The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting Friends (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring.
Cult classics such as Twin Peaks (1990 - 91) and The X-Files (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audienc...
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This course will examine the context for TV production during the 1990s, considering the historical, social, cultural and political events that shaped the decade. It will explore the various influences that were reflected in the programming of the period, their relationship with the popular culture of the time and it will look at the legacies of some of the most popular shows broadcast. Each week we will screen an episode from one of the key series from the decade as a means of thinking through some of the key concerns relevant to the programme and to the 1990s more broadly and as a means of facilitating considered discussion.
What will we cover?
The relationship between television serials/programmes and the popular culture of the 1990s
The thematic concerns of the decade.
The various genres that were prevalent in 1990s TV programming, such as comedy, science fiction and crime.
The exploration of the aesthetics or visual style of television programmes from the 1990s
The status of various programmes from the 1990s as ‘cult TV’
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have an understanding of the history of various television series from the 1990s
Have a sense of the relationship between these series and the popular culture of 1990s Britain
Demonstrate familiarity with some of the key themes and concerns of the some of these 1990s TV series
Analyse and discuss the visual style of a number of key TV series from the 1990s
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for television and film.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
An introduction by the tutor, the screening of an entire episode from a selected series each week, and group discussion after the episode has been screened.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Dr. Paul Sutton is an independent film scholar who has taught Film Studies in UK higher education for over 25 years. His research covers psychoanalytic and film theory as well as Italian and French cinema and critical theory. He has published articles in journals such as Screen, French Studies and the Journal for Cultural Research. He has developed a psychoanalytic theory of film spectatorship, Afterwardsness in Film, and published work on television as a form of palliative care, as well as an assessment of the films of the Italian experimental filmmaker Ugo Nespolo. In 2025 he published the ‘comprehensive and highly readable’ In the Scene: Agnès Varda, a book on the celebrated and much-loved French film director Agnès Varda. Paul is a Film Studies tutor and the co-ordinator for Film, TV and Media Studies at City Lit.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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https://www.citylit.ac.uk/cult-tv-the-1990s3084931Cult TV: The 1990shttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/exploring-european-cinema-hf382-1080.jpg139139GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/TV & media studies22851177158020971228511771580<p>The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting <em>Friends</em> (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring. </p><p>Cult classics such as <em>Twin Peaks</em> (1990 - 91) and <em>The X-Files</em> (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audiences and were to prove influential while animated shows such as <em>The Simpsons</em> (1989 onwards), <em>South Park</em> (1997 onwards) and <em>King of the Hill </em>(1997 onwards) were hugely popular. The <em>Cheers</em> (1982 - 1993) spin-off <em>Frasier</em> (1993 - 2004) was another erudite and intelligent sitcom that was broadcast on the UK’s still newish Channel 4 and made stars of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce as the pompous, ultra-competitive Crane brothers. US crime dramas such as <em>NYPD Blue</em> (1993 - 2005) and the <em>Star Trek</em> reboot <em>Voyager</em> (1995 - 2001) were also avidly watched by UK audiences; and of course, who can forget <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, which ran for seven series between 1997 and 2003.</p><p>There were many more popular series that enriched the decade, so join us for four weeks of 1990s nostalgia as we explore our favourite shows from the 10 years that preceded Y2K as it was known.<br> </p>003084919Cult TV: The 1990s139139https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/exploring-european-cinema-hf382-1080.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekday2027-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allApr 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHF306139139Cult TV: The 1990s11190139Paul Suttoncult-tv-the-1990s/hf306-2627<p>The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting <em>Friends</em> (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring. </p><p>Cult classics such as <em>Twin Peaks</em> (1990 - 91) and <em>The X-Files</em> (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audiences and were to prove influential while animated shows such as <em>The Simpsons</em> (1989 onwards), <em>South Park</em> (1997 onwards) and <em>King of the Hill </em>(1997 onwards) were hugely popular. The <em>Cheers</em> (1982 - 1993) spin-off <em>Frasier</em> (1993 - 2004) was another erudite and intelligent sitcom that was broadcast on the UK’s still newish Channel 4 and made stars of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce as the pompous, ultra-competitive Crane brothers. US crime dramas such as <em>NYPD Blue</em> (1993 - 2005) and the <em>Star Trek</em> reboot <em>Voyager</em> (1995 - 2001) were also avidly watched by UK audiences; and of course, who can forget <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, which ran for seven series between 1997 and 2003.</p><p>There were many more popular series that enriched the decade, so join us for four weeks of 1990s nostalgia as we explore our favourite shows from the 10 years that preceded Y2K as it was known.<br> </p>0000-Available|2027-04-28 00:00:00<p>This course will examine the context for TV production during the 1990s, considering the historical, social, cultural and political events that shaped the decade. It will explore the various influences that were reflected in the programming of the period, their relationship with the popular culture of the time and it will look at the legacies of some of the most popular shows broadcast. Each week we will screen an episode from one of the key series from the decade as a means of thinking through some of the key concerns relevant to the programme and to the 1990s more broadly and as a means of facilitating considered discussion.