That 90’s Show: Worth a watch?

That 70s Show was a one of a kind, primetime moments– a show with the perfect casting and the right amount of nostalgic aesthetic to keep it at the top of the ratings for years. It has amassed a large following, refusing to leave the pop culture consciousness despite having left the air 17 years ago. Truly, it ranks among America’s most memorable sitcoms. As such, it is afforded some respect. So, when a reboot helmed by part of the original creative team behind the first show was announced, it was a surprisingly hefty bit of news for fans and critics alike. Rebooting a sitcom series is a notoriously hit or miss business.

However, That 90s Show seems to be at least a partial hit. Brimming with nostalgia from the opening moments, the returning cast still feels natural onscreen, slipping easily into roles that they haven’t inhabited in over a decade. Our basement dwelling gang have all become adults across the spectrum of adjustment, and Red and Kitty have become the grandparents they were always meant to be. In addition to long-standing cast members, there are a number of other cameos that longtime fans will appreciate, as well as a plethora of Easter eggs for the eagle-eyed fans.

The new cast of kids also stands out, having a chemistry between them all their own. These fresh faces carry the brunt of screen time, and they do so adroitly. Jokes between them mostly bounce off of each other naturally, and brief interactions with the returning characters don’t feel forced. Tonally, the kids feel familiar but new; their dynamic isn’t the exact same as That 70s Show, and that’s okay– it keeps the formula from feeling too similar to the original.

There are some clunky moments, of course. Quite frankly, the intro theme, which is a punk-pop reworking of the original, does not have the same charm as the original opening credits sequence. There are also times when characters feel forced into scenes just for a “hey, look who’s here moment,” but that’s to be expected– the first season of a television show is rarely perfect. It’s a time to find what works and what doesn’t, and That 90’s Show is off to an excellent start.