10 TV Shows That Shaped Me

10. Star Trek: The Next Generation

The show that introduced me to sci-fi comfort.

This was my intro to science fiction TV. It's a true comfort show—especially with LeVar Burton in the cast, who was already an inspiration to me. There's something calm, curious, and endlessly imaginative about this world. It made space feel like a place I wanted to go.

9. The Wonder Years

The show that made me see how stories could be told.

I had never seen a show where the main character told the story from their adult point of view. That format really changed how I looked at storytelling on TV. And honestly? Who didn’t want to be friends—or something more—with Winnie Cooper?

8. Power Rangers (Mighty Morphin’)

The show that made me believe I could be a hero.

There was nothing like coming home from school and watching teenagers transform, fight monsters, and still make it back in time for class the next day. It wasn’t just the action—it was the colors, the teamwork, the idea that ordinary kids could step into something bigger. The show had camp, heart, and high stakes. It made me feel like being different was actually a strength.

I had the first episode on tape and watched it constantly. I even dreamed of meeting the original cast. I actually cried once when I couldn’t—it meant that much to me.

7. Tales from the Crypt

The show that gave me TV horror at its finest.

There was nothing else like it. If you wanted horror on TV in the ‘90s—outside of The Twilight Zone—this was the show. Some of the episodes still scare me to this day. The stories were bold, weird, sometimes funny, sometimes terrifying, and always unforgettable. We need something like this again.

6. The X-Files

The show that made conspiracy cool.

This was the first show that really put conspiracy theories front and center. It tackled everything—UFOs, government cover-ups, urban legends—and made it feel real. It could be scary, weird, comforting, or thrilling depending on the episode. And whether you watched it in order or just threw it on randomly, it always pulled you in.

5. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air

The show that brought rags to riches—and so many laughs.

Will’s fish-out-of-water story was classic, and the whole cast made every episode fun to watch. It was funny, fresh, and right at the heart of pop culture when I was growing up. Plus, that theme song? Still iconic.

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The show that proved great writing could come from genre TV.

This show still holds up. Every season, every character arc, every emotional moment felt real. The writing was sharp, the continuity was strong, and the show never forgot its history. It built on itself in ways that made you feel rewarded as a viewer. Sarah Michelle Gellar? A legend. Period.

3. MadTV

The show that shaped my humor and pop culture fluency.

To me, this was the zeitgeist. MadTV wasn’t afraid to go there—it made fun of celebrities, trends, and cultural moments without pulling punches. So many references I still use today came from this show. And that cast? One of the best ever in sketch comedy. No notes.

2. Friends

The show that made TV feel effortless and fun.

I loved the format. I loved the chemistry between the six cast members. The “The One Where…” episode titles were fun and playful. It never tried too hard—it just did what it did well, and that was more than enough. It ended up being iconic without even trying to be. Plus, it made me want to live in New York… even though it was shot in Burbank.

1. Ghostwriter

The show that made me feel seen.

Jamal was the smart Black kid—and he was the main kid, at least in my eyes. That mattered. I hadn’t really seen that before. I could relate to him, and that connection stayed with me. Ghostwriter made learning cool and mystery fun. It wasn’t just a show—it felt like something made for me.

📝 Honorable Mention

Green Acres

A classic that shaped my sense of humor early on. Surreal, weird, and way ahead of its time in how oddball it was. It might not have made the Top 10, but it still made an impression.

📺 Final Thoughts

TV doesn’t just entertain—it teaches you what stories feel like.

These are the shows that taught me.

They weren’t always the biggest or flashiest. But they stuck.

And like the best shows do, they left something behind.