That ’70s Show Fans Are Confident That ’90s Show Will Be A Complete Flop
It could go either way, but some think That '90s Show is doomed already.
Sequels and spin-offs of successful shows are always talked about, but it’s not always that they actually happen. With That ’70s Show, it was one of those rare instances where the sitcom came back 20 years later. One would think fans would be thrilled about it, but it wasn’t the case
The spin-off is called That ’90s Show, and it launched January 2023. It stars Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith as (of course) Kitty and Red, and Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos as the new teenage gang. Let’s see why, despite the talented cast, fans are not completely sold on this show.
What Is That ’90s Show About?
Upon learning that there would be a That ’70s Show spin-off, fans weren’t that thrilled. Even those who weren’t skeptical about it were simply confused.
They didn’t know how much of the spirit of the original show would be preserved or if the original cast would show up.
Once it was announced that Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith would be a big part of the show, people began to warm up to the idea, but to those who don’t know what to expect, here’s how Netflix explained That ’90s Show.
“It’s 1995 and Leia Forman is desperate for some adventure in her life or at least a best friend who isn’t her dad,” the synopsis starts.
“When she arrives in Point Place to visit her grandparents, Red and Kitty, Leia finds what she’s looking for right next door when she meets the dynamic and rebellious Gwen. With the help of Gwen’s friends, including her lovable brother Nate, his smart, laser-focused girlfriend Nikki, the sarcastic and insightful Ozzie, and the charming Jay, Leia realizes adventure could happen there just like it did for her parents all those years ago.”
The synopsis concludes, “Excited to reinvent herself, she convinces her parents to let her stay for the summer. With a basement full of teens again, Kitty is happy the Forman house is now a home for a new generation and Red is, well… Red.”
Laura Prepon, Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Wilmer Valderrama also made important appearances on the show, so there is still a connection to the beloved ’90s sitcom.
Debra Jo Rupp And Kurtwood Smith Are Happy To Be Together Again
Despite the mixed responses, Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith could not be happier about going back to being Kitty and Red. In fact, when he was asked about what the best part of doing the show was, Kurtwood didn’t hesitate.
“Working with Debra Jo,” he stated.
“Seriously. Debra Jo is my favorite acting partner. We did do an unsuccessful pilot together about a year and a half ago, something like that. And otherwise, we haven’t worked together in 17 years. So it was really fun, getting together with Debra Jo, and I just love the writers on the old show and on the new show, because the people on the new show have been able to just sort of pick it up and carry it into the endzone.”
Debra felt the same way, and she was also happy to be reunited with a character she loves so much. She talked about how now she feels even more comfortable playing Kitty because now she “knows her” and doesn’t have to research and create the character. It’s just coming back to her.
In all honesty, these two are what give meaning to the show. The new gang is very talented, there’s no doubt about that, but what keeps the connection with the original show is Red and Kitty’s presence and the way they relate to the kids.
In fact, Kurt shared that the producers told him that, had they both not been on board with the project, That ’90s Show would have never been made.
Is That ’90s Show Any Good?
After the trailers came out, That ’70s Show fans shared their opinions on the spin-off. Lots of them weren’t very good ones, and if one goes by the comments on the trailer, it’s impossible to believe that this show will be successful.
Although the comments were mixed, the main reason they didn’t trust the project seemed to be that, to them, the chemistry between the actors wasn’t as good as the original gang.
“It’s all going to depend on the chemistry of the kids. What made the original run so great was how well they worked off of each other,” a commenter said.
Another added that “Rewatching the old series, they are such big shoes to fill. That 70s show is so special, the perfect balance of raunchy comedy and heartfelt moments and unbelievable charisma between the cast. No idea how they come close to it a second time around.”
Despite this, it’s impossible to measure how good or successful a show will be just based on the trailer. Now that all the episodes are up on Netflix, people can make an informed opinion.
Even if they don’t find it as good as the original, the amazing performances from the brilliant actors will still at least make it fun.
