That '90s Show

So to state the obvious right away, the roles played by the original cast are great. In the original series they really captured lightning in a bottle and each member of the original cast who appeared in the show played their roles so well, it's hard to believe that it's been 2 and a half decades since they were originally cast.

The new cast members are the source of many viewers' gripes but I will say they're not all THAT bad. Kelso and Foreman's characters are actually quite good and they did give me the same vibes that their parents did - I really can't complain about the writing nor acting here. It's the rest of the new cast that are hit or miss. While they do have their moments, the acting at times feels wooden and many of the scenes, jokes, interactions and storylines feel quite forced to say the least.

And there we have what leads into the biggest problem that this show suffers from, with things being forced. You can probably guess what the cause is, but if not, here is your spoiler alert: It's woke culture. Where things go drastically wrong here is that there's a modern idea of political correctiveness inserted into a show that takes place in 1995. The result is the total loss of a genuine 90's feel. This doesn't fit right as the original cast brings an element of nostalgia which fails to be matched by the rest of the setting and cast. The lightning in a bottle which was captured in the original series is reduced to a few fireflies. While there are some good 90's references, some spot on haircuts and a few satisfying scenes here and there, it ultimately feels more like a modern day group of kids at a 90's themed party than anything else. And that just doesn't do the original the proper justice that it deserves, which is unfortunate.

I'd still rate this show somewhere around a 65-70 out of 100. The performances of Red and Kitty are more than worthwhile to watch and the rest of the original cast in their brief appearances pay off as needed but I'd be surprised if it's enough to merit a second season. I wouldn't mind seeing the new cast come back for round 2 but its not something I would be eagerly awaiting.

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.

First episode done. The original cast really does make the show. The jokes delivered are funny. When they switch to the young cast I thought "this feels really Disney channel humor." Just where everyone is a complete dummy and overacting to a 13. And how can you do two dumb jocks that can barely function?

I hope the characters find their groove and chill out a little. I have so much hope for this show. We need actual story lines too. Not just ridiculous over acting.

One more time- holy the old cast is so good. It has such potential to really come together. Don't cancel this show. It can work.

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.