Netflix Cancels 'That '90s Show' After Two Seasons: Here's What Happened

Netflix has officially canceled That '90s Show, the sequel to the beloved sitcom That '70s Show, after just two seasons. Despite the initial nostalgia-fueled excitement when the series debuted in early 2023, it seems the show struggled to maintain the momentum needed to secure a third season.

Reasons Behind the Cancellation

Multiple factors likely contributed to the decision to cancel That '90s Show. While the first season garnered decent viewership numbers, the second season reportedly failed to attract the same level of audience interest. Ratings and viewership numbers are critical factors in determining a show’s future on streaming platforms like Netflix, and the dip in performance may have been a key reason for its cancellation.

Additionally, critical reception of That '90s Show was mixed. While many praised its nostalgic nods to the original series, some critics and viewers felt that it lacked the same charm and originality as its predecessor. The show struggled to step out of the shadow of That '70s Show, and failed to connect with both new viewers and long-time fans of the original.

Mixed Reception and Viewer Engagement

That '90s Show attempted to recapture the magic of the original series by bringing back several of the original cast members, such as Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, who reprised their roles as Red and Kitty Forman. The series centered around Leia, the daughter of Eric and Donna, as she spent the summer with her grandparents and made friends in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin.

However, despite the familiar faces and nostalgic setting, the show did not manage to replicate the cultural impact of its predecessor. According to reports, the show received lukewarm critical reviews, and while some praised the new cast and writing, others criticized the show for being too reliant on the past without offering enough fresh material to stand on its own.

Viewership trends for the second season dropped compared to the first, which might have further cemented Netflix’s decision to cancel the show. In the fast-paced world of streaming, if a show fails to maintain its initial success, it often faces an early end.

The Legacy of That '70s Show

That '90s Show was always going to face the challenge of living up to the enduring legacy of That '70s Show, which aired for eight seasons between 1998 and 2006. The original series helped launch the careers of several actors, including Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Topher Grace, and it remains a fan-favorite for its witty humor and depiction of teenage life in the 1970s.

While That '90s Show capitalized on this legacy with guest appearances from many of the original cast members, including Wilmer Valderrama and Laura Prepon, it struggled to balance nostalgia with the need to create new stories and characters that resonated with a modern audience.

What's Next for the Cast and Crew?

With the cancellation of That '90s Show, fans may be wondering what’s next for its cast and crew. Many of the actors involved in the series are expected to pursue other projects in television and film. Meanwhile, the cancellation leaves open the question of whether there could be any future spinoffs or reboots of That '70s Show in the future.

While That '90s Show may not have lasted as long as its predecessor, its attempt to bring the spirit of That '70s Show into a new era is part of a larger trend of nostalgic revivals. Time will tell if another network or platform picks up the That '70s Show legacy in the future, but for now, fans will have to say goodbye to Point Place once again.