When I watched the first scene of HBO Max’s popular medical drama The Pitt in the winter of 2025, I was hooked. It’s a fairly simple moment: Robby (Noah Wyle) drives his motorcycle to the hospital in Pittsburgh where he has spent his career, and he gets ready for a new day. However, this short scene tells us a lot. We know Robby is a bit of a rebel (since he rides a motorcycle rather than riding a bike or driving a car), and we also know that he’s about to be thrown into a chaotic and emotional shift.
The first scene of a TV show is just as crucial as the opening scene of a movie. Sometimes, you can get past a dull or confusing one and still discover a hidden gem or your new favorite show. Other times, you’re not going to keep watching. After all, there’s so much out there to choose from. That’s why I wanted to revisit some of the most engaging shows from the 1990s that have particularly solid first scenes.
When preparing for this list, I rewatched the first scenes of some of my favorite 1990s TV shows and picked the ones that still feel meaningful.
Why You Should Trust Me: As an entertainment journalist for over 10 years, I’ve written many lists and features about TV, and the ’90s is one of my favorite decades when it comes to pop culture. As a writer and editor at MovieWeb, I often reflect back on the ’90s shows that I think are still compelling and important. I’ve watched and rewatched the most popular and influential series from this time period, and also enjoy recommending the most underrated shows that aren’t talked about that often now.
‘The X-Files’ (1993-2002)
A Great Team and Memorable Monster-of-the-Week Episodes
Why I Included It: The first scene of The X-Files pilot episode features a teenager named Karen Swenson running through the woods. I love the eerie atmosphere of this scene, with strong winds, the fear of the unknown in the woods, and someone approaching Karen whom we can’t quite make out. An investigation begins, and it’s the first case Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) work on together. If the first scene featured them in an office, it wouldn’t land the same. This scene hints at the focal point of the series (whether aliens are real) and makes it clear this story will focus on the supernatural. How could you not want to see more?
Why The Show Holds Up: Whether it’s the monster-of-the-week episodes or the Scully/Mulder scenes, The X-Files is still one of the most interesting sci-fi shows of the 1990s. I’m intrigued by the upcoming reboot by Ryan Coogler and want to see another take on this story about aliens, trusting your gut, and wondering if something more is out there.
ER (1994-2009)
The Medical Drama That Is Still Pretty Much Perfect
Why I Included It: ER Season 1, Episode 1, “24 Hours,” opens with a nurse waking Dr. Mark Greene (Anthony Edwards) up at 5 a.m. We immediately know a lot about him: he’s exhausted, doesn’t get enough sleep, and is burdened by the demands of his job. As he walks through the hallway, we see the daily life in the E.R., which echoes the beginning of The Pitt. Then the most memorable element: Mark helps Dr. Doug Ross (George Clooney), who returns to the hospital after drinking too much. This sets up his character arc: while he’s achieved professional success, he’s having a hard time in his personal life. ER and The Pitt share much in common, including complex characters who don’t have all the answers.
Why The Show Holds Up: When you watch ER, you might be reminded of some episodes of The Pitt, and vice versa. Both shows have a timeless quality since they tell stories about how the people in our lives are what truly matters and how important it is to have hope and form connections even in the toughest times.
‘The Sopranos’ (1999-2007)
One of HBO’s First Prestige Crime Dramas
Why I Included It: Everyone loves the duck scene from The Sopranos pilot episode, but the very first scene is just as good. After he drives through New Jersey, Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) and his therapist Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Bracco) talk about his recent attack and depression. He claims the panic attack was due to blood work, and it’s “impossible for me to talk to a psychiatrist.” Then he starts to realize that he’s been sad for a long time, and it doesn’t have to be that way. Many people believe it was smart for the series to explore Tony’s emotional journey as much as his dealings as a mob boss, and I’m yet another person who agrees with that.
Why The Show Holds Up: What else can I say about why The Sopranos is still such an important TV show? It’s one of the most perfect HBO shows, and I doubt that will ever change. Specific episodes such as “College” are still compelling, and Tony Soprano’s anti-hero persona led to so many others.
‘Mad About You’ (1992-2009)
The Greatest 1990s Sitcom That Is Still Wise and Hilarious Today
Why I Included It: The first scene of Mad About You sums up the entire theme of the series: a long-term relationship can have its quirks and challenges, but sharing your life with someone is ultimately worth it. As Paul Buchman (Paul Reiser) lies awake in bed and stares at his wife Jamie (Helen Hunt) snoring, he jokes, “I can’t believe you’re alive,” and she replies, “I dreamt we were really good friends with Dean Martin.” After she asks him to start the shower and brew coffee, we get the feeling that this is how they start each day: with a sense of humor and the familiarity of years of togetherness.
