017 - Hey Arnold! It's 90's TV
In today’s episode of the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast, we talk TV shows that raised these two 30-something ladies and sometimes taught us to behave inappropriately at school.
We kick things off with the legendary TGIF lineup - remember this Friday night tradition? Shows like Boy Meets World and Family Matters were more than just entertainment, they were a way to bring the family together. We both share how those shows helped us make sense of growing up, and how they still hit home today.
We jump back and forth into newer favorites like Modern Family. We’re both fans of its quirky cast and real-life family vibes. Ruha’s been rewatching it lately and loving how it blends humor with deeper stuff, kind of like the old-school sitcoms but with a fresh twist.
We also get into the kids’ shows that stuck with us - Blue’s Clues definitely gets a shoutout. Ruha talks about how it’s influenced her parenting style, and how today’s children’s programming is all about sparking creativity and connection (and awkward crushes). Bekah brings up Zoom (the reality TV show about crafts, not the software that made digital crafts camps a reality) and how it made camp seem even more fun than it already did. Sign us up, please!
As we chat, we reflect on how screen time has changed. Back then, watching TV was a family thing - now it’s more individualized and solitary. We talk about how streaming has kind of scattered those common cultural moments, and how we’re trying to bring that sense of togetherness back with our own families.
Returning to Modern Family, we also share little ways we keep family bonds strong - like remembering birthdays and doing thoughtful things that remind us of the warmth we saw in our favorite shows. Bluey gets a special mention for being the kind of show that inspires us to be more present and playful with our loved ones. By the end, we’re laughing about the shows that still live rent-free in our heads and how they shaped who we are. What are some standouts from your childhood? What shows do you love to enjoy with your kids today? Let us know in the comments.
In Spots Playground we mention:
Ingeniously intricate jigsaw puzzles by The Magic Puzzle Company https://magicpuzzlecompany.com/
Good old fashioned organizers and pencil cases from the goat, H-E-B
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also at https://www.tiktok.com/@midnightcheesecak
Email at [email protected]
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Chapters
0:00 Welcome to the Midnight Cheesecake Podcast
2:21 Childhood TV Shows
5:36 Cable and TV Memories
11:24 Fashion and Sitcoms
12:38 Parenting and Screen Time
14:44 First Scary Movies
20:02 Blue's Clues and Favorite Shows
22:42 Reality TV and Kids
24:47 The Evolution of TV
29:35 Nostalgic Characters and Lessons
31:18 Today's TV vs. Our Childhood
34:20 Creative Kids' Shows
37:58 Family Connections
39:30 TV Shows That Inspire
43:42 Midnight Snacks and Favorites
47:38 Social Media Connections
