In a move that disappointed fans of That ’70s Show spin-off That ’90s Show, Netflix has decided not to proceed with further installments of the sitcom. The cancellation, confirmed on October 4 by actor Kurtwood Smith (Red Forman) on Instagram, marks the end of the show after a two-season run.
Initial Success but Faltering Viewership
That ’90s Show had a promising start when it debuted on January 19, 2023, with its 10-episode first season (referred to as Part 1). The show was warmly welcomed by nostalgic fans of That ’70s Show, with appearances by original cast members such as Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama. Netflix quickly renewed the show for a second season of 16 episodes, which were split into Part 2 and Part 3.
However, the show’s success quickly began to wane. Part 2 premiered on June 27, 2023, but struggled to crack Netflix’s Top 10, only making the chart once during its first full week of release with 1.8 million views. This decline in viewership led to Netflix moving up the release of Part 3 by nearly two months, from the original October 24 date to August 22. Unfortunately, Part 3 performed even worse, failing to chart entirely. According to Netflix’s internal metrics, the show brought in less than 1.9 million views during its opening weekend, and viewership further dropped to under 1.6 million in the first week and less than 1.4 million in the second week.
Kurtwood Smith Confirms Cancellation
Kurtwood Smith, who played the gruff yet beloved Red Forman, took to Instagram to confirm the show’s cancellation. In his heartfelt message, Smith expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to reprise his iconic role, thanking the cast, crew, and fans for their support. He also hinted at the possibility of the show being shopped to other networks, a sentiment reminiscent of One Day At A Time, another multi-camera Netflix sitcom that was picked up by cable network Pop after its cancellation.
However, as Deadline reports, shopping a Netflix original to other platforms comes with significant limitations. While a continuation of That ’90s Show on a different platform remains possible, it would likely face obstacles, especially given the series’ modest viewership numbers.
The Struggles of Multi-Cam Sitcoms on Netflix
The cancellation of That ’90s Show is yet another example of Netflix’s struggle to replicate the success of traditional multi-camera sitcoms. Shows like Fuller House and The Ranch saw extended runs on the platform, but other efforts in the genre have faltered. Even The Upshaws, another multi-cam sitcom that has performed relatively well, will conclude after its upcoming season.
The appeal of bringing back classic sitcoms with a modern twist, much like Fuller House, hasn’t always translated into long-term success for Netflix. In the case of That ’90s Show, the reliance on nostalgia and the return of original cast members couldn’t make up for the series’ failure to capture a broad audience.
What’s Next for Netflix?
While Netflix has bid farewell to That ’90s Show, the platform isn’t giving up on multi-camera comedies. One of its next ventures in this genre comes from renowned sitcom producer Chuck Lorre, with a new series starring comedian Leanne Morgan set to debut soon. Given Lorre’s track record with popular multi-cam sitcoms like The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, Netflix will be hoping for a much-needed success in this difficult format.
As for fans of That ’90s Show, the possibility of a continuation on another platform remains uncertain but isn’t entirely off the table. Kurtwood Smith’s mention of shopping the series suggests that the show’s creators are eager to see it live on—though time will tell if any networks express interest.
That ’90s Show may not have had the same staying power as its predecessor, but it remains a reminder of the enduring appeal of nostalgic television. While the show’s cancellation is disappointing for fans, the prospect of a new home for the series could still provide hope for its future.
