Retro Binge

SHOWS FROM '80s & '90s

- Aamir Khollam

I did not grow up in the ‘80s and perhaps was too young to understand English in my growing days. It was only when I was in junior college that I got introduced to ‘foreign’ content, especially TV shows and what followed was an unhealthy amount of content consumption. Be it Friends or The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, I watched everything I could get my hands on. I can give up everything in order to experience these shows again in life but knowing that is not a possibility, I can at least recommend them to you. Here are some of the best TV shows from the ‘80s and ‘90s you can binge-watch right now -

1. THE FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIR (1990-1996)

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” is a timeless classic that brought the infectious charm and comedic genius of Will Smith into our living rooms. The show’s premise of a streetsmart teenager, Will, moving from a tough Philadelphia neighbourhood to live with his affluent aunt and uncle in BelAir, provided endless humour and heartwarming moments. With memorable characters like the lovable butler Geoffrey and the preppy Carlton, the show was a masterclass in blending comedy with social commentary. It addressed issues of race, class, and family dynamics, making it as relevant today as it was in the ‘90s. Will Smith’s charisma and comedic timing remain a highlight, making this show an enduring favourite. Too bad the reputation of our Fresh Price Will Smith has now been tainted by the infamous Oscar incident and the tumultuous relationship with his wife but the show remains amazing nonetheless.

2. FRIENDS (1994-2004)