Top 10 Television Shows You Have Probably Forgotten About (6-10)

I believe it goes without saying but I watched a lot of television growing up (and I mean A LOT) and there were a lot of shows that I adored but no one else seems to recall. It’s time to take these memorable programs to the forefront and shine some light on the forgotten gems in broadcast history. Here is the first half of the top 10 television show you’ve probably forgotten about.

10.) High Incident (1996-1997)

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NCIS, CSI, and Law & Order are the most prominent police procedural dramas currently on TV but the gritty and intriguing “High Incident”, has mostly fallen into obscurity and it’s a shame.

Created by Steven Spielberg, a group of California officers take to the streets everyday bailing innocent people out of dangerous situations and solving heinous crimes. I was shocked at how graphic the predicaments were and wondered why it was cancelled after only two seasons. I remember first stumbling upon this one night during elementary school. I was watching television with my older sister and caught the very end of an episode where a tense situation between an officer and a criminal which culminated in the guilty party falling off a building to his death. That image has stayed with me ever since.

9.) The War at Home (2005-2007)

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I’ve been a big Michael Rapaport fan ever since the days of “Boston Public” and when I learned that he was going to star in another show on on the Fox network, I was ecstatic. Even better, it was airing on Sunday nights following “The Simpsons”!

In this sitcom, Rapaport stars as the father of a dysfunctional Long Island family who often comes off as bigoted and hypocritical. The show’s humor was very unapologetic and for me, that was the main attraction. Each episode had a lot of off-color remarks and a great deal of insensitive humor. Nickelodeon’s “All That” alum Kyle Sullivan co-stars as the nerdy and effeminate oldest son, Larry, and beautiful Gossip Girl star Kaylee De Fer kicked off her acting career here as daugher Hilary.

All of my friends despised “The War at Home” but I thoroughly enjoyed it, probably more than most and was sad when it was canned.

8.) Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad (1994-1995)

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When Joey Lawrence gained prominence as a teen hearthrob due to his role on Blossom, his little brother decided to try and follow in his footsteps.

Matthew Lawrence starred in one of the many “Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers” knockoffs throughout the 90’s entitled “Superhuman Samurai Syber-Squad.” This cybernetic superhero vehicle pitted Lawrence as Servo, a computer generated enigma as he fights against deadly viruses brought into cyberspace by classmate and social outcast, Malcolm. When fighting monsters solo becomes too much for Servo, he calls on the help of his friends whom combined create the Megazo… eh, Team Samurai! It’s worth noting that Tim Curry voices the show’s main villain, Kilokhan.

7.) Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher (1996-1998)

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Does the name Mitch Mullany ring a bell? You may remember him as White Mike, a minor recurring character from the Wayans Bros. sitcom on the WB. In the late 90’s, Mullany was able to secure his own television show, Nick Freno: Licensed Teacher, that lasted two seasons.

Mullany played Nick Freno, a struggling actor who attempts to supplement his income by substitute teaching for a fifth grade class. He learns how to juggle his entertainment career while trying to be a good role model for his kids and win over the sexiest teacher in school. The show was retooled in the second season and Freno was now teaching high school as most of the characters from the first season had disappeared.

The show also featured a young Portia de Rossi in one of her first on-screen roles. Mila Kunis also got her start on this one right before she went on to star in That 70’s Show. Mitch Mullany sadly passed away in 2008 but Nick Freno is a show that I’ll never forget waiting all week to watch in elementary school.

6.) The Tomorrow People (1992-1995)

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You might notice a show currently airing on the CW network baring the name “The Tomorrow People.” That presentation is actually a remake of a British series from the 1970’s but not a lot of people know about the remake that aired on Nickelodeon in the 90’s. The show was about an elite race of teenagers possessing the power of telekinesis and teleportation who are suddenly linked together in the fight for their lives. The entire serial was packed with suspense and left every episode on a cliffhanger filling you with anticipation on what will happen the next installment premiered.

Nickelodeon aired four episodes in 1992, wrapping up the opening story arc of the four teens discovering each other and coming to terms with their newfound powers. The show then went on hiatus for over a year. When it returned in 1994, it was revamped with all new stories involving the tomorrow people thwarting danger of others who seek their abilities.

Remember and/or liked anything listed here? Let me know! Stay tuned for next week as we count down the Top 5 shows you probably forgot!

 

Written by Matthew Reine

is a New Yorker with a strong passion for film and television. Also the biggest Keanu Reeves fan you know.

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