Ah, TGIF – the iconic lineup of family-friendly sitcoms that dominated the Friday night airwaves on ABC for years. If you grew up in the ’90s, you probably remember those classic shows like Full House, Family Matters, and Step by Step. TGIF was a tradition in millions of households, bringing people together every Friday evening for a night of laughter, memorable characters, and wholesome fun.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the 13 best shows that made TGIF such a phenomenon. These sitcoms shaped the culture of the ’90s and still hold a special place in our hearts today. Let’s take a look at the top picks from the legendary ABC comedy block!
1. Full House: The Ultimate TGIF Icon
When you think of TGIF, Full House is probably the first show that comes to mind. This beloved family sitcom introduced the Tanner family, featuring Danny, his three daughters, and their quirky, yet lovable, extended family. The show’s heartwarming moments, hilarious one-liners, and unforgettable theme song made it a cornerstone of TGIF programming.
What made Full House so special? It was all about the family dynamics. The show made us laugh and cry as we watched Danny struggle to raise his three daughters after the tragic death of his wife. The cast’s chemistry was undeniable, and characters like Uncle Jesse and Joey became household names.
Fun Fact: Did you know that Full House ran for 8 seasons, from 1987 to 1995? The show still has a massive fanbase thanks to its recent revival, Fuller House, on Netflix.
2. Family Matters: The Winslows’ Legacy
If you were a fan of Full House, then Family Matters was probably another show you eagerly awaited each Friday. Family Matters originally debuted as a spin-off of Perfect Strangers but quickly became its own sensation, centered around the Winslow family in Chicago. This sitcom introduced us to Steve Urkel, one of the most iconic TV characters of all time.
Urkel’s catchphrases, wacky antics, and love for Laura Winslow turned the show into a cultural phenomenon. Even though Family Matters had its ups and downs in terms of storylines, Steve Urkel’s antics kept viewers coming back for more.
Best Quote: “Did I do that?” – Steve Urkel
3. Step by Step: Blended Family Comedy at Its Best
Another standout in the TGIF lineup was Step by Step. This show took the classic “blended family” concept and gave it a comedic twist. The series followed Frank and Carol, two adults with children from previous marriages who come together to form a new family.
The show was beloved for its quirky humor, lovable characters, and relatable storylines. Frank’s stubbornness and Carol’s nurturing ways brought a perfect balance to the family dynamic. And of course, the kids’ shenanigans added a lot of fun.
Fun Fact: Step by Step was known for its iconic opening theme song, “Second Time Around,” which was performed by the group, The Beach Boys!
4. Perfect Strangers: A Comedy About Friendship and Culture Clash
Perfect Strangers was one of the earlier hits on TGIF, running from 1986 to 1993. The show followed the adventures of Larry, an uptight Chicago bachelor, and his cousin Balki, a carefree immigrant from the fictional island of Mypos.
The cultural clash between Larry and Balki was the heart of the show, and their comedic misadventures made Perfect Strangers a standout on TGIF. Balki’s wide-eyed innocence and Larry’s cynical nature created a dynamic that kept audiences laughing for years.
Fun Fact: Perfect Strangers was one of the first shows to showcase a multicultural friendship, breaking new ground for TV sitcoms at the time.
5. Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper: A Different Kind of School Comedy
For a few years, Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper was a staple of TGIF. The show followed Mark Cooper, a former basketball player turned high school teacher, and his quirky interactions with students and roommates.
What set Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper apart was its focus on the daily life of a high school teacher and the comedic challenges that come with managing a classroom. The show tackled some serious issues but did so with humor and heart, making it a standout in TGIF’s lineup.
Fun Fact: The show had a memorable theme song, “You Gotta Get Up,” which was sung by the show’s star, Mark Curry.
6. Boy Meets World: The Coming-of-Age Comedy That Taught Life Lessons
While Boy Meets World wasn’t always part of TGIF’s original lineup, it quickly became a fan favorite. The show centered on Cory Matthews, a young boy growing up in suburban America, and his journey through life, love, and friendship.
What made Boy Meets World so great was its perfect balance of humor and heartfelt moments. As Cory navigated his teenage years, the show tackled important life lessons, friendship issues, and growing pains in a way that felt relatable to young viewers.
