Why That ’90s Show Was Canceled: Inside Netflix’s Decision to End the Spinoff After Two Seasons
The world of television is always evolving, with shows coming and going as networks and streaming services adjust their lineups. One recent casualty of this constant churn is That ’90s Show, a spinoff of the beloved That ’70s Show. After just two seasons, Netflix decided to cancel the series, leaving fans and cast members alike wondering why the spinoff met such an early end. However, not all hope is lost—according to Kurtwood Smith, who reprised his role as Red Forman in the spinoff, there may still be a future for the show as they look to shop it to other networks.
In this post, we’ll break down the reasons behind That ’90s Show’s cancellation, what Kurtwood Smith has said about the show’s future, and how the cast reacted to the news. We’ll also dive into the season 2 finale and explore whether the series has any chance of survival beyond Netflix.
Why Was That ’90s Show Canceled?
The cancellation of That ’90s Show came as a surprise to many, given the nostalgic appeal and loyal fanbase it inherited from That ’70s Show. When That ’90s Show was first released, it quickly climbed Netflix’s charts, bolstered by the return of iconic characters like Red and Kitty Forman. However, by the time the second season concluded, Netflix made the difficult decision to cancel the series. This has left fans asking: Why did Netflix cancel That ’90s Show?
According to industry insiders, several factors contributed to the cancellation:
- Declining Viewership: While That ’90s Show started strong, viewership numbers reportedly dropped significantly after the initial nostalgia wore off. Netflix tends to prioritize shows with consistent or growing viewership, and That ’90s Show struggled to maintain its audience over time.
- Mixed Reviews: Although some fans appreciated the return to Point Place and the familiar format, critics were less kind. The show struggled to find its own identity, with some feeling that it relied too heavily on callbacks to the original That ’70s Show instead of building something new.
- High Production Costs: Maintaining a sitcom with a large ensemble cast—especially one that brought back original stars—can be expensive. Netflix likely evaluated the show’s cost relative to its performance and concluded that it wasn’t justifying its expense(Bleeding Cool News)(Wikipedia).
Despite these challenges, the show’s cancellation hasn’t stopped speculation about what could have been if the series had more time to develop. Fans continue to debate whether the show could have hit its stride with additional seasons, but Netflix ultimately decided it wasn’t worth the investment.
Kurtwood Smith’s Response: Could That ’90s Show Find a New Home?
After the announcement of the cancellation, Kurtwood Smith, who portrayed the iconic Red Forman, made headlines with a hopeful statement: “We will shop the show.” This comment immediately sparked discussions about whether That ’90s Show could find a second life on another network or streaming platform. This strategy isn’t unheard of; many canceled shows have been revived on different platforms due to fan demand, with notable examples like Lucifer and Brooklyn Nine-Nine finding success post-cancellation.
Will That ’90s Show be shopped to other networks? According to Smith, the producers and cast are optimistic that another network or streaming service might see potential in continuing the series. The show’s built-in fanbase and strong nostalgic appeal could make it an attractive option for networks looking to boost their lineup with a recognizable property(Wikipedia).
Additionally, the show’s cast, which includes new faces alongside returning favorites, could appeal to a younger demographic, making it a viable contender for platforms like Hulu, Peacock, or even Paramount+.
How the Cast Reacted to the Cancellation
The cancellation of That ’90s Show hit the cast hard, especially considering the high hopes surrounding the project. Several cast members took to social media to share their disappointment and thank fans for their support.
Key cast reactions:
- Callie Haverda, who played Leia Forman, expressed gratitude for her time on the show and for the fans who embraced her character. “Playing Leia has been a dream come true, and I’ll always cherish the memories,” she wrote on Instagram, adding that she hopes the show finds a new home(Wikipedia).
- Ashley Aufderheide, who played Gwen, was equally emotional about the cancellation but hinted at future opportunities for the cast to reunite in other projects.
- Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, the returning stars who reprised their roles as Red and Kitty Forman, were vocal about their love for the characters and the joy of returning to the That ’70s Show universe. Smith’s statement about shopping the show suggests that the cast isn’t ready to say goodbye just yet(Wikipedia).
The support from fans has been overwhelming, with many calling for a revival or urging streaming services to pick up the show for additional seasons. Whether that will happen remains to be seen, but the cast’s dedication and fan enthusiasm are certainly encouraging.
That ’90s Show Season 2 Finale: Was It a Fitting Conclusion?
The season 2 finale of That ’90s Show left viewers with more questions than answers, especially after Netflix announced the show’s cancellation. Titled “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” the finale centered on Leia’s decision to stay in Point Place, setting up what could have been an interesting storyline for a potential third season. However, with the show’s abrupt end, fans were left wondering what could have been.
Key moments from the season 2 finale:
- Leia’s choice to remain in Point Place created tension between her and her parents, Eric and Donna, who had made plans to move to California.
- The teen cast participated in their traditional “night before school” adventure, which was a nod to the original gang’s rooftop scenes from That ’70s Show.
- Ozzie and Nikki’s growing relationship also hinted at storylines that would have developed in a third season.
Ultimately, while the season 2 finale wrapped up certain storylines, it also left enough open to suggest that the writers had more planned for these characters. Whether or not fans will get the chance to see those plans come to fruition depends on whether the show can find a new home(Wikipedia).
Is There Still Hope for That ’90s Show?
Despite the cancellation, That ’90s Show isn’t entirely dead. The showrunners, producers, and cast are optimistic about the possibility of the series being revived by another network or platform. Given the continued demand for nostalgic content, there’s always a chance that a service like Hulu or Peacock could pick it up and give it the time it needs to grow.
In the meantime, fans of the show can revisit the original That ’70s Show on streaming platforms and continue to show their support for That ’90s Show online. The more buzz there is surrounding the series, the better its chances of being revived.
The Future of That ’90s Show
While Netflix’s cancellation of That ’90s Show after two seasons disappointed many, it doesn’t necessarily spell the end for the beloved spinoff. With Kurtwood Smith and the showrunners actively seeking a new home for the series, there’s still hope that the adventures in Point Place will continue. Whether or not another network picks up the series remains to be seen, but the cast, crew, and fans aren’t ready to give up just yet.
If That ’90s Show does find a new home, it will join the ranks of other successful revivals that found second chances post-cancellation. Until then, fans can hold out hope that the series will get another shot to prove itself.
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