Season 2 of That ’90s Show has arrived on Netflix, bringing back the youthful crew to Kitty and Red’s basement in Point Place for another round of mischief. This sitcom spin-off, a continuation of the beloved That ‘70s Show that aired on Fox from 1998 to 2006, reintroduces the next generation of teens from Season 1.
Topher Grace’s Eric Forman, who was arguably the linchpin of That ‘70s Show, is noticeably absent from this new batch of episodes. Throughout the original series, viewers followed Eric’s journey from adolescence to adulthood, navigating curfews, romancing Donna, and growing up over eight seasons (though Grace departed before the final season, he made a brief return in the series finale).
Where’s Eric in That ‘90s Show?
The latest batch of episodes from Netflix’s That ’90s Show hit the streaming platform on June 28, showcasing new adventures in Point Place’s basement with the next generation of teens. Despite Laura Prepon’s return as Donna Pinciotti in a guest role for Part 2, fans have noticed the conspicuous absence of Topher Grace’s Eric Forman in these new chapters.
In Season 1 of That ’90s Show back in 2023, Grace made a singular appearance as Eric in the premiere episode. Netflix has not provided an official explanation for his absence in Season 2.
Speculation among fans arose following the cancellation of Grace’s previous TV series, Home Economics, last September, leading some to hope for his availability for a guest spot on That ’90s Show. However, it appears Grace’s involvement in his new movie Huntington, which commenced production in June, may have precluded his return unless there was overlap in filming schedules last fall.
While Grace’s current commitments may have kept him from reprising his role, there remains a possibility that Eric Forman could still make a comeback in the latter half of That ’90s Show’s second season, set to release on October 24.
Who Else From That ‘70s Show Will Shout ‘Hello Wisconsin’?
As it stands, Laura Prepon isn’t the sole returning face from That ’70s Show in Season 2 of its sequel, That ’90s Show. Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith reprise their roles as Kitty and Red Forman, now in a regular capacity, adding nostalgic charm to the series.
Joining them are familiar characters like Don Stark’s Bob Pinciotti, Donna’s father, the perpetually chilled-out Leo played by Tommy Chong, and Seth Green’s Mitch, who once rivaled Eric back in the day.
However, fans will notice the absence of Wilmer Valderrama, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher in the latest episodes, despite their appearances in Season 1. Their characters, Fez, Jackie, and Kelso respectively, are dearly missed in this new installment.
Meanwhile, Danny Masterson, known for portraying Hyde throughout That ’70s Show’s entire run, is notably absent due to his ongoing 30-year prison sentence following convictions of rape.
For those eager to dive into the nostalgic vibes, both Parts 1 and 2 of That ’90s Show are now available for streaming exclusively on Netflix.
