A little nostalgia in the form of the best 90s cartoons is good for the soul—especially if you’re going through a tough time like, say, a global pandemic. Why not give your brain some self-care with a trip back in time by watching some of the best 90s cartoon shows (or movies), many of which are currently streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
For people who grew up in the 90s, tv shows like the hilariously sarcastic Daria or the lovable Rugrats were staples and perhaps reminders of a simpler time in life. MTV’s Beavis and Butt-head was a total game changer when it came to the type of humor that’s now basically become an animated genre unto itself. And then, of course, there’s the OG—The Simpsons, a legendary series that’s still airing new episodes on Fox.
Whether you’re looking for more adult humor or would prefer to revert back to a childlike state, there’s a little something for everyone in this list of the best 90s cartoons the decade had to offer. See them all—and where to stream—below.
As we begin another week of social distancing, you’ll need new TV shows and movies to help pass the time. Thankfully, there are some interesting things happening on streaming and network television over the next few days. From the return of One Day at a Time to a new season of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, there’s plenty out there to help you temporarily forget about the bizarre world we’re currently living in. A little escape never hurt anyone, right?
Below, all the TV shows and movies to watch this week.
Sunday, March 22
House in a Hurry: A new series about people who need to relocate homes quickly. 9 P.M. ET on HGTV
Monday, March 23
Freud: A new drama series about young Sigmund Freud living in 19th century Vienna. Streaming on Netflix
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Tuesday, March 24
Council of Dads: Per NBC, “Family takes on a different meaning in this transformative and inspirational new drama when Scott Perry, a loving father of five, has his entire life’s plan thrown into upheaval by an unexpected health scare. He calls on a few of his most trusted friends to step in as back-up dads to help guide and support his growing family – just in case he ever can’t be there to do it himself.” 10 P.M.ET on NBC
One Day at a Time: There was an uproar when this comedy-drama left Netflix. But thankfully Pop picked it up for a fourth season so we can continue following the shenanigans of the Alvarez family. 9:30 P.M.ET on Pop
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Wednesday, March 25
CMT Crossroads: Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini: A classic CMT series returns, infusing the artistry of pop’s resident cool girl Halsey and country queen Kelsea Ballerini. 10 P.M. ET on CMT
Crip Camp: A new documentary, which Netflix describes as: “On the heels of Woodstock, a group of teen campers are inspired to join the fight for disability civil rights. This spirited look at grassroots activism is executive produced by President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.” Streaming on Netflix
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Thursday, March 26
Keeping Up With the Kardashians: The Kardashians are back for a new season on a brand new night. What is going on with Kourtney and Kim in this trailer?! 8 P.M. ET on E!
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Friday, March 27
Uncorked: Starring Mamoudou Athie, Courtney B. Vance, and Niecy Nash, this film centers on a man who “must find a way to balance his dream of becoming a master sommelier with his father’s expectations for him to carry on the family’s popular Memphis barbeque joint.” Streaming on Netflix
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Saturday, March 28
The Forgotten West Memphis Three: A new true-crime special centered on the 1993 murders of Stevie Branch, Michael Moore, and Christopher Byers. 8 P.M. ET on Oxygen
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads in America, many experts and civilians are looking to Italy as possible glimpse of what our future might hold. That country is currently on lockdown with residents only allowed to leave their homes for absolutely necessary reasons in an effort to slow down the spread of COVID-19.
As of Monday, March 16, the total number of coronavirus cases in Italy was 27,980, up 3,000 from just the day before. Some experts believe Italy is about 10 days ahead of the United States in this ever-evolving situation, which is one of the reasons many states and cities are restricting movement by citizens and closing schools, restaurants, and bars.
In a new video released by the CDC, Italian residents of all ages were asked to film messages to themselves from 10 days ago. What would they told their past selves about the virus’s spread, the ways that life would so drastically change, and what they could have done differently had they known what today would look like?
Their messages are sobering, to say the least, as Italians describe their transitions from normal daily life to quarantine and warn others about not taking the pandemic seriously by continuing to go out just for fun.
Take a look:
“A huge mess is about to happen.”
“The worst case scenario? That’s exactly what will happen.”
“A whole nation stuck at home. Didn’t see that coming, uh?”
“There are currently kids our age intubated and in intensive care.”
“We’ve seen worrisome videos from France and the U.S. of people not taking this thing seriously. This issue is more serious than most of the world believes.”
“You’ll realize that just being able to breathe air in your own house—it’s something you should already be grateful for.”
Watch the full video for yourself below:
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As this crisis in America continues to evolve and shift, it’s important to listen to guidance of the scientists and doctors who are telling us to stay home as much as is possible. And perhaps take a cue from Italians, too, who know better than us what’s coming next.
If you find yourself wanting to stay in this week as a coronavirus precaution, don’t worry: There are plenty of TV shows and movies coming out that will keep you occupied. From the return of Westworld to Little Fires Everywhere, your queue is about to look so good.
