A spinoff of the hit Fox sitcom That ’70s Show is about to begin filming its first season in Los Angeles! That ’90s Show will continue the story of the Forman family. It might seem a little too soon to create a show building nostalgia around the nineties. However, the original series premiered back in 1998, less than 20 years from the end of the 70s. Much of the culture and some of the trends of the nineties are currently back in style. So this may be an ideal time for the show to come back.
Why should everyone be excited?
Although the original show certainly had its share of cheesy dialog and plotlines over the years, it often made viewers feel included as part of the group of teenagers the show revolved around. While not every character may have been relatable for everyone, there was almost sure to be at least one member of the young cast that was easy to connect with for fans. Even if you didn’t grow up during the 70s, it rarely mattered, because many of the show’s themes crossed generational gaps. The new spinoff show is likely to have a similar effect. While now poking fun of the time period many fans of the original show grew up.
What was That ’70s Show?
That ’70s Show aired on Fox from 1998 until 2006. There were 8 seasons and 200 episodes, and it launched careers for now well-known performers. Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Wilmer Valderrama.
The story largely revolved around the relationship between two teens Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon), along with their ensemble of friends: Jackie (Mila Kunis), Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Hyde (Danny Masterson), and Fez (Wilmer Valderrama). Their sometimes wild teenage behavior was offset by the old-school parenting of Eric’s parents, Kitty and Red, (played by Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith). That ’70s Show already has one spin-off series (That ’80s Show) and a British remake (Days Like These) to its name. Even shows like The Simpsons (which also aired on Fox) parodied the show by titling one of their episodes That 90s Show back in Season 19.
What is That ’90s Show going to be about?
“Hello, Wisconsin! It’s 1995 and Leia Forman, daughter of Eric and Donna, is visiting her grandparents for the summer where she bonds with a new generation of Point Place kids under the watchful eye of Kitty and the stern glare of Red. Sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll never dies, it just changes clothes.”
Some of the show’s characters have now been announced:
Leia Forman (14 years old) – Daughter of Eric (Topher Grace’s character from That 70s Show). She is also the daughter of Donna (Laura Prepon’s character from That 70s Show). Leia is described as book smart and coltish.
Gwen (14 years old) – Described as a petite and edgy powerhouse who dresses with pink hair and ripped jeans.
Nate (16 years old) – Gwen’s older brother. Described as a corn-fed Midwestern and drives around in a beat-up old Dodge minivan.
Jay (15 years old) – Described as a true romantic. Jay is an aspiring film director and constantly carries around his camera.
Ozzie (14 years old) – Gwen’s best friend who is gay and not afraid to show it. Also described as incredibly honest.
Nisha (15 years old) – This female character comes from a family of overachievers. While she’s intelligent and always volunteers, she’s got a rebellious nature. She’s also dating Nate.
Who is returning from the original ’70s cast?
Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp will be returning as the elder Formans. No other former cast members have been officially announced but other stars from the original show could likely have guest roles at some point. Both Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderrama have made comments in the past about not returning for any future projects related to the show. However, Topher Grace and Laura Prepon are probably more likely to return since the show is going to be based around their fictional daughter. Sadly, Lisa Robin Kelly (who played the Forman’s older daughter Laurie) and Tanya Roberts (who starred as Donna’s Mom, Midge Pinciotti) have both passed away. Danny Masterson, who appeared as Steven Hyde, currently has serious criminal charges pending against him and is awaiting trial. He is not expected to be involved with the new series in any capacity.
