The 1990s Comedy Quiz: The Decade That Gave Us Sarcasm, Sitcoms, and So Many Sofa Scenes
The 1990s was the decade when comedy got clever. It wasn’t just about punchlines anymore — it was about character, awkwardness, irony, and a lot of people sitting on sofas wondering what to do with their lives.
It was the decade of lager louts, neurotic New Yorkers, sarcastic baristas, and women who ruled television in sequins and shoulder pads. If you can quote Ab Fab, hum the Friends theme, or remember when Men Behaving Badly was considered edgy, this one’s for you.
Ten questions. No cash prize. Just bragging rights and possibly the urge to rewatch something grainy on Gold.
(Answers beneath, the old-fashioned way. No cheating!)
1.
In Absolutely Fabulous, what’s the name of Edina’s long-suffering daughter?
A) Patsy
B) Saffron
C) Bubble
D) Magda
2.
What was the name of the show where two flatmates, Gary and Tony, spent most of their time drinking lager and avoiding responsibility?
A) Men Behaving Badly
B) Game On
C) The Likely Lads
D) Coupling
3.
In Seinfeld, what’s the name of Jerry’s eccentric neighbour who bursts into his apartment uninvited?
A) George
B) Kramer
C) Newman
D) Frank
4.
Which 1990s sitcom starred Caroline Aherne as Denise and featured a sofa as its main set piece?
A) Keeping Up Appearances
B) Dinnerladies
C) The Royle Family
D) As Time Goes By
5.
In Bottom, what are the names of the two catastrophically unlucky main characters played by Rik Mayall and Ade Edmondson?
A) Alan and Clive
B) Neil and Mike
C) Richie and Eddie
D) Rick and Vyvyan
6.
In Friends, which character famously shouted, “We were on a break!”?
A) Joey
B) Ross
C) Chandler
D) Gunther
7.
Which US sitcom followed a radio psychiatrist and his retired father sharing an apartment in Seattle?
A) Cheers
B) Frasier
C) Dharma & Greg
D) Mad About You
8.
Which late-1990s British comedy-drama followed the intertwined lives and relationships of friends in Manchester?
A) Coupling
B) Playing the Field
C) Cold Feet
D) Game On
9.
Where does Geraldine Grainger serve?
A) Dibley-on-the-Hill
B) Dibley
C) Chipping Norton
D) Great Ambridge
10.
Which British sitcom followed three friends — Martin, Matthew, and Mandy — navigating love, work, and cringe-worthy nights out in London?
A) Game On
B) Coupling
C) As Time Goes By
D) Cold Feet
🏆 Bonus Round
In Frasier, what’s the name of Frasier’s beloved Jack Russell dog (technically his dad’s, but let’s be honest, the real star)?
A) Buster
B) Spot
C) Eddie
D) Niles
Answers
1 b Saffron
2 a Men Behaving Badly
3 b Kramer
4 c The Royle Family
5 c Richie and Eddie
6 b Ross
7 b Frasier
8 c Cold Feet
9 b Dibley
10 a Game On
1 c Eddie
🎉 How Did You Do?
9–11 correct: You’re basically 1990s Channel 4.
6–8 correct: Solid! You probably quote Friends unironically.
3–5 correct: Respectable — clearly own a VHS box-set of Men Behaving Badly.
0–2 correct: Oh dear. Maybe you were watching Heartbeat again.
Why 90s Comedy Still Hits
The 1980s gave us rebellion; the 1990s gave us reflection. Comedy got meta, self-aware, and (occasionally) a bit too pleased with itself. But what a line-up — Ab Fab, Men Behaving Badly, The Royle Family, Game On, Seinfeld, Friends, Frasier, and Cold Feet.
It was the decade that made sarcasm stylish and gave us characters who were flawed, funny, and utterly human. Whether it was Patsy falling off her heels, Ross defending his relationship timeline, or Frasier psycho-analysing a salad, the 90s nailed the blend of wit, warmth, and just enough chaos.
Your Turn
So — how did you score?
Did you shout “Eddie!” at your screen? Are you still humming the Friends theme? Or did you just realise you fancy half the cast of Cold Feet?
Let me know your score (and your favourite 90s sitcom moment) and remember, sweetie darling, you’re fabulous just for taking part.
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