Netflix cancels That 90s Show after two seasons, according to actor Kurtwood Smith.

Netflix has opted not to produce any episodes of That 90s Show, the sequel to the famous That 70s Show.

The cancellation comes just over a month after Part 3’s publication on August 22, 2024, bringing the series to a stop after two seasons.

Kurtwood Smith, who stars in the series, verified the news on Instagram. Smith, who reprised his iconic role as Red Forman, offered gratitude to the show’s faithful following, stating, “I know you’ve been asking me when season 3 is coming, but I have bad news: Netflix will not be renewing.”

He thanks the audience for their support, which he has not only been through his own personal contact but also globally through social networking sites.

I have loved every minute of getting to bring Grandpa Red to life for you all. This show had so much heart behind it and the most wonderful cast, writers, directors, producers, and crew an actor could hope to work with.”

He ended his message on a positive note, stealing a line from his character, Red Forman, to declare, “We aren’t going to be dumbasses, we will shop the show, because good grandparents would try hard to get these kids graduated from high school.”

That ’90s Show took the same nostalgia revival concept that Fuller House did: it revived a classic multi-cam sitcom by bringing back some of its original cast members, along with a new, younger generation.

Of course, the role of Red Forman was reprised by Kurtwood Smith and his wife Kitty was played by Debra Jo Rupp, now the grandparents of this fresh crop of teenagers.

The episode took place in the summer of 1995, when the Formans’ granddaughter and her friends navigated the ups and downs of growing up while being watched over by Red and Kitty.

That 90s Show’s 10-episode first season, or Part 1, was well-received, with guest appearances by original That 70s Show actors such as Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama.

The show was renewed for a second season, which will consist of 16 episodes divided into two parts: Part 2 and Part 3

In an unexpected twist for fans of That ’90s Show, Netflix has officially chosen to discontinue the nostalgic comedy after only two seasons. Kurtwood Smith, who played the popular character Red Forman, verified the news on social media, much to the disappointment of the show’s devoted followers.

The sitcom, which tried to recreate the enchantment of its predecessor That ’70s Show, portrayed a new generation of teenagers growing up in the 1990s, with many nods to the adored original.

The Rise of That 90’s Show
That ’90s Show premiered on Netflix in January 2023 and is set in the same fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, as its predecessor. The show was created as a spin-off of That ’70s Show, which became a cult favorite during its eight-season run from 1998 to 2006.

It resumed years later, with a new group of youngsters dealing with the ups and downs of adolescence, while the original series’ stars made guest appearances throughout.

Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp, who played Red and Kitty Forman, returned as Eric’s cranky but charming parents and were now grandparents on That ’90s Show.

While the new program didn’t quite achieve the same heights as its predecessor, it did have decent viewership and a nice review, particularly among fans of the previous series who appreciated the nostalgic references and cameos from the old cast.

The first season consisted of ten episodes, and a second season is reportedly scheduled for a summer 2024 premiere. From an early hype stage where the spin-off seemed to raise expectations pretty high, it would appear that it could not sustain the momentum, hence Netflix’s decision to cancel it.

Why Was That 90s Show Cancelled?
Though Netflix has not issued an official statement explaining the reasons for the cancelation, a number of things may have contributed to its demise. One big explanation could be the lofty expectations created by That ’70s Show.

With a devoted fan base, many fans hoped that the spinoff would capture the original’s enchantment, humor, and companionship. Despite a terrific cast and efforts to combine old and new ideas, That ’90s Show struggled to break out on its own.

Another might be the view count. The first season was decent, but all’s interest may have been waning while waiting for the second season. Netflix–with its data-first mentality–may well have ruled that enough is enough. The series wasn’t drumming up a boatload of new subscribers or retaining existing ones.

Furthermore, a shift in audience preferences may have had an impact. While nostalgic reboots and spinoffs can pique people’s curiosity at first, they often struggle to sustain long-term appeal, especially if they don’t provide anything new in addition to nostalgia.

Kurtwood Smith’s confirmation
Kurtwood Smith, who portrayed the beloved Red Forman in both That ’70s Show and That ’90s Show, confirmed the cancellation via social media. In an emotional statement, he thanked the fans for their constant support and praised his castmates and crew.

Smith commented, “It’s been a thrilling adventure bringing Red back to life in That ’90s Show, but all good things must come to an end. Thank you to everyone who watched, laughed, and joined us for the voyage. “We had a great time.

Smith’s performance of Red Forman, the no-nonsense, sarcastic father figure, was one of the original series’ strengths, and it was a big draw for viewers in the spinoff as well. His ability to administer harsh love while remaining humorous earned him a loyal following.

His return to the Forman household in That ’90s Show, alongside Debra Jo Rupp’s Kitty, was one of the show’s most anticipated parts.

The Legacy of That 90’s Show
Even though it couldn’t be as popular as That ’70s Show, that did not impede that That ’90s Show at least had an identity for itself, particularly for the new generation of people who did not know the original show.

It was also a generation change, giving older fans a chance to embrace the returning major characters, like Red and Kitty, and also the expected cameo by some of the original cast members, like Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis.

The focus by the show on the 1990s also presented a hilarious part of it, including references to the popular culture, technology, and fashion from the time. For many viewers, it represented a walk down memory lane, while for younger viewers, it represented a light insight into a decade that would precede the coming-of-age years of its players.

That ’90s Show will remain a part of the broader That ’70s Show universe, and the series will most certainly find a place in Netflix’s repertoire as a soothing, nostalgia-filled binge-watch for years to come.

What’s Next for the Cast?
The cancellation raises important questions on what is in the future for the outstanding ensemble, especially for Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp. All of these performers have a long successful career behind them, and their performances in the spinoff earned them much recognition.

As the spinoff will be going on with some of the younger cast members, including Callie Haverda as Eric and Donna’s daughter Leia Forman, there will be some new projects that will be in store for the cast.

Haverda received critical acclaim for bringing to life Leia and gave a fresh vibe to the role while maintaining the feel of That ’70s Show’s tradition alive.

Fans would surely be on the edge of their seats to know what will happen with Kurtwood Smith once again, if this one again is another prime TV show role or film piece. With Red Forman stuck in everybody’s minds, he can bet that his followers will look up to whatever path he would pursue.

Conclusion

Most viewers feel mixed feelings toward That ’90s Show, given the axe after two seasons. While some people are sad over the end of the spin-off, others might feel that it did not bring back the magic of the classic.

In any event, there will always be historic memories of That ’70s Show and a rather brief but memorable run of That ’90s Show for fans who spent their childhood with those iconic characters.