That ‘90s Show – the Netflix-produced spinoff to the cult classic sitcom, That ‘70s Show – has been renewed for a second season. This announcement comes less than one month after the show’s January 19th Netflix premiere.
During its first week, That ‘90s Show sat comfortably in Netflix’s Top 10 English TV titles and accrued over 41 million hours watched. This success comes despite Netflix removing That ‘70s Show from its catalogue over two years prior.
That ‘90s Show’s first season follows Leia Forman (Callie Haverda), the daughter of ‘70s Show stars Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon), through the summer of 1995. Eric, still Star Wars-obsessed, wants Leia to attend space camp, but after meeting next-door neighbour Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide) and her friends, Leia begs to stay in Point Place with Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith). Naturally, a familiar time-killing chaos ensues, ripe with coming-of-age tropes and updated cultural references. Once the central disciplinary figures, Kitty and Red now serve as slightly more relaxed grandparents.
That ‘90s Show has plenty of nods to its predecessor, including guest appearances by most of the original cast. Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and Jackie (Mila Kunis) have a son, Jay (Mace Coronel), who becomes Leia’s main love interest, while Fez (Wilmer Valderrama), now a local salon owner, is dating Gwen’s mom Sherri (Andrea Anders). Grandpa Bob (Don Stark), local ‘burnout’ Leo (Tommy Chong), and Fenton (Jim Rash) also appear.
The spinoff owes its success to creators Bonnie and Terry Turner, who also co-created the original with writer Mark Brazill. Gail Mancuso – whose credits include Modern Family, Gilmore Girls, and 30 Rock – directed eight episodes, with Prepon directing the remaining two.
Season two, spread across 16 episodes, will follow Leia, her friends, and the Formans into 1996. Netflix has yet to announce a release date.
Words by Katie Kasperson
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