Entertainment

17 TV Crushes From the '90s Who Were Probably Responsible for Your Awkward Sexual Awakening

If you grew up in the '90s, then your coming-of-age was filled with lots of neon, elastic waist bands, and more boy band pop-and-lock-moves than your heart could contain. It also means that you may have first come to feel those weird tingly sensations in your body when a certain hunk would come on screen during your favorite television show. Ah yes, the uncomfortable desires of sexual awakenings. Thankfully for me, the '90s were filled with a bevy of heartthrobs, so I could bounce between the bad boys, the art freaks, and the guys next door as I started to understand all of those strange feelings.

So here's to the long-haired, rat-railed, high-waisted pant-wearing, leather jacket-loving TV characters who first made my heart go pitter-patter. Here are the finest fellas (in my humble opinion) on the small screen from the '90s. On SNICK, MTV, TGIF, and everywhere in between, these guys were the first faces plastered on my tween wall. Enjoy.

Image: NBC

by Rachel Semigran

Sep. 26, 2014

Zack Morris and A.C. Slater, 'Saved By the Bell'

These two BFF’s were responsible for a lot of new, weird feelings for tens of thousands of young people from 1989-1993. It’s OK guys, I feel just as uncomfortable as you about it. OH TO BE KELLY KAPOWSKI!

Image: gif-weenus

Trent Lane, 'Daria'

I know I related to Daria on many, MANY levels in my youth. However, her wobbly-in-the-legs feelings toward Trent were really what sealed the deal that Daria and I were kindred spirits. Sure they’re cartoon characters, it’s not weird! I swear! OK, it’s a little weird.

Image: fuckyeadaria/Tumblr

Uncle Jesse, 'Full House'

One word: Hair.

Image: how–rude/Tumblr

Big Pete, 'The Adventures of Pete and Pete'

Big Pete may not have been the most classic heartthrob, but he was definitely the reason why the word “boyfriend” ever became a thought in my head. His loyalty and care for Ellen made me swoon before I really knew what swooning was.

Image: Nickelodeon

Stefan Urquelle, 'Family Matters'

Ah yes, the super-smooth alter ego of Steve Urkel’s science experiment. Sure he was oh-so-suave, but it sort of made me a little sad the Urkel couldn’t get Laura on his own (at first). But still… Stefan.

Image:blackheart279/Tumblr

Ted McGriff, 'Hey Dude'

Let’s just say I once wanted to visit the Bar None ranch for reasons other than horseback riding.

Image: Nickelodeon

Sam, 'Clarissa Explains it All'

Aside from wanting Clarissa’s awesome wardrobe and no-nonsense ‘tude, back in the day I wanted her best friend Sam in a very, very different way.

Image: elplacard/Tumblr

Ronnie Pinksy, 'Salute Your Shorts'

Sure, Michael was the much cooler hunk of Camp Anawanna, but Pinksy was the real catch. It’s no wonder he grew up to play in one of the feelsy-est bands of all time, Rilo Kiley. Be still my heart!

Image: Nickelodeon

Hunter Reeves, 'The Secret World of Alex Mack'

Go on Alex Mack, with your weird radioactive powers and bad self for snagging this BF!

Image: Nickelodeon

Randy Taylor, 'Home Improvement'

SO THE OBVIOUS CHOICE OF THE TAYLOR BROTHERS. Sorry Brad, your haircuts were unforgiveable and Jonathan Taylor Thomas was simply the ultimate teen heartthrob. JTT 4 EVER!

Image: ABC