Netflix ends 'That '90s Show' after two seasons
Netflix has decided not to continue with its comedy series That '90s Show, as reported by Deadline. The news was confirmed by Kurtwood Smith, a star of the show, on his Instagram account. He hinted that the show might be offered to other platforms or networks. This decision comes shortly after the release of Part 3 (considered a half-season) of the series on August 22.
'That '90s Show' struggled with viewership and ratings
The first season of That '90s Show, consisting of 10 episodes, featured guest appearances from several That '70s Show stars including Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama. Despite this star-studded lineup, the show only managed to break into Netflix's Top 10 once during its first full week of release with 1.8M views. The subsequent eight episodes (Part 1 of Season 2) failed to chart on Netflix's viewership ranking system.
Smith expressed gratitude and hinted at show's future
Smith, who reprised his role as Red Forman from That '70s Show, expressed his appreciation for the experience on Instagram. He stated, "I've loved every minute of getting to bring Grandpa Red to life for you all." Despite the cancelation, he hinted at a possible future for the show elsewhere: "To steal Red Forman's words...we aren't going to be dumbasses...we will shop the show."
'That '90s Show' continuation faces potential limitations
Produced by indie Carsey-Werner Company, That '90s Show could potentially be offered to other platforms or networks. However, there are restrictions for Netflix original series which can only be taken to linear buyers following a cancelation. A rare example of a Netflix original continuing elsewhere is One Day At a Time, another multi-cam sitcom from an indie studio, Sony TV, which was picked up by cable network Pop after its cancelation on Netflix.
Netflix's upcoming multi-cam sitcom and 'That '90s Show' legacy
Despite the cancelation, Netflix is set to release a new multi-cam sitcom from Chuck Lorre, starring comedian Leanne Morgan. That '90s Show followed Leia Forman, the daughter of Donna and Eric from That '70s Show as she spends her summer with her grandparents. The series also starred Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos with guest appearances from Seth Green, Will Forte, Kevin Smith among others in Season 2.
