I’ll admit it—I’m a TV junkie. While my wife is buried in her books, I’m often lost in a binge-watch session. Whether it’s a gripping Netflix original or a series like Game of Thrones or Billions, television holds a special place in my heart. But let’s be real—there’s something uniquely nostalgic about the golden age of TV, specifically the ’80s and ’90s.
The 1980s were a monumental era for television. We got to enjoy iconic shows like The Cosby Show, Cheers, MacGyver, Knight Rider, and The A-Team. Action, adventure, and heartfelt family dynamics reigned, and these shows demonstrated that saving the world didn’t always require a bullet or a high-tech weapon.
Fast-forward to today, and we’re living in an age of reboots. Old-school gems are returning to the screen, and it’s about time! One of the biggest comebacks? Roseanne—ABC will air an eight-episode revival starting March 27, bringing the Connors back into our lives. And I couldn’t be more excited. Would I still love it as much without Roseanne Barr and John Goodman? Maybe not, but it’s that original magic that I’m craving. And that got me thinking—there are more shows from the ’90s that deserve the same treatment. Here’s a list of my top picks.
1. Family Ties
Ah, Family Ties. This classic family sitcom gave us Michael J. Fox as the lovable, politically-conservative Alex P. Keaton. I’ll admit, I still remember the entire cast—Michael Gross, Meredith Baxter, Justine Bateman, and Tina Yothers—without even needing to Google them. Now, in a world more divided than ever, it would be fascinating to see what happened to the Keaton family. What would Alex’s perspective be on today’s political climate? Ohio (the show’s setting) is still a swing state—imagine the rich, witty dynamics that could come from a reunion.
2. Night Court
Do you remember the hilariously quirky crew at Night Court? Harry Anderson’s irreverent Judge Harry Stone, Markie Post’s sweet but tough Christine Sullivan, and the unforgettable antics of Dan Fielding and Bull Shannon. There’s something magical about the chaotic yet endearing world of night court. A revival with the original cast would be gold, and I’d love to see what Judge Stone and the gang would be up to today. After all, who wouldn’t want to see them back in action—maybe even with some fresh faces thrown into the mix?
3. Quantum Leap
Quantum Leap was ahead of its time—Scott Bakula as Sam Beckett, a time-traveling scientist, and Dean Stockwell as the charming, yet mysterious Al, was a pairing that kept us coming back for more. The premise was simple yet brilliant: Sam “leaped” into the bodies of people at pivotal moments in history, trying to set things right. The constant longing for home made it an emotional rollercoaster. With Bakula still killing it in NCIS: New Orleans, could a Quantum Leap revival bring that nostalgic time-travel magic back? I’d love to see Sam’s journey continue in today’s world.
4. Perfect Strangers
Sometimes, the oddest pairings make for the best TV. Enter Perfect Strangers, where uptight office worker Larry and his free-spirited cousin Balki, an immigrant from the fictional island of Mepos, became an unforgettable duo. Their contrasting personalities made for hilarious—yet touching—moments. A reboot of this iconic show could provide the perfect opportunity to address cultural differences in a lighthearted but meaningful way. We could all use a reminder not to judge a book by its cover.
5. The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years was more than just a coming-of-age story—it was a snapshot of growing up in the ’60s, told through Kevin Arnold’s eyes. We followed him through school dances, family moments, and the complexities of adolescence. But deep down, we all have one burning question: Did Kevin and Winnie stay together? Did Paul really become Marilyn Manson? A Wonder Years revival could fast-forward to the ’80s or ’90s, catching up with these beloved characters. What happened to the gang? How did their lives turn out? It would be a true nostalgic treat for fans.
There’s a reason these shows left an impression on us—they told stories that resonated, made us laugh, and made us think. With reboots and revivals taking center stage, it’s the perfect time for these beloved ’90s classics to make their comeback. After all, who wouldn’t want to return to a time when TV truly captured our hearts?
Let’s bring these shows back—because some memories deserve to be relived.
