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    That '70s Show
    📺seriesEndedTV-PG

    That '70s Show

    United States flagUnited States

    "Be groovy... be very groovy!"

    1998 - 2006 25 English
    79%

    User Score

    1,616 votes

    Community

    Overview

    Step into the 1970s with That '70s Show, a comedy series that looks back at a decade defined by bell-bottoms, disco, and a distinct lack of internet. Created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner, the show aired on FOX for eight seasons, from August 1998 to May 2006, delivering 200 episodes of nostalgic fun. The series centers on Eric Forman and his circle of friends in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin.

    Led by Topher Grace as the relatable Eric Forman, the ensemble cast includes Mila Kunis as the spoiled Jackie Burkhart, Danny Masterson as the sarcastic Steven Hyde, Laura Prepon as the independent Donna Pinciotti, Wilmer Valderrama as the foreign exchange student Fez, and Ashton Kutcher as the dim-witted Michael Kelso. Anchoring the household are Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith, delivering iconic performances as the ever-judgmental parents Kitty and Red Forman. The show captured the zeitgeist of adolescence during a unique historical period, blending humor with the universal themes of friendship, family, and self-discovery.

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    PlotSpoiler-free

    Set in the fictional Wisconsin town of Point Place, That '70s Show chronicles the suburban lives of six teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence during the 1970s. The series primarily follows Eric Forman, a somewhat awkward and intelligent teen, and his friends: Donna Pinciotti, his outspoken neighbor and girlfriend; Steven Hyde, his cynical best friend; Michael Kelso, the handsome but simple-minded jock; Jackie Burkhart, Kelso's wealthy and often shallow girlfriend; and Fez, an eccentric foreign exchange student. Their lives are often influenced by Eric's parents, the well-meaning but overbearing Kitty and the gruff, perpetually exasperated Red Forman.

    Each season generally mirrors the progression of a school year, beginning in the summer of 1976 and moving through the decade. The narrative arc typically involves the gang hanging out in Eric's basement, dealing with typical teenage concerns like dating, driving, school, and parental authority. Eric and Donna's relationship serves as a central thread, characterized by its on-again, off-again nature as they grapple with commitment and the pressures of growing up. Hyde's rebellious streak and troubled home life are explored, contrasting with Kelso and Jackie's tumultuous romance, which often fuels comedic subplots. Fez's mysterious background and his attempts to understand American culture provide consistent humor.

    As the series progresses through the seasons, the characters mature, facing decisions about college, careers, and their futures beyond high school. Season arcs often build around significant events like proms, summer vacations, or the looming specter of graduation. The show uses the cultural backdrop of the 1970s, its music, fashion, and societal changes, to create a distinct comedic atmosphere, often juxtaposing the characters' modern teenage problems with the era's unique sensibilities. While the show maintains a lighthearted and character-driven comedic tone, it touches upon themes of identity, belonging, and the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood. The overarching shape of the series sees the friends growing closer, experiencing personal growth, and learning valuable life lessons, all while trying to make sense of their place in the world as the decade draws to a close.

    Ending ExplainedSpoilers

    Trailers

    That '70s Show (promo).mov

    Critical Reception

    Critical Consensus

    That '70s Show captures the essence of adolescence in the decade of disco with a charming ensemble cast and keen nostalgia. While its humor sometimes relies on familiar tropes, the series offers a warm and funny look at friendship and family.

    It’s a throwback to the era of bell bottoms and disco balls, but more importantly, it’s a throwback to the kind of ensemble comedy that made shows like 'The Brady Bunch' and 'The Wonder Years' so popular.

    Ken Tucker

    Entertainment Weekly

    The show’s greatest strength is its ensemble cast, a group of young actors who embody their characters with a natural chemistry that makes their interactions feel genuine.

    David Bianculli

    TV Guide

    While not groundbreaking, 'That '70s Show' is a consistently funny and endearing sitcom that taps into a universal sense of nostalgia.

    Robert Lloyd

    Los Angeles Times

    Top Cast

    Topher Grace

    Topher Grace

    Eric Forman

    Laura Prepon

    Laura Prepon

    Donna Pinciotti

    Danny Masterson

    Danny Masterson

    Steven Hyde

    Wilmer Valderrama

    Wilmer Valderrama

    Fez

    Ashton Kutcher

    Ashton Kutcher

    Michael Kelso

    Mila Kunis

    Mila Kunis

    Jackie Burkhart

    Debra Jo Rupp

    Debra Jo Rupp

    Kitty Forman

    Kurtwood Smith

    Kurtwood Smith

    Red Forman

    Don Stark

    Don Stark

    Bob Pinciotti

    Tommy Chong

    Tommy Chong

    Leo

    Josh Meyers

    Josh Meyers

    Randy Pearson

    Crew

    Directors

    David Trainer, Gail Mancuso, Paul Lazarus, Tracey H. Call, Robert Berlinger

    Writers

    Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Jackie Marcus, Rob Ulin, Gregg Mettler, Chris Peterson, Mike Schiff, Willie Brown, Chris Kula, Kevin Biegel, Rob Schrab

    Composer

    Todd Griffin

    Producers

    Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Marcy Carsey, Tom Werner, Caryn Mandabach, Jonathan Brown, Gregg Mettler, Rob Ulin, Linda M. Matteson, Chris Peterson

    Seasons (8)

    Awards

    Teen Choice Awards (2002)

    Choice TV Actor - Comedy: Won

    Teen Choice Awards (2003)

    Choice TV Actor - Comedy: Won

    Teen Choice Awards (2004)

    Choice TV Actress - Comedy: Won

    People's Choice Awards (2005)

    Favorite TV Comedy Series: Won

    Emmy Awards (2000)

    Outstanding Cinematography for a Series: Nominated

    Emmy Awards (2001)

    Outstanding Cinematography for a Series: Nominated

    Emmy Awards (2002)

    Outstanding Cinematography for a Series: Nominated

    Emmy Awards (2003)

    Outstanding Cinematography for a Series: Nominated

    Emmy Awards (2004)

    Outstanding Cinematography for a Series: Nominated

    Keywords

    1970ssmall townself-discoveryfriendshipfamily relationshipsgroup of friendsteenage romancesitcomperiod sitcom

    Facts

    Status
    Ended
    Type
    Scripted
    Original Language
    English
    Network
    FOX
    Created By
    Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner
    Seasons
    8
    Episodes
    200
    Production
    Carsey-Werner Company
    Filmed In
    California, USA
    Theme Song
    In the Street by Big Star (cover by Todd Griffin)

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