It’s almost time to go back to Point Place, Wisconsin, That show from the 70s Fan! The show’s legacy will continue in Netflix’s spin-off sequel series, that the 90s show who have released their first trailer this week. The sequence is filled with some familiar characters and sweet memories from the sitcom OG. The branch looks like a lot of fun, but it seems like the development process hasn’t been that smooth. According to the creators, it took them a while to come up with an idea that worked, and the streaming company even rejected one of their offers at first.
those 70s creators Bonnie and Terry Turner are incredibly protective of the fictional universe and the characters they created more than two decades ago. So they just didn’t want to go back to the franchise without a solid idea. On the occasion of the release of that the 90s show trailer, the two EPs and co-creators Lindsey Turner and Gregg Mettler, have reached Variety to discuss how the show was made. Bonnie and Terry first scoffed at the idea of an established subsidiary in the 1990s when Netflix first tackled it, but as Lindsey (who is also their daughter) explained, they quickly built something unique in this specific decade:
We agreed among ourselves that we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t find a reason. And what Greg said that I really loved, and I know Mom and Dad loved too, is that the ’90s was the last time people looked up, not down, up, the their phone. It was the last place for a real kind of engagement, to have fun and really connect with each other.
that the 90s show follow the character of Leia Forman – the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti – while spending the summer with his paternal grandparents Red and Kitty at Point Place. While there, she befriends some local kids and forms a group of friends that is very similar to her parents’ old clique. While that’s a solid premise, it wasn’t the idea the Turners originally pitched to Netflix. Terry explained that they originally had a crazier idea involving Eric’s offspring:
Our first pass thing [sic] this Eric [Topher Grace] at one point he went to a rock festival and met someone, which resulted in an unknown nephew. And a 14 or 15 year old boy appears at the door pretending to be red [Kurtwood Smith] and the cat [Debra Jo Rupp] little child
The streaming company apparently told the creative team that “audiences don’t get excited” about stories involving a surprise sweetheart son. And in my personal television experience, such stories can be hit and miss. Personally, I’m intrigued by the premise upon which the EPs ultimately came, and I’m especially excited to hear that other OG franchises will appear alongside Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty) and Kurtwood Smith (Red).
Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher and Wilmer Valderramma reprise their roles of Eric, Donna, Jackie, Kelso and Fez, respectively. Tommy Chong has also revealed his return like Leo before the streamer could. The only star not to return is Danny Masterson, who played Steven Hyde. Despite this, Masterson responded warmly when it was confirmed that the show was in the works.
Legacy shows can be tough to pull off, but it seems like Terry and Bonnie Turner and their cast have found something they’re happy with and think will resonate with viewers. Hopefully, the show can exude new elements while honoring what has come before.
that the 90s show opens January 19 as part of the TV show 2023 so make sure you get one Netflix subscription if you’re hoping to take a ride in the old Vista Cruiser.
Source: Cinemablend
