Dark Side of the 90's - Episode Guide

As '90s Talk TV evolved from the cerebral "Donahue" to the trashy "Jerry Springer," the new format fused combustive relationships, shock and violence to entertain the masses.

The Viper Room was a refuge for Young Hollywood to hide from the prying eyes of the press, until one fateful night when the death of a rising star instantly made it headline news.

The Fox Network made its mark by grabbing the attention of the nation's youth.

90's parents and kids bonded over collecting playful plush toys known as Beanie Babies until the toy's creator, Ty Warner, used the internet's power to create a frenzied market.

SubPop's classic 90's indie ethos was tested when they chased mainstream money. The story of grunge told through the eyes of the little label that started it all.

The world's first influencer was a TV show. Baywatch's Southern California sun, action, and laser focus on beauty made it appeal to more than a billion people worldwide.

Doomsday cults emerged in the 90's, seizing on Y2K fears. While we watched the tragic Waco massacre on TV, Heaven's Gate leader, Marshall Applewhite made his own plan.

90's hip hop had an uphill fight for airplay and recognition. When the media finally caught on, they told a story that twisted the narrative with sometimes dangeous consequences.

90's supermodels were part rock stars, part royalty, and all dusted in cocaine. But off the runway, many were abused by men using their power to conceal an ugly secret.
 

In the 90's, the surge of internet-exclusive companies captured the dreams and greed of American investors. In its wake, one beloved mascot was killed — the Pets.com puppet.

Arsenio carves out a niche in the white, late-night world by showcasing hip hop artists and emerging talent. Despite his success, Arsenio becomes a casualty in the late-night wars.

MTV's The Real World is television with something to say--with a soap opera twist. But when MTV gets rich from reality TV, they trade in realness for fart jokes and hot tubs.

When COPS hits the airwaves, the gritty reality of police work becomes a phenomenon. Despite being the longest-running prime-time live-action series, COPS is mired in controversy.

Ken Shamrock and the UFC are joined at the knuckle. Dubbed "human cockfighting," the UFC will fight senators and scandals in a battle that almost ends the sport before it begins.

36 states have banned "no holds barred" fighting, and the UFC's future is grim. Star fighter Ken Shamrock is also in trouble and needs a guardian angel to get him back on his feet.

With sex, attempted murder and betrayal, nothing personifies the tabloidification of 1990s America better than the story of how Amy Fisher shot Mary Jo Buttafuoco in the head.

Black comedies explode in the '90s, with sitcoms written and produced by Black creators and featuring Black casts; however, no culture is immune to the toxicity of fame and power.

Rush Limbaugh is conservative radio's first megastar, claiming to have "talent on loan from God." He creates a divide in America that we see unfolding today.

At the end of the decade, the fear of an apocalypse looms. Two men become the stars of the real-life action thriller known as the Y2K scare.

Morning TV is the profit center of the news divisions that produce them; "Today" and "Good Morning America" battle for dominance where there's no room for failure.

Tyson transforms boxing, becoming a pop culture sensation known for his ferocity and apparent invincibility. However, he will eventually face his biggest opponent: himself.

A look into how the cast of Friends struggle with the sudden fame; and public addictions.

The use of nudity, violence, and profanity in NYPD Blue has permanently changed television. Heavy scrutiny from special interest organizations will almost certainly result in its cancellation before it even airs.

A spotlight on Robert Downey Jr. and his story of turning his life around to reinvent himself into the actor that he is today.

SNL has launched many comedy careers. But those lucky enough to get in may never get out alive.

Infomercials mark the Golden Age of the Con Job. These shameless 90's scam artist vie to become top dog in a cut throat industry--leaving a trail of misery in their wake.

he Spice Girls are one of the biggest pop acts ever. But behind the glitz and glamour, they battle blackmail, eating disorders, death threats, abusive relationships and addiction.

Enfant terrible Andre Agassi leads a handful of prodigies to shake up the stodgy sport of tennis. Athletes become international celebrities, but their fame comes at a cost.

Scores turns into a celebrity hotspot. However, when the club attracts the expensive "protection" of the Gambino criminal family, getting out of bed with the mafia means getting in with the FBI.

Rave culture is a euphoric cocktail of electronic dance music, synthetic party drugs and optimism. But where there are drugs there is also exploitation, violence, and moral panic.