</p><p>The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting <em>Friends</em> (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring. </p><p>Cult classics such as <em>Twin Peaks</em> (1990 - 91) and <em>The X-Files</em> (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audiences and were to prove influential while animated shows such as <em>The Simpsons</em> (1989 onwards), <em>South Park</em> (1997 onwards) and <em>King of the Hill </em>(1997 onwards) were hugely popular. The <em>Cheers</em> (1982 - 1993) spin-off <em>Frasier</em> (1993 - 2004) was another erudite and intelligent sitcom that was broadcast on the UK’s still newish Channel 4 and made stars of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce as the pompous, ultra-competitive Crane brothers. US crime dramas such as <em>NYPD Blue</em> (1993 - 2005) and the <em>Star Trek</em> reboot <em>Voyager</em> (1995 - 2001) were also avidly watched by UK audiences; and of course, who can forget <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, which ran for seven series between 1997 and 2003.</p><p>There were many more popular series that enriched the decade, so join us for four weeks of 1990s nostalgia as we explore our favourite shows from the 10 years that preceded Y2K as it was known.<br> </p><ul><li>The relationship between television serials/programmes and the popular culture of the 1990s</li><li>The thematic concerns of the decade.</li><li>The various genres that were prevalent in 1990s TV programming, such as comedy, science fiction and crime.</li><li>The exploration of the aesthetics or visual style of television programmes from the 1990s</li><li>The status of various programmes from the 1990s as ‘cult TV’</li></ul><ul><li>Have an understanding of the history of various television series from the 1990s</li><li>Have a sense of the relationship between these series and the popular culture of 1990s Britain</li><li>Demonstrate familiarity with some of the key themes and concerns of the some of these 1990s TV series</li><li>Analyse and discuss the visual style of a number of key TV series from the 1990s</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for television and film.</p><p>An introduction by the tutor, the screening of an entire episode from a selected series each week, and group discussion after the episode has been screened.</p><p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts.</p><p>Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesTV & media studiesvirtual11113990HF306NONEWed28/04/27 - 19/05/2715:00 - 17:0015:0017:004 sessions (over 4 weeks)41 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekdayKSKeeley StreetPaul SuttonBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-04-28T00:00:00+00:00Apr 2027Culture, history & humanities139139Cult TV: The 1990scult-tv-the-1990s/hf306-2627<p>The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting <em>Friends</em> (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring. </p><p>Cult classics such as <em>Twin Peaks</em> (1990 - 91) and <em>The X-Files</em> (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audiences and were to prove influential while animated shows such as <em>The Simpsons</em> (1989 onwards), <em>South Park</em> (1997 onwards) and <em>King of the Hill </em>(1997 onwards) were hugely popular. The <em>Cheers</em> (1982 - 1993) spin-off <em>Frasier</em> (1993 - 2004) was another erudite and intelligent sitcom that was broadcast on the UK’s still newish Channel 4 and made stars of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce as the pompous, ultra-competitive Crane brothers. US crime dramas such as <em>NYPD Blue</em> (1993 - 2005) and the <em>Star Trek</em> reboot <em>Voyager</em> (1995 - 2001) were also avidly watched by UK audiences; and of course, who can forget <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, which ran for seven series between 1997 and 2003.</p><p>There were many more popular series that enriched the decade, so join us for four weeks of 1990s nostalgia as we explore our favourite shows from the 10 years that preceded Y2K as it was known.<br> </p>0000-Available|2027-04-28 00:00:00<p>This course will examine the context for TV production during the 1990s, considering the historical, social, cultural and political events that shaped the decade. It will explore the various influences that were reflected in the programming of the period, their relationship with the popular culture of the time and it will look at the legacies of some of the most popular shows broadcast. Each week we will screen an episode from one of the key series from the decade as a means of thinking through some of the key concerns relevant to the programme and to the 1990s more broadly and as a means of facilitating considered discussion.</p><p>The 1990s has been described by some as a ‘golden decade’ for broadcast television. It was the decade that preceded the digital streaming services that began to appear in the mid-2000s and represents a high point for the sitcom with the blockbusting <em>Friends</em> (1994 - 2004) one of the most popular and most enduring. </p><p>Cult classics such as <em>Twin Peaks</em> (1990 - 91) and <em>The X-Files</em> (1993 - 2001) made a significant impression on audiences and were to prove influential while animated shows such as <em>The Simpsons</em> (1989 onwards), <em>South Park</em> (1997 onwards) and <em>King of the Hill </em>(1997 onwards) were hugely popular. The <em>Cheers</em> (1982 - 1993) spin-off <em>Frasier</em> (1993 - 2004) was another erudite and intelligent sitcom that was broadcast on the UK’s still newish Channel 4 and made stars of Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce as the pompous, ultra-competitive Crane brothers. US crime dramas such as <em>NYPD Blue</em> (1993 - 2005) and the <em>Star Trek</em> reboot <em>Voyager</em> (1995 - 2001) were also avidly watched by UK audiences; and of course, who can forget <em>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</em>, which ran for seven series between 1997 and 2003.</p><p>There were many more popular series that enriched the decade, so join us for four weeks of 1990s nostalgia as we explore our favourite shows from the 10 years that preceded Y2K as it was known.<br> </p><ul><li>The relationship between television serials/programmes and the popular culture of the 1990s</li><li>The thematic concerns of the decade.</li><li>The various genres that were prevalent in 1990s TV programming, such as comedy, science fiction and crime.</li><li>The exploration of the aesthetics or visual style of television programmes from the 1990s</li><li>The status of various programmes from the 1990s as ‘cult TV’</li></ul><ul><li>Have an understanding of the history of various television series from the 1990s</li><li>Have a sense of the relationship between these series and the popular culture of 1990s Britain</li><li>Demonstrate familiarity with some of the key themes and concerns of the some of these 1990s TV series</li><li>Analyse and discuss the visual style of a number of key TV series from the 1990s</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for television and film.</p><p>An introduction by the tutor, the screening of an entire episode from a selected series each week, and group discussion after the episode has been screened.</p><p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts.</p><p>Please look also for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesTV & media studiesconfigurable
20971580TV & media studieshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/tv-media-studies1/2/285/1177/1580/20971/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/TV & media studies
