November 10, 2020
These beloved classics will keep everyone entertained during quarantine - or any time.
As families spend more time at home during the pandemic, it's nice to gather around the TV with comforting favorites that resonate across generations. There's a rise in throwback programming in both film and TV, including reboots of classics, as well as re-releases and live-action remakes. Whether you loved them the first time or need to catch up, there's a reason these shows have endured. Here are 20 favorite titles to enjoy at home using your Cox Contour TV service.
1. The Office
Where to watch: Netflix
"That's what she said!" It's been nearly a decade since the finale of the American version of The Office but the show continues to be a hit with memes, trivia nights and merchandise. A new generation can enjoy watching Michael Scott's zany antics, Jim and Pam fall in love, pranks against Dwight and the whole Scranton crew. Die-hard fans should make sure to check out the hit Office Ladies podcast, where real-life BFFs Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) share deep dives into each episode with insider information and behind-the-scenes facts.
2. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Where to watch: Netflix
This summer's breakout hit isn't new at all. Avatar: The Last Airbender was relaunched in May and has become popular with kids (and adults) stuck at home. Although it's fictional, the show has resonated with fans for its blend of action, humor and timely messaging. Social media has helped fans create a community, taking to TikTok, Reddit and Twitter to discuss characters and favorite moments from the show.
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Harry Potter successfully made the leap from fantasy book series to the big screen with 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The escapism of watching Harry and his friends wield their wizard powers provides entertainment for the whole family, so much so that the film was re-released in China to huge box office success.
4. Clueless
Where to watch: Amazon Prime (movie), Peacock (TV series)
As if! Clueless introduced a generation of teenagers to Valley Girls in the '90s. The throwback fashion (Remember plaid blazers and babydoll dresses?), memorable slang ("Whatever!") and laugh-out-loud storylines made Alicia Silverstone and Paul Rudd teen icons. Watch the original while we wait for the upcoming spin-off centered around Dionne Davenport, Cher's hip best friend, to hit Peacock.
5. The Ren & Stimpy Show
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
What happens when you put a good-natured cat and insane Chihuahua together? Kids who grew up in the'90s remember the frenetic and hilarious adventures of The Ren & Stimpy Show from Nickelodeon. While it's unclear if the Comedy Central reboot will be for kids or grown-ups, the original is on Amazon Prime Video. Happy, happy, joy, joy.
6. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Where to watch: HBO Max
"Now this is a story all about how/My life got flipped turned upside down." Few TV shows have a theme song as memorable as The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The comedy introduced many to breakout star Will Smith and was groundbreaking in its portrayal of a Black family in ritzy Bel-Air in the '90s. Smith is onboard for a drama reboot, based on Morgan Cooper's viral trailer, but with themes like race, class, family and relationships, the comedy still holds up today.
7. Full House
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
"You got it dude!" Full House has delighted viewers of all ages since its debut in 1987. The show introduced us to the Tanners — Michelle, DJ and Uncle Jesse — and showed a non-traditional family dealing with issues in a heartwarming way. If you love the popular spin-off Fuller House (available on Netflix), make sure to catch re-runs of the original hit that started it all.
8. Clarissa Explains It All
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Before she was Sabrina the teenage witch, Melissa Joan Hart was just a teenager with cool headbands, a dorky brother and an awesome best friend (who famously climbed into her room through her window). Clarissa Explains It All was a favorite on Nickelodeon in the '90s and holds up as a fun show centered around the perspective of a spunky teenage girl. The series is expected to make a revival with Hart involved.
9. Keeping Up with the Kardashians
Where to watch: E!, Peacock
After 20 seasons, Keeping Up with the Kardashians is coming to an end. The show that launched the Kardashian-Jenner dynasty would change reality TV and pop culture forever. Relive the drama, tears and headline-making moments with Kim and the gang. Watch reruns on Hulu and new episodes on E! before the finale season next year.
10. Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
In 2021, Robert Pattinson takes on the role of the Dark Knight and from the looks of the trailer for The Batman, it's going to be an exciting ride. Before we enjoy the latest adventures in Gotham City in theaters next year, catch up on the cult classic animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm — originally released in 1993—that recently made its Netflix debut.
11. The Simpsons
Where to watch: Fox
The Simpsons is the longest-running scripted primetime series in history for a reason. Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie have become like a family for generations of fans. The show that started in1989 has continued to stay topical — satirizing politics, celebrities and pop culture and featuring a trove of famous guest stars from Meryl Streep to Paul McCartney.
Where to watch: Netflix
There was a time when Friday nights meant TGIF on television. Families would gather around the couch for a slew of great shows. Sister, Sister, a series about twins (Tia and Tamera Mowery) who were separated at birth and reunited, featured wholesome laughs and funky, '90s fashion. The show hasn't been on streaming platforms and often hard to catch on re-runs. But fans can rest easy — it's now on Netflix.
13. Sex and the City
Where to watch: E!, HBO Max, Amazon Prime
It's the show that made cosmopolitans and Manolo Blahnik household names: Sex and the City. The funny, sexy and sometimes, brutally honest show about women finding love in New York City is iconic. While people continue to debate whether they're more like Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte or Samantha, this show still works as a window into dating, pre-technology.
14. Girlfriends
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
Tracee Ellis Ross may be known for her hilarious portrayal of Bow on Blackish, but many remember her as Joan on Girlfriends. The show captured the lives and loves of young Black women trying to tackle work, dating and friendships — sticking together through thick and thin — in the new millennium. Fans have been craving its return so much that Netflix announced that it would be streaming it.
15. Saved by the Bell
Where to watch: NBC, Peacock, Amazon Prime
Most students will not be in school in fall but that doesn't mean they can't get a taste of fictionalized fun at Bayside High. Join Zack Morris, Slater, Kelly, Screech and the whole gang on Saved by the Bell as they tackle high school issues, get into hilarious adventures — much to the chagrin of Principal Belding — and hang out at The Max.
16. The Secret World of Alex Mack
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Before there was Eleven on Stranger Things, Alex Mack was the girl with the superpowers. The Secret World of Alex Mack was a cult favorite on Nickelodeon in the '90s, showcasing Alex as she balanced the responsibility of being a regular teenage girl with her extraordinary abilities.
17. The Twilight Zone
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime
There's something about the opening music to The Twilight Zone that gets you in the mood for tales of the supernatural and suspense. The black-and-white series began in the 1959 but the iconic cinematography and storylines filled with twists and turns (and often, social commentary) make it an enduring classic. Watch out for celebrity cameos from then—budding actors like Robert Redford, William Shatner, George Takei and Carol Burnett, who would go on to become Hollywood legends. Watch the original series on Netflix.
18. Are You Afraid of the Dark?
Where to watch: Amazon Prime
Sometimes you need a good scare that's appropriate for the whole family. Gather around the metaphorical campfire and join the Midnight Society as they tell tales of creepy clowns, aliens and dolls that are a little too lifelike in Nickelodeon's classic Are You Afraid of The Dark?
19. The Baby-Sitters Club
Where to watch: Amazon Prime, Netflix
Few books for tweens are as beloved as The Baby-Sitters Club. The series about girls growing up, forging friendships, finding love and yes, babysitting was beloved by millions in the '90s. With the popularity of Netflix's modern reboot, take a trip down memory lane with Kristy, Claudia, Dawn, Stacey, Mary Anne and the whole club in the original series.
20. Moesha
Where to watch: Netflix
Singer Brandy showed off her acting chops in the teen sitcom Moesha. Originally on the UPN, the coming-of-age show featured relatable storylines, family-friendly laughs, bold fashion and guest stars like Jamie Foxx, Lil Kim and Mary J. Blige. Netflix has put all six seasons on its platform and old fans (and new) have taken to social media to reminisce about the show.
Watch all these titles and more with Cox Contour Stream Player.
