For those of us who were born in the early 1990s, we've had the chance to experience something that the younger generation never had: great kids shows. The television of the late 1990s and early 2000s is better than anything that we could find on children’s networks these days. Nickeloedon and Disney Channel owned the television screen, sparking the careers for a handful of stars including Amanda Bynes, Kenan Thompson, Shia LaBeouf, Hilary Duff, and Miley Cyrus. Why not reminisce about your favorite shows growing up?
"Rugrats" (1991-2004)
While the beloved cartoon probably first aired before all of us college kids were born, we still grew up watching the Pickles, Finster, and DeVille babies take on the world, literally. The show lasted 10 seasons and had two full length feature films to its name. It even got its own spin-off, "Rugrats: All Grown Up" from 2003-2008.
" Boy Meets World" (1993-2000)
Most girls would be lying if they said they never fantasized about having their own Cory Matthew. That Topanga was one lucky girl. The show lasted for seven seasons and we were lucky enough to watch the entire cast grow up before our very eyes. Disney Channel recently debuted the show's spin-off, "Girl Meets World," following Cory and Topanga's younger daughter's life through middle school. While old cast members come along every once in awhile, it will never replace Cory and Shawn's places in our hearts.
"Hey Arnold!" (1996-2004)
For eight seasons we watched Helga G. Pataki fall madly in love with Arnold, who she always referred to as "football head." Helga knew what it was like to have a crush, but expressed it in the weirdest way possible. If there was a time we learned about "obsessions," Helga was the one who taught us the true definition. But let's be real - we always hoped they'd get together in the end.
"All That" (1994-2005)
"All That" was basically "Saturday Night Live" for a much younger audience. With its many different recurring skits and cast members, it was always entertaining to watch. It started the career of many different people, including Kenan Thompson, who actually went on to star on "SNL". Coincidence? I think not.
"Kenan & Kel" (1996-2000)
"Kenan and Kel" was a part of a lineup that ultimately defined the late 1990s. For all of us who watched the beloved friends, we can answer this simple question: "Who loves orange soda?"
"Doug" (1996-1999)
"Doug" is one of those shows that is always resurrected around Halloween. The Doug Funnie/Patty Mayonnaise couple costume is one I've seen a few times before in the past. Besides that, the show is really about a kid who had an alter ego. Who doesn't love a superhero who wears his underpants over his shorts? #quailman
"CatDog" (1998-2000)
I'll admit, there was a time in my young life where I hoped I would one day come across an actual catdog. However, it's been 15 years since the show ended, and I have yet to see one. I guess I'll just have to wait for Halloween every year to see which girls decide to conquer this duo.
"The Wild Thornberry’s" (1998-2004)
Nigel Thornberry is probably the most famous to come from this show, especially since there are endless memes of him on the Internet. However, this show was really one about an awkward sister and her angsty older sister. Oh yeah, and the wild boy they found. But they did collaborate on one of the greatest movies of my childhood, "Rugrats Go Wild" #smashing
"The Amanda Show" (1999-2002)
We all knew growing up Penelope was Amanda, but for some reason we always hoped that one day they would actually run into each other. While that was never the case, "The Amanda Show" reintroduced us to the comedy genius that was Amanda Bynes. Watching reruns of this show makes her breakdown circa 2013 that much more depressing.
"Rocket Power" (1999-2004)
Growing up watching "Rocket Power," I always wished I was a young surfer in Hawaii. While that was never the case, a girl could dream, right? And this is also one of the classics we find on Halloween or at a theme party every year. #woogitywoogitywoogity
"Even Stevens" (2000-2003)
Before Shia was a transformer hunk, he was Louis Stevens, the black sheep of the Stevens clan. "Even Stevens" was by far one of my favorite shows growing up. I'll admit it, for a long time the reason I knew we went to the moon in 1969, not 1970 but the year sooner, was because of Ren.
"Lizzie McGuire" (2001-2004)
Hilary Duff gave us life in the early 2000s. "Lizzie McGuire" was one of the shows that were easily relatable when we were young, which is what made it so great. We all dealt with bullies, and crushes, and we all had our support system. While our brothers may not have been as annoying as Matt, I'm sure we've had our issues. And c'mon, who wasn't excited when Lizzie and Gordo got together?
"The Proud Family" (2001-2005)
"The Proud Family" theme song to this day remains Destiny's Child's best song. While I'm totally kidding, it was a pretty catchy tune. We could all relate to Penny and her crazy family, but we loved watching "The Proud Family" every week. And that group of friends she had? The best.
"Kim Possible" (2002-2007)
"Kim Possible" brought back the careers of Christy Carlson Romano and Will Friedle as two lovable best friends who just happened to fight crime. Kim had facetime before all of us did, so clearly she was a lot cooler than we expected. And let's be real - we were all so happy when Ron and Kim finally got together.
"That’s So Raven" (2003-2007)
Raven Baxter may have been a teenage psychic, but that didn't change the fact that she struggled through the same issues we did. Many "That's So Raven" episodes focused on issues that kids and young adults went through all the time, including peer pressure and body shaming.
"Phil of the Future" (2004-2006)
While "Phil of the Future" didn't last long on Disney Channel, it did give us a glimpse into the future. I just hope 2121 looks as cool as the Diffys made it seem. The Halloween episode always freaked me out, but I'm sure it did everyone. But again, while it was the last episode, I'm so glad Phil and Keely got together.
"Drake and Josh" (2004-2008)
I still watch "Drake and Josh" reruns to this day. While Drake Bell and Josh Peck got their start on "The Amanda Show," they soon got their own show, which lasted for four years. It also led to Miranda Cosgrove getting her own show. No matter how old I get, I'll always find this show entertaining.
"Zoey 101" (2005-2008)
PCA was the school I always wanted to attend. Most people around here don't go to boarding school - we had to stick to watching it on TV. Unfortunately Jamie Lynn Spears got pregnant at 16 and the show was canceled. But it's been 10 years since Zoey made her video in the time capsule, and we're finally going to find out what she said about Chase.
"The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" (2005-2008)
Before the Sprouse twins attended, and graduated from NYU, they played brothers who just happened to live in a hotel. They usually got themselves into some trouble, but always managed to get out of it with a little help from their friends. Growing up, we all wished we could live the suite life.
"Hannah Montana" (2006-2011)
Before Miley Cyrus cut her hair, we knew her as Miley Stewart, who had a big secret: she was living a double life. While I did wish I could be a pop sensation and a regular teenager, I always wanted to know how people never figured it out. However, I did stop watching it, and I don't really know if the world found out she was Hannah.
As we grow older, we start to forget about the things that made our childhood unique from those growing up today, and while these may not have been everyone's favorites growing up, I'm sure they reminded you of what it was like to be a kid again.