5 Forgotten TV Shows That Shaped The Millennial Generation

Television shows are a dime a dozen, especially in the modern era of streaming.

As a result, these on screen stories often go by without making much of an impression on audiences who quickly binge an entire season before moving on to the next big thing. However, long before viewers became accustomed to instant gratification, they only had access to a weekly dose of their television favorites. This meant that some stories were around long enough to leave an indelible impression on fans. 

Party of Five (1994)

Party of Five follows the Salinger siblings six months after their parents are killed in a car crash caused by a drunk driver. Because he is the eldest, 24-year-old Charlie (Matthew Fox) is suddenly responsible for 16-year-old Bailey (Scott Wolf), 15-year-old Julia (Neve Campbell), 11-year-old Claudia (Lacey Chabert), and baby Owen. Left to figure out life on their own, the series chronicled the daily struggles of the young family, who fight to keep their bond intact while facing the complexities of adulthood. 

Over six seasons, viewers start to see the siblings slowly adapting to a new normal, which includes running the family restaurant, Salinger’s. However, losing their parents so suddenly has long-term effects, which manifest in different ways for each of them. Told with an unflinching honesty, the story never shied away from the messiness of grief, addiction, and financial instability. Despite the Salinger’s hardships, the series was essentially about finding light in the darkest times. 

Dawson’s Creek (1998)

Set in the fictional coastal town of Capeside, Massachusetts, Dawson’s Creek follows Dawson Leery (James Van Der Beek), Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), and Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) as they deal with the harsh realities of growing up. While Beverly Hills 90210 may have done the whole high school relationships trope first, the Kevin Williamson-created series stood out due to its snappy dialogue, raw storytelling, and a more authentic portrayal of teenage life. 

The show was groundbreaking for its time because of the ease with which it tackled teenage relationships and sexual identity. It featured one of the first prominent television storylines about a gay teenager, breaking new ground in LGBTQ+ representation. The love triangle between Dawson, Joey, and Pacey was probably the most memorable part of the series. But instead of portraying it as a silly first love arc, the show captured the intense vulnerability that goes hand in hand with relationships. 

Smallville (2001)

Smallville chronicles the life of a teenage Clark Kent (Tom Welling) in the fictional town of Smallville, Kansas, long before he becomes Superman. The series cleverly combines superhero lore with the very real struggles of adolescence, offering a unique take on the origins of the most iconic comic book character ever created. The story begins with Clark navigating high school while learning to manage his emerging superpowers.

Viewers also get to see how the future Man of Steel deals with his first love, Lana Lang (Kristin Kreuk), and his future archenemy, Lex Luthor (Michael Rosenbaum), who happens to be his close friend. As the series progresses, the story features major DC characters like Lois Lane (Erica Durance) while expanding the narrative to include other iconic superheroes. Smallville redefined the way origin stories could be told, inspiring future series like Arrow, The Flash, and others. 

Everwood (2002)

Created by Greg Berlanti, Everwood is a heartfelt family drama that follows Dr. Andy Brown (Treat Williams), a widowed neurosurgeon who moves from New York to a quaint little town called Everwood with his two children, Ephram (Gregory Smith) and Delia (Vivien Cardone). The major life change is prompted by his late wife’s love for the town and its close-knit community, which eventually becomes the perfect backdrop for the family’s grief and eventual healing. 

As Andy struggles to adjust to small-town living and bond with his children, new friendships are formed that help the family find new meaning in their lives. The story also places great emphasis on the redemptive power of love, understanding, and forgiveness over its four seasons. While the show may be considered a little niche, Everwood paved the way for character-driven family dramas like Brothers & Sisters, Parenthood, and This Is Us. 

Joan of Arcadia (2003)

Joan of Arcadia is a thought-provoking drama that focuses on Joan Girardi (Amber Tamblyn), an ordinary teenager who discovers she has a unique connection to God. The twist is that God appears to Joan in different human forms to give her tasks that often lead to subtle yet meaningful changes in the lives of those around her. While not the first of its kind (that distinction belongs to Touched by an Angel), the series did not present religion in a dogmatic way. 

Instead, the subject was approached as a personal and introspective journey. The biggest takeaway from each episode was the idea that even the smallest actions can affect the bigger picture. It also taught us that every person on the planet, no matter who they are, can be a catalyst for change. Although the message came wrapped in teen drama, it subtly encouraged viewers to find purpose and meaning in seemingly mundane tasks while being true to their beliefs.