Netflix has confirmed the cancellation of “That ’90s Show”, leaving fans of the That ’70s Show spinoff fuming. The decision comes a little over a month after the release of Part 3, which debuted on August 22, 2024. Despite the show’s nostalgic appeal and its star-studded cast from the original series, Netflix decided to pull the plug due to underwhelming viewership numbers and poor performance in Netflix’s Top 10 charts.

What Led to the Cancellation?

The show followed a formula similar to “Fuller House”, a reboot of another iconic sitcom. The 10-episode first season of That ’90s Show debuted with several appearances from That ’70s Show stars like Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama, alongside newcomers like Callie Haverda and Ashley Aufderheide. Despite its nostalgic charm, the show struggled to capture enough attention. The second season was released in two parts, but after Part 2’s debut in June, the show only entered the Top 10 once with 1.8 million views.

By the time Part 3 premiered in August, the show failed to make any significant impact, with viewership under 1.9 million during its opening weekend, and declining further in subsequent weeks. This lack of engagement led to Netflix’s decision not to proceed with a third season.

Fan Reaction: A Show With “Heart” Gone Too Soon

The cancellation announcement was made by Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman), one of the original stars, via Instagram. In his emotional post, Smith expressed his disappointment, stating that the show had “so much heart” behind it and praised the cast and crew for their work. Smith also hinted that the show may be shopped to other networks, but given the complexities of Netflix’s cancellation policies, it remains unclear if a new home will be found.

Fans took to social media to express their frustration, especially since “That ’90s Show” offered a unique blend of nostalgic elements while trying to appeal to a younger audience with fresh storylines and new characters. Viewers also praised the show’s heartwarming portrayal of family and friendships, elements reminiscent of That ’70s Show.

Why Did “That ’90s Show” Fail?

There are several reasons the show might not have lived up to expectations:

Nostalgia Fatigue: While some original cast members returned, it may not have been enough to hook younger viewers who didn’t have the same connection to That ’70s Show.

Shifting Viewer Preferences: Sitcoms, especially multi-camera formats like this, have seen declining popularity on streaming platforms. Only a few Netflix comedies, like “The Ranch” and “Fuller House”, have achieved long-term success.

Competition: With Netflix constantly churning out new content, That ’90s Show was up against a crowded slate of new releases that may have overshadowed its second season.

Could Another Network Save “That ’90s Show”?

Although Carsey-Werner Company, the production company behind the series, could attempt to shop the show to other platforms, the options are limited. Netflix original series can only be sold to linear buyers, meaning traditional TV networks would need to pick up the series. The show could theoretically find a new home, as seen with Netflix’s One Day at a Time reboot, which was picked up by Pop TV after its cancellation. However, there’s no guarantee that That ’90s Show will follow a similar path.

The Future of Multi-Cam Sitcoms on Netflix

The cancellation of That ’90s Show marks another setback for Netflix’s efforts to revive the multi-camera sitcom genre. The platform has had mixed success with this format, and the struggles of That ’90s Show may push Netflix to rethink its strategy for these types of series. As fans hold out hope for the show to be revived elsewhere, its short two-season run will likely become part of a broader conversation about the evolving landscape of TV comedy.

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