters for himself, including Sheneneh and Roscoe, among others. The series remains tremendously successful in syndication and streaming, and the cast’s 30th anniversary reunion special is worth checking out, too.

Where to watch* Martin*: Netflix

**Cast**: Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, Thomas Mikal Ford, Carl Anthony Payne II, Tichina Arnold, Jon Gries, Garrett Morris

Seinfeld (1989–1998)

Jerry Seinfeld and Julia Louis-Dreyfus talk about nothing in 'Seinfeld'.

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

It is, as has been said more times than we’d care to count, a show about nothing. But that nothingness slowly but surely became one of the most popular sitcoms ever. Revolving around a fictional Jerry Seinfeld and his friends George (Jason Alexander), Elaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), and Kramer (Michael Richards), the series follows the foursome’s relatively mundane lives and… that’s about it, really.

*Seinfeld *captured the attention of comedy fans worldwide and turned the cast and creators, including Larry David, into household names. Better yet, whether it’s the infamous “contest” or the yada-yada, the jokes still hold up.

Where to watch *Seinfeld*:** **Netflix

**Cast**: Jerry Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Michael Richards, Wayne Knight, Estelle Harris, Jerry Stiller, Patrick Warburton

Sex and the City (1998–2004)

Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall in season 4's 'The Agony and the Ex-Tacy'.

Based on the newspaper column and 1996 book by Candace Bushnell, *Sex and the City* follows the lives of four friends — columnist Carrie Bradshaw, publicist Samantha Jones, art dealer Charlotte York, and attorney Miranda Hobbes — in the heart of New York City. In addition to making stars out of all four actresses, the series provided female viewers with a mature look at single, married, and divorced life. It was instantly a must-discuss topic at water-coolers everywhere.

After running six seasons, the series spawned two movies, a prequel series (*The Carrie Diaries*), and a sequel series (*And Just Like That…*) — but it’s the original that multiple generations hold dear.

Where to watch *Sex and the City*: Netflix

**Cast**: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall, Chris Noth, David Eigenberg, Evan Handler, Willie Garson, John Corbett

The Steve Harvey Show (1996–2002)

Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer in 'The Steve Harvey Show'.

Between his radio show, stand-up comedy, and lengthy stint as host of *Family Feud*, it’s sometimes easy to forget that Steve Harvey once had an acting career as well. Although his first headlining gig (*Me and the Boys*) didn’t last long, he found far more success once his name was included in the title.

*The Steve Harvey Show* features Harvey as a one-time funk musician who has transitioned into a teaching career at a Chicago high school. Co-starring Cedric the Entertainer and Wendy Raquel Robinson, the series featured a plethora of fun guest stars ranging from Busta Rhymes to *The Jeffersons*’ Isabel Sanford.

Where to watch *The Steve Harvey Show*: Netflix

**Cast**: Steve Harvey, Cedric the Entertainer, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Merlin Santana, William Lee Scott, Terri J. Vaughn, Lori Beth Denberg

The West Wing (1999–2006)

The staff of 'The West Wing' do their best impression of General Patton.

James Sorensen/NBC/Newsmakers/Getty

The definition of “comfort television” can vary wildly from person to person, but in times of political turmoil, there’s one show that never fails to feel like a salve on an emotional wound. For seven seasons, *The West Wing* followed President Jed Barlet (Martin Sheen) throughout his presidency, including his re-election and, inevitably, the race to determine his successor.

With an ensemble featuring Rob Lowe, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, and John Spencer, the series explored stories that may still hit disconcertingly close to home. The opportunity to watch an intelligent, empathetic Commander-in-Chief making decisions for the entirety of his electorate… it’s darned nice to see.

Where to watch *The West Wing*:** **Netflix

**Cast**: Martin Sheen, Rob Lowe, Dule Hill, Allison Janney, Richard Schiff, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford, Janel Moloney, Stockard Channing

Original Article on Source

Source: “EW TV”