The Most Relatable 90s Characters Who Truly Couldn’t Deal

The ’90s were a golden age for sitcoms, and while the characters we loved may have been embroiled in wacky, outlandish scenarios, they often felt remarkably real. Whether navigating the ups and downs of adolescence, juggling friendships, or just trying to make sense of their place in the world, these characters represented the everyday struggles and joys that we all could relate to. Here are five of the most iconic, relatable ’90s sitcom characters—each of them someone you could easily imagine being friends with (or, at least, sitting next to in detention).

If you were a teenager in the ’90s, there’s a good chance you saw a bit of yourself in Daria Morgendorffer. With her deadpan humor, sarcastic one-liners, and general disdain for anything mainstream, Daria was the ultimate misfit—and that’s what made her so relatable. She wasn’t interested in fitting in or playing the high school popularity game, and her cynicism about the world around her was a refreshing take on the usual bubbly, “girl-next-door” teen archetype. Daria’s struggle to navigate a world of superficial peers and clueless adults felt like every teen’s internal monologue, especially for those who felt misunderstood. Like most of us, Daria’s biggest challenge wasn’t finding magic or solving mysteries—it was dealing with the awkwardness of adolescence and the pressure to figure out who she was.

Bart Simpson was a quintessential ’90s troublemaker—a rebellious, mischievous kid who often found himself in sticky situations thanks to his insatiable desire to push boundaries. Whether he was pulling pranks, avoiding homework, or making life difficult for Principal Skinner, Bart lived life unapologetically, and it was hard not to admire that confidence (even if it was a bit chaotic). While many of his antics were exaggerated for comedic effect, the essence of Bart was surprisingly relatable. Who hasn’t, at some point, done something just for the thrill of rebelling or to get a reaction out of an adult? But beyond the pranks and the “Eat my shorts” attitude, Bart was a character who also had moments of vulnerability. Underneath all the bad-boy behavior, he was just a kid trying to figure out his place in the world.

Chandler Bing’s sarcasm was legendary, but behind all the jokes, he was also a deeply insecure and self-conscious character—a trait that made him incredibly relatable to anyone who’s ever used humor to mask their own vulnerabilities. At the start of “Friends,” Chandler’s self-deprecating wit was his armor against the world, especially when it came to his unsatisfying job, rocky relationships, and complicated family dynamics. Who hasn’t cracked a joke to cover up a moment of awkwardness or to avoid confronting something uncomfortable? Chandler’s ability to turn any situation into a punchline was something many of us could relate to, especially in a world that often feels too serious.

Sabrina Spellman was your typical ’90s teen with a twist: She was secretly a witch. But while Sabrina had magical powers, it was her human struggles that made her so relatable. Whether dealing with high school drama, friendship dilemmas, or crushes, Sabrina was just like any other teen trying to juggle all the complexities of adolescence—except, of course, she also had to deal with the occasional spell gone wrong. But even with her magical mishaps, Sabrina’s core struggles were universal: trying to fit in, dealing with overbearing family members (her aunts were hilarious, but also overprotective), and learning to balance responsibility with fun.

Topanga Lawrence may have started as the quirky, idealistic girl who was a little “out there,” but she evolved into one of the most relatable and inspirational characters of the ’90s. Known for her intelligence, strong moral compass, and deep empathy, Topanga was the kind of character who wasn’t afraid to be herself—no matter how unconventional. She wasn’t your typical “popular girl”—she was a fiercely independent, thoughtful, and ambitious young woman who never tried to fit into anyone else’s mold.