That 90s Show picks up years after the events of That ’70s Show, focusing on Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, who spends the summer of 1995 with her grandparents, Red and Kitty Forman, in Point Place, Wisconsin. As Leia forms her own group of friends, the series revisits the familiar basement where many of the original show’s classic moments took place. With the same humor and heart that made That ’70s Show a hit, That 90s Show blends the old with the new, offering fans both a nostalgic trip and a fresh storyline.
Table of Contents
Introduction
That 90s Show brings a new wave of nostalgia to fans of the iconic That ’70s Show, offering a fresh take on the beloved series while introducing a new generation of characters. Set in the mid-1990s, the series centers around the next generation of Point Place teenagers as they navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, just as their parents did decades before. With returning fan-favorite characters from the original series and a new cast of teens, That ‘0s Show is a fun, heartwarming, and hilarious journey back to the decade of grunge, the internet’s rise, and VHS tapes.
Production
That ’90s Show is produced by The Carsey-Werner Company, the same production company behind the original That ’70s Show. The series is led by showrunner Gregg Mettler, who has a deep understanding of the original show’s legacy and brings his expertise to ensure a seamless continuation. The production team also includes original creators Bonnie and Terry Turner, along with their daughter Lindsey Turner, ensuring that the spirit of the original series is preserved while introducing fresh elements. Additionally, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith are involved as producers, bringing both creative and nostalgic continuity to the new series.
Direction
Laura Prepon, who famously portrayed Donna Pinciotti in That ’70s Show, stepped behind the camera to direct the final two episodes of That ’90s Show. In these pivotal episodes, Prepon guided the storyline of Leia Forman’s move from Wisconsin to Chicago, bringing her unique perspective as both a former cast member and director. Her return also featured the reappearance of Jim Rash as Fenton, Fez’s long-time nemesis, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans. Prepon’s directing skills received high praise from the cast and crew, with Debra Jo Rupp expressing her admiration by stating, “I would work with Laura Prepon as the director anytime.
Main Cast Full Details for “That ’90s Show”
1. Ashley Aufderheide as Gwen Runck
- Background: Ashley Aufderheide plays Gwen Runck, a rebellious and free-spirited teenager who becomes best friends with Leia Forman. Gwen embodies the ’90s punk rock attitude, bringing energy and a bit of an edge to the new group of Point Place teens. As the de facto leader of the group, Gwen’s influence on her friends is undeniable, and she often finds herself leading them into various adventures and mischief.
2. Debra Jo Rupp as Kitty Forman
- Background: Debra Jo Rupp reprises her beloved role as Kitty Forman, the warm, nurturing, and sometimes overbearing grandmother who is thrilled to have her granddaughter Leia stay for the summer. Kitty’s infectious laughter, quirky personality, and loving nature remain central to the heart of the series. Her kitchen remains the hub of the home, where she offers advice and cookies to the new generation of teens.
3. Mace Coronel as Jay Kelso
- Background: Mace Coronel portrays Jay Kelso, the charming and laid-back son of Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart. Like his father, Jay is a bit of a goofball with a magnetic personality that makes him popular among his peers. Jay’s budding romance with Leia Forman adds a layer of nostalgia for fans of the original series, as it echoes the dynamics of his parents’ relationship.
4. Maxwell Acee Donovan as Nate
- Background: Maxwell Acee Donovan plays Nate, a lovable and loyal friend who brings a lot of heart to the group. Nate is dating Nikki, and their relationship provides some of the show’s comedic and tender moments. With his easygoing nature and close bond with his sister Gwen, Nate often finds himself in the middle of the group’s antics.
5. Reyn Doi as Ozzie
- Background: Reyn Doi portrays Ozzie, the sarcastic and witty member of the new Point Place crew. Ozzie’s sharp tongue and quick one-liners make him a standout character, adding a fresh dose of humor to the show. Despite his often cynical outlook, Ozzie is deeply loyal to his friends and provides much-needed comic relief in tense situations.
