The 1990s were a golden age for sitcoms, giving us timeless classics like Friends, Seinfeld, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. But for every hit, there were plenty of misses—shows that time has not been kind to. Some were forgotten for good reason, with premises that now feel cringey, offensive, or just plain baffling. Here are 10 forgotten '90s sitcoms that have aged like milk, proving that not every big-name star could strike gold on the small screen.
Ask Harriet (1998)
Before drag became a celebrated art form, it was often used as a punchline. Fox's Ask Harriet took that concept and ran it into the ground. The show followed Jack Cody (Anthony Tyler Quinn), a chauvinistic sportswriter who loses his job and decides to cross-dress as a woman to land a gig as an advice columnist. The result was a sexist, unfunny mess that borrowed heavily from Tootsie but lacked any charm. Despite a 13-episode order, only five aired, and it holds a 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Even the presence of Ed Asner couldn't save this trainwreck.
Can't Hurry Love (1995–1996)
After Friends became a cultural phenomenon, every network tried to replicate its magic. CBS's Can't Hurry Love was a blatant knockoff, following a group of singles navigating dating in Manhattan. Starring Nancy McKeon and a pre-Law & Order: SVU Mariska Hargitay, the show was panned for its tired stereotypes and predictable plots. It lasted only one season, but it did free up Hargitay to become Olivia Benson—so maybe it wasn't a total loss. If you can find the pilot, it's worth a laugh to see Hargitay playing a sexy divorcee, a far cry from the iconic detective we know today.
Good & Evil (1991)
Susan Harris, the genius behind The Golden Girls and Soap, also gave us this forgotten dud. Good & Evil tried to satirize soap operas with a story about two wealthy sisters battling over a cosmetics empire. Teri Garr played the cruel CEO, while Margaret Whitton was the sweet scientist. The dark humor fell flat, and the show was canceled after just 10 episodes. Even Harris's magic touch couldn't make this one work.
The Norm Show (1999–2001)
Norm Macdonald brought his deadpan humor to this sitcom about a former hockey player turned social worker. While Macdonald's comedy was beloved, the show's premise felt forced and the jokes often missed the mark. It ran for three seasons but has been largely forgotten, and rewatching it today reveals how much it relied on dated pop culture references and awkward pacing.
Herman's Head (1991–1994)
This Fox sitcom had a unique concept: it visualized the inner thoughts of a magazine fact-checker through characters representing his intellect, emotions, and desires. While innovative for its time, the show's gimmick now feels gimmicky and dated. The humor hasn't aged well, and the premise feels more like a failed experiment than a classic.
Jesse (1998–2000)
Christina Applegate starred in this sitcom about a single mother working at a bar. Despite Applegate's charm, the show relied on tired tropes about dating and parenting. It was canceled after two seasons, and today it's mostly remembered as a footnote in Applegate's career. The jokes about '90s dating culture feel painfully outdated.
Something So Right (1996–1998)
This family sitcom starred Mel Harris and James Brolin as a blended family navigating life together. While it had moments of warmth, the show's humor was often saccharine and predictable. It's been largely forgotten, and rewatching it reveals how much it leaned on clichés about stepfamilies and '90s parenting.
Union Square (1997–1998)
Set in a New York City diner, this sitcom tried to capture the magic of Cheers but failed miserably. The ensemble cast, including Harriet Sansom Harris, couldn't save the weak writing and forced jokes. It lasted only one season and is now a cautionary tale about trying to replicate a classic.
You Wish (1997–1998)
This fantasy sitcom starred John Ales as a genie who grants wishes for a suburban family. The concept was silly even for the '90s, and the special effects haven't aged well. It was canceled after one season, and today it's a relic of a time when networks were desperate for anything with a supernatural twist.
Alright Already (1997–1998)
This WB sitcom starred Carol Leifer as a single woman navigating life in Miami. Despite Leifer's comedic pedigree, the show was filled with dated jokes about dating and career struggles. It lasted only one season and is now a forgotten footnote in '90s TV history.
These shows remind us that not every '90s sitcom was a gem. Some were better left in the past, where they can't embarrass us anymore. For more forgotten gems that actually hold up, check out our list of Forgotten Heist Gems That Are Flawless From Start to Finish or Forgotten Mystery Shows That Are Perfect From Start to Finish.
