Netflix has decided not to move forward with additional episodes of That '90s Show, as confirmed by Deadline. Kurtwood Smith, one of the show's stars, shared the news on Instagram, hinting that the series may be shopped to other platforms.
The cancellation follows the release of Part 3 of That '70s Show sequel, which debuted on August 22, marking the end of its two-season run. Netflix tends to divide its multi-camera comedies into parts (half-seasons), and That '90s Show was no exception. The first season consisted of 10 episodes, followed by a 16-episode second season split into Parts 2 and 3.
Signs of trouble emerged after Part 2 was released on June 27, only reaching Netflix’s Top 10 once, with 1.8 million views in its first full week. Netflix then advanced the Part 3 premiere by almost two months, releasing it on August 22 instead of October 24. However, the eight episodes failed to make the charts, suggesting the viewership fell below 1.9 million during its opening weekend and continued to decline in the following weeks.
The short-lived run of That '90s Show adds to the challenges Netflix and other streaming platforms face with original multi-camera sitcoms. Few Netflix shows in the genre, such as Fuller House, The Ranch, and The Upshaws, have seen long-term success. Like Fuller House, That '90s Show brought back characters from its predecessor with Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp reprising their roles as Red and Kitty Forman, along with a younger cast.
In his message to fans, Smith expressed his gratitude, saying, "I've loved every minute of bringing Grandpa Red to life. This show had so much heart behind it, with the most wonderful cast, writers, and crew an actor could ask for." He also hinted at efforts to find a new home for the series, adding, "We aren’t going to be dumbasses… we will shop the show, because good grandparents try to get these kids through high school."
Produced by indie studio Carsey-Werner Company, That '90s Show could be offered to other platforms. However, as Deadline noted, Netflix originals have limitations when it comes to being picked up elsewhere. A rare example of a Netflix original that continued after cancellation is the One Day at a Time reboot, which was later acquired by cable network Pop.
Set in 1995, That '90s Show centers on Eric and Donna's daughter (played by Callie Haverda) as she spends the summer with her grandparents and makes new friends in Point Place. The main cast includes Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi, and Sam Morelos, with guest appearances by Seth Green, Will Forte, Kevin Smith, and Matt Rife in Season 2.
Looking ahead, Netflix's next multi-camera sitcom will come from genre veteran Chuck Lorre, starring comedian Leanne Morgan.
