Let’s face it: TV in the ’90s was a rollercoaster of bad hair, questionable denim, and laugh tracks that made everything feel just a bit too staged. And then came The Nanny.
A show so fabulous, so hilarious, and so unapologetically extra that it not only gave us the gift of Fran Fine but also had us all second-guessing why our closets were devoid of leopard prints and sequins.
Here’s why The Nanny is still the only show that can make you giggle uncontrollably, cry into your snack bowl, and seriously consider adding “vintage Moschino” to your shopping list.
1. The One-Liners That Hit Harder Than Therapy
Fran Fine wasn’t just a nanny; she was a sass machine. Her razor-sharp wit and New York accent could turn any insult into art.
Whether she was taking down snooty socialites or giving Mr. Sheffield a reality check, Fran’s quips were so fast and clever that you’d need a second viewing just to catch them all.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: Fran’s zingers are so relatable that they feel like a warm hug from the friend who roasts you but loves you.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: Because you’ll realize you’ll never be as funny as Fran.
2. The Surprisingly Heartwarming Family Moments
For a show that revolves around a quirky nanny meddling in a rich guy’s life, The Nanny packed in plenty of tear-jerking moments.
Whether it was Fran bonding with the Sheffield kids, Niles the butler being an emotional MVP, or Mr. Sheffield’s awkward yet swoon-worthy declarations of love, the show knew how to hit you right in the feels.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: That episode where Fran gets her heart broken? Or when Maggie finds her confidence? Yep, you’re sobbing.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: Don’t worry, Niles will pop in with a sarcastic one-liner to save you from drowning in your own tears.
3. Fran Drescher’s Voice: A Love It or Love-It-Anyway Situation
You can’t talk about The Nanny without mentioning Fran Drescher’s iconic voice—a nasal, high-pitched marvel that could probably shatter glass and hearts simultaneously.
It’s an acquired taste, sure, but once you’re in, you’re in. By the end of Season 1, you’ll find yourself mimicking her “Oh, Mr. Sheffield!” to an embarrassing degree.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: That laugh of hers is contagious, whether you like it or not.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: Because you realize you’ve accidentally started talking like Fran at work, and now it’s too late to stop.
4. The Niles vs. C.C. Babcock Feud
Ah, Niles the butler and C.C. Babcock, the Sheffield family’s high-strung business partner. Their relentless war of words was nothing short of legendary.
Each episode was a masterclass in pettiness, with insults so sharp you could cut a diamond. Honestly, their subplot alone could have been its own spinoff.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: Niles calling C.C. a “plague in shoulder pads” will live rent-free in your head forever.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: The episode where Niles shows C.C. a rare moment of kindness will have you unexpectedly emotional.
5. The Fashion That Deserves Its Own Award
Let’s get one thing straight: Fran Fine’s wardrobe wasn’t just ahead of its time; it was art.
From Moschino minis to leopard-print trench coats, Fran’s outfits were so bold and outrageous they made Sex and the City look like a Gap commercial.
Every episode was like watching a runway show with a laugh track. And don’t even get us started on the hair—the bigger, the better.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: The sheer audacity of wearing sequins to vacuum the house.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: Because you’ll realize your own wardrobe is tragically basic in comparison.
6. Mr. Sheffield’s Endearing Cluelessness
Maxwell Sheffield was the classic “clueless but charming” TV dad. Whether he was resisting his obvious love for Fran or fumbling through fatherhood, Mr. Sheffield was both exasperating and adorable.
Watching him finally come to terms with his feelings for Fran was a slow-burn romance that rivaled any rom-com.
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: His complete inability to keep Fran from meddling in his life.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: The way he looks at Fran in the later seasons will absolutely ruin you.
7. The Theme Song That’s Still Stuck in Your Head
“She was working in a bridal shop in Flushing, Queens…” Admit it, you’re singing it right now. The theme song is so iconic that it’s practically a personality test. If you don’t sing along, are you even human?
Why It’ll Make You Laugh: Because it’s impossible not to dance a little when you hear it.
Why It’ll Make You Cry: Because it reminds you how much you miss ’90s sitcoms with actual theme songs.