Each decade has its own tells, but the were wild from start to finish. From the rise of grunge music to the dawn of the internet, it seemed like the world was changing every day. And amidst the hustle and chaos, the one constant collectively grounding us was television. Some shows became pop culture juggernauts that defined the era, destined to be remembered for all eternity, and others slipped through the cracks, only to be rediscovered and adored by a devoted few.

In this list, we unearth 10 of the most underrated ‘90s TV shows that, against all odds, went on to become cult classics. These shows did not captivate the masses when they first aired but were so unique, hilarious, thought-provoking, and creative, that their episodes ended up being rewatched and analyzed by die-hard fans.

A sketch comedy series that was way ahead of its time, took the tried-and-true format of Saturday Night Live and injected it with a bold splash of color and a heavy dose of irreverent humor. Created by Keeney Ivory Wayans, the series had a rotating cast of comedians and actors like Jim Carrey, Jamie Foxx, and Jennifer Lopez, and it featured wildly inventive sketches like “Men on Film” and “Men on Fitness.”

In Living Color may have delivered socially relevant narratives, unforgettable characters, and hilarious commentary on race, politics, and pop culture, but it was definitely too cutting-edge for network executives at the time. Compared to mainstream sketch shows like SNL, it was fearless in addressing certain issues. And while that alienated certain audiences, it ended up building a fierce following in the years later. The show’s and the Wayans’ influence can be felt in comedy still.

One of the strangest crime-solving TV shows of the ‘90s, follows Jarod, a child prodigy who was raised in a secret government facility called The Center. Jarod escapes the organization as an adult and uses his extraordinary talent of impersonating a member of any profession to help those in need, investigate crimes, deliver justice, and find the truth about his past.

While The Pretender was a true gem of the decade, it flew under the radar during its original run. The question of identity takes center stage in the gripping series and each episode focuses on Jarod assuming a new role – from a doctor or a police officer to a pilot or a soldier. The intricate plot lines, dynamic character arcs, and Michael T. Weiss’ compelling performance as the main character fostered a cult following.

Science fiction was a huge draw back in the 1990s and the landscape was dominated by shows like The X-Files and The Outer Limits. is a British sci-fi series set in the distant future, three million years after a radioactive leak kills all crew members of the Red Dwarf mining spaceship, except Dave Lister. Along with a motley group of companions, like a humanoid descendant of his pet cat and a neurotic AI named Holly, Dave navigates the vast universe.

Because of its low-budget production values and unique combination of sci-fi and slapstick comedy, Red Dwarf was majorly overlooked outside the UK during its initial run. However, the clever satire, absurd narratives franging from parallel dimensions to existential crisis, character-driven humor, and subtle emotional beats, all contributed to carving its cult following. It ran for eight seasons and was revived for four between 2007 and 2020.

If you thought the ‘90s was all about grunge and sitcom domination, you probably aren’t familiar with . Canadian comedy troupe of the same name unleashed an audacious sketch comedy series of the same name that defied all convention. The show starred Bruce McCulloch, Kevin McDonald, Dave Foley, Mark McKinney, and Scott Thompson as they played a bunch of characters and made each episode creative and unpredictable.

The Kids in the Hall was a bit too unconventional for mainstream audiences. Its boundary-pushing humor, subversive sketches, and weird approach towards delivering a point made it an underdog. Favorite bits like “Head Crusher” and “Buddy Cole,” as well as tackling issues like gender, sexuality, and social norms, were aspects it came to be known for over time. It won the hearts of a devoted fanbase and became a gem that rewrote the roles.

Set against a grim, apocalyptic backdrop, is a psychological thriller created by Chris Carter. It follows the exploits of Frank Black, a former FBI profiler with the uncanny ability to see inside the minds of criminals and empathize with them. He works for the mysterious Millennium Group, investigating horrific crimes as the year 2000 approaches, all while blaming them for the death of his wife.

Carter was the visionary behind The X-Files and the show was a massive hit. But few remember how Millennium ended up carving its own unique niche with its exploration of existential dread and humanity’s potential for redemption. Led by the subtle yet haunting performance of Lance Henriksen, it offered a narrative that was starkly in contrast to the more direct procedural crime dramas of the time.

takes place aboard a space station in neutral territory. It was built in the aftermath of several inter-species wars and now acts as a hub for diplomacy, conflict resolution, and trade. With its sprawling five-season arc, this epic space opera follows a diverse cast of characters and interconnected storylines as they explore the power balance between humans and alien civilizations.

It may not seem like a huge feat by today’s standards, but few shows managed to achieve the narrative scope and complexity of Babylon 5 back in the day. Its groundbreaking use of long-form storytelling and computer-generated graphics was refreshing and the way it drew inspiration from real life to balance political intrigue with personal stakes was nothing short of fascinating. Created by J. Michael Straczynski, the series gained a second life among fans.

Another absurd sketch comedy that stood out in the era of cookie-cutter sitcoms, was a breath of fresh air. Created by a group of talented comedians, including Michael Ian Black, Ken Marino, and David Wain, it featured sketches that ranged from bizarre to biting and pushed the boundaries of what MTV, its original home, was willing to air. Especially when targeting the teenage audience.

The State has a distinct brand of humor and that’s why it was underrated. It urged viewers to abandon their preconceptions about the world and embrace the weird parts of it. The fast-paced style and silly sketches offered insights that were hard to ignore. Fans were in awe of the fearless approach it took towards comedy and adored the troupe’s chemistry.

In the crowded landscape of teen dramas, stood out for its raw and honest portrayal of adolescence. It revolves around Angela Chase, a sensitive and introspective high school student as she navigates the turbulent waters of love, friendship, identity, and the longing to fit in – or stand out. From unrequited crushes to overbearing parents, each episode made teenage life achingly relatable.

My So-Called Life offered a refreshing change from the glossy, light, wish-fulfillment narratives that dominated the genre. It won acclaim for the same but was criminally short-lived, canceled after just one season, which is why it failed to find mainstream success. However, the show takes an unflinching but empathetic approach towards portraying how complex teenage life is and, with Claire Danes playing Angela and Jared Leto playing the heartthrob Jordan Catalano, it was truly a rewarding experience.

Created by Stephen Colbert, Paul Dinello, Amy Sedaris, and Mitch Rouse for Comedy Central, is a deliciously dark comedy that follows the misadventures of Jerry Black, a 46-year-old former drug addict and ex-con who returns to high school to pick up where she left off and turn her life around. But second chances don’t always come easy.

Capturing the twisted spirit of the ‘90s with its combination of cringe-worthy and heartwarming moments, Strangers with Candy built a cult following in the years after its release. The outlandish premise and niche humor were initially polarizing. But the show is a satirical take on after-school specials, assemblies, and moralistic clichés. It also features an audacious, career-defining performance by the incomparable Amy Sedaris.

, or MST3K for short, is set in a bizarre world where a janitor named Joel is trapped by two mad scientists on a satellite and forced to watch bad movies to monitor his reaction to them. With his wisecracking robot pals Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, Cambot and Gypsy, he delivers a constant stream of hilarious commentary on each dreadful B-movie.

Mystery Science Theater 3000 isn’t just a parody of B-movies, but also a celebration of them. It finds humor and joy in even the worst cinematic misfires. And while the show may have started as a humble public access series, its quirky criticism and irreverent approach to watching movies made it a beloved among fans of cult cinema. The show also has a DIY aesthetic that turns its comedic writing into natural flowing fun.