That '90s Show

Well it wasn't actually bad. But sadly it survived only with the help of the old cast, without them it would of been quite a disappointment.

The new cast of kids was not really that bad, but it was not good either. The main character was bland and unfunny as a bag of stones. The needed character to be politically correct seemed to be from the future not from the '90s. And now we basicly have two Kelsos - one good looking and one that plays football or something. I didn't really get the point of the footballers girlfriend, why is she even there?

But the biggest problem I had with the show, was the really confusing and strange '90s world they made up. In 1995 I was 15 just like these kids are and I can't recognize this version of the time. It's just not right at all.

This show has it all. Diversity, 15 years old strong feminists, Winnie the Pooh, canned laughs, walking ad for plastic surgeries gone wrong, bad actors and all the other typical Netflix things. What it doesn't have is soul, jokes or anything 90' related. I watched 5 episodes and haven't laughed once, not even a giggle. I gave the show 2 stars; 1 for Red and Kitty and 1 for old characters cameos, everything else isn't worth a star.

The kids should all be replaced by real professionals or ditched all together. Bring the old crew back and make the show about them, their lives in the 90'. It would be far more interesting than this thing, whatever this is.

Very disappointed. It seems that fear dominates hollywood comedy writers rather than the fun bone!

Not edgy at all, not realistic even! These are not kids from the 90s. They think it's the 90s just because they show the mall and blockbusters every once in a while... The gay kid is accepted by all with no conflict, and it was not that way back then. There were real struggles.

These are stereotypes of nowadays (2020s) teenagers with colorful clothes, that's all.

The old actors do a good job, but since it is about the kids rather than getting few laughs from the fans of That's 70s Show, it is very disappointing.

These writers dare not write comedy anymore: shameful display.

I don't think it's bad, the original characters are great as expected. The younger cast needs to spend time researching actual 90s angst because none of them have it. Also, mostly everyone looks like they're wearing costumes and not authentically living 90s. For the younger cast they should either recast, build their skills up, or introduce better characters. Even the comedic delivery doesn't hit, like I don't know if this is their first time but it comes off awkwardly. The best of the new cast is the mother neighbor, she's really good and confident in her role. I hope Netflix really tries to fix some of these things because if they don't I can't see this lasting more than two seasons.

I cannot decide who this show is for, Gen Z or fans of the original That '70s Show? The writing almost feels like a Gen Z interpretation of what the 90's was like. A 14 year old girl going to a rave? I was a teenager in Miami in the 90's and 14 year olds did not go to raves. There is a lot of unrealistic modernization about this show, including a rebellious 15 year old feminist preaching pay gaps and a gay 15 year old who is "out" in rural Wisconsin. Despite the pandering, this show actually scores lowest with Gen Z reviewers. In fact, it is getting annihilated by the very demographic it feels like it is catered to.

The casting is odd. Lead character Leia, played by Callie Haverda, has the mannerism and acting style of a prototypical Disney show actress. Nikki, played by Sam Morelos, is far and away the absolute best actor, nevermind her character is the most intriguing of the bunch. Unfortunately with just ten 20 minute episodes in the season, Nikki never gets the chance to shine, being merely a sexual accessory for Nate's character half the show. In fact, none of the supporting cast really does. By the time it feels like you are getting to know the new characters the season is over.

The show leans heavily on return characters Red and Kitty, using them to deliver the bulk of the corny, dry, punchline humor we remember. I will say the show does have its moments, where there is good humor to be found.

Let's be clear: I do not 'hate' the new show, and I fully anticipated the bait and switch trailer (that original characters would merely be cameos), but I am perplexed by the show's direction. It wants it both ways. It tries too hard to be a modernized interpretation of the 90s, yet it wants to pick and choose how much of the original show to copy. Most importantly, it never lets it's characters have any meaningful story.

If there is a second season, I will definitely watch. I just hope next time I can get to know the cast better...