Before we start, I ought to point out that I didn’t see That ’70s Show when it first premiered on Fox in August 1998, largely as a result of I used to be 5 months outdated on the time. The sequence had a reasonably profitable run, hitting 200 episodes and 4 specials over the course of eight seasons. A streaming run on Netflix and (as of 2020) syndication helped give the present a lift in recognition, which is how I ended up watching it. The level is that That ’70s Show, a sequence made initially within the late 90s however set within the 70s, truly managed to make its story timeless sufficient that it is nonetheless loved by new audiences at present. So you possibly can think about the strain on its sequel sequence, That ’90s Show. With any interval present, particularly one set in a decade that is somewhat well-liked as of late, it may be a variety of enjoyable to dig round for Easter eggs and references. And there’s a lot there for the 90s aficionado, even an episode that is clearly the results of an in depth Beverly Hills 90210 rewatch. But even with out the interval references or the style selections, That ’90s Show is a genuinely enjoyable sitcom to look at.
The summer time is simply starting and the Formans, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith), are getting ready to welcome their son Eric (Topher Grace), their daughter-in-law Donna (Laura Prepon), and granddaughter Leia (Callie Haverda) for a Fourth of July celebration. Yes, Eric named his daughter after a Star Wars character and has even managed to construct a tutorial profession in his very particular space of experience. Kitty is extraordinarily excited to have a child at dwelling once more as a result of she misses having Eric and the gang round (Red doesn’t). After Leia meets her new next-door neighbor Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide) and the remainder of the youngsters of Point Place, she decides to spend the summer time along with her grandparents. Instead of going to area camp. Which is what her dad needed her to do. Seriously, Forman?
This brings us to the brand new gang. Gwen is the primary and finest new pal that Leia makes in Point Place, and he or she is a really cool addition to the story. She’s the resident badass, queen of the outcasts, semi-dedicated Riot Grrrl, and a really loyal pal, even when Leia will get into some somewhat questionable conditions and other people. Then there’s her kind-of dumbass older half-brother Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan), who’s finest associates with one other 70s Show legacy, Mace Coronel as Jay Kelso, son of Jackie (Mila Kunis) and Michael (Ashton Kutcher) of the Point Place Kelsos. Nate’s girlfriend Nikki (Sam Morelos), additionally a part of the group, is normally seen on his arm however is definitely fairly an impartial and decided younger lady. (She’s additionally approach much less annoying than her closest 70s Show equal, Jackie.) Rounding out the youngsters within the basement is Ozzie (Reyn Doi), a snarky and clever child who’s mostly-openly homosexual. Kitty and Red are nonetheless the center and soul of the sequence and nonetheless getting as much as their very own misadventures, this time with a brand new neighbor who’s round on a regular basis, Gwen and Nate’s mother Sherry (Andrea Anders).
When we first meet her, Leia is a sheltered and really dorky child. She’s good like Donna, but additionally a dumbass like Eric, so it is initially fairly overwhelming for her to have her personal group of associates. But with their assist and a while along with her dad’s outdated “stash,” Leia ultimately learns to loosen up and revel in life. Leia and Gwen have probably the greatest friendships within the franchise, with an actual ride-or-die power that they seal with getting their very own second on high of the water tower.
The new sequence brings again most of the authentic’s hallmarks and archetypes. Gwen is quite a bit like Hyde; Nate and Jay are principally each Kelso; Nikki (as we talked about) is much like Jackie, and Ozzie fulfills roughly the identical operate as Fez (Wilmer Valderrama). There are additionally extra smoky basement circles, groovy scene transitions, and we nonetheless do not know the place Fez is from. But on the entire, That ’90s Show is unquestionably an improve, and never simply because Fez is introduced so a lot better on this one. He’s now a profitable stylist and a neighborhood celeb with a way more assured persona, definitely a greater take than the unique sequence the place his characterization was… let’s simply say of its time.
That ’90s Show Season 1 is arguably higher than the primary season of That ’70s Show, with good execution, partaking plotlines, and loads of jokes that land even with out the reside studio viewers — but it surely by no means forgets that it’s a continuation of the unique story, with a bunch of references, cameos, and visitor appearances from iconic 70s Show stars. However, even whereas standing firmly within the authentic’s shadow, the brand new present’s writing and narrative are clearly tailor-made towards audiences each new and outdated — and in addition towards audiences who re-discovered That ’70s Show of their early twenties with their very own loopy gang of associates and are actually wanting ahead to a lot extra misadventures with the brand new youngsters.
Yep, cannot deny it — Netflix might be going to must renew this one, as a result of we may all simply watch 100 extra episodes of these things. That ’90s Show actually does handle to pay tribute to its predecessor, give us a enjoyable snapshot of a beloved decade, and nonetheless current the viewers with endearing characters whose personal tales are simply as attention-grabbing and humorous as their earlier technology’s.
Rating: B+
All ten episodes of That ’90s Show are releasing on Netflix on January 19 — and if binging that will get you within the temper to look at That ’70s Show once more, its eight seasons are actually obtainable for streaming on Peacock.