Throwback Thursday: Fave TV Shows Of An 80s And 90s Childhood

There are certain shows I wish I could see again. Some I can, thanks to the beauty of Netflix and YouTube, some have been harder to find. But, I decided to compile a list of shows I loved as a kid that make me want to go back 20 or 25 years.

1. Sweet Valley High (1994-1997)

Airing on mostly Fox stations and then UPN, this was my first foray into really being engrossed in teen drama. Granted, I watched 90210, but I was so young when it aired that I didn't understand it. It wasn't until my preteen years that this show came around, and it was one of my favorites. I also loved that it was originally a book series so I could "read along" with the series.

2. Grimm’s Fairy Tale Classics (1987-1988)

Airing on Nickelodeon, this was what I thought anime was for the longest time. There is a special place in my heart for this show. And to be honest, I still enjoy finding clips of this on YouTube. Plus, it dealt with fairy tales, and I've always loved a good fairy tale. The quality of this series is amazing.

3. Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre (1982-1987)

If there were a gold standard for nostalgic television shows, this would be it for me. It was, and still is, one of my favorite series of all time. Ever. With all-star guest stars and wonderfully imaginative production values, this is series that can stand the test of time and be passed down. When and if I have children, they will be watching this on DVD. THAT'S how much I LOVE this show. You can find full episodes on YouTube, Netflix and Hulu. It still has quite the cult following 30 years after it originally aired too.

4. Welcome Freshmen (1991-1993)

Airing on Nickelodeon, I was seven when this debuted, and to be honest, even I thought it was cheesy. At seven. That being said, I'd love to see it again, simply due to the fact that I'd probably understand it more now. Now that I look at the credits, Saved by the Bell & Welcome Freshmen must've had the same graphics designer. Oh, the 90s.

5. Hey Dude (1989-1991)

Airing on Nickelodeon, it starred Christine Taylor before she was Mrs. Ben Stiller in her acting/television debut. It also made me want to move to the southwest and live on a ranch.

6. Under the Umbrella Tree (1986-1993, from Canada)

I LOVED this show as a kid. Imported from CBC in Canada, …Umbrella Tree aired on the Disney channel. Holly (a human), Iggy (an iguana), Jacob (a Blue Jay), and Gloria (a gopher). The show's title is derived from the fact that the characters live together in a home featuring a prominent indoor umbrella tree

7. David the Gnome (1985-?)

Voiced by Tom Bosley from "Happy Days," this classic 80s animated series still remains a cult classic. Plus, who wouldn't want to take a ride on a fox?

8. DuckTales (1987-1990)

Scrooge McDuck swims in a VAULT OF GOLD. 'nuff said.

9. Small Wonder (1985-1989)

For a short period of time, I actually thought it would be a good idea for my parents to adopt a robot.

10. Dinosaurs (1991-1994)

One of the best television shows of the early 90s, it's now available on Netflix on instant. Awesome. Fun Fact: Future Law & Order:SVU star, Christopher Meloni, guest-starred on the series as "Spike."