1990
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In 1990, broadcast networks captured an average audience nearly four times as large as the cable audience. But just a decade years later, cable viewership zoomed past broadcast and never looked back. NBC capitalized on this growth by developing one of the industry’s largest suites of cable networks, covering news, sports, and entertainment. In the themes parks business, the 1990s saw a new park open, a new annual tradition begin, and a rapid expansion of rides and attractions.
1990
Law & Order, the "mother ship" of the successful crime series franchise, makes its debut on NBC
Not only did Law & Order serve as a staple in NBC's primetime lineup for two decades, it was renewed for a 22nd season in 2021. The popularity of the program, which features plots resembling aspects of real cases, lead to multiple spinoffs including Special Victims Unit and Organized Crime.
Universal Studios Florida Opens
On June 7th, 1990, Universal Studios Florida opened with rides and attractions featuring notable fan favorites including E.T. Adventure, a ride designed in collaboration with director Steven Spielberg. The park's success led to expansions throughout Florida, including the opening of Islands of Adventure in 1999.
NBC Sports begins broadcasting NBA on NBC
NBC was synonymous with the NBA in the 1990s – and what a glorious era of basketball that decade was, largely due to the presence of Michael Jordan. From the infamous “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals and his legendary last shot as a member of the Chicago Bulls to capture his sixth and final NBA title a year later, Jordan’s ascension from All-Star to MVP to NBA champion and, finally, to arguably the greatest basketball player ever, was firmly captured on none other than NBC.
1991
Tim Russert begins 17-year tenure on Meet the Press
Russert, a top-notch interviewer, would expertly grill Washington’s most powerful politicians during his 17-year tenure as host, the longest in the show’s history. His interviews were so compelling that Meet the Press eventually expanded to an hour-long format in 1992.
Halloween Horror Nights debuts at Universal Orlando Resort
Established in 1991 under the name “Fright Nights,” the beloved Halloween attraction began as a single haunted house, later renamed “Halloween Horror Nights." Since then, each Universal destination around the world has developed a unique Halloween experience that invites guests to have fun with fear.
NBC Sports begins partnership with Notre Dame Football
NBC Sports has broadcasted all Notre Dame Football home games since September 7, 1991 – a unique partnership 33 seasons running. During that time, the Fighting Irish have remained one of the most iconic and well-known brands in college sports.
1992
Jay Leno makes his debut as the host of The Tonight Show
Leno, who frequently appeared on The Tonight Show during the Johnny Carson era, debuted as host in May of 1992. The well-publicized transition between Carson and Leno was rocky, but Leno quickly became a late-night staple with his everyman humor and popular bits like “Headlines” and “Jaywalking.”
1993
Universal Studio’s Hollywood CityWalk opens
CityWalk expanded Universal Studios Hollywood with a three-block entertainment, dining, and shopping promenade.
Universal's Jurassic Park premieres
With more than $1 billion in global box-office receipts, Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park is one of the most successful films in history. The show went on to inspire a ride at Islands of…
Universal's Schindler's List premieres
The film was yet another successful release from Steven Spielberg and Universal Pictures, winning seven Academy Awards®, including Best Picture and Best Director. Schindler’s List tells the incredible true story of Oskar Schindler who saved the lives of more than 1,100 Jews during the Holocaust.
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1994
Blockbuster hit ER premieres on Thursday nights on NBC
ER ran on NBC for 15 seasons. The hit TV series received 124 Emmy nominations, making it one of the most-nominated shows in history.
Iconic comedy Friends premieres on Thursday nights on NBC
The series ran for ten seasons and received 62 Emmy nominations, including a win for Outstanding Comedy Series. The fan-favorite show is one of history's most popular sitcoms, with its characters enjoyed across all generations.
1996
NBC and Microsoft launch MSNBC
The 24-hour news and information cable network combined with an interactive online service to create a new model of television and Internet integration.
NBC solidifies its status as the home of the Olympics
The Games of the XXVI Olympiad took place in Atlanta, marking the third straight Summer Olympics telecast for NBC. NBC continued to acquire Olympics broadcast rights, and has aired every Summer…
1998
Seinfeld airs its final episode on NBC, attracting over 76 million viewers
The finale, which included the shows main characters ending up in prison, garnered strong reactions from fans and critics. It was the fourth most watched overall series finale in the U.S at the time.
Will & Grace, a groundbreaking show for LGBTQ+ representation, premieres on NBC
It was a staple on NBC’s Must See TV Thursday night lineup, winning 18 Primetime Emmy Awards while breaking barriers and advancing exposure of LGBTQ+ storylines to American audiences. In 2012, Joe Biden said the series “probably did more to educate the American public” on the LGBTQ+ community than anything else.
1999
Universal Studios Florida expands to become Universal Orlando Resort
After the successful opening of Universal Studios Florida in 1990, Universal opened its second park, Islands of Adventure, along with the Portofino Bay Hotel and the CityWalk entertainment complex in 1999. These major developments were just the start of Universal Studios' continuous growth.