Why The Show Still Holds Up: Of all the rewatchable ’90 sitcoms, I think Mad About You is one of the most special. Paul and Jamie’s work successes and hard times and frustrating interactions with their charming family members are still appealing. I appreciate that one episode will see the couple’s mothers fighting over who bought them a better crib and another sees them struggling to befriend their neighbors.
‘Once and Again’ (1999-2002)
The Most Underrated ’90s Series About Family and Starting Over
Why I Included It: I don’t see Once and Again discussed very often and take every chance to recommend this 1990s TV drama. And the first scene proves why it’s so good. Before Lily Manning (Sela Ward) falls in love with Rick Sammler (Billy Campbell) and they blend their families, the opening scene paints a picture of her chaotic yet happy domestic life. As Lily wakes up her two daughters and explains that her divorce has been tough, we know this will be a meaningful, honest, and vulnerable story about what love really means and how it’s possible to move on from heartbreak.
Why The Show Still Holds Up: Once and Again is about two families coming together and figuring out how to get along, which is still a relevant and interesting story in 2026. It’s also compelling to see Evan Rachel Wood in one of her earliest TV roles, and she gives an amazing performance as Jessie, a teenager who struggles with her parents’ separation and an eating disorder.
‘My So-Called Life’ (1992-1993)
The Quirky ’90s Young Adult Drama with Clever Dialogue
Why I Included It: While Angela Chase’s (Claire Danes) observations about how tricky teenage life is are always memorable, the first scene of the impressive 1990s TV show My So-Called Life is particularly smart. Angela and her new pal Rayanne Graff (A.J. Langer) ask strangers for money, lying that someone took their bus tickets and that they were twins. As they laugh hysterically, we understand their dynamic: Rayanne is the outgoing, quirky one, and Angela is trying hard to be like her. Angela says:
“I started hanging out with Rayanne Graff. Just… for fun. Just because it seemed like if I didn’t I would die, or something.”
Angela’s journey toward learning more about herself is evident from the first scene, and no other show has explored the pain and beauty of friendship like this one. Although it’s a positive thing that she’s finding her voice and becoming more sure of herself, she shouldn’t lose who she really is and pretend to be like someone else.
Why The Show Holds Up: In a sea of recent coming-of-age TV shows like My Life With the Walter Boys, My So-Called Life will always be a hidden gem that is slightly offbeat. Rather than being cheesy, it’s real.
‘Party of Five’ (1994-2000)
One Family, a Huge Tragedy, and Six Emotional, Dramatic Seasons
Why I Included It: Party of Five starts with a light-hearted scene of Julia (Neve Campbell), Bailey (Scott Wolf), and Claudia (Lacey Chabert) picking out a new car. Julia wants a black one, but Bailey says it’s “too flashy,” and wonders about a Station Wagon. They choose a fun Jeep instead. Before the opening credits roll, Bailey has trouble driving on a San Francisco hill. It might be a short scene, but once we learn that the young siblings are choosing a car for their family because their parents tragically passed away, it has more meaning. We realize they’re making this big life decision all on their own. It also shows how important they are to each other and how they try to lean on each other, even though they don’t always understand the decisions they’re each making.
Why The Show Holds Up: Party of Five takes a devastating premise and adds some jokes, kind characters, and engaging storylines. The fact that the Salinger siblings can get through life after such a tragedy and even find success is awe-inspiring. That makes it worth watching now. Julia Salinger is also one of Neve Campbell’s best roles, along with Sidney Prescott, the final girl role she reprised in Scream 7, as Julia experiences all the regular pain of teenage life along with the trauma of losing her parents at such a young age.
‘Seinfeld’ (1989-1999)
Who Knew Everyday Life Was Really That Compelling and Funny?
Why I Included It: I’ll be honest that I don’t love the Seinfeld pilot episode and think the later seasons are much funnier. However, Jerry’s stand-up set at the start of the episode still rings true today. He jokes about how people want to “go out” and spend so much time and effort on plans and reservations only to dream of going back home. When he says, “Wherever you are in life, it’s my feeling, you gotta go,” he’s making a fair point about how hard it can be to ignore our restless instincts and live in the present moment.
Next, in the opening scene of the episode, Jerry and the always quotable George Costanza (Jason Alexander) talk about shirt buttons at Monk’s, which has become one of the most classic conversations on the sitcom. Did you think you would be so interested in hearing people talk about buttons?
Why It Holds Up: If we forget a few storylines and episodes, we can all likely agree that it’s hard to get better than Seinfeld. Anytime we go to a restaurant, interact with neighbors, or engage in some small talk, it’s hard not to think of Jerry and his friends’ view of the world.
Did I mention one of your favorite 1990s TV shows? Would you add another great first scene? Let us know in the comments!
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
