Top 10 Unscripted That '70s Show Moments That Were Kept in the Show
#10: The Tears “That ‘70s Finale”
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Goodbyes are always emotional, and the finale of “That ‘70s Show” is no exception. As the characters reminisce about their “long strange trip” and what lies ahead for all of them, the waterworks are much in evidence for everyone. But while the sadness of these scenes is scripted, the tears and emotions of the actors are authentic for most of them. Laura Prepon, who plays Donna, reportedly had difficulty even performing, as she was so overcome. We can hardly blame her, or any of them - it was hard enough saying goodbye to the characters through the screen - we can only imagine how tough it was in-person.
#9: The Laughter “That ‘70s Pilot”
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From sadness and endings, now let’s return to the beginning and joy! During the very first episode, the guys begin their tradition of sitting around in a circle having conversations where they’re clearly under-the-influence. When Hyde begins discussing the infamous car that runs on water (man), actor Danny Masterson couldn’t keep a straight face and laughed. The camera then turns to Kelso/Ashton Kutcher, who has absolutely lost it! Both of them managed to carry on with the scene, and their laughter only lent more authenticity to the vibe of teenagers getting high in a basement.
#8: “Make It After All” “Hyde's Christmas Rager”
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When Jackie is tired of the single life, she drags Donna to a bar to help her find a new guy. Unfortunately, her attempts to find an older man only brings her to someone who used to be involved with her mother. On the car ride home, Donna tries to cheer Jackie up, comparing her sad look to Mary Tyler Moore. It works and Jackie quotes the theme song to the actress’ titular show, throwing her hat just like Moore does. Except, the hat hits Donna in the face and both Mila Kunis and Laura Prepon seemingly struggle to stay in character. At least it “made the scene after all.”
#7: Cat Killer “Kiss of Death”
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One of the worst mistakes Eric ever makes is accidentally running over Donna’s cat, Mr. Bonkers. While discussing how he should break the news to her with his parents, Eric receives some less than helpful advice from Red. His father advises a blunt statement that he’s a killer of felines, only to break down. Actor Kurtwood Smith was clearly tickled by the line, and couldn’t contain his laughter. Still, he manages to collect himself enough to stay mostly in-character. Plus, his gleeful laughter only makes Eric and Kitty’s horrified looks even funnier!
#6: Fez Wrestles Donna “Garage Sale”
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While the Formans have a garage sale, Eric laments to Donna that he can’t join her at the movies - since Red would likely kick his ass. When Donna remarks that she can too, the two of them engage in playful wrestling. However, a nearby Fez jumps in to wrestle Donna as well. This was something allegedly decided on by the writers on-set, who decided not to tell anyone but Fez’s actor Wilmer Valderrama. Laura Prepon is clearly having a case of the giggles during the event, and she and Topher Grace’s clueless reactions elevate an already entertaining moment.
#5: Hosed Down “The Pill”
After Donna goes on birth control, Eric gets the sex talk from his parents, and he finally gets around to talking about doing the act with Donna. Despite going on the pill, she wants to wait for the right time. Eric is naturally rather eager - half-jokingly asking repeatedly if “now” is the right time. After Donna leaves, Red walks up and sprays Eric down with a water hose. Even if this was in the script, actor Topher Grace was still clearly unprepared and his panic and disbelief at getting soaked are certainly authentic. It’s for Eric’s own good, and for the good of some great comedy.
#4: Table Trip “The Best Christmas Ever”
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Kelso’s not exactly the brightest or the most coordinated of characters to begin with. But one of his earliest pratfalls wasn’t in the script. During the show’s first Christmas episode, Kelso leaps over the couch in his eagerness to talk to Eric’s sister Laurie. Except, Ashton Kutcher missed the target and slammed his shins hard on the coffee table. While he valiantly manages to stay in character, Laurie’s actress, Lisa Robin Kelly, has a genuine reaction to the mishap. Laurie may not be impressed with Kelso’s lack of conversation skills, but we’re definitely taken with Kutcher’s ability to keep it together.
#3: “Hello Wisconsin!” EVERY EPISODE
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The show’s theme song is as integral to the overall ‘70s vibe of the show as anything else. Although it’s quite possible that many little bits of business the characters do while cruising in the Vista Cruiser were improvised, we can only confirm one - and it’s the only dialogue from the sequence. After the theme song concludes, Hyde yells out “hello Wisconsin!” According to one of the series’ co-creators, Mark Brazill, this exclamation was improvised by Hyde’s actor, Danny Masterson. It’s a small thing, but when it’s featured in nearly every single episode, it certainly adds up.
#2: Kitty’s Dance “My Wife”
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During Donna’s bachelorette party, she, Jackie, and Kitty go to a strip club. While Donna takes the opportunity to reconnect with Kelso’s brother, Casey, Jackie and Kitty are entertained by the strippers. Kitty gets really into it, and does an absolutely hysterical dance while watching a guy do one-handed pushups. According to Debra Jo Rupp herself, no one, not even her, knew what she’d do until the day of filming, so the other actors were dying of laughter. The blooper reel for the episode can attest to this - and given how funny Kitty is here, we’re not at all surprised.
#1: Cracking Up “Red and Stacey”
Eric is distraught after finding out the girl he has a thing for likes his dad instead of him. He makes the classic mistake of telling his friends about it. They take the opportunity to repeatedly roast him over the situation, with Hyde delivering one of the most savage burns in the whole show. And while there’s no one unscripted moment here, it’s clear that the actors don’t have to fake their laughter at all, as they’re all having entirely too much fun losing it throughout at the admittedly hilarious jokes they’re telling. It’s this kind of authentic laughter that makes “That ‘70s Show” feel special even today.
