A look back at the '90s shows

MANILA, Philippines - If the ’80s were memorable for many, the ’90s follows as well. It was the period of grudge music, the rise of Kate Moss, Doc Martens and US television shows that marked in Filipino hearts. Here’s a list of some of the most famous US shows that kids and teens look forward to in the small screen:

Beverly Hills 9210. One of the well-known series created by Aaron Spelling and Darren Starr, it launched the careers of Shannon Doherty, Jason Priestly, Tori Spelling, Luke Perry among others. Chronicling the lives of siblings Brandon and Brenda Walsh and friends, the show aired from October 1990 to May 2000. The show has tackled many issues among them AIDS, date rape, alcoholism, domestic violence and abortion. The series would later be revived in 2008 when 9210 under the Beverly Hills 9210 franchise aired where some of the original cast members made guest appearances.

Melrose Place is another Starr and Spelling show

Melrose Place. Another show created by Starr and Spelling, the show aired from 1992 to 1999. Set in an apartment complex in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, the story revolved around the tenants of the apartment with their dreams and struggles. Among the famous faces gracing the show were Heather Locklear, Marcia Cross, Alyssa Milano, Vanessa Williams, Lisa Rinna, Josie Bissett, Thomas Calabro, Andrew Shue and Courtney Thorne-Smith. In 2009, the show returned with a new cast led by Ashley Simpson-Wentz and some original cast made guest appearances. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled on May 2010.

Saved by the Bell. The show started in 1989 and launched the careers of Mark Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Elizabeth Berkley and Dustin Diamond. The show paved way for some of its counterparts to tackle teen issues such as drunk driving, bullying and friendship. Saved by the Bell also had spin-offs such as Saved By the Bell-The College Years and Saved by the Bell-The New Class where a new group of students were introduced in Bayside High.

The cast of California Dreams

Blossom. A comedy-drama show that aired from 1990 to 1995, the show tells the story of Blossom Russo (Mayim Bialik) who adjusts life with her musician father and brothers without their mom.  She deals with various issues such as drugs, divorce and abuse in her family as well as having an on-off relationship to boot.

California Dreams. Airing from 1992 to 1996, the show tells the story of a multi-ethnic band led by siblings Matt and Jenny Garrison (Brent Gore and Heidi Lenhart). Originally, the plot revolved around the Garrison family but was later rewritten on the life of the band that includes siblings Tiffani Smith (Kelly Packard), Tony Wicks (William James Jones) and teen manager Sly Winkle (Michael Cade). When the Garrison siblings left, Samantha Woo (Jenny Kwan) and Jake Sommers (Jay Anthony Franke) and Mark Winkle (Aaron Jackson) joined the group. The show’s theme song was one of the most popular songs in the ’90s. Last March, the cast reunited in Jimmy Fallon Show where they sang the theme song once more.

Baywatch is the most watched show according to the Guinness Book of World Records

Dawson’s Creek. Its theme song I Don’t Want to Wait by Paula Cole is popular. Led by a cast composed of James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, Dawson’s Creek is the story of four teenagers in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts. The show’s success catapulted its stars to fame and it ran for six seasons.

Charmed. Created by Constance Burge and produced by Aaron Spelling, the show aired in 1998 and ended in 2006. Charmed tells the story of three sisters Prue, Piper and Phobe Halliwell (Shannon Doherty, Holly Marie Combs and Alyssa Milano) who discovered that they were witches known as the Charmed Ones with the powers of telekinesis, freezing time and premonition. In the fourth season, Prue dies and the remaining sisters discover the existence of their half-sister Paige Matthews (Rose McGowan) who has the power to tele-orb objects. The show ran for eight seasons and is considered one of the most popular and watched TV shows worldwide.

From left: Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes of Dawson’s Creek

Home Improvement. Airing from 1991 to 1999, Home Improvement stars Tim Allen, whose acting career would eventually skyrocket due to the show’s success. It was also one of the most watched TV shows, winning awards and launched the careers of Pamela Anderson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Zachary Ty Bryan and Taran Noah Smith.

Seinfield. In 1989, the show’s first episode was broadcast. It tells about Jerry Seinfield’s fictionalized version of himself. Set in Manhattan’s Upper Westside, the show became a critical phenomenon with TV Guide naming Seinfeld as the greatest show of all time.

Baywatch. Who could ever forget the lifeguards in their red shorts and swimsuits walking around the beach? Starring David Hasselhoff, Baywatch is the most watched show according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It tackles dangers in the beaches and the lifestyle that comes with it. The show also launched the careers of Nicole Eggert, David Chavert, Shawn Weatherly and Alexandra Paul. Pamela Anderson who was part of the cast of Home Improvement later joined the show as C.J. Parker and became one of the most popular cast members.