That 90s Show Part 3 Proves The Series Just Keeps Getting Better!
We’re back in Wisconsin with our Point Place crew! That 90s Show Part 3 follows the aftermath of Part 2’s cliffhanger and the rest of the summer where Leia (Callie Haverda) navigates her new relationship with Jay (Mace Coronel), Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan) wonders if breaking up with Nikki (Sam Morelos) was the right decision, Ozzie (Reyn Doi) finds love, and Gwen (Ashley Aufderhide) deals with family drama.
As a big fan of That 70s Show, I’ve really enjoyed watching how That 90s Show has progressed into finding its groove. The first installment felt like a nostalgia grab, the second improved as it dropped that reliance, and the current third has finally managed to strike a balance. They’ve developed their own style and I’m just glad we’re not being suffocated with shoving every cameo in possible. I also appreciate that the show doesn’t take itself too seriously. The show tackles the themes of exploring your sexuality, friendship, relationships, and more in the same silly tone the original series had while still being able to differentiate itself. They handle these situations in a light-hearted way that remains relatable.
One of the most anticipated callbacks this season was the addition of Kira Kosarin as Jay’s older sister Betsy Kelso. That 70s Show fans will remember Betsy as Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and Brooke’s (Shannon Elizabeth) newborn during season 7. This was an exciting cameo that perfectly added to the franchise’s lore.
Of course, what would this show be if it weren’t for our favorite parents — Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp). They are such a light to watch with their humor and banter that we’ve all come to love and cherish. All the actors seem to really hone into their respective characters and it only gets better after each season. It feels natural and you get the sense of a real friendship between them all.
The decision to move up the season release is working in the show’s favor. Part 2 and 3 follow the summer of 1996, with the latter picking up from the kitchen car crash scene. Moving up the release makes the events cohesive and benefits the overall pacing of the series. Nothing is dwelled on for too long, the immediate problems are dealt with, and the story keeps pushing. If we had to wait until October, I fear the season wouldn’t have hit the same.
That 90s Show is a feel-good nostalgia-filled teenage comedy without doing too much. As the series loses its dependence on its predecessor, it develops its own tone and appeal that can cater to die-hard 70s Show fans and newcomers looking for a laugh. Part 3 is by far its best season yet and sets up for a promising fourth season.
All seasons of That 90s Show are out now on Netflix.
