I know that it debuted in 1989, but it spent much of its time on the air of course, during the first part of the '90s. The best way that I can sum this up is in the Nostalgia Critic's review where based on the fashion and pastel colors and what not, everything feels like its "five years out of style". I don't really know when culture-wise, the "'90s started to truly feel like the '90s" (maybe around the start of Bill Clinton's first term as president) as opposed to an '80s bleed over. The movie Clueless is one example of a TV show (e.g. Beavis & Butt-head and its spin-off Daria) or movie that immediately comes to my mind that perhaps best captures the feel of '90s pop culture (at least at the moment).

Actually that style was fairly common in the early 90's. It really wasn't until 94 or so that the flashy, neon style really started dying off.

For a good example of what I'm talking about, check out TLC's video for "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" from 1991. You'll definitely see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlOsU8_Rzsk

Technically the franchise started as early as 1987, when the pilot first aired for "Good Morning, Miss Bliss". And yeah- it is a late '80s show and some of the '80s fashions did still stay in style through the early '90s. Regardless of the time period though, the creators of the show have stated that those bright pastel colors and such were part of the look they wanted to have for the show.

Actually that style was fairly common in the early 90's. It really wasn't until 94 or so that the flashy, neon style really started dying off.

For a good example of what I'm talking about, check out TLC's video for "Ain't 2 Proud 2 Beg" from 1991. You'll definitely see what I mean.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AlOsU8_Rzsk


Reps! I love TLC, even to this day!!!

Because it was the early 1990's show's back in 1989-1991 was still considered a 80's show, SBTB did no feel like a 90's sitcom until 1992.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjitYbdq2BE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIg9w4gLf_Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBIXYPy5fBw

A pre-teen/teen show set in California? There's going to be some neon and big hair. Lizzie McGuire was an early 2000s show with a similar color scheme.

I guess it depends on where you live, but those looks had died off in 1990 so here in Southern California at least those looks were a couple years behind.

Funny that this thread exists ... I actually looked for the SBTB thread under 1980s sitcoms a bit ago! (Forgot it was in the 1990s thread even though I've posted here before.) I think of it more as a 90s show myself, largely because all but the first three months of the show aired in that decade and I remember watching basically every episode in their original appearances on Saturday mornings.
All of that said, I've heard people say the 80s culturally didn't end until around the time of the first Gulf War or even after, much as historians say the 1950s didn't end culturally until 1963. Watching those shows now, there is a definite 80s feel throughout the first two seasons if not more.

Lots of teen shows airing in California!

I guess it depends on where you live, but those looks had died off in 1990 so here in Southern California at least those looks were a couple years behind.
I grew up in So Cal and I disagree. SBTB is a reflection of what was in fashion then. The only thing missing is the Latino/ cholo look that became very popular around 1991.