The Nineties Are “All That” For Nickelodeon And MTV

BY HAILEE YEAGER

Most high school students were 90’s kids, watching Nickelodeon shows like Rugrats, All That, Hey Arnold and the Amanda Show every day after school. However, nothing lasts forever, and the old lineup disappeared. Of course, as everyone grows older they feel nostalgia for the classics of their youth and Nick fans wishes were granted with the premiere of The 90’s Are All That.

On July 25^th, Teen Nick returned to the  90’s with the four show lineup of All That, Kenan & Kel, Doug, and Clarissa Explains It All playing every weekday between midnight and 2 A.M. Recently the lineup made a change, substituting Rocko’s Modern Life and Hey Arnold for Clarissa and Doug, giving variety to the special programming and gaining more reaction from fans.

“When I found out that the 90’s were coming back I felt relief that I don’t have to watch the shows on now.” sophomore Madison Hernandez said.

With seven different Real Housewives shows and five shows set in New Jersey alone, there is no doubt that television these days is repetitive. From the early 90’s to now, a lot has changed, especially the things that young people see on TV.

“The shows were innocent and kids now know about things that we didn’t in those days,” senior Sam Melgar said.

Compared to shows such as Teen Mom, Awkward and Adventure Time, the programming kids see now is completely different than what was playing back in the day. For some, these shows are cause to reminisce and a sign of how things have changed.

“My childhood was so much better than now and the world was much more innocent in our eyes.” sophomore Tory Ashenfelter said, “Kids shows are a lot more vulgar.”

Not only are the 90’s Nicktoons back, but some other well known animated characters, Beavis and Butt-head are returning as well. After the two metal loving slackers made a cameo in Jackass 3D there was talk that the show would be returning to MTV, which owns Nickelodeon. The shows return was confirmed by Mike Judge, creator of the animated hit, at this years San Diego’s Comic Con along with a clip of new footage. The footage revealed that rather than mocking music videos like they used to, the duo would be ripping into current MTV shows like Jersey Shore, putting a modern twist to the shows format.

Also coming back, after an 8-year hiatus, is 120 Minutes, a show that showcased new bands in the alternative music world. It is set to premiere on MTV2 later this year. VH1 is also joining in on the nostalgia, bringing back Pop Up Video, in which fun facts pop up during music videos, this fall. Both channels are attempting to be more identified as music channels like they were in the past.

So, the 90’s are definitely back and with these shows returning to the air, they are sure to prove that they are “All That”.