Protecting the Earth from the scum of the universe continued in animated form with Men in Black: The Series, which premiered in 1997. Based on the hit movie, the show followed Agent K and Agent J as they policed alien activity on Earth and kept its existence a secret from the public. While the movie starred Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, the series featured new voice actors but aimed to capture the same blend of sci-fi action and humor. It expanded the Men in Black universe, introducing new aliens and gadgets. It was a solid animated spin-off that appealed to fans of the film, offering more adventures with the iconic alien-fighting duo.

Splish, splash, it's The Angry Beavers! This Nickelodeon animated series debuted in 1997 and centered on Daggett and Norbert Beaver, two dam-building brothers who leave their family to live on their own. The show followed their misadventures as they dealt with everyday life in the forest, often exaggerated for comedic effect. Daggett is the hyperactive younger brother, while Norbert is the laid-back older one, and their contrasting personalities provided much of the humor. The series featured a distinctive animation style and a catchy theme song. It was a popular part of Nickelodeon's late-90s lineup, known for its slapstick comedy and quirky characters.

Get ready for some bizarre antics with Cow and Chicken, which premiered on Cartoon Network in 1997. Created by David Feiss, this surreal animated series follows the lives of a cow named Cow and her chicken brother, Chicken, who are siblings with human parents (whose lower halves are never shown). The show is known for its absurd humor, grotesque characters (like the Red Guy, a devilish figure who appears in various disguises), and often nonsensical plots. It was part of the Cartoon Cartoons block and stood out for its truly unique and sometimes controversial style. If you appreciate animation that is weird, wild, and completely unpredictable, Cow and Chicken is a trip worth taking.

Hey there, pretty mama! Johnny Bravo strutted onto Cartoon Network in 1997, bringing his Elvis-like swagger and hilariously misguided attempts to woo women. Created by Van Partible, the series follows the muscular, dim-witted Johnny as he tries (and fails spectacularly) to pick up women, often getting into strange and surreal situations along the way. Despite his vanity and cluelessness, Johnny is ultimately harmless and often finds himself learning lessons (or not) about life. The show's humor comes from its slapstick comedy, pop culture references, and Johnny's over-the-top personality. It was a staple of Cartoon Network's late-90s lineup and is remembered for its distinctive animation style and catchphrases.

Head to the playground with Recess, a beloved animated series that premiered in 1997. Created by Paul Germain and Joe Ansolabehere, the show follows the adventures of six fourth-graders at Third Street Elementary School during their schoolyard breaks. The playground is depicted as a miniature society with its own rules, hierarchy, and even a king. The series cleverly used this setting to explore themes of friendship, authority, social dynamics, and the struggles of growing up. With its diverse cast of characters, witty writing, and catchy theme song, Recess captured the imagination of a generation and remains a nostalgic favorite for many who grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s.

The Caped Crusader returned in 1997 with The New Batman Adventures. This series served as a continuation of the critically acclaimed Batman: The Animated Series, picking up the story a few years later. While featuring slightly redesigned characters and a darker color palette, it maintained the high standard of storytelling, animation, and voice acting that made its predecessor a classic. The show delved deeper into the psychology of Batman's rogues' gallery and introduced new characters like Tim Drake as Robin. It continued to provide sophisticated, noir-infused superhero tales that appealed to both kids and adults. For fans of the original series or anyone looking for top-tier animated superhero action, this is essential viewing.

Step into the eccentric world of Cage & Fish! Ally McBeal, another creation from David E. Kelley, premiered in 1997 and quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. This legal dramedy centered on Ally McBeal, a quirky young lawyer navigating her professional and personal life in a bizarre Boston law firm. The show was known for its distinctive, often surreal, style, featuring internal monologues, fantasy sequences (like the famous dancing baby), and eccentric characters. While ostensibly a legal show, its heart was in exploring Ally's romantic entanglements, friendships, and existential anxieties. It sparked much debate about gender roles and the portrayal of women on television, but its unique blend of humor, drama, and fantasy made it a huge hit and a defining show of the late 90s.