Below, all the TV shows and movies to stream this week:
Sunday, March 15
Westworld: It’s been two years since this sci-fi cowboy phenomenon was last on HBO. But don’t worry, season three is well worth the wait. 9 P.M. ET on HBO
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Monday, March 16
The Plot Against America: Here is HBO’s official description for this series, which stars Winona Ryder and John Turturro: “A working-class Jewish family in New Jersey watches the political rise of aviator-hero and xenophobic populist Charles Lindbergh, as he becomes president and turns the nation toward fascism. This six-part reimagining of history is based on the Philip Roth novel of the same name.” 9 P.M. ET on HBO
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Tuesday, March 17
Bert Kreischer: Hey Big Boy: Comedian Bert Kreischer tackles everything from parenting to gun control in this new comedy special. Streaming on Netflix
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Wednesday, March 18
Motherland: Fort Salem: Here is Freeform’s official description for this show, per an email: The series “is set in an alternate, present-day America where witches ended their persecution 300 years ago by cutting a deal with the U.S. government to fight for their country. The series follows three young women from basic training in combat magic into terrifying and thrilling early deployment. In this world, the traditional roles of gender and power are flipped with women on the front lines, the fight looming and terrorist threats that are strikingly familiar to our world, but with supernatural tactics and weapons.” 9 P.M. ET on Freeform
Little Fires Everywhere: This highly anticipated series, based on Celeste Ng’s novel, follows two different families in Shaker Heights, Ohio: the Richardsons, an affluent family with four children, and the Warrens, a mother-daughter duo who struggle to get by. An unexpected friendship between the families’ children draws them together, but a custody battle for a Chinese American baby threatens to tear them—and the entire town—apart. Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon play the matriarchs of the two families. Streaming on Hulu
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Thursday, March 19
Feel Good: Mae Martin stars as herself in this new drama series about a comedian dealing with sobriety and her relationship with her girlfriend while living in London. Streaming on Netflix
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Friday, March 20
Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker: Streaming on Netflix
The English Game: A new drama series centered on two 19th century British footballers on opposing ends of a class divide. Streaming on Netflix
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Saturday, March 21
J-Style Trip: A variety show anchored by Taiwanese musician Jay Chou. Streaming on Netflix
In the mood to watch shows like The Bachelor now that Peter Weber’s season has ended? I mean, we do have several weeks before Clare Crawley’s season of The Bachelorette airs. You have a reality-TV itch that needs scratching. And not just any kind of reality show: You need one that perfectly blends romance, drama, hot people, and gorgeous locations. A show that’s equal parts sappy and salacious. One during which you’re laughing hysterically in one scene but then oddly sentimental the next.
The Bachelorette and The Bachelor are masters of this craft, of course, but there are other reality shows that do it too—and they’ll save you during this rose ceremony drought.
Take Love Island, the British dating series that, on the surface, is completely bonkers. But by episode three you’re emotionally attached to all the contestants. Or how about Netflix’s Love Is Blind, which will have you shouting at your screen within minutes? Bottom line is there’s plenty out there to keep you occupied until that first rose ceremony.
Here are our recommendations for shows like The Bachelor and Bachelorette, but be warned: Once you start any of these shows, you won’t stop.
Torn with what TV shows and movies to watch this week? We’ve got you covered. While the slate over the next few days isn’t that robust, it is interesting. From The Bachelor finale to the return of On My Block, all your pop-culture needs will be covered.
Below, the TV shows and movies to make time for this week:
“Growing up in traditional, multigenerational households, this group is bonded by their strong cultural ties and vibrant Miami social lives. With parents and grandparents instilling their cherished customs, and adult children who are drifting more towards the “American Way,” the two worlds collide in the most unexpected ways. These friends are determined to live life to the fullest, navigate the pressures of being in adulthood, while maintaining their deep-rooted ties to an incredible culture.”
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Monday, March 9
The Bachelor: Tune in to see who Peter Weber gets down on one knee for: Madison, Hannah Ann, or, who knows, maybe even a producer.8 P.M.ET on ABC
Tuesday, March 10
Meghan Markle: Escaping the Crown: A new documentary (with a spirited name, might I add) about Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s decision to step down as senior members of the royal family. 9 P.M. ET on Vice TV
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Wednesday, March 11
On My Block: This critically acclaimed series, about four inner-city L.A. teens navigating high school life, is back for a third season. Streaming on Netflix
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Friday, March 13
Élite: If you thought Gossip Girl was juicy, just wait until you jump into the world of Élite, which centers around three working-class teens who enroll in a super-posh Spanish private school. And yes, scandals follow. Catch up on the first two seasons before the third drops in March. Streaming on Netflix
The Hunt: In this controversial thriller, a group of strangers wake up in a clearing with no knowledge of how they got there. Soon they learn they’re being literally hunted for sport by a group of elites. But it all backfires when one of those strangers starts murdering the elites one by one. In theaters
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Saturday, March 14
More Funny Women of a Certain Age: Read Showtime’s official description for this comedy special, a follow-up to last year’s Funny Women of a Certain Age, below. 10 P.M. ET on Showtime
“Caroline Rhea headlines a cast of the funniest women of standup in a night of uninhibited, outrageous comedy. Starring Caroline Rhea, Carol Leifer, Tammy Pescatelli, Thea Vidale, Carole Montgomery and Julia Scotti.”
