Iconic TV programmes on the 90s

The most iconic TV shows of the nineties for me were:

Beverly Hills 90210 - originally featured around Minnesotan twins Brandon and Brenda Walsh as they settled in glamourville with their new friends, it spun off to include more of their friends and other people who came in and out of their lives. The show first aired in 1990 and ran for ten years.

Melrose Place - A spin off from the above, set in an LA apartment complex, most of them went to the same bar and all hung out together and often worked close together. A gripping adult version of 90210.

The Simpsons - Dysfunctional cartoon family. First aired in the US in December 1989 but didn't come to the UK til later, surrounds Homer and his wife Marge and their ageless family of studious Lisa, naughty Bart and baby Maggie. Support characters include Marge's ugly sisters; Mo the bar owner; Barney the alcoholic pal of Homer, Apu in the Quicky-Mart; the churchgoing Flanders family next door; Mr Burns, Homer boss and his sidekick Smithers and Bart's nemesis Principal Skinner.

Absolutely Fabulous - Written by Jennifer Saunders this show became a cult across the world and also got a huge gay following who enjoyed the dramatics of PR person Edina (Saunders) and her alcoholic mate Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and uptight daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) . The show has had five series so far and numerous specials.

The X Files - cult sci-fi drama ran for nine seasons and a movie from 1993. Agent Mulder believed in Aliens. Scientist Scully gave the scientific evidence, and was originally supposed to discredit FBI wildcard Mulder, but became an ally. Also around was The Smoking Man who knew the answers to what they were finding and a few other key characters. Some episodes were built around aliens and alien abduction, some were a variety of unexplained (for the most part) mysteries.

Friends - One of the most successful TV show of recent times. It first aired in 1994 and ran for ten seasons with several weddings, a couple of divorces, a few babies, a monkey and lots of celebrity guests. The premise was six friends living near each other and their interactions and relationships, it launched movie careers ( to varying degrees of success) for all the stars who commanded a million dollars per episode by the end.

Ally McBeal - One of my favourites. Neurotic lawyer Ally and her friends including favourite ex, Billy, and there eccentric clients. They all socialised in the bar in the same building as their office. The show ran for five years and had some excellent guest stars and music by Vonda Shepherd (and some guests).

This Life - Six lawyers (most of the time) share a house in London, all sorts of shenanigans and bitchery. Top UK drama, but only two series.

Sex and the City - Top rating American show set around writer Carrie and her friends as they get involved with the New York dating scene. Ran for six seasons and made lead Sarah Jessica parker into a fashion icon.