Top 20 Fan-Favorite TV Shows from 1998: A Nostalgic Countdown!

Ready to take a trip down memory lane? Buckle up, because we’re about to rewind to a time when dial-up internet was a thing, boy bands ruled the airwaves, and TV was in its golden age. Yes, we’re talking about 1998! A year that gifted us with some of the most iconic TV shows that still hold a special place in our hearts. From the eerie mysteries of “The X-Files” to the comedic brilliance of “Friends”, 1998 was a year that truly had it all. So, grab your favorite snack, settle into your comfiest chair, and prepare to relive the magic as we countdown the top 20 fan-favorite TV shows from 1998. Whether you’re a die-hard fan looking to reminisce or a curious newbie ready to dive into the classics, this nostalgic journey is sure to entertain. Let’s get started, shall we?
From the Earth to the Moon

From the Earth to the Moon

Release Date: 1998-04-05

Genres: Action & Adventure, Drama

“From the Earth to the Moon” is a captivating TV show that takes us on a journey through the United States’ space program. Narrated by Tom Hanks and featuring David Clennon, this series chronicles the program’s remarkable evolution from its inception in 1961 to the awe-inspiring final moon mission in 1972. Released in 1998, it’s definitely a must-watch for space enthusiasts and history buffs alike!”

Cast: Tom Hanks (Host) , David Clennon (Lee Silver)

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Writers: Andrew Chaikin

Tags: moon, nasa, 1970s, moon landing, astronaut, 1960s, space program

Charmed

Charmed

“Charmed” is a captivating TV show that aired in 1998 and follows the story of three sisters, Prue, Piper, and Phoebe. After reuniting, they discover their incredible powers and become the Charmed Ones, the most powerful good witches ever known. Set in modern-day San Francisco, the sisters juggle their magical responsibilities while trying to lead normal lives. With a talented cast including Holly Marie Combs, Alyssa Milano, Brian Krause, Rose McGowan, and Kaley Cuoco, this show promises an exciting blend of supernatural adventures and relatable everyday struggles.

Cast: Holly Marie Combs (Piper Halliwell) , Alyssa Milano (Phoebe Halliwell) , Brian Krause (Leo Wyatt) , Rose McGowan (Paige Matthews) , Kaley Cuoco (Billie Jenkins)

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Tags: witch, sibling relationship, magic, warrior woman, female protagonist, demon, succubus

The Temptations

The Temptations

Release Date: 1998-11-01

Genres: Drama

“The Temptations” is a captivating TV show that takes you on a journey through the lives of the talented singers who formed the iconic Motown musical act, The Temptations. With a stellar cast including Charles Malik Whitfield, D.B. Woodside, and Christian Payton, this biographical series brings to life the struggles and triumphs of these legendary artists. Released in 1998, it’s a must-watch for music lovers and fans of captivating biographies.

Cast: Charles Malik Whitfield (Otis Williams) , D.B. Woodside (Melvin Franklin) , Christian Payton (Paul Williams) , Terron Brooks (Eddie Kendricks) , Leon (David Ruffin) , Alan Rosenberg (Shelly Berger) , Tina Lifford (Haze) , Jenifer Lewis (Mama Rose) , Chaz Lamar Shepherd (Al Bryant) , J. August Richards (Richard Street) , Charles Ley (Dennis Edwards) , Gina Ravera (Josephine) , Obba Babatundé (Berry Gordy) , Erik Michael Tristan (Smokey Robinson) , Mel Jackson (Norman Whitfield) , Vanessa Bell Calloway (Johnnie Mae Matthews) , Bianca Lawson (Diana Ross) , Christopher Reid (Joltin’ Joe) , Harold Surratt (Edgar) , Rhonda Ross Kendrick (Maxine) , Adam Lazarre-White (Flynn) , Lamman Rucker (Jimmy Ruffin) , Ben Cain (Glenn Leonard)

Directors: Allan Arkush

Writers: Robert Johnson, Kevin Arkadie

Tags: motown, biography, flashback, miniseries, period drama, pop music

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Whose Line Is It Anyway?

