5 Emmy-Winning TV Shows From The '90s That Still Hold Up Today
The '90s were an incredible time for television, but even some of the decade's best shows have aged poorly. These series, however, are still 10/10 in 2026.
In the ever-changing world of television, award shows like the Emmys serve as a guide to the best of each era, allowing audiences to both appreciate the past and enjoy the present. The 1990s were an exceptional period for TV, with groundbreaking sitcoms and boundary-pushing dramas earning numerous Emmy nominations and wins. While some of these shows may have flaws, a few have managed to stand the test of time and remain relevant in the 2020s.
One such show is ER, a medical drama that aired on NBC for a remarkable 15 seasons. With 124 Emmy nominations and 23 wins, it is the most recognized medical drama in Emmy history. Though it could have benefited from more diversity in its main cast during the 90s, it set new standards for the genre by regularly employing the Steadicam and tackling realistic hospital room dynamics.
Dr. Mary Siki, a surgical resident at Washington University, even ranked ER third for accuracy among medical shows, behind only Scrubs and The Pitt.
Another Emmy-winning show from the 90s that still holds up today is Seinfeld. Despite its lack of diversity, the critically acclaimed sitcom earned 68 Emmy nominations and 10 wins. Its intelligent premise and timeless humor, centered around the mundane exploits of Jerry, Elaine, George, and Kramer, have made the show feel authentic to everyday life in any era.
Episodes featuring peculiar situations, like promising Kramer's girlfriend a puffy shirt for a television appearance or struggling in unfamiliar places, resonate with viewers across decades.
The Sopranos, an acclaimed HBO series that ran for six seasons, is another Emmy-winning show that still holds up in the 2020s. With 112 Emmy nominations and 21 wins, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time. The series follows mob boss Tony Soprano and his struggles with anxiety, leading him to therapy. Despite its dark themes and complex characters, the show remains relevant today, exploring relatable issues such as depression, addiction, evolving relationships, and personal moral limits.
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