Alright, so who else grew up glued to shows like “Saved by the Bell,” “A Different World,” “Family Matters,” “Boy Meets World,” and “Full House?”
Back then, I didn’t have a care in the world, and I surely didn’t realize these shows were schooling me in the power of storytelling. These days, while I’m adulting and creating content for businesses left and right, I see how some of my favorite ’90s classics were like the coolest teachers in narratives.
Saved by the Bell
In all of its hilarious episodes, Saved by the Bell screamed relatable. I mean, who didn’t see a bit of themselves in Zack’s schemes or Lisa’s fashion game? So, here’s your first lesson…Be like Bayside High. Your brand’s stories should feel like it’s part of your audience’s everyday life. You’ll be surprised at how much the familiarity will convert more people into clients or customers of your business.
Each person at Bayside High had their own unique personality and struggles, just like your ideal client or customer. From Slater’s wrestling matches to Jessie’s caffeine pill meltdown these stories connected because they were real. When you include compelling narratives in your content, you’re reflecting your audience’s realities. You’re building trust.
And I can’t forget about all the humor. The light-hearted moments, the quirky one-liners – that’s the stuff that made it memorable. So, don’t be afraid to add some humor into your storytelling content. It makes your brand approachable, relatable, and, most importantly, shareable.
A Different World
Hands down, A Different World was a movement. It brought diversity to the forefront. This reminds me of the power of representation in storytelling. Your brand’s stories need to mirror the real world.
The show also tackled real issues – it wasn’t afraid to go deep. That’s a lesson right there. Your brand’s stories shouldn’t shy away from the tough stuff. Address the real challenges, the pain points of your audience. Afterall, you want your content to be powerful and purposeful, right? Speak to the issues that matter to your audience, and you’ll become a voice they can trust.
As for the character arcs…well take note from things like Denise’s growth and Whitley’s transformation. Both of their characters evolved – just like your brand’s content should. And by this I mean, growing with your audience, adapting to their changing needs. When you do this, your business will always have a place in their lives.
Family Matters
Now, let’s chat about Family Matters. This show was the heart of ’90s TV – the Winslows, Steve Urkel, and all the ‘Did I do that?’ moments. It reminds me of the power of emotional storytelling. Your brand’s narrative should be a blend of warmth and realness. Make them laugh, make them feel, and you make them remember.
This show, just like A Different World can teach you a thing or two about evolving with your audience. For instance, remember when Steve turned into Stefan? It shows us that change is possible and often necessary. So, again, your brand’s stories should echo this. Show your audience the transformation your brand can bring into their lives.
And you can’t forget the bonds. Forge a bond with your audience through your narratives. Make them feel like they’re part of your brand’s family, just as everyone felt like a part of the Winslows.
Boy Meets World
Who didn’t love the story of Cory and Topanga? Boy Meets World was a masterclass in relatable, evolving storytelling. Just like Cory and Topanga grew, so should your narratives.
The show also mastered including life lessons into its narratives. This is your reminder that you’re selling more than service or product. Instead, you want to approach your marketing with the idea that you should be highlighting your values and lessons that connect with your audience.
And of course, just like Saved by the Bell and Family Matters, this show was relatable. It spoke to universal experiences of growing up. Make sure your brand’s stories are relatable too. Speak to the common experiences and emotions of your audience, making your brand a part of their everyday life.
Full House
We can all agree that Full House was the epitome of heartwarming content. It taught us the power of family, love, and laughter in storytelling. The Tanner household, with its mix of humor, life lessons, and relatable family dynamics, showed how narratives could connect on a deeply personal level.
One key takeaway from “Full House” is the importance of emotional connection. You can learn from the way the show balanced humor with heartfelt moments. Your stories should connect emotionally, making your audience feel like they’re part of your brand’s extended family. This show also has lessons on consistency. It maintained its heart and charm throughout its run, reminding you that consistency in tone, message, and quality is important.
So, what do all these trips down ’90s TV lane add up to? Well, each show, in its unique way, was laying down the fundamentals of what I now bring to the table in my work as a copywriter and video storytelling strategist. So, here’s to the unofficial storytelling school of ’90s TV – where lessons were learned not in classrooms, but in living rooms, one episode at a time
