Over the course of the late eighties and throughout the nineties, lots of iconic shows took place with actors/actresses who have arguably managed to shape the TV/movie landscape of the new millennium. But most of all, there are five shows that have been commemorated in modern day sarcasm, be that memes, or just verbal jibes that refer to something a character said in one of those shows. These are the five shows that have been (and still are) used as a base for sarcastic shading:
- The Fresh Prince of Bel Air (1990-1996)
Regarded as Will Smith’s ‘big break,’ this sitcom features him as a fictional version of himself, Will, where he resides with his wealthy relatives, and a clash of lifestyles ensues. It provides us with an insight on early 90’s sarcasm, complete with a British butler to add that British accent people love so much. It also demonstrates the horrendous dance moves of the early nineties, which are sure to make anyone fall off their seats from continuous laughter.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987-1994)
The Star Trek series, more commonly known to non-Trekkies for Patrick Stewart’s memes, was the second series in the Star Trek franchise. Taking place mostly in a starship roaming The Milky Way, it features several ‘lifeforms’ and most interestingly, ‘Data,’ the artificial human who is incapable of grasping any qualitative concepts, most notably sarcasm, which makes him vulnerable to jokes aimed at him from the ship’s crew.
- The Simpsons (1989-present)
Perhaps it’s best to say nothing at all apart from the fact that The Simpsons is becoming increasingly known for predicting real life events long before they happen, most notably the 9/11 attacks, and Donald Trump running for president almost 15 years before he actually did. You almost certainly find that every person in your life fits into one of the characters, including the chronically depressed Milhouse, or the exceptionally naïve Ralph Wiggum.
- South Park (1997-present)
It might not be regarded as a 90s show per se, yet at the time it was revolutionarily satirizing political and societal issues as well as taboos, using school boys as different views in society. In addition to tackling issues, it takes humour to swiping levels of offense towards individuals, as well as groups. Several famous people have been slated, most notably Sarah Jessica Parker who was depicted as a horse, and Justin Beiber who was brutally decapitated by Cthulu.
- Friends (1994-2004)
I don’t think it’s an overstatement to say this is by far one of the best TV shows of all time. Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe, Monica and Rachel (not to forget Gunther, or ugly naked guy!) will make you laugh, cry, drop your mouth in awe, or groan in disbelief. Friends became a base for future sitcoms, and in some cases, future rip-offs (Not unlike “How I Met Your Mother”), as well as everlasting references that turned into memes during the 2010s.
