In the early part in the #90s Web Series was not a term that was widely used in the way it is now. There were some online video projects, and the earliest precursors to what is now referred to as online TV were not necessarily defined or distinguished as web series as they are now.
But, here are ten examples of popular or significant television shows in the 1990s that could be considered precursors of the current web series format. Along with web series from the 90s that were cast :
The Simpsons (1989-present): A television show, “The Simpsons” for instance, is a traditional animated show that defies conventional animation and comedy by presenting the modern culture and other subjects.
- Key CastMore People: Dan Castellaneta Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, Harry Shearer
- Key Crew: Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, (Executive Producer)
Seinfeld (1989-1998):This innovative sitcom challenged traditional sitcom clichés, focusing on normal life, while refusing to be hugged and learning lessons.
- Key Cast: Jerry Seinfeld, Jules, Jason Alexander, Michael Richards
- Key Crew: Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David
Twin Peaks (1990-1991): This exceptional horror/drama/mystery series immediately became one the most watched shows, and completely deserved its audience’s attention.
- Key Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Sheryl Lee, Michael Ontkean, Laura Dern, Ray Wise
- Key Crew: David Lynch (Creator & director), Mark Frost
The X-Files (1993-2002 2016, 2016-2018): A science fiction television series that explores conspiracy theories of the government, the paranormal and the search to discover the truth.
- Key Cast: Lod, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Mitch Pileggi
- Key Crew: Chris Carter (creator)
Friends (1994-2004): The beloved sitcom was a group piece depicting the life stories of six friends. It it was set on the streets of New York in the 1990s.
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- Key Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer
- Key Crew: OCCUPATION Coast Guard, Talking Head, David Crane, Marta Kauffman
ER (1994-2009):This medical drama turned its attention on the hospital setting the screen complex medical topics and personal relationships.
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- Key Cast:George Clooney Julianna Marquise Noah Wyle Anthony Edwards, Eriq La Salle
- Key Crew: Screen creative Michael Crichton & Screen executive producer John Wells
South Park (1997-present):A wise-guy parody of political correctness, this adult sitcom masked everything in ridicule and then veered off into a heated debate.
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- Key Cast: Trey Parker …, Matt Stone …
- Key Crew Trey Parker – show’s creator. Matt Stone – show’s creator
Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997-2003):This teen drama played with the viewer’s expectations of a female protagonist. an actress and significant themes.
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- key cast: A few of the web series from the 90s that I found include Sarah Michelle Gellar, Alyson Hannigan, Charisma Carpenter and David Boreanaz
- Key Crew: Joss Whedon (creator)
The Sopranos (1999-2007): This innovative drama focused on the life of mob bosses in New Jersey and opened the possibility of telling stories that had never been seen before on television.
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- key cast: Jim Geren, Christine Martucci, David Proval, Jack, DeLorenzo are well-known web series of the 90s that have cast
- Key Crew: David Chase (creator)
Sex and the City (1998-2004):This audaciously life-changing series was a look at the love, lives and sexaul, professional pursuits of four women within New York.
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- Key Cast: SJP(Sarah Jessica Parker), Kim, Krystin Davisknown, Cynthia Nixon
- Key Crew: Darren Star (creator)
While any of them may not be part of the definition that we have today as a “web series” They were all crucial in the evolution of the format. They tested new formats, broke barriers and, perhaps most important, they built an audience.
