There will be no further seasons. “That ’90s Show,” a spinoff of the beloved “That ’70s Show,” has been canceled by Netflix, likely due to low ratings in its second season.
The announcement was made by Kurtwood Smith, the seasoned actor who portrays grandfather Red Forman in the streaming series.
“I know many of you have been asking when season 3 will be released, but I have some unfortunate news… Netflix will not be renewing it. I want to take a moment to thank all the fans around the world who supported and watched the show. They have reached out to me in various places while I’m traveling and have contacted me through social media; they have been incredibly sweet. I have cherished every moment of bringing Grandpa Red to life for all of you. I have said it before, but I’ll say it again… this show was filled with so much heart and had the most amazing cast, writers, directors, producers, and crew an actor could wish for. Thank you for letting Red and Kitty, your grandson, all of your grandchildren’s friends and neighbors, the original cast of That ’70s Show, and all our wonderful guest cast members entertain you for two seasons. To quote Red Forman… we’re not going to be foolish… we’ll sell the program, because good grandparents work hard to help these kids graduate from high school.,” he shared on Instagram, as reported by the “Variety” outlet.
That ‘90s Show launched as a spinoff of That ‘70s Show in January 2023. The first season followed the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, who was ‘cared for’ by her grandparents, Red and Kitty Forman, played by Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp.
She befriended several friends, some of whom were connected to the iconic characters from the original series. The show revisited the familiar setting of the basement, where the old friends gathered and grew up.
Notable actors from That ’70s Show included Wilmer Valderrama, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Don Stark, Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Danny Masterson, among others.
It remains unclear whether Smith’s Instagram message indicates plans to sell the project to another streaming platform, given the multitude of options currently available. This wouldn’t be the first time a show has moved from one network to another competitor.
That ’90s Show Cancellation: Everything You Need to Know
The Announcement of Cancellation
That ’90s Show, a nostalgic continuation of the beloved That ’70s Show, has been officially taken off the air by Netflix. The show’s cancellation comes as a blow to fans who were hopeful for a continuation but were met with disappointing ratings during its second season. This news was shared by veteran actor Kurtwood Smith, who has reprised his iconic role as grandpa Red Forman.
In his emotional message posted on Instagram, Smith expressed gratitude for the support from fans around the world, stating, “I know you’ve been asking me when season 3 is coming, but I have bad news… Netflix won’t be renewing it. I just want to take a minute to say thank you to all the fans everywhere who supported and watched the show.”
The Heartfelt Message from Kurtwood Smith
Smith reflected on the experiences during the show’s run, saying: “This show had so much heart behind it and the most wonderful cast, writers, directors, producers and crew an actor could hope to work with.” He emphasized the importance of the relationships formed on set and acknowledged the support from fans, adding, “Thank you for allowing Red and Kitty, your grandson, all of your grandchildren’s friends and neighbors, the original cast members of That ’70s Show, and all of our wonderful guest cast members to entertain you for two seasons.”
A Brief Overview of That ’90s Show
That ’90s Show premiered in January 2023 and served as a spinoff to the iconic series That ’70s Show. The series introduced viewers to the daughter of original characters Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, who spends the summer with her grandparents, Red and Kitty Forman. This new generation navigates adolescence in the same beloved basement where friends once gathered in the original series.
The Cast and Crew of That ’90s Show
- Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman
- Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman
- Callie Haverda as Leia Forman
- Ashley Aufderheide as Gwen
- Sam Morelos as Nadia
- Gabriel Iglesias as a neighbor
The Legacy of That ’70s Show
The original That ’70s Show launched the careers of several actors who are now household names, including:
| Actor | Character | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmer Valderrama | Fez | NCIS, The Ranch |
| Ashton Kutcher | Michael Kelso | Two and a Half Men, That ’70s Show |
| Mila Kunis | Jackie Burkhart | Black Swan, Bad Moms |
| Topher Grace | Eric Forman | Spider-Man 3, Home Economics |
| Laura Prepon | Donna Pinciotti | Orange is the New Black |
| Don Stark | Bob Pinciotti | Fading of the Cries, The King of Queens |
| Danny Masterson | Steven Hyde | The Ranch |
Future Prospects for That ’90s Show
As for the future of That ’90s Show, Smith hinted in his farewell message that while Netflix will not be renewing the show, it could see new life on another platform. Historically, several shows with passionate fanbases have successfully transitioned from one network to another.
What Led to the Cancellation?
The primary reason for the cancellation appears to be low ratings during its second season. While the first season garnered interest due to its connections to the original series, sustaining viewer engagement proved challenging. The competitive landscape of streaming platforms and changing audience preferences may also have played a role.
Nostalgia in Television: A Double-Edged Sword
Spinoff shows like That ’90s Show often ride the wave of nostalgia, attempting to capture the charm and humor of the original series. However, they also face significant challenges, including:
- Expectations: Viewers hold high expectations based on their fond memories of the original.
- Character Development: Balancing new storylines while maintaining the essence of beloved characters can be difficult.
- Changing Audiences: Today’s viewers may not resonate with the themes or humor of past decades.
Conclusion
While That ’90s Show has officially come to an end on Netflix, the impact of its predecessor and the connection to a beloved era of television will be cherished by fans. The memories created by characters like Red and Kitty Forman will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