Best Quote: “Believe in yourselves. Dream. Try. Do good.” – Mr. Feeny
7. Sabrina the Teenage Witch: Magic Meets High School Drama
Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a magical addition to the TGIF lineup, blending teenage drama with supernatural fun. The series followed Sabrina Spellman, a young girl who discovers that she’s a witch and has to juggle her magical powers with the ups and downs of high school life.
The show’s quirky humor, memorable sidekicks (hello, Salem the talking cat!), and loveable characters made it an instant hit. Sabrina the Teenage Witch became one of the most iconic TGIF comedies of the ’90s and is still beloved by fans today.
Fun Fact: The show was based on the Archie Comics character, Sabrina Spellman.
8. The Torkelsons: A Quirky, Heartwarming Family Show
Though The Torkelsons didn’t run as long as some of the other TGIF shows, it left a lasting impression. This sitcom followed a single mother, her three children, and their wacky, endearing neighbors in a small town.
The show was known for its quirky characters and heartfelt storylines, showing the ups and downs of family life with humor and charm. It was a short-lived show but still found a dedicated fanbase.
9. Clueless: A Teen Comedy That Set Trends
Clueless (based on the popular movie) was another short-lived gem that briefly made its way into the TGIF lineup. The show took the iconic characters from the film, including Cher Horowitz and her friends, and brought them into a TV series.
While it didn’t last long, Clueless gave fans a chance to relive the hilarious high school adventures of Cher, Dionne, and their crew, all while setting the tone for teen comedies to come.
10. Two of a Kind: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen’s TGIF Debut
The Olsen twins made their debut on TGIF with Two of a Kind, a sitcom about a widowed father raising his twin daughters. The show was a hit among fans of the Olsen twins, who were already beloved from their time on Full House.
Though it was short-lived, Two of a Kind proved that Mary-Kate and Ashley were ready for primetime TV stardom.
11. My So-Called Life: The Drama That Dared to Be Different
Though not typically considered a “comedy,” My So-Called Life had a brief run on TGIF, and its heartfelt drama stood out in the sea of sitcoms. The series followed Angela Chase, a teenage girl dealing with the complexities of adolescence.
While it was more of a teen drama, the show’s impact on pop culture was undeniable, earning a cult following.
12. The Middle: TGIF’s Later Years
The Middle might have aired later than most of the classic TGIF shows, but it still made its mark. The show centered around the Heck family, navigating the ups and downs of family life in the Midwest.
With its relatable humor and memorable characters, The Middle quickly became a favorite, providing a fresh take on the classic family sitcom.
13. The New Leave It to Beaver: A Modern Spin on a Classic Family Comedy
The New Leave It to Beaver brought back the Cleaver family for a new generation, updating the classic ’50s series for the ’80s. Although it wasn’t as popular as some of the other TGIF shows, it still added a bit of nostalgia and heart to the lineup.
Conclusion: TGIF, Forever in Our Hearts
The TGIF lineup was a cultural moment that left an undeniable mark on television. From Full House to Family Matters, the 13 shows we’ve covered here brought families together and gave viewers memories they’d cherish for years to come.
Though TGIF is no longer part of ABC’s regular programming, its impact on pop culture is still felt today. These classic sitcoms continue to be fondly remembered and often re-watched by fans of all ages.
Whether you’re reliving the golden era of TGIF or discovering these shows for the first time, it’s clear that these iconic series will always have a place in our hearts.
FAQs:
1. What is TGIF, and why was it so popular? TGIF stood for “Thank God It’s Friday,” and it was a programming block on ABC that aired family-friendly sitcoms every Friday night. It became popular because of its relatable, comedic content that appealed to both kids and adults.
2. Which TGIF show had the most impact on pop culture? Full House is arguably the most iconic and influential TGIF show, thanks to its memorable characters, themes, and heartwarming moments.
3. How long did TGIF run? TGIF originally aired from 1989 to 2000, with some shows continuing into the early 2000s. Its legacy, however, lives on through reruns and streaming platforms.
4. Was Family Matters always on TGIF? Yes, Family Matters was part of the TGIF lineup from the beginning and became one of its most successful shows, thanks in large part to the lovable Steve Urkel.
5. Are any of these shows still available to watch? Yes! Many of these classic TGIF shows are available for streaming on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and others. You can easily revisit these beloved sitcoms anytime.
