In the 1990s the big three networks were being challenged by upstarts FOX and the WB for viewer loyalty. Alongside must-see stalwarts like Frasier, Friends, and Seinfeld, the new networks introduced pop culture touchstones like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The X-Files. Such shows not only made household names of their stars, but also thrived in syndication and some even graduated to the big screen. In that decade, shows such as ER, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Northern Exposure were vying for awards while programs like Beverly Hills, 90210 and Home Improvement drew in millions of viewers each week. Even after these shows departed the airwaves, they live on in syndication and on DVDs, entertaining many generations of viewers. In Television Series of the 1990s: Essential Facts and Quirky Details, Vincent Terrace presents readers with a cornucopia of information about sixty programs from the decade. For example, did you know that Ally McBeal’s favorite brand of ice cream is Ben and Jerry’s? Or that Hank Hill’s shoe size is 12? Or that Carrie Bradshaw’s favorite cookie is Double-Stuff Oreos? These are just a handful of hundreds of fun and intriguing specifics found inside this volume. Programs from all of the major networks—as well as select syndicated programs and HBO—are represented here. This is not a book of opinions or essays about specific television programs but a treasure trove of facts associated with each show. FromNiles Crane’s I.Q score to George Constanza’s high score on Frogger, readers will discover a wealth of fascinating information that, for the most part, cannot be found elsewhere. In some cases, the factual data detailed herein is the only such documentation that currently exists on bygone shows of the era. Television Series of the 1990s is the ideal reference for fans of this decade and anyone looking to stump even the most knowledgeable trivia expert.

This is a detailed examination of 58 science fiction television series produced between 1990 and 2004, from the popular The X-Files to the many worlds of Star Trek (The Next Generation onward), as well as Andromeda, Babylon 5, Firefly, Quantum Leap, Stargate Atlantis and SG-I, among others. A chapter on each series includes essential production information; a history of the series; critical commentary; and amusing, often provocative interviews with overall more than 150 of the creators, actors, writers and directors. The book also offers updates on each series' regular cast members, along with several photographs and a bibliography. Fully indexed.

Thought-provoking and “undeniably interesting” essays on this cultural institution of comedy and what it says about our society (Booklist). Since 1975, “Live from New York, it’s Saturday Night!” has greeted late night–TV viewers looking for the best in sketch comedy and popular music. SNL is the variety show that launched the careers of countless comedians, including Dan Aykroyd, Chevy Chase, Chris Farley, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Adam Sandler. Week after week, SNL has produced everything from unforgettable parodies to provocative political satire—adapting to changing times decade after decade while staying true to its original vision of performing timely topical humor. With essays that address issues ranging from race and gender to authorship and comedic performance, Saturday Night Live and American TV follows the history of this iconic show, and its place in the shifting social and media landscape of American television.

This reference work is an authoritative chronicle of prime time television programming on 20 major cable networks: A&E, ABC Family, AMC, BET, Bravo, Comedy Central, The Disney Channel, FX, GSN, HBO, Lifetime, MTV, Nickelodeon, Oxygen, Showtime, Spike, TBS, TNT, USA and VH1. These 20 represent the mass-oriented cable networks that have been most involved in airing original programming. From January 1990 through December 2010, a detailed listing for each network includes its prime time scheduling history as well as a brief description of each program and a brief “bio” of each network.