15 TV Shows That Debuted 15 Years Ago

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By Jessica Catcher2014-01-17 11:30:08 UTC

Back when everyone was partying like it was 1999 (because it actually was 1999) — and worrying about what terrifying dystopian society Y2K would bring — some of the most classic shows in TV history were just getting their start on the airwaves.

That last year pre-millennium saw the start of classics like The Sopranos, Law & Order: SVU, Freaks and Geeks and The West Wing, to name a few.

See also: 30 Movies Turning 30 in 2014

It was also the year Regis Philbin asked if we wanted to be millionaires, a kitschy soap opera tried to lampoon its way into daytime hearts, Spongebob put on his square pants for the first time and Amanda Bynes reigned high as the tween comedy queen.

Take a look at some of the TV shows that inspired you to set your VCR timer before leaving the house.

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Image: Mashable Composite, Flickr, Alan Klim

Topics: Entertainment, Pics, pop culture, Television, the 90s, Watercooler