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...

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.

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.

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.

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.