TGIF—Thank God It’s Friday—was a staple of 90s television, bringing families together with a lineup of wholesome sitcoms that ruled the airwaves. Whether you were growing up in the 80s or 90s, there’s a special place in our hearts for those Friday night lineups that kept us entertained week after week.
But which TGIF show truly stands the test of time? In this article, we’re diving deep into every major show that graced the iconic lineup, from the breakout hits to the forgotten gems, and ranking them based on their cultural impact, popularity, and lasting legacy. Get ready to relive those TGIF glory days!
What Was TGIF? A Brief Overview
Before we jump into the rankings, let’s quickly review what made TGIF so special.
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The Birth of TGIF: In the late 1980s, ABC created the “TGIF” programming block, designed to appeal to families with a series of sitcoms scheduled to air on Friday nights. The catchy phrase “Thank God It’s Friday” became synonymous with a night filled with family-friendly fun, and for millions of viewers, TGIF was the highlight of their week.
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The Lineup: Over the years, TGIF hosted some of the most beloved sitcoms on TV, including iconic shows like Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step. The shows were a mix of wholesome family values, quirky characters, and relatable storylines, making them a perfect fit for Friday nights.
The Criteria for Ranking
To ensure an unbiased and well-rounded ranking, we’ve established a few key criteria to evaluate each show:
- Cultural Impact: How much influence did the show have on pop culture, fashion, or other media?
- Popularity: How many fans did it attract during its prime? What were the ratings like?
- Longevity: Did the show have a lasting presence, even after it ended? Did it live on in syndication?
- Legacy: Has the show continued to resonate with audiences even decades later? Does it still have a strong fanbase?
15. Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper (1992–1997)
While Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper was a fun and fresh addition to the TGIF lineup, it never quite reached the same level of popularity as some of the other iconic shows on the list.
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Cultural Impact: Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper starred Mark Curry as a high school teacher and basketball coach, offering a mix of sports, comedy, and family drama. The show gained moderate success, but its cultural footprint was small compared to other TGIF staples.
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Legacy: While it had its moments, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper never truly cemented itself in pop culture history, making it a bit forgettable in the grand scheme of TGIF.
14. Teen Angel (1997–1998)
A short-lived sitcom, Teen Angel is one of the least memorable shows to air on TGIF.
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Cultural Impact: The premise of a teenage boy who dies and comes back as a ghost to help his best friend was quirky, but it failed to capture the attention of a wide audience.
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Legacy: Due to its brief run, Teen Angel didn’t leave much of a legacy and quickly faded into obscurity.
13. Clueless (1996–1999)
Based on the popular 1995 film, Clueless followed the life of Cher Horowitz and her friends at Beverly Hills High.
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Cultural Impact: Clueless was a teen-centric show with memorable quotes and fashionable characters, but it never quite hit the same level of impact as the movie.
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Popularity: It was a niche hit among younger viewers but never achieved massive mainstream success.
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Legacy: Despite its relatively short run, Clueless maintains a cult following thanks to the timeless appeal of the movie it was based on.
12. Step by Step (1991–1998)
This family sitcom, featuring Suzanne Somers and Patrick Duffy as a blended family, was a solid performer during its TGIF tenure.
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Cultural Impact: Step by Step was one of the more relatable shows on TGIF, especially for viewers who experienced stepfamily dynamics.
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Popularity: The show was fairly successful, running for eight seasons. However, it never achieved the massive cultural resonance that some of its TGIF counterparts enjoyed.
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Legacy: Although it’s not frequently referenced in pop culture, Step by Step is fondly remembered by fans as one of TGIF’s reliable family sitcoms.
11. Perfect Strangers (1986–1993)
While not part of the core TGIF lineup, Perfect Strangers was one of the first shows to help establish the TGIF brand.
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Cultural Impact: This show about the friendship between a Chicagoan and his exotic cousin from the fictional country of Mypos had its share of laughs and heartwarming moments.
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Popularity: The show had decent ratings during its run, but it didn’t quite become as iconic as the likes of Full House or Family Matters.
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Legacy: Despite its relatively short run, Perfect Strangers remains a fond memory for 80s and early 90s sitcom lovers.
10. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch (1996–2003)
The magical Sabrina, the Teenage Witch was one of the more successful TGIF offerings, especially for younger viewers.
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Cultural Impact: Sabrina brought magic, humor, and teenage angst to the TGIF lineup, captivating viewers with its supernatural premise and quirky characters.
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Popularity: The show garnered solid ratings, especially with its strong fanbase of young girls.
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Legacy: Sabrina, the Teenage Witch continues to be remembered fondly by fans, and its reboot on Netflix introduced the show to a new generation of viewers.
9. Full House (1987–1995)
While Full House is often regarded as one of the defining TGIF shows, its success during its initial run deserves further scrutiny.
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Cultural Impact: Full House brought us unforgettable catchphrases (“You got it, dude!”) and a lovable family dynamic that still resonates today.
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Popularity: It was incredibly popular throughout the 90s, with millions of viewers tuning in every week.
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Legacy: The show’s influence continues through its Fuller House reboot on Netflix, ensuring that its legacy is still alive today.
