A collaboration with the Westfield High School Journalism Program

The 90s Had The Best Television Shows

Growing up, I remember hearing that iconic theme song playing in my house. My mom watched and idolized every character in “Sex and the City.” Once I was of age to watch the show, I never turned it off. Soon after, I finished it. I looked across all streaming sites to find something similar and failed. Why were the nineties the best decade for television?

While “Sex and the City” was way before my time, it came out right as my mom needed it to. Coming out in 1998, my mom had just finished college, and was about to move to New York City. “’Sex and the City’ was just becoming popular. I was freshly out of college and needed some kind of comfort. I was able to look up to the characters, especially Samantha, and get a taste of what my new life will be,” said my mom, Dainia Oren.

Not only has “Sex and the City” been a comfort show for my mom and many others, “Friends” and “Seinfeld” also satisfy that comfort level. Compared to television now, the nineties lacked technology which allows for the viewers and the actors to fully immerse themselves in the show. I watch these shows to escape reality and not feel the need to check my social media or scroll on any apps.

Samantha, played by Kim Cattrall, was the sex positive and empowering friend of the foursome, breaking boundaries throughout the show. By being who she is, she not only inspired me, but has inspired all viewers to be their best selves. When asked which character I am, I have always picked her.

After looking on Netflix, Prime and Hulu, I ended up on Max. I was looking for something that had the same “Sex and the City” spark, that wasn’t the new spin-off. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” was the only show that came close to that. After a short binge, I found what I had been looking for. However, something was still missing. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” lacked the best parts of what Sex and the City had. “Sex and the City” was light hearted, funny and a feel good show. “The Sex Lives of College Girls” had a similar effect but had real-life topics that were often dark and depressing that made it hard to find comfort in.

In 2021, our favorite friendship returned to our screens without the beloved Samantha. Yet, “And Just Like That” failed miserably. By changing the show to add a modern touch, it lost what was so good about it. The original was real and authentic, now “And Just Like That” is trying to be too modern and that is not the charm in the show.

Even with “Sex and the City” being a great show, it sometimes didn’t age well. I noticed that now, half of the jokes and storylines from the show are either offensive or insensitive. The cast comments on weight, race and sexual orientation, something that is unacceptable obviously. However, it adds character to the show and you can watch it knowing the time period it took place in. The nineties was a time of freedom and where you didn’t have to fear being canceled, so it feels real to the time.

When looking for a successful binge, look for a nineties tv show. “Friends, Sex and the City” and “Seinfeld” are classics that will comfort you.