Netflix Cancels 'That '90s Show' After Short Run: What Went Wrong?

In a surprising announcement that left fans reeling, Netflix has officially decided not to move forward with any additional installments of *That '90s Show*, the nostalgic sequel to the beloved *That '70s Show*. This news was confirmed by star Kurtwood Smith on Instagram, who mentioned that the show will now be shopped around for potential new homes.

The cancellation comes just a month after the release of Part 3 on August 22, which completed a lackluster two-season run for the series. The initial 10-episode season (Part 1) introduced a new generation of characters while featuring appearances from classic cast members like Topher Grace, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, and Wilmer Valderrama. Despite these fan-favorite cameos, the momentum didn’t hold, as the series struggled to gain a significant viewership following its debut.

Part 2 debuted on June 27 but only managed to crack Netflix's Top 10 charts once, accumulating a meager 1.8 million views in its first week. The strapping decision to move up Part 3's release schedule by nearly two months did little to invigorate interest, with subsequent episodes unable to register substantial viewing numbers—failing to surpass 1.9 million views during its opening weekend.

*That '90s Show* follows in the footsteps of Netflix's other multi-camera sitcoms, such as *Fuller House* and *The Ranch*, which have managed to sustain interest over multiple seasons. Unfortunately, this trend has not seemed to favor *That '90s Show*, with its nostalgic formula struggling to resonate with audiences. Kurtwood Smith's heartfelt goodbye highlighted the passion behind the show, expressing gratitude for the cast, crew, and fans who supported Red and Kitty Forman's journey as grandparents.

Production under Carsey-Werner Company means there’s a slim chance the series could find a new platform, given the restrictive nature of Netflix's original series policies. While *One Day at a Time*—another multi-cam sitcom that faced cancellation—did find new life on cable, it remains an anomaly in the streaming landscape for former Netflix originals.

The premise of *That '90s Show* is set fifteen years after *That '70s Show*, focusing on Eric and Donna’s daughter, portrayed by Callie Haverda, as she navigates friendships in point place during a pivotal summer at her grandparents' home, infused with the same humor and heart of its predecessor. The ensemble cast includes newcomers like Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide), Jay (Mace Coronel), Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan), Ozzie (Reyn Doi), and Nikki (Sam Morelos), alongside guest stars like Seth Green and Kevin Smith.

While we bid farewell to *That '90s Show*, the question remains: is nostalgia enough to carry a show through the fickle landscape of streaming services?