That '90s Show: Top 10 Behind the Scenes Secrets Revealed
#10: The New Gen Were Big Stans of One Particular OG Cast Member
Born between the mid-to-late-2000s, the new settlers of the Formans’ basement would’ve been way too young or not even born during most of its parent show’s initial airing. However, they did their homework and became fans. It also helped that they could talk to previous cast members, who were in their late teens and early 20s during the ‘90s. However, according to co-creator Terry Turner, there was one original cast member the new generation could not wait to be introduced to. Apparently, when Leo actor Tommy Chong arrived on set, they immediately took snaps with the “That ‘70s Show” icon. If we’re honest, he is a bit of a rockstar, so fair play. Far out, man.
#9: A Touching Easter Egg
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“That ’90s Show” was arguably full of more easter eggs and throwback references than there are flannel shirts at a Nirvana concert. We spotted the “Stupid Helmet,” Vista Cruiser, and the Water Tower’s graffiti, to name a few. We also roared over the return of many beloved catchphrases, characters, and running gags. However, you might’ve missed this subtle nod hidden away in the Formans’ basement. Gregg Mettler, one of the original and spinoff show’s writers, revealed that he placed a photo of his late colleague Rob DesHotel in the background. Mettler shared that DesHotel loved writing basement and Circle scenes, and returning to that set brought back memories. He added the picture, so DesHotel was always there in spirit.
#8: Mace Coronel Didn’t Know He Was Auditioning to Play a Kelso
From the moment we laid eyes on Jay, we suspected he was a Kelso. Then he started talking, and the deal was sealed. However, when Mace Coronel initially auditioned, the creators decided to conceal that detail from him. In fact, he didn't find out about his character's connection to the original series until right before his chemistry read with Callie Haverda, who plays Leia . Reportedly, with this additional insight, Coronel went full Kelso, and we can't imagine a better casting choice. Lindsay Turner, co-creator and daughter of OG co-creators Terry and Bonnie Turner, shared that the Forman-Kelso love story was "too good to resist." He's a teenage dream, and Leia wouldn't be the first in her family to fall for a Kelso.
#7: Writing from a Female Perspective
Writer and now co-creator Gregg Mettler shared that this return to Point Place was inspired by his then 15-year-old daughter, and specifically that the new story would be from the perspective of a female protagonist. Incidentally, he also loved the idea that "Star Wars" megafan Eric would definitely name his daughter Leia. Anyway, he teamed up with writers like Chrissy Pietrosh and Jessica Goldstein for help writing authentic female characters and telling relatable stories. Female friendship is a key theme on the show, best depicted through Leia and Gwen. The original series tended to fall into misogynistic traps, so this was a welcome and much-needed addition, as well as more reflective of its time.
#6: The Intricate Choreography of Filming the Circle
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While the characters are often at their most relaxed while sitting in the Circle, it sounds like things are much less relaxed behind the scenes. According to Haverda, getting into the swift flow of these sequences is pretty challenging. She explained that the group sits in a tight circle around a camera that switches positions as each actor says their line, which has to be delivered with a “very specific rhythm”. Haverda also gave a little insight into how those iconic dance transitions, also seen in the original show, are created. She said that a choreographer helped them with the moves, but ultimately, they just played some ‘90s jams, gave them some props, and let them rock out.
#5: The Significance of Ozzie’s Coming Out Story
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Despite featuring what’s reportedly the first guy-guy kiss on North American primetime TV, “That ‘70s Show’s” attempt at depicting an LGBTQ+ storyline fell disappointingly short. However, in reflection of the changing times, the writers upped their game in giving us the queer representation young audiences deserved. Ozzie is part of the central gang and isn’t just reduced to his identity. And although he’s hilarious, he’s not just there as the comic relief. Indeed, his coming out story is thoughtful and a sign of changing times. The creators explained that they wanted Ozzie to come out to Kitty to show her willingness to step into this new age with an open mind.
#4: The Story of Jackie & Kelso’s Return
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You couldn’t return to Point Place without bringing back some of the original cast. And “That ‘90s Show” more than delivered. It seems like the fans weren’t the only ones excited for the throwback. Gregg shared that before shooting began, actor Ashton Kutcher sent him images in Kelso’s clothes and videos of him following fellow actor and wife Mila Kunis while yelling his character’s catchphrase. Gregg also shared that writing their scene in the pilot came naturally to him. Apparently, while on set, Kutcher fell asleep on the basement sofa while reading through his lines and totally bugged out when he saw Kunis in her Jackie wardrobe. We really hope she responded with BURRRRRRRRN!
#3: Laura Prepon Takes the Helm
Fans of “Orange Is the New Black” might know that Prepon, who played Alex Vause, directed several episodes of the series. She put her director’s hat back on for two episodes of “That ‘90s Show’s” first season. Prepon is credited with directing the final two episodes, “Dirty Double Booker” and “Kids in America” - in the latter, she also reprised her role as Donna Pinciotti Forman. Of course, Prepon also had the unique insight of having been in the shoes of the younger cast members. Her on-screen in-laws gushed about her directorial prowess and how they knew they were in good hands. Kitty Forman’s Debra Jo Rupp added, “I would work with Laura Prepon as the director anytime.”
#2: There’s No Place Like (a ‘70s) Home
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Eagle-eyed viewers may have noticed that the Formans’ home got a ‘90s spruce up, but there are still plenty of nods to the good ol’ 70s. The idea was to give audiences that feeling they get when returning to their childhood homes. Set decorator, Tara Stephenson-Fong, had the original living room furniture rebuilt anew, although this time, it furnishes the basement. Meanwhile, the legacy cast returned some of the keepsakes they took from the original series (xref). Kutcher and Kunis had a bunch of furniture, and Wilmer Valderrama owns the Vista Cruiser. Meanwhile, Kurtwood Smith joked that his on-screen wife needed a van to return everything to the new set that she brought home after “That ‘70s Show” wrapped.
#1: A Sweet Unscripted Moment
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Eric and Donna shared many special moments on the hood of the Vista Cruiser. So it was a welcome bit of nostalgia watching Leia’s parents share one of their classic heart-to-hearts on the hood of a car in the spinoff’s pilot episode. After Donna convinces Eric to let Leia stay in Wisconsin for the summer, they push each other’s heads away like back in ol’ days. According to Terry Turner, this wasn’t in the script; the two actors just repeated this action spontaneously while in character. How sweet is that? This was an adorable throwback, and it wasn't even planned! If we ever needed more proof that Eric and Donna were meant to be, this is it.
