10 Most Groundbreaking TV Shows Of The '90s

5. My So-Called Life

Batman The Animated Series
ABC

High school was tough for all of us, and yet on television we're used to seeing a rather idealised version of it. But short-lived '90s drama My So-Called Life was one of the first (and in a way, the only) series to depict the traumatic time in a teenager's life in a completely realistic way.

As the story is told through the eyes of our protagonist Angela Chase, viewers were able to experience first-hand the heartbreaking struggles that one must endure as part of high school life. Whether it be romantic heartbreak, or an internal struggle with peer pressure, My So-Called Life dealt with serious matters with a sense of realism - and viewers of all ages were able to understand the intricacies of social problems via Angela and her voiceover - which never once felt contrived. Much like Sex and the City, My So-Called Life explored socially relevant issues, such as sexuality and bullying.

It's worth a watch - even if just to see where Jared Leto and Claire Danes started out. Sure, it might look a little dated on the outside, but its subject matter remains as relevant today as the day it first aired.

Contributor
Contributor

Stephen Patterson is an experienced writer and reviewer. He's also a TV addict.