A classic 1990s sitcom is making a big comeback. Sabrina the Teenage Witch, which originally aired in 1996, is rising in popularity once again thanks to its current run on Paramount+. The beloved fantasy-comedy series is now trending in the streamer’s worldwide Top 10, nearly three decades after its debut.
The show follows Sabrina Spellman, a teenager who discovers on her 16th birthday that she’s a witch. Played by Melissa Joan Hart, Sabrina has to juggle her new magical powers with the ups and downs of high school life. Living with her quirky aunts Hilda and Zelda, who are also witches, and her sarcastic talking cat Salem, Sabrina learns about responsibility, identity, and growing up, all while accidentally turning classmates into pineapples or warping reality with spells gone wrong.
Although Sabrina the Teenage Witch has fantasy elements, it stayed true to its sitcom roots. The show was lighthearted and humorous, often focusing on relatable teenage problems made more chaotic by magic. Alongside all the laughs, it also touched on themes like friendship, honesty, heartbreak, and figuring out who you are. This mix of heart and humour is what helped it run for seven seasons, ending in 2003 with a memorable final twist.
It’s unclear exactly why the show is trending again, but the current wave of nostalgia for the late 90s and early 2000s likely plays a big part. For those who grew up with the show, it’s a chance to revisit familiar characters and moments. For new viewers, it offers a fun and comforting window into the era’s TV style and teenage life. The fashion, music, and early visual effects also bring a unique charm that’s different from today’s polished shows.
Friends, The Nanny, and Boy Meets World are often mentioned as iconic shows from the 1990s, but Sabrina the Teenage Witch holds a special place with its blend of magic and teenage struggles. It’s especially memorable for its strong female leads, with Sabrina, Hilda, and Zelda all showing different kinds of strength, humour, and support. And of course, no one can forget Salem, the snarky cat who stole many scenes with his witty one-liners.
With all episodes now streaming on Paramount+, this is the perfect time to revisit or discover the show. Whether it’s for the magical mishaps, the heartfelt life lessons, or just a dose of throwback TV, Sabrina the Teenage Witch proves it still has the power to charm viewers after all these years.