That 90s Show
Set in Point Place, Wisconsin, in the summers of 1995 and 1996, "That '90s Show" is a teen sitcom that serves as a sequel to the popular series "That '70s Show." The narrative centers on Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of original characters Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, as she spends her summer vacations with her grandparents, Red and Kitty Forman. Leia quickly befriends a new group of local teenagers, and together they navigate the typical coming-of-age experiences, including first loves, friendships, and rebellious escapades, often involving classic sitcom scenarios in the Formans' iconic basement. The series aims to capture the nostalgic spirit of the 1990s while introducing a new generation of characters.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe series features an openly gay main character, Ozzie, who explores his sexuality and relationship with a boyfriend. While this representation is presented positively within the show's narrative, some external reviews suggest it might feel forced or underdeveloped, mainly serving as a singular trait for the character. There is also discussion about another character, Gwen, being 'lesbian-coded,' though this is not explicitly canonized.
Ozzie is explicitly shown as gay and comes out to Kitty, who is accepting, stating, 'Kitty is fine with him being gay, but feels conflicted about him having a Canadian boyfriend'. In Season 2, Ozzie's Canadian boyfriend, Isaac, arrives, further developing his same-sex relationship. Additionally, the character Gwen is described as 'extremely lesbian-coded' and shows jealousy when Leia spends time with a male love interest, leading to speculation about unspoken feelings for Leia, although this is not made explicit within the show's canon.
Violence
MediumThe show contains minimal non-graphic violence, primarily consisting of comedic physical gags and implied minor injuries typical of a sitcom. There is no depiction of gore, serious harm, or intense violent confrontations. Threats are largely verbal and played for comedic effect, consistent with the tone of its predecessor.
The series does not feature any real violence beyond 'classic kind of sitcom hijinks, like pratfalls and other types of physical comedy that’s nonthreatening'. Red and Kitty are noted to issue verbal threats to the teenagers, which are intended comically rather than menacingly. Nate is also mentioned to 'remove a hornets' nest, getting stung in the process,' which is a minor, non-graphic incident.
Romance and Sexual Content
MediumRomance and sexual content are prominent, featuring suggestive dialogue, implied sexual activity, and scenes where teenagers discuss and engage in sexual acts. While explicit nudity is avoided, the show frequently includes innuendos and situations that directly address teenage sexuality, virginity loss, and self-pleasure, often played for comedic effect.
Leia and Jay engage in sexual activity, with 'an extended sequence between a male and a female couple, both minors, involves the pair in bed, having had sex. Nothing is shown. They only speak suggestively about the act'. Gwen and Nikki 'advis[e] her about trying self-pleasure. Leia then accidentally breaks the showerhead trying to masturbate'. Jay watches porn with Nate, and the 'tape get[s] stuck at the Formans' VHS player'. The character Sherri is 'overhear[d] them having sex while she is using their bathroom'.
Profanity
MediumThe show contains a moderate level of profanity, consistent with its TV-14 rating. Common mild to moderate curse words are used regularly by various characters, including instances of taking God's name in vain. The language is generally used in casual conversation or for comedic emphasis rather than intense or aggressive situations.
The series is rated TV-14 for 'language' and includes 'mild profanity... used by a few characters' such as 'damn, b-tch'. The first episode alone features 'God’s name is taken in vain seven times; “a–” is heard five times, while “d–n” and “h—” are used four times and “b–ch” is used three'. Red Forman is frequently noted for using the term 'dumb-ass'.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumThere is no discernible content related to witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes. A character wears a rosary as a fashion accessory, but this is not connected to any occult practices or beliefs within the show's narrative.
No instances of witchcraft, occult, magic, or supernatural elements are mentioned in the available content reviews. Gwen is noted to 'wear a rosary as a fashion accessory,' which is presented as a stylistic choice rather than a religious or occult practice.
Substance Use
MediumSubstance use is a recurring and central theme, featuring underage drinking and frequent marijuana use by the teenage characters. 'The Circle,' a prominent element from 'That '70s Show' depicting marijuana smoking, is continued. The show often depicts characters actively consuming these substances and experiencing their effects, with references to their acquisition and storage.
The show is rated TV-14 for 'substances,' with 'drugs, sex and alcohol all take center stage'. The teenagers 'acquire[d] a beer keg' and are shown drinking alcohol. The 'recurring gag from That '70s Show in which the gang smokes marijuana and ponders life’s biggest questions,' known as 'The Circle,' makes a return. The kids 'find Eric’s very old “Candyland Stash” of marijuana... [and] all get high'. Gwen and Nikki are also shown using 'some of the stash together' and 'get glamour shots' after getting high.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe series does not contain any genuinely scary, frightening, or intense content designed to induce fear or distress. Any instances of physical discomfort or minor injury are presented in a comedic and non-graphic manner, typical of a lighthearted sitcom, without elements of horror, gore, or psychological tension.
The show explicitly avoids graphic or frightening content, with reviews stating it 'doesn’t feature any real violence beyond the classic kind of sitcom hijinks, like pratfalls and other types of physical comedy that’s nonthreatening'. There are no reports of jump scares, disturbing imagery, or situations designed to be scary or deeply unsettling.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumDisrespect and rebellion are consistent themes, showcasing typical teenage defiance against parental and grandparental authority. Characters frequently talk back, break rules, and engage in rebellious acts, though these are often framed comically and sometimes followed by moments of reconciliation or learning. The show embraces a 'teenage rebellion' ethos.
Leia exhibits 'teenage rebellion,' 'yells at and disobeys her father,' and 'sneaks behind her grandparents’ back'. In one instance, Leia 'pretends to be pregnant to keep the cashier from questioning her age when she buys a tap' for a beer keg. Leia 'purposely intrudes on a man as he’s urinating, threatening to lie to his girlfriend that he had an affair if he won’t comply with her wishes' to achieve her goals. Red Forman is consistently portrayed as an authority figure who often expresses annoyance with the teenagers' behavior.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe series contains subtle elements that could be perceived as irreverent or mildly dismissive of Christian faith, rather than overtly anti-Christian. These include characters using religious actions as excuses, trivializing religious concepts, or displaying religious symbols without spiritual context. There are no explicit attacks or mocking of Christian beliefs, but rather a secularized or casual treatment of religious references.
Nikki 'lies that she needs to “read Scripture to blind dogs”' to avoid Kitty, implying the use of religious acts as a false excuse. Eric, now a college professor, teaches a class called 'The Religion of Star Wars,' which might be interpreted by some as equating a fictional universe with religious study or trivializing faith. Gwen is noted to 'wear a rosary as a fashion accessory,' detaching the item from its religious significance.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
TV-14. This recommendation is due to frequent suggestive dialogue, references to sexual activity, underage substance use (alcohol and marijuana), and consistent use of mild to moderate profanity. Parents are strongly cautioned as the themes and content may not be suitable for viewers under the age of 14.
Additional Notes
The show's content, including themes of rebellion, substance use, and sexual exploration, reflects its predecessor, "That '70s Show," aligning with a '90s teenage experience. While some content is played for laughs, parents should be aware of the consistent presence of mature themes and discussions. The overall tone is comedic, but the frequency and explicitness of certain topics warrant caution.
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