Everyone compares old movies and music to their contemporaries. Television shows are no exception; there are quite a few people who complain about the current state of TV while others say new shows are much more innovative. Here are some classic television shows that serve as both nostalgic reminders of television in the old days and enjoyable sources of entertainment.

Animaniacs

Produced by movie legend Stephen Spielberg, Animaniacs is an ensemble medley of various segments starring different animated characters. The most prominent characters are the three dog-like Warner siblings: Yakko, Wakko and Dot. Joining them are a huge array of different players, the most famous of whom include genius lab rat Brain, his insane companion Pinky and former slapstick comedian Slappy the Squirrel. What makes this series so entertaining is its endless pop culture references, as well as its wide scope of comic techniques; the show features a wide range of humor, from parody and witty banter to adult innuendos. Animaniacs may be a cartoon, but it certainly is entertaining for all.

Ren and Stimpy

There are plenty of children’s cartoon shows today that push the envelope in terms of weirdness and surrealism,     but none come close to Ren and Stimpy. The premise seems normal enough, starring a stupid cat, Stimpy, and a psychotic chihuahua, Ren. However, the combination of graphic violence and sexual undertones quickly drop the pretense of normalcy. Though the episodes can be downright terrifying, Ren and Stimpy is still an entertaining piece of work that helped set the scene for modern cartoon satires like South Park and Beavis and Butthead. If anyone claims that older shows are tamer than today’s, be sure to direct them to Ren and Stimpy.

Seinfeld

Arguably the funniest show ever made, Seinfeld shines because it’s about nothing. In this case, “nothing” refers to the daily lives of four neurotics living in New York City: seemingly normal comedian Jerry Seinfeld, wacky oddball Kramer, angrily edgy Elaine Benes and sniveling liar George Costanza. Written by Seinfeld   and Larry David, the show is most known for its witty dialogue, absurd scenarios and a myriad of memorable characters. Each episode is great for those looking for small bits of comedy. Seinfeld is a relic that was a huge part of 90s culture; those wishing to learn about life in the 90s definitely need to check it out. Twin Peaks

David Lynch, esteemed director of surrealist films Mulholland Dr. and Blue Velvet, directed and co-wrote this soap opera parody from the 90s. The show follows idiosyncratic FBI agent Dale Cooper as he investigates the mysterious death of a teenage girl in the quirky yet picturesque town of Twin Peaks. Juxtaposing sappy melodrama with disturbing nightmare montages, Twin Peaks is a fantastic spoof of soap opera clichés, combined with deep symbolism and themes. Despite such avant garde presentation, the show has received consistent critical and popular acclaim ever since its release in 1990.

Primetime: Blast from the Past