Release Date: 1998-08-05

Genres: Comedy

“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” is a one-of-a-kind TV show that aired in 1998. It’s not your typical talk show, sitcom, or game show. Hosted by Drew Carey, this hilarious series features four talented actors, including Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie, who perform unrehearsed skits and games in front of a live audience. With the help of audience suggestions, these quick-witted actors rely on their improvisational skills to create hilarious and unpredictable moments. It’s a show where everything is made up on the spot, and the best part? The points don’t even matter!

Cast: Drew Carey (Himself – Host) , Ryan Stiles (Himself) , Colin Mochrie (Himself) , Laura Hall (Herself)

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Tags: game show, improvisation, improvised

The Royle Family

The Royle Family

Release Date: 1998-09-14

Genres: Comedy

“The Royle Family” is a hilarious British comedy series that premiered on September 14, 1998. Set in Manchester, it revolves around the everyday lives of a working-class family who are obsessed with television. With a talented cast including Ricky Tomlinson, Sue Johnston, Caroline Aherne, Craig Cash, Ralf Little, Liz Smith, and Jessica Hynes, this show is sure to keep you entertained with its relatable and humorous take on family dynamics and TV addiction.

Cast: Ricky Tomlinson (Jim Royle) , Sue Johnston (Barbara Royle) , Caroline Aherne (Denise Best) , Craig Cash (Dave Best) , Ralf Little (Antony Royle) , Liz Smith (Norma ‘Nana’ Speakman) , Jessica Hynes (Cheryl Carroll)

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Writers: Phil Mealey

Tags: northern england, social commentary, working class, family, sitcom, couch potato, manchester

Sex and the City

Sex and the City

Release Date: 1998-06-06

Genres: Comedy

“Sex and the City” is a popular TV show that aired in 1998 and was based on a bestselling book by Candace Bushnell. It follows the lives of four best friends, all in their late thirties and single, as they navigate their careers, discuss their sex lives, and try to survive the bustling social scene of New York City. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Kristin Davis, this show offers a humorous and relatable glimpse into the lives of these women.

Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw) , Kim Cattrall (Samantha Jones) , Cynthia Nixon (Miranda Hobbes) , Kristin Davis (Charlotte York)

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Tags: new york city, beauty, female friendship, love, dating, newspaper reporter, manhattan, new york city, sitcom

The Challenge

The Challenge

Release Date: 1998-04-20

Genres: Reality

“The Challenge” is a thrilling reality TV show that brings together cast members from various past reality shows. Divided into two teams based on different criteria, like gender and show they first appeared on, these contestants battle it out in exciting missions to win prizes and advance in the overall game. With a star-studded cast including Chauncey Palmer, Darrell Taylor, Devin Walker-Molaghan, and more, this show, which premiered in 1998, promises non-stop entertainment and intense competition.

Cast: Chauncey Palmer (Self) , Darrell Taylor (Self) , Devin Walker-Molaghan (Self) , Faysal Shafaat (Self) , Horacio Gutiérrez (Self) , Jakk Maddox (Self) , Johnny ‘Bananas’ Devenanzio (Self) , Jordan Wiseley (Self) , Justin Starrett (Self) , Kenny Clark (Self) , Nelson Thomas (Self) , Kim Tränka (Self) , Tommy Bracco (Self) , Johnny Middlebrooks (Self) , Turabi Çamkıran (Self) , Nam Vo (Self) , Sam bird (Self) , Amber Borzotra (Self) , Aneesa Ferreira (Self) , Kaycee Clark (Self) , Laurel Stucky (Self) , Moriah Jadea (Self) , Nany González (Self) , Nurys Mateo (Self) , Olivia Kaiser (Self)

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Tags: competition, reality competition

Dawson's Creek

Dawson’s Creek

Release Date: 1998-01-20

Genres: Drama

“Dawson’s Creek” is a popular American teen drama that aired in 1998. It follows the lives of a tight-knit group of teenagers as they navigate through high school and college. Starring James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Kerr Smith, Busy Philipps, and Mary Beth Peil, this show offers an engaging portrayal of the ups and downs of adolescence during that time.

