Melissa & Joey has rebirthed our immense love for Melissa Joan Hart. For some of you young readers, it may be news that she was also a star throughout the 90’s. From Clarissa Explains It All to guest appearances on Law and Order: SVU, Mel has explored many different genres of TV.
One of the best shows that Mel has been a part of is Clarissa Explains it all. Airing from 1991-1994, the show focused on Clarissa, a down-to-earth teen whose daily challenges involve relationships with family, friends and dating all while demonstrating wholesome values about friendship, trust and honesty. Clarissa’s parents encourage her to find independence and a sense of identity. They provide a much needed support system that is unique to many families. The show was also an anomaly in that it portrayed a close boy and girl friendship without sexual tension for the first time on TV. Clarissa and her best friend, Sam, spent much of their time programming computer games and playing with Clarissa’s pet alligator, Elvis. Melissa Joan Harris was one of the first female teens, with spunk and character, to headline a show during that time. The show continues to live on with twenty-somethings as a cult favorite.