8. Family Matters (1989–1998)
Family Matters followed the Winslow family and their lovable, nerdy neighbor, Steve Urkel. Urkel quickly became one of the most iconic characters in TGIF history.
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Cultural Impact: Urkel’s catchphrase “Did I do that?” and his zany antics became ingrained in pop culture.
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Popularity: The show gained massive popularity after Urkel’s character became a breakout star, especially in later seasons.
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Legacy: Family Matters remains one of the most nostalgic and beloved TGIF shows of all time, with fans continuing to embrace the classic characters and hilarious moments.
7. The Torkelsons (1991–1992)
The Torkelsons was a heartfelt, family-centered show that didn’t make a huge impact but found a dedicated following.
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Cultural Impact: The show centered on a single mother raising her children in Oklahoma. Though short-lived, it had a warm and homey feel.
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Popularity: The show was initially successful but ultimately struggled with low ratings, leading to its cancellation after one season.
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Legacy: While The Torkelsons may not have made a lasting impact on the TGIF lineup, it’s remembered as one of the more wholesome entries of its time.
6. Boy Meets World (1993–2000)
Boy Meets World followed the coming-of-age story of Cory Matthews and his friends.
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Cultural Impact: This show became iconic for its relatable characters, memorable life lessons, and its exploration of growing up, friendships, and family dynamics.
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Popularity: Boy Meets World was a TGIF favorite, running for seven seasons and generating strong fan support.
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Legacy: Boy Meets World is one of the most enduring TGIF shows, with a successful sequel series, Girl Meets World, that continued its legacy.
5. Mork & Mindy (1978–1982)
Though Mork & Mindy wasn’t originally part of the TGIF block, it was added in its later years and helped boost the network’s Friday night lineup.
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Cultural Impact: Robin Williams’ breakout role as Mork, an alien from Ork, became a cultural phenomenon. His zany antics and quirky humor made the show an instant classic.
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Popularity: The show was a major hit in the late 70s and early 80s, but it was already in decline by the time it was added to TGIF.
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Legacy: Mork & Mindy remains a beloved classic, with Robin Williams’ performance continuing to be remembered as one of the defining comedic roles of his career.
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990–1996)
Though The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air didn’t officially debut as part of TGIF, it became an integral part of the network’s Friday night lineup.
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Cultural Impact: Will Smith’s portrayal of a street-smart kid from West Philadelphia adjusting to life in Bel-Air became a major cultural touchstone.
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Popularity: The show dominated ratings and became an international success, with its fresh mix of comedy and life lessons.
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Legacy: The Fresh Prince remains iconic, with Will Smith continuing to build on its legacy through recent projects.
3. Saved by the Bell (1989–1993)
Saved by the Bell remains one of the most well-loved high school sitcoms ever created. It introduced us to the lovable group of students at Bayside High.
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Cultural Impact: The show made a huge impact on teen culture in the 90s, with memorable catchphrases, iconic characters, and relatable high school drama.
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Popularity: Saved by the Bell consistently topped ratings during its run, becoming a cultural touchstone for an entire generation.
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Legacy: The show’s enduring popularity is evident through the many spin-offs, reboots, and continued fan adoration.
2. The Wonder Years (1988–1993)
The Wonder Years stands as one of the most powerful coming-of-age shows in television history.
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Cultural Impact: The show’s nostalgic take on the 1960s and its exploration of adolescence resonated deeply with audiences.
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Popularity: The Wonder Years was critically acclaimed and remains a fan-favorite, known for its emotional depth.
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Legacy: The show’s impact can still be felt today, as it remains one of the best representations of the trials and tribulations of growing up.
1. Full House (1987–1995)
Without a doubt, Full House takes the top spot on the list.
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Cultural Impact: It’s one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history. It captured the hearts of millions and gave us unforgettable characters like Uncle Jesse, Aunt Becky, and, of course, Michelle Tanner.
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Popularity: Full House reigned supreme on TGIF, and its reboot Fuller House only added to its iconic status.
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Legacy: The show’s legacy continues to this day, with millions still watching reruns, and its cultural influence remains as strong as ever.
Conclusion
The TGIF block will forever be remembered for the unforgettable characters, catchy theme songs, and the warm, family-friendly atmosphere that dominated Friday nights in the 80s and 90s. Whether you loved the outrageous antics of Urkel or the heartfelt lessons from Cory Matthews, each of these shows left a lasting impact. From the quirky humor of Perfect Strangers to the deep emotional moments of The Wonder Years, TGIF will always be remembered as a key part of television history.
5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion:
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What was the first show on TGIF?
- The first show on TGIF was Perfect Strangers, which helped kick off the iconic programming block.
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Which TGIF show had the most seasons?
- Family Matters holds the record for the most seasons, running for a total of 9 seasons.
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What is the most iconic TGIF show?
- Full House is widely considered the most iconic show to air on TGIF due to its cultural impact and lasting legacy.
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Did any TGIF shows win awards?
- Yes, The Wonder Years won several awards, including Emmys and Golden Globes, for its portrayal of family life.
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Why did TGIF eventually end?
- The decline in ratings and the shift in television viewing habits led to the eventual end of the TGIF programming block in the late 90s.