Cast: James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery) , Katie Holmes (Joey Potter) , Michelle Williams (Jen Lindley) , Joshua Jackson (Pacey Witter) , Kerr Smith (Jack McPhee) , Busy Philipps (Audrey Liddell) , Mary Beth Peil (Evelyn ‘Grams’ Ryan)

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Tags: friendship, small town, boston, massachusetts, coming of age, growing up, friends in love, teenage romance, teen drama

Becker

Becker

Release Date: 1998-11-02

Genres: Comedy

“Becker” is a hilarious and heartwarming TV show that premiered in 1998. It follows the life of Dr. John Becker, a dedicated and talented doctor with a gruff exterior. Set in the Bronx, New York, Becker goes above and beyond to help those in need, even though he often offends people with his straightforward and outspoken nature. With an amazing cast including Ted Danson, Hattie Winston, and Nancy Travis, this show will keep you entertained with its witty humor and unique perspective on society.

Cast: Ted Danson (Dr. John Becker) , Hattie Winston (Margaret Wyborn) , Shawnee Smith (Linda) , Alex Désert (Jake Malinak) , Jorge Garcia (Hector Lopez) , Nancy Travis (Chris Connor)

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Tags: new york city, misanthrophy, doctor, sitcom

Sports Night

Sports Night

Release Date: 1998-09-22

Genres: Comedy, Drama

“Sports Night” is a captivating TV show that aired in 1998. It follows the lives of a unique group of individuals working on a sports news show, as they navigate through professional, personal, and ethical challenges in a high-pressure work environment. With a talented cast including Josh Charles, Peter Krause, Felicity Huffman, Joshua Malina, Sabrina Lloyd, and Robert Guillaume, this series promises to keep you entertained and engaged from start to finish.

Cast: Josh Charles (Dan Rydell) , Peter Krause (Casey McCall) , Felicity Huffman (Dana Whitaker) , Joshua Malina (Jeremy Goodwin) , Sabrina Lloyd (Natalie Hurley) , Robert Guillaume (Isaac Jaffe)

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Tags: sports

Big Train

Big Train

Release Date: 1998-11-09

Genres: Comedy

“Big Train” is a twisted and original sketch show that aired in 1998. Created by Graham Linehan and Arthur Mathews, it stars Simon Pegg, Kevin Eldon, and Mark Heap, among others. With its unique humor and talented cast, this TV show is definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of sketch comedy.

Cast: Simon Pegg (Various Roles) , Kevin Eldon () , Rebecca Front () , Mark Heap () , Tracy-Ann Oberman () , Catherine Tate ()

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Tags: surreal, sketch comedy

First Wave

First Wave

“First Wave” is a captivating science fiction TV show that aired from 1998 to 2001. Set in Vancouver, Canada, it follows the thrilling adventures of a man named Cade Foster, played by Sebastian Spence, as he battles against an alien invasion. With executive producer Francis Ford Coppola on board, this show gained popularity and was even picked up for a 66-episode contract by the Sci-Fi Channel. Unfortunately, it was canceled after three seasons due to disappointing ratings. But if you’re a fan of the X-Files and enjoy a good sci-fi series, “First Wave” is definitely worth checking out!

Cast: Rob LaBelle (Crazy Eddie) , Sebastian Spence (Cade Foster)

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Tags: alien, alien invasion, framed

Two Guys and a Girl

Two Guys and a Girl

Release Date: 1998-03-10

Genres: Comedy

“Two Guys and a Girl” is a hilarious TV show that aired in 1998 and revolves around the lives of three teenagers named Berg, Pete, and Sharon. The show beautifully captures the bonds they share with each other, making it a must-watch for anyone looking for a fun and entertaining series. With a talented cast including Traylor Howard, Ryan Reynolds, Richard Ruccolo, Suzanne Cryer, Nathan Fillion, and Jillian Bach, this show is sure to keep you laughing from start to finish.

