Dark Side of the 90's

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.