That '90s Show

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...

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.

That '70s Show is one of my all-time favorites. I've seen it so many times that I basically have it memorized. I still watch it to this day. It was super edgy, boundary-pushing, and most importantly, hilarious.

That '90s Show is trying to capture the same formula, but without any sort of edge. The humor is multiple steps down. I laughed a few times per episode. And with only 10 episodes, they rush through a bunch of unearned and unnecessary drama.

It's not all bad and I did find some enjoyment from it. I think they once again did a great job with the casting, especially the lead. I think she could carry the show in the same way Topher Grace did... if it was better. I like most of the characters with my favorite being the dumb one (brella. Rofl).

But the worst part for me was two characters I could not stand. The lesser is the annoying neighbor lady. She seems to be analogous to Bob and Midge, the ones who would interact with Kitty and Red. But that character doesn't hold a candle to the hilarious Pinciotti's.

The character Ozzie has to be one of the worst and most annoying characters I can remember. All he does is give sassy and sarcastic one-liners. Every one of them made me cringe or roll my eyes. EVERY ONE. This is the lowest form of comedy writing.

It's probably just nostalgia, but I may check out a second season and hope that they can do better. Funnier jokes, more edge, and not so Netflixified (meaning general low quality all around). (1 viewing, 1/26/2023)

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.

Well today I binge watched the whole first series and I thought it was okay and yes just okay.

Being a big fan of the original series I thought I would give this series a serious go and watch the whole first season before embarking on a review.

A lot of the stories have come from the original series such as the first episode was about a keg which was done in the original series, there are many more points that you will notice this throughout the new show.

Now seeing the original cast in this series was a blessing in disguise because if it wasn't for them this show would dive right down the toilet.

The new cast are okay but the acting feels very much forced and it seems as if they're trying to hard to get laughs, which is a letdown.

It's great to see an old cast member in practically every episode and this helps the show.

When it comes down to it if it wasn't for the original cast this show would bomb. They make it. Maybe they should have made a new series with just the original cast in it, who knows, will I watch another season? Only if the original cast are in it.

Watch this for the original cast, they make it.