Quiz: Prove You’re TV-Obsessed By Identifying These ‘90s Sitcom Side Characters

The 1990s has some of the best sitcoms. Whether they were made for the teens or the adults, there were some standout classics that we still watch today for nostalgia. How well do you remember them, though? Can you name the show just from the name of one supporting character? We’ve got a quiz to put your knowledge to the test.

How did you do? Remembering the side characters isn’t always that easy, so if you got a perfect score, well done! This is a great time to look back at all the classics and enjoy the ‘90s again. Don’t forget to share this quiz with your friends, so you can put their knowledge to the test as well.

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The Move from Family Formats to Edgier Stories

The sitcoms of the 1990s saw a shift. While there were still a few family-driven formats, such as Roseanne, there was a push to more edgier stories. The idea of found family started to come up more and more throughout the decade, such as with Friends and Seinfeld, which both dominated the time period and remain must-see TV shows today.

In fact, Seinfeld helped to completely revolutionize the genre. It followed a rule of “no hugging, no learning,” creating a show that people could just sit back and watch for entertainment. It embraced cynicism and focused more on everyday problems rather than bigger issues in the world.

Even those that did include family, such as Frasier, opted for a slightly more expanded universe. We got to see the titular character at home and work, and we even had a chance to see his brother, Niles, in other settings.

Then there was Roseanne, which, yes, had the family element. The difference with this was the working-class element of the story. The 1980s liked to focus more on the families with money, but more and more people watching TV wanted to see themselves, and series like Roseanne were created.

Speaking of wanting to see themselves, there was more cultural representation. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, for example, brought Black representation, while Will & Grace brought LGBTQ+ representation. They both stood on their own merits and have become beloved favorites.

More and more shows followed suit, including Martin, Ellen, and Living Single, creating a more inclusive setting on TV. Many of these shows are the ones people look for time and time again on streaming platforms, making it clear that the evolution worked wonders.

If you love to test your TV knowledge, we’ve got daily quizzes for you. Make sure you bookmark the Mental Floss quiz page for more trivia fun.

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