Introduction:
The much-anticipated return of That ’90s Show, a continuation of the beloved That ’70s Show, has sadly come to an end after just two seasons. According to a heartfelt announcement by Kurtwood Smith, who played the iconic Red Forman, the show will not be renewed for a third season on Netflix. The star broke the news on his Instagram account, leaving fans across the world disappointed but appreciative of the journey.
In this article, we will dive into the details of the show’s cancellation, the reactions from the cast, and what this means for the future of the That ’70s Show universe.
Why ‘That ’90s Show’ Won’t Get a Third Season:
After a successful run of two seasons, That ’90s Show seemed poised to carry on the legacy of its predecessor. However, as Kurtwood Smith revealed on social media, Netflix has decided not to renew the show. While the streaming giant has not provided an official reason for the cancellation, speculation suggests that the show may not have achieved the audience retention numbers required to justify a third season.
The show’s star, Smith, addressed fans directly in his post, saying:
“I know you have been asking me when season 3 is coming, but I have tough news…Netflix will not be renewing.”
This sentiment reflects the disappointment of many fans who had grown attached to the series and its unique blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives. Smith, who reprised his role as the ever-grumpy Red Forman, played a crucial part in the show’s success. His announcement has left a gap in the hearts of fans who were hoping to see more of their favorite characters return to Point Place.
Kurtwood Smith’s Emotional Goodbye to Fans:
In his emotional Instagram post, Kurtwood Smith took time to thank the fans who had supported the show over its two-season run. He acknowledged how much the series meant to him and the entire cast.
“I just want to take a minute to say THANK YOU to all of the fans everywhere who supported and watched the show,” he wrote.
Smith went on to express his deep gratitude for the interactions he’s had with fans from around the world, saying that their love for the show has been palpable in his everyday life. This outpouring of support was a testament to the enduring appeal of the Forman family and their world.
His mention of fans approaching him in random places or connecting through social media highlights the global reach and nostalgic pull of both That ’90s Show and the original That ’70s Show.
Cast Reactions: Bidding Farewell to Point Place Again:
The ensemble cast of That ’90s Show—which included Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty Forman), Callie Haverda (Leia Forman), and returning guest stars like Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher—each contributed to the series’ charm. While no other cast members have publicly commented on the cancellation, their performances spoke volumes about how much they loved revisiting the world of That ’70s Show.
Debra Jo Rupp, in particular, was a standout, reprising her role as the beloved Kitty Forman. Her chemistry with Smith was as strong as ever, bringing warmth and humor to the show. The cancellation feels like the closing of a cherished chapter for these actors, many of whom spent years portraying their characters.
A Strong Legacy: That ’70s Show vs. That ’90s Show
When That ’90s Show was first announced, fans of the original series were eager to see if the new show would live up to the high standards set by its predecessor. While That ’90s Show certainly had big shoes to fill, it succeeded in bringing together a delightful mix of nostalgia and new energy. The storyline, set 15 years after the original series, centered on Leia Forman—the daughter of Eric Forman (played by Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (played by Laura Prepon).
One of the highlights of the show was seeing the old cast members return for cameo appearances. Wilmer Valderrama reprised his role as Fez, and Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis returned as Kelso and Jackie, respectively. These moments thrilled fans of the original series and helped bridge the gap between generations.
Despite the show’s efforts to recapture the magic of That ’70s Show, That ’90s Show struggled to stand on its own in a competitive streaming landscape. With so many reboots and spin-offs being churned out, it’s possible that the show faced stiff competition for attention, which could have led to its cancellation.
Is There Still Hope for a Future Revival?
Though Netflix has pulled the plug on That ’90s Show, Kurtwood Smith hinted that this may not be the end of the road. In his Instagram post, he shared that the team might shop the show around to other networks or streaming services.
“To steal Red Forman’s words…we aren’t going to be dumbasses…we will shop the show, because good grandparents would try hard to get these kids graduated from high school.”
This message gives fans a glimmer of hope that That ’90s Show could find a new home elsewhere, allowing the story of the Forman family to continue.
With the show’s dedicated fanbase and the success of similar revivals, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another network pick up the show. However, only time will tell if this potential future will come to pass.
What the Cancellation Means for Netflix’s Original Programming Strategy:
Netflix has a reputation for canceling shows after just a few seasons, especially when they fail to meet internal performance metrics. In the case of That ’90s Show, it appears that the show did not perform as well as expected despite the nostalgia factor. This cancellation reflects a broader trend in Netflix’s content strategy, which often prioritizes shows that maintain high engagement and viewership over time.
Fans of That ’90s Show can take solace in the fact that the show made it to two seasons and brought a new generation of viewers into the world of That ’70s Show. Still, it serves as a reminder that even beloved properties are not immune to the realities of modern television.
Conclusion:
While fans may be saddened by the news that That ’90s Show won’t return for a third season, the legacy of both That ’90s Show and That ’70s Show lives on in the hearts of viewers. The cancellation is certainly disappointing, but the door may not be fully closed, as Kurtwood Smith’s comments suggest there is still hope for the show’s revival.
As we say goodbye to the Forman family once again, we can only hope that another opportunity arises for the characters we love to return to our screens.