Depending on your TikTok and IG Reels algorithm, you likely have come across the nostalgic serotonin boost that hits the '80s and '90s sweet spot. Especially those feel-good clips of '90s TV shows and commercials.

From Troll Dolls (the old gem-bellied ones!) and hinged Disney VHS tapes to the wholesome feeling of a retro birthday party, there's something that feels so good and sad about nostalgia.

Thought to have been first coined in 1688 by a Swiss physician to describe the diagnosis of profound sadness and intense homesickness, the word “nostalgia” is derived from the Greek words “nostos,” which means “return” or “homecoming,” and “algos,” meaning “pain.” And while originally negative, nostalgia is a yearning and reflection that can feel happy and sad. It took until the 1970s for views to change on what nostalgia was and envelope the warm-fuzzy, sometimes painful feeling that sightline to the past brings us. Today, nostalgia is believed to be a powerful resource of the mind. It can boost self-esteem, build social connections, help with loneliness and stress and is thought to even help improve memory.

So now that you know why nostalgia hurts so good, unlock that feeling and expose your little one to some feel-good throwback TV shows. Most of these are '90s TV shows, but some are films and some skirt into the '80s, but were likely enjoyed on a Saturday morning in the '90s. Others came out in the early 2000s, but still hold that wholesome nostalgia for us. In our mission to recreate that special Saturday morning cartoon vibe for our kids, we've dug into the best shows to watch and where to tune in. Did we miss anything? Let us know on Instagram or Facebook.

Throwback and '90s TV Shows to Watch 

On Disney+, try:
Home Improvement
Boy Meets World
Dinosaurs
Blossom
Gargoyles
Recess
Bear in the Big Blue House
Darkwing Duck
Mighty Ducks
Doug
TaleSpin
Adventures in Wonderland
Hercules
Goof Troop
Pepper Ann
Timon and Pumbaa
Bonkers
Quack Pack
The New Adventures of Winnie The Pooh

On Netflix, try:
The Magic School Bus
Spongebob Squarepants
Rocko's Modern Life
Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers
Scooby-Doo!
Batman

Honourable mentions to movies: It Takes Two, Matilda and Hook.

On AppleTV, try:
Caillou
Rugrats
Rocko's Modern Life

On Prime Video, try:
Hey Arnold!
Arthur
Batman: The Animated Series
Bananas in Pyjamas
Mona the Vampire
The Adventures of Tintin
Dragon Tales
Clifford the Big Red Dog

On Paramount+, try:
Blue's Clues
Clarissa Explains It All
SpongeBob Squarepants
Rugrats
Dora the Explorer
The Fairly OddParents
Hey Arnold!
Ren and Stimpy
The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron
The Wild Thornberrys
Eureeka's Castle
Little Bear

On Crave Canada, try:
The Raccoon's
Oggy and the Cockroaches
The Adventures of Tintin

On YouTube, try:
Little Bear
Rupert
Seven Little Monsters
The Backyardigans
Max and Ruby
Franklin
Babar
Corduroy
Anatole
Sesame Street (search for “classic Sesame Street.”)
Art Attack
Original Care Bears
Bob the Builder

This article was originally published in June 2025. Please be advised that we vetted this information at the time of publication and aim to be accurate, but networks change content regularly.