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.
Next on the list of Melissa Joan Hart’s best and worst is Sabrina The Teenage Witch. Airing from 1996-2003, the show was an instant hit with teenagers, exploring themes of witchcraft and wizadry in an everyday setting. Given all of the hype around zombies and vampires these days, Sabrina the Teenage Witch was clearly a gem before it’s time. As learns to master spells in order to earn her witch’s license from the Other Realm, she must hide her secret talents from her friends, rivals and teachers. As Sabrina faces her problems, most rather innocent in nature, she grows and matures, learning positive problem solving skills.
Melissa Joan Hart rounds out her television chops with the latest, Melissa & Joey, costarring Joey Lawrence. Both Mel and Joe have had long careers and taken character notes from previous shows they’ve worked on. Mel brings a sarcastic sense of humor from Clarissa Explains it All and broad comedy from Sabrina The Teenage Witch, making fans from past and present more dedicated than ever.