Debra Jo Rupp And Kurtwood Smith 'Didn't Need Convincing' To Take Part In That '90s Show
In the event you've missed hanging out down the street, while doing the same old things you did last week, then Netflix has you covered with "That '90s Show," a sequel show to the hit sitcom "That '70s Show," which itself premiered in the '90s. Seeing as "Fuller House" was a hit for the streaming giant, it makes sense that it would want to try its hand at reviving another beloved series. But where "Fuller House" made sure to bring in all of the original cast members in lead roles, "That '90s Show" takes a bit of a different approach.
Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Wilmer Valderama are featured in the show, but largely as guest appearances. You won't be seeing Danny Masterson, however, as he's currently on trial for multiple counts of rape. "That '90s Show" will instead feature Callie Haverda as Leia, the daughter of Eric and Donna, as she hangs out at the Forman household for the summer with her new friends in Point Place.
"That '70s Show" is such a comfort watch for me, in addition to being one of the funniest sitcoms of its time. The trailer for the new series leaves a lot to be desired, as most of the characters people fell in love with are absent. That's partly why the short-lived spin-off "That '80s Show" barely lasted a season. I'm rooting for the new blood to make a memorable impression though once we get to see more of their personalities.
If there's one thing that has me cautiously optimistic, it's the return of Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith. Not only are they back as series regulars, but the acting pair have also signed on as executive producers.
'If you're there, we're there.'
According to a report from Variety, series co-creator Bonnie Turner ensured that Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith were onboard from the start:
"They didn't need convincing for a second [...] They both said separately: 'If you're there, we're there.' They read the scripts and were very valuable in talking to us about how Red and Kitty have aged and maybe they're like this."
"That '90s Show" writer Lindsey Turner also talked about how it was vital in the development stages to consult them about how Kitty and Red may have adjusted since we last saw them. "Part of the reason that we knew we were doing good, was those conversations were funny, and nuanced and interesting," Turner explained.
It's definitely great to have Rupp and Smith back because without them running the Forman house as the series' home base, you'd have to wonder what the point of all this was, besides the obvious payday. The teaser doesn't give you much to go off of, but one thing's for sure, it looks like they've slipped right back into their roles as if the show ended yesterday. Even though the Forman couple is watching over their granddaughter, it's probably going to take some time for them to get used to being parental figures again. But as it goes, Red appears well and ready to put a foot up someone's ass if they're out of line.
It's going to be difficult for "That '90s Show" to capture the same authenticity without the tremendous ensemble its previous series accumulated, but I'm willing to give it a fair shake.
Every episode of "That '90s Show" will be available to stream on Netflix starting January 19, 2023.