Cast: Traylor Howard (Sharon Carter) , Ryan Reynolds (Michael “Berg” Bergen) , Richard Ruccolo (Peter Dunville) , Suzanne Cryer (Ashley Walker) , Nathan Fillion (Johnny Donnelly) , Jillian Bach (Irene)

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Tags: restaurant, sitcom, young adult

The King of Queens

The King of Queens

Release Date: 1998-09-21

Genres: Comedy

“The King of Queens” is a hilarious TV show that premiered in 1998. It follows the life of Doug Heffernan, a deliveryman whose peaceful life takes a hilarious turn when his father-in-law, Arthur, moves in with him and his wife Carrie. With a stellar cast including Kevin James, Leah Remini, and Jerry Stiller, this show guarantees non-stop laughter as Doug navigates his new role as the not-so-king of his own domain.

Cast: Kevin James (Doug Heffernan) , Leah Remini (Carrie Heffernan) , Jerry Stiller (Arthur Spooner) , Victor Williams (Deacon Palmer) , Patton Oswalt (Spence Olchin) , Gary Valentine (Danny Heffernan)

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Tags: new york city, marriage, working class, in-laws, queens, new york city, sitcom, living with parents

Martial Law

Martial Law

Release Date: 1998-09-26

Genres: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Crime

“Martial Law” is an exciting crime drama that aired from 1998 to 2000. It follows the story of Sammo Law, a Chinese law officer and martial arts expert who travels to Los Angeles in search of a colleague and ends up staying in the US. With Sammo Hung as the lead actor, this surprise hit series became the first prime-time network show in the US to feature an East Asian headliner. Despite not being fluent in English at the time, Hung’s captivating performance and limited dialogue make “Martial Law” a unique and action-packed TV show worth watching.

Cast: Sammo Hung (Sammo Law) , Kelly Hu (Chen Pei Pei) , Louis Mandylor (Det. Louis Malone) , Tom Wright (Capt. Benjamin Winship) , Tammy Lauren (Det. Dana Dickson) , Johnny Nguyen (Street Thug) , Arsenio Hall (Terrell Parker) , Gretchen Egolf (Amy Dylan)

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Tags: martial arts, police, los angeles, california, interracial friendship, lapd, chinese man

Will & Grace

Will & Grace

Release Date: 1998-09-21

Genres: Comedy

“Will & Grace” is a hilarious TV show that premiered in 1998 and made it to the list of the 20 best voted shows of that year. It revolves around the lives of best friends Will Truman and Grace Adler, who become roommates after Grace’s engagement ends. Set in New York City, the show follows their adventures in dating, relationships, and careers, all while providing plenty of witty banter and support from their friends. With talented actors like Eric McCormack, Debra Messing, Sean Hayes, and Megan Mullally, this show is a must-watch for a good laugh and heartwarming moments.

Cast: Eric McCormack (Will Truman) , Debra Messing (Grace Adler) , Sean Hayes (Jack McFarland) , Megan Mullally (Karen Walker)

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Tags: new york city, dating, lgbt, sitcom, gay theme

Seven Days

Seven Days

Release Date: 1998-10-07

Genres: Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Drama

“Seven Days” is a thrilling TV show that aired in 1998. It follows the story of Frank B. Parker, played by Jonathan LaPaglia, who works for a secret government project experimenting in time travel. Whenever things go wrong, Frank becomes the guinea pig sent back in time, but there’s a catch – he can only go back 7 days. With a talented cast including Justina Vail Evans, Don Franklin, Alan Scarfe, Nick Searcy, and Norman Lloyd, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat as Frank tries to fix the past and save the future.

