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The story of how the upstart Fox Network forever changed television.

As 90's Talk TV evolved from the cerebral (Donahue) to the trashy (Jerry Springer), the new format fused combustive relationships, shock and violence to entertain the masses.

The Viper Room was a refuge for Young Hollywood to hide from the prying eyes of the press, until one fateful night when the death of a rising star instantly made it headline news.

90's parents and kids bonded over collecting playful plush toys known as Beanie Babies until the toy's creator, Ty Warner, used the internet's power to create a frenzied market.

SubPop's classic 90's indie ethos was tested when they chased mainstream money. The story of grunge told through the eyes of the little label that started it all.

The Southern California sun, action and laser-focus on beauty makes "Baywatch" appeal to more than a billion people worldwide.

Doomsday cults emerged in the 90's, seizing on Y2K fears. While we watched the tragic Waco massacre on TV, Heaven's Gate leader, Marshall Applewhite made his own plan.

Nineties supermodels were part rock stars and part royalty, but off the runway, many were abused by men using their power to conceal an ugly secret.

Hip-hop in the '90s had an uphill fight for airplay and recognition; when the media finally caught on, it told a story that twisted the narrative, with sometimes dangerous consequences.

In the '90s, the surge of internet-exclusive companies captures the dreams and greed of American investors; in its wake, the beloved Pets.com puppet is killed.

Arsenio Hall carves out a niche in the white, late-night world by showcasing hip-hop artists and emerging talent; despite his success, he becomes a casualty in the late-night wars.

MTV's "The Real World" is television with something to say, with a soap opera twist; however, when MTV gets rich from reality TV, they trade in realness for fart jokes and hot tubs.

When COPS hits the airwaves, the gritty reality of police work becomes a phenomenon. Despite being the longest-running prime-time live-action series, COPS is mired in controversy.

Ken Shamrock and the UFC are joined at the knuckle. Dubbed "human cockfighting," the UFC will fight senators and scandals in a battle that almost ends the sport before it begins.

36 states have banned "no holds barred" fighting, and the UFC's future is grim. Star fighter Ken Shamrock is also in trouble and needs a guardian angel to get him back on his feet.

With sex, attempted murder and betrayal, nothing personifies the tabloidification of '90s America better than the story of how Amy Fisher shot Mary Jo Buttafuoco in the head.

A look at the emergence and decline of African-American themed sitcoms.

Rush Limbaugh becomes radio's first conservative superstar.

At the end of the decade, the fear of an apocalypse looms. Two men become the stars of the real-life action thriller known as the Y2K scare.

Sky-high revenues lead to a battle for ratings.

Tyson transforms boxing, becoming a pop culture sensation known for his ferocity and apparent invincibility. However, he will eventually face his biggest opponent: himself.

Friends is must-see TV but some of the cast struggle under the weight of sudden and massive fame with painfully public addictions, and at least one near-death experience.

NYPD Blue forever changes TV with its use of nudity, violence and profanity. Heavy scrutiny from special interest groups will nearly get it cancelled before it ever even airs.

Robert Downey Jr. turns his troubled backstory into a superpower. While battling a string of addictions, Downey reinvents himself into one of the most celebrated actors today.

For almost 50 years, SNL has launched comedy careers. But if you're lucky enough to get in, you may never get out alive.