Jake Johnson Says There’s ‘Not Much’ That Makes Him Want to Revisit the ’90s, but Reveals the One Thing He Misses (Exclusive)

**Jake Johnson Reflects on the ’90s: The Era of Road Trips and Entertainment**

Jake Johnson, widely recognised for his role as the witty bartender Nick Miller on the beloved TV show *New Girl*, recently shared his thoughts on the much-discussed nostalgia for the 1990s. During an interview with *PEOPLE* at the world premiere of his new film *The Sun Never Sets* on 13 March 2026 in Austin, Texas, Johnson candidly stated that while he has fond memories of the decade, he isn’t particularly keen on reliving it.

The event was attended by director Joe Swanberg, along with fellow cast members Dakota Fanning and Debby Ryan. Johnson took this opportunity to express his sentiments regarding the current cultural fixation on ’90s nostalgia. “I think it’s surprising that people are getting nostalgic about the ‘90s because having lived through them, I thought they were cool, but there’s not much that would make me think we got to go back to the ’90s,” he told the publication.

Despite his reservations about revisiting the decade, Johnson does acknowledge the positive aspects of the ’90s, particularly in terms of entertainment. The actor noted that the music and films from that era had a significant impact on him, creating a vibrant backdrop that continues to resonate. “The bands were cool. You know what I liked? That there was a lot of great music, movies were really cool,” he recalled, highlighting a preference for a less cluttered media landscape. “It was more streamlined, but I also like now that there’s less gatekeepers,” he added.

One aspect of the ‘90s that stands out as particularly special for Johnson is the experience of road trips. He reminisced about the days when travelling by car meant a genuine disconnect from everyday life. “Road trips now aren’t road trips if you have a cell phone and GPS and all this,” he stated, emphasising the thrill of navigating without the digital conveniences we have today. “You’re driving a lot, but when I was in high school and college, you took a road trip, you would say goodbye to everybody and maybe call them if you got a calling card from a pay phone. But most likely, I’ll see you in nine days,” he recounted.

For Johnson, the unpredictability that accompanied those journeys made them unforgettable. He fondly remembered how getting lost often added to the adventure. The actor reflected, “What happens in that car with those people, that becomes your whole world, and I miss that a lot.” He noted that the lack of immediate access to information about accommodations or dining options contributed to a sense of excitement during those trips.

As a father of two, Johnson is aware of the challenges of navigating travel in the modern age. He amusingly admitted that without a phone, he would feel quite out of place, pondering the absurdity of potentially breaking down without a means to seek help. “I’d feel like a clown not bringing a phone now, because if we broke down, I’d be like, what a goober,” he joked.

Jake Johnson’s reflections paint a vivid picture of a simpler time, contrasting the communal and exploratory nature of ’90s road trips with the current reliance on technology. As the media continues to delve into ’90s nostalgia, Johnson’s perspective invites listeners to appreciate the era while recognising its limitations.

In a landscape increasingly filled with instant gratification and digital connectivity, his memories serve as a reminder of the beauty found in the spontaneity and authenticity of genuine experiences. The balance between appreciating past experiences and embracing the conveniences of modern life is a theme that resonates across generations, making Johnson’s reflections particularly relevant today.

As viewers eagerly anticipate *The Sun Never Sets*, it’s evident that Johnson’s ability to connect with both past and present continues to endear him to audiences and solidify his place in contemporary pop culture.