The courtroom drama got a gritty makeover with The Practice, which premiered in 1997. Created by David E. Kelley (Ally McBeal, Boston Legal), this legal series followed the lawyers of a small Boston firm dedicated to defending the seemingly indefensible. Unlike many legal shows that focused on the nobility of the law, The Practice delved into the ethical dilemmas and moral compromises that lawyers face daily. It wasn't always about winning; sometimes it was about questioning justice itself. The series featured a stellar ensemble cast and was known for its intense courtroom scenes and complex character arcs. It was a critical success, winning numerous awards, including the Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. If you appreciate legal shows that aren't afraid to explore the gray areas of the justice system, this is one to check out.

She's not apathetic, she's just realistic. Daria, a spin-off of Beavis and Butt-Head, arrived in 1997 and quickly became a voice for a generation of disaffected youth. The series follows Daria Morgendorffer, a sardonic and intelligent teenager who navigates the absurdities of high school and suburban life with a cynical wit and a complete lack of enthusiasm. Daria's observations on society, popularity, and the education system were sharp, funny, and often surprisingly profound. The show resonated with viewers who felt like outsiders, offering a smart, female-led perspective that was rare at the time. Its distinctive animation style and killer soundtrack further solidified its status as a cult classic. Daria remains a beloved character whose dry commentary still feels relevant today.

Enter the Emerald City. Oz, HBO's groundbreaking prison drama, premiered in 1997 and immediately set a new standard for television storytelling. Created by Tom Fontana, the series is set primarily in the experimental unit of Oswald State Correctional Facility, known as 'Emerald City', where inmates of different races and affiliations are forced to live together. Oz was unflinching in its portrayal of prison life, depicting violence, corruption, and the complex moral struggles of both inmates and staff with brutal honesty. It featured a large ensemble cast of incredibly talented actors, many of whom became stars. The show was known for its intense atmosphere, morally ambiguous characters, and its use of a narrator (played by Harold Perrineau) to guide the audience through the grim realities of the prison system. It was a bold, challenging, and utterly captivating series that helped pave the way for the golden age of prestige television.

Welcome to Arlen, Texas! King of the Hill, co-created by Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head) and Greg Daniels (The Office), offered a refreshingly grounded and nuanced look at suburban life when it debuted in 1997. The series centers on Hank Hill, a propane salesman with traditional values, his wife Peggy, son Bobby, and their eccentric neighbors. Unlike many animated comedies, King of the Hill finds humor in the mundane and the subtle clashes of everyday life, often exploring themes of class, identity, and community with surprising depth and empathy. The characters feel incredibly real and relatable, and the voice cast, including Judge as Hank and Boomhauer, is superb. It's a show that is genuinely funny but also possesses a warmth and intelligence that makes it stand out. It ran for 13 seasons and remains a beloved classic for its smart writing and authentic portrayal of American life.

Step into the Hellmouth! Buffy the Vampire Slayer, created by Joss Whedon, redefined the teen drama and action genres when it premiered in 1997. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar as the titular slayer, the series follows Buffy Summers, a high school student who balances her life of homework and crushes with her destiny: fighting vampires, demons, and other forces of darkness. What makes Buffy so special is its incredible blend of horror, humor, and heartfelt character development. The show tackled complex themes, featured groundbreaking special effects for its time, and boasted some of the sharpest dialogue on television. It cultivated a massive, dedicated fanbase and has had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing countless shows that came after it. This isn't just a show about slaying monsters; it's a powerful coming-of-age story about identity, friendship, and finding your place in the world.

Prepare for a satirical rollercoaster! South Park burst onto the scene in 1997 and immediately became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Trey Parker and Matt Stone, this animated series follows the misadventures of four foul-mouthed elementary school boys in the quiet town of South Park, Colorado. What sets it apart is its fearless approach to tackling contemporary issues, pop culture, and politics with lightning speed and razor-sharp wit. The animation style is deceptively simple, using cutouts, but don't let that fool you – the writing is incredibly intelligent and often hilarious. It's a show that has never shied away from controversy and continues to push boundaries decades later. If you're looking for comedy that is irreverent, insightful, and absolutely unafraid to offend, South Park is a must-watch.