That '90s Show Can Learn One Thing From The Failed '80s Show Spinoff
That ‘90s Show will be a more direct spinoff from That ‘70s Show than 2002’s That ‘80s Show, but the upcoming Netflix series can still learn a valuable lesson from the unsuccessful spinoff. That ‘70s Show ran from 1998 to 2006, earning high ratings and a loyal fan following, but That ‘80s Show only lasted 13 episodes, missing a key element of its predecessor’s success. That ‘90s Show won’t necessarily be successful by simply being the opposite of That ‘80s Show, but if the showrunners use the older spinoff’s failure to highlight what made That ‘70s Show so beloved, the upcoming series will avoid That ‘80s Show’s mistakes.
That ‘70s Show follows the misadventures of six Wisconsin teenagers from 1976 to 1979. With a likable cast of characters, numerous ‘70s-era pop culture references, and a decent amount of character development, the sitcom was highly successful and gracefully ended on its own terms in 2006. Its spinoff, That ‘80s Show, had a brief concurrent run in 2002, taking place in San Diego in 1984, with only a loose connection to the characters of That ‘70s Show.
Related: How That '90s Show Can Avoid That '80s Show Problems
That ‘80s Show wasn’t well-received, especially compared to That ‘70s Show. The ‘80s-set spinoff lacked the likable characters and chemistry of its predecessor, relying too heavily on ‘80s nostalgia, which wasn’t the ultimate appeal of That ‘70s Show. That ‘90s Show is intrinsically connected to That ‘70s Show through three of its main characters, giving it an advantage over That ‘80s Show. Still, the lesson it must learn from the failed spinoff is that it’s not nostalgia or continuity that will make it a success, but rather good comedic writing and a cast with chemistry, with the
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