Netflix’s ‘That ‘90s Show’ Is Surprisingly Worth Your Time

I have been deeply skeptical of Netflix’s comedic ambitions ever since I watched the first five minutes of Blockbuster, which I fear have scarred me for life.

I had similar trepidations about That ‘90s Show, which on the surface, felt like an ill-conceived cash-in of something that was once beloved but has been off the air since 2006. It didn’t end particularly well at that, and apparently, they already tried to make a That ‘80s Show that was so terrible it was buried so deep I never heard of it at all until this week.

That does not seem like a great recipe for a Netflix-revived That ‘90s Show and yet…it works?

Believe me, I’m as surprised as anyone, as a reboot like this plus the archaic format of a laugh track/live audience does not seem like it should be endearing. But I quite like That ‘90s Show, its new group of kids and the return of the ageless Red and Kitty Foreman.

The cameos help, of course, as literally everyone returns at one point or another minus Danny Masterson, the scientologist that has been on trial for rape after being charged in 2020. Thankfully, the less problematic cast all returned in some form or another, and it was great to see them again. I also think the show nailed the casting of Eric and Donna’s daughter, Leia, who takes the spotlight this time around.

I will say you probably have to have some sort of connection to That ‘70s Show in order to appreciate That ‘90s Show, or else the cameos, the running jokes and even the entire format will probably be lost on you. It feels unlikely that this will appeal to anyone outside of fans of the original in some great capacity, but That ‘70s Show was big enough where that’s still a sizable group of people, as we’ve already seen the show debut at #1 in the US.

To be fair, I am a sucker for stuff like this if it’s handled remotely correctly. I even liked Netflix’s Fuller House reboot, which is what this show sort of feels like it’s trying to echo. And you know Netflix loves a show with high viewership that can be cheaply produced using a grand total of like, three static sitcom sets. Fuller House, believe it or not, ran for five seasons and 75 episodes. I do not think it is out of the question to imagine That ‘90s Show could do this same, given the factors at play here. Believe me, even the cancel-happy Netflix will be unable to resist a show this cheap performing this well, with the bonus of decently solid critic and audience reviews at that.

It’s fun! It’s certainly not going to make any Top 20 Shows of the Year lists, but it’s a nostalgic flashback that accomplishes what it sets out to, and there are certainly worse ways to spend five hours on streaming services. Give it a shot, even if you were skeptical.

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