History's Best Selling TV Shows of 1999

Hats off to 1999! Few tv commanded as much fanfare and nationwide excitement as The Sopranos. Alongside sensationally popular hits like Futurama and The West Wing, consumers eagerly embraced the radical 90s attitude and millennium anticipation. Pioneering outfits from industry leaders like David Chase and Matt Groening set the standard for quality, producing celebrated items that flew off store shelves and cemented lifelong fandoms. Browse our definitive retrospective below to rediscover the genuine articles of the era.

1. The Sopranos

   Released in 1999 by David Chase, HBO

   On January 10, 1999, television as an art form was irrevocably altered. The premiere of *The Sopranos* on HBO was not just the debut of another show; it was the 'big bang' of modern prestige television. This date marks the first time the world met Tony Soprano, a complex New Jersey mob boss whose struggles with panic attacks and family life launched a cultural phenomenon. It began a run that would dominate ratings, critical acclaim, and especially the burgeoning home video market, solidifying its place as one of the most successful and influential series ever made.

2. Futurama

   Released in 1999 by Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, Fox, Comedy Central, Hulu

   On March 28, 1999, the world of television animation expanded into the 31st century with the premiere of "Futurama" on the Fox network. Launched by "The Simpsons" creator Matt Groening and writer David X. Cohen, the show arrived with immense anticipation. Capitalizing on the massive lead-in audience from "The Simpsons," the pilot episode, "Space Pilot 3000," garnered an enormous viewership. This date marked a significant event in television history, representing a major new venture from one of animation's most successful creators and pushing the boundaries of the primetime animated sitcom genre into the realm of science fiction, satire, and surprisingly deep emotional storytelling.

3. The West Wing

   Released in 1999 by Aaron Sorkin, NBC

   On September 22, 1999, American television audiences were introduced to the inner workings of a fictional White House as NBC premiered 'The West Wing'. The date marks a significant moment in television history, launching a series that would redefine the political drama. At a time of relative peace and prosperity, nearing the end of the Clinton administration, the show offered an idealized yet complex portrayal of public service. It stood in stark contrast to the often cynical and scandal-focused political coverage of the era, presenting a government run by intelligent, witty, and deeply dedicated individuals. Its debut set a new standard for primetime drama, combining sharp dialogue with cinematic flair and a deeply optimistic vision of American democracy.

4. Freaks and Geeks

   Released in 1999 by Paul Feig, NBC

   On September 25, 1999, a television landscape dominated by polished sitcoms and glossy teen dramas was introduced to something entirely different. NBC premiered "Freaks and Geeks," a comedy-drama that depicted the high school experience with an unflinching and heartfelt honesty rarely seen on network TV. Set in 1980, the show instantly distinguished itself by avoiding stereotypes and easy resolutions, instead focusing on the awkward, painful, and often hilarious realities of being a teenager. While its time on the air would be tragically short, this date marks the birth of a cult classic, a show that would be hailed by critics as one of the greatest of all time and launch the careers of a new generation of comedic talent.

5. Curb Your Enthusiasm

   Released in 1999 by Larry David, HBO

   On October 17, 1999, what viewers thought was a one-off comedy special became the unlikely birth of a television icon. HBO premiered 'Larry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm,' a one-hour mockumentary chronicling the 'Seinfeld' co-creator's return to the stand-up stage. The project wasn't developed as a traditional series pilot; it was simply a special documenting this chapter in David's life. However, the special's unique format, which blended a real-world premise with improvised dialogue and David's hilariously misanthropic persona, was met with such critical and audience acclaim that HBO immediately saw its potential. This single broadcast served as the proof-of-concept for the entire series, introducing the world to the cringe-inducing, rule-enforcing, fictionalized Larry David.