6. Sam Morelos as Nikki
- Background: Sam Morelos plays Nikki, Nate’s smart and driven girlfriend. Nikki is academically inclined and often finds herself balancing her studies with the group’s adventures. Her relationship with Nate is central to her character arc, and she often serves as the voice of reason among the teens.
7. Callie Haverda as Leia Forman
- Background: Callie Haverda stars as Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti. Leia spends the summer with her grandparents, Red and Kitty, in Point Place. Curious, kind-hearted, and eager to make new friends, Leia quickly forms a bond with the local teens. Her character serves as the bridge between the original series and the new generation, as she embarks on her own journey of self-discovery.
8. Kurtwood Smith as Red Forman
- Background: Kurtwood Smith reprises his iconic role as Red Forman, Leia’s gruff yet caring grandfather. Known for his tough-love approach and famous “foot-in-your-ass” threats, Red continues to be the no-nonsense head of the Forman household. His interactions with the new generation of teens, especially Leia, bring a mix of humor and heartfelt moments to the series.
9. Topher Grace as Eric Forman (Guest Appearance)
- Background: Topher Grace returns as Eric Forman, now a father to Leia. Eric’s quirky personality and nerdy charm are still intact, and his dynamic with his daughter provides a nostalgic link to the original series. His appearances are filled with moments that remind fans of the humor and warmth that made Eric a beloved character.
10. Laura Prepon as Donna Pinciotti (Guest Appearance)
- Background: Laura Prepon reprises her role as Donna, Leia’s mother and Eric’s wife. Donna’s strong, independent personality continues to shine as she navigates parenthood. Her advice and interactions with Leia offer a new perspective on her character, showing how she has evolved since her teenage years in Point Place.
11. Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso (Guest Appearance)
- Background: Ashton Kutcher makes a guest appearance as Michael Kelso, the lovable but dim-witted father of Jay Kelso. Known for his goofy antics and comedic timing, Kelso’s return brings plenty of laughs, especially as he reflects on his own teenage years in Point Place.
12. Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart (Guest Appearance)
- Background: Mila Kunis returns as Jackie Burkhart, now the mother of Jay Kelso. Jackie’s fashionable and slightly vain personality is still present, though she has matured as a parent. Her interactions with her son Jay and the other teens bring a sense of continuity and fun to the show.
13. Andrea Anders as Sherri
- Background: Andrea Anders plays Sherri, the Forman’s neighbor and Gwen and Nate’s single mother. Sherri adds a new adult perspective to the show, providing both comedic and serious moments as she navigates life in Point Place.
14. Wilmer Valderrama as Fez (Guest Appearance)
- Background: Wilmer Valderrama reprises his role as Fez, the quirky and lovable character who was a fan favorite in the original series. Fez’s return provides a nostalgic link to the past, with his humorous and e ccentric personality still shining through in his interactions with the new generation.
Direction
Laura Prepon, who famously portrayed Donna Pinciotti in That ’70s Show, stepped behind the camera to direct the final two episodes of That ’90s Show. In these pivotal episodes, Prepon guided the storyline of Leia Forman’s move from Wisconsin to Chicago, bringing her unique perspective as both a former cast member and director. Her return also featured the reappearance of Jim Rash as Fenton, Fez’s long-time nemesis, adding a layer of nostalgia for fans. Prepon’s directing skills received high praise from the cast and crew, with Debra Jo Rupp expressing her admiration by stating, “I would work with Laura Prepon as the director anytime.
Director of That ’90s Show
That ’90s Show is directed by Gail Mancuso, an Emmy Award-winning director known for her work on Modern Family and Friends. Mancuso brings her expertise in sitcoms to the series, skillfully blending nostalgia with fresh humor, ensuring the new generation of Point Place teens resonates with both old and new fans.
Release date
That ’90s Show is set to premiere on Netflix on August 22, 2024. Fans can look forward to revisiting Point Place with new adventures and familiar faces as the series returns.
Overall Review
That ’90s Show promises to be a delightful continuation of the beloved That ’70s Show legacy. With a mix of returning characters and new faces, the series is poised to deliver the same charm, humor, and warmth that made the original a hit. Whether you’re a fan of the original series or new to Point Place, That ’90s Show offers something for everyone.
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