Cast: Jonathan LaPaglia (Frank Parker) , Justina Vail Evans (Dr Olga Vukavitch) , Don Franklin (Craig Donovan) , Alan Scarfe (Dr Bradley Talmadge) , Nick Searcy (Nathan Ramsey) , Norman Lloyd (Dr Isaac Mentnor)

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Tags: time travel, time machine, secret government organization, alternate history, top secret

Mortal Kombat: Conquest

Mortal Kombat: Conquest

“Mortal Kombat: Conquest” is an action-packed TV show that takes place after the Mortal Kombat tournament. Kung Lao, the victorious hero, now trains a new group of warriors for the upcoming tournament, while facing the challenges posed by the exiled Shang Tsung and his supernatural allies. With a talented cast including Paolo Montalbán, Daniel Bernhardt, and Kristanna Loken, this thrilling series premiered on October 3, 1998, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Cast: Paolo Montalbán (Kung Lao) , Daniel Bernhardt (Siro) , Kristanna Loken (Taja) , Tracy Douglas (Vorpax) , Bruce Locke (Shang Tsung) , Jeffrey Meek (Rayden / Shao Kahn)

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Tags: martial arts, magic, superhero, villainess, tournament, based on video game, super villain

Merlin

Merlin

“Merlin” is a captivating TV show that takes us back to the legendary world of King Arthur, but with a unique twist. Sam Neill shines in the title role, portraying the wise and powerful wizard Merlin. This retelling not only delves into the rise and fall of Camelot but also explores the fascinating era of British history that precedes it. With an incredible cast including Isabella Rossellini, Helena Bonham Carter, and Rutger Hauer, “Merlin” is a must-watch for anyone who loves enchanting tales and epic adventures.

Cast: Sam Neill (Merlin) , Paul Curran (Arthur) , Isabella Rossellini (Nimue) , Jeremy Sheffield (Lancelot) , Lena Headey (Guinevere) , Martin Short (Frik) , Mark Jax (Uther) , Helena Bonham Carter (Morgan le Fay) , Rutger Hauer (King Vortingern) , Miranda Richardson (Lady of the Lake / Mab) , John Gielgud (King Constant) , James Earl Jones (Rock of Ages) , Roger Ashton-Griffiths (Sir Boris) , Nicholas Clay (Lord Leo) , Daniel Brocklebank (Young Merlin) , Billie Whitelaw (Ambrosia) , Jason Done (Mordred) , John McEnery (Lord Ardente) , Christian Simpson (Vortigern’s Guard) , Sebastian Roché (Gawain) , Timothy Bateson (Father Abbot) , Vernon Dobtcheff (1st Physician) , Joseph Mawle (Village Man (uncredited)) , Thomas Lockyer (Cornwall) , Agnieszka Koson (Young Nimue)

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Writers: Peter Barnes, David Stevens, Edward Khmara

Tags: camelot, könig arthur, king arthur, miniseries, wizard, merlin

The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

The Crow: Stairway to Heaven

“The Crow: Stairway to Heaven” is a captivating Canadian TV series that debuted in 1998. Starring Mark Dacascos as Eric Draven, the show follows the story of a man seeking justice after his tragic death. With a talented cast including Katie Stuart, Sabine Karsenti, and Marc Gomes, this spin-off from “The Crow” film series is a must-watch for fans of the original movie.

Cast: Mark Dacascos (Eric Draven) , Katie Stuart (Sarah Mohr) , Sabine Karsenti (Shelly Webster) , Marc Gomes (Detective Darryl Albrecht) , Johnny Cuthbert (Lieutenant David Vincennes) , Lynda Boyd (Darla Mohr) , Julie Dreyfus (India Reyes) , John Pyper-Ferguson (Jason Danko/Top Dollar) , Christina Cox (Jessica Capshaw)

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Tags: martial arts, musician, superhero, revenge, murder, brutality, justice, gothic, super power, death, return from dead, dark fantasy, supernatural power

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