The Nineties Season 1 Episode 3
The Nineties
Season 1

Ep 3. Isn't it Ironic?

  • TVPG
  • August 20, 2017
  • 43 min
  •   (116)

In the third episode of The Nineties season 1, titled "Isn't it Ironic?", the unique and sometimes contradictory cultural landscape of the 1990s are explored. The episode delves into the era's artistic and musical movements, fads, and political events that can be deemed ironic, divisive, and somewhat humorous in retrospect.

One of the highlights of the episode concerns the meteoric rise of alternative rock music, which many believe to be ironic considering the genre's very existence represents a rebellion against mainstream music. Featuring interviews with prominent musicians of the '90s, the episode examines how alternative rock's emergence changed the course of the industry and sparked an era of authenticity and counterculture rebellion.

The episode additionally touches on the strange cultural phenomenon that was grunge fashion, which encompassed a slacker aesthetic largely characterized by over-sized flannel shirts, beanies, and ripped jeans. Despite initially being intended as a fashion statement of rebellion against the mainstream, the episode highlights how it was later co-opted by corporations during the decade's commercialization of counterculture.

Another topic explored in the episode is the notorious, media-circulated rivalry between East Coast and West Coast rap in the early 1990s. The episode discusses some of the political and social issues which fueled tensions between the two coasts, and how the rivalry culminated in the tragic deaths of rap icons Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. Many of their contemporaries weigh in on the impact of their deaths and the detrimental effect the two rappers' beef had on the industry as a whole.

Additionally, the program discusses other cultural oddities that emerged during the '90s, such as the initial popularity of reality TV shows and the growing public obsession with the internet, despite how both can be interpreted as counter to the privacy and creative expression that became increasingly sought after and celebrated during the alternative era.

The episode also touches on some of the political ironies of the time, mainly the rise of Bill Clinton as an openly flawed yet incredibly charismatic politician. Far from the traditional buttoned-up politics, Clinton's presidency was marked with controversial decisions such as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, as well as his affair with White House intern Monica Lewinsky. The episode examines how Clinton's persona, mistakes and all, made him a relatable figure in contrast to his predecessors.

Overall, the episode "Isn't it Ironic?" takes a look at some of the quirky, absurd, and outright strange cultural moments of the 1990s that have come to be emblematic of the decade. From alternative rock to grunge fashion to political scandals, this episode's stories give an insight into the unique cultural landscape of the era, where virtually anything seemed possible.

Description
Watch The Nineties - Isn't it Ironic? (s1 e3) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
The Nineties, Season 1 Episode 3, is available to watch and stream on CNN. You can also buy, rent The Nineties on demand at Max, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    August 20, 2017
  • Content Rating
    TVPG
  • Runtime
    43 min
  • Language
    English