After much anticipation and nostalgia-driven excitement, Netflix has officially pulled the plug on That ’90s Show, the spin-off of the beloved sitcom That ’70s Show. The news comes after two seasons of the series, which was meant to recapture the magic of its predecessor by bringing back original cast members and introducing a new generation of Point Place teenagers.
That ’90s Show followed Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), the daughter of Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), as she spent the summer of 1995 with her grandparents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp). The series balanced nostalgia with fresh humor, reuniting fans with their favorite That ’70s Show characters while showcasing a new group of friends navigating the era of flannel shirts, grunge music, and dial-up internet.
Despite solid initial viewership and a strong fan base, That ’90s Show struggled to maintain the momentum of the original. While many praised the performances of Smith and Rupp, as well as the nostalgic cameos from Grace, Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama, the show failed to resonate deeply with a broader audience. Critics noted that the new teenage cast lacked the same chemistry as their That ’70s Show counterparts.
Though Netflix has not provided a detailed reason for the cancellation, it’s speculated that declining viewership and mixed reviews played a role. Fans of both series are left disappointed by the news, with many hoping to see more reunions or spin-offs of their favorite characters in the future. For now, That ’90s Show will remain a nostalgic footnote, much like the decade it aimed to celebrate.