The much-anticipated spinoff series, That ’90s Show, has captivated fans with its nostalgic return to Point Place, Wisconsin, and its familiar characters from That ’70s Show. While many of the original cast members have returned for cameo appearances, Topher Grace’s character, Eric Forman, appears to be written off for good in the latest episodes, leaving fans with mixed emotions about the future of his role in the series.
A Major Career Shift for Eric Forman
In That ’90s Show Part 3, episode 7, viewers were introduced to a new narrative development concerning Eric. His wife, Donna Pinciotti (played by Laura Prepon), reveals a significant life change that seems to distance Eric from the family and the familiar setting of Point Place.
Donna shares with their daughter, Leia (played by Callie Haverda), that Eric has been offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a job at Skywalker Ranch, the iconic hub of Star Wars creator George Lucas. “He’s on his way to Skywalker Ranch to shadow George Lucas and write a book about the making of the new Star Wars movies,” Donna tells Leia. The job offer came out of the blue, and Eric quickly packed up, leaving his wife in California while he embarks on his new career path.
This revelation marks a turning point for Eric. He is now living in California, far from his family in Point Place. Donna mentions that, while Eric is off pursuing his new job, she will divide her time between Chicago, Point Place, and California, where she’ll presumably join him for visits but remain mostly in Wisconsin. While the opportunity certainly seems like a dream come true for Eric, it suggests that his return to Point Place – and possibly to the show – is unlikely anytime soon.
Topher Grace’s Return and the Impact on That ’90s Show
Topher Grace, who is now 46 years old, reprised his role as Eric Forman in That ’90s Show’s Part 1. Grace’s return, along with Laura Prepon’s return as Donna, marked an exciting reunion for fans of That ‘70s Show. The show also saw brief appearances from other former That ‘70s Show cast members, including Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and Wilmer Valderrama. However, as the series moves into Part 3, it’s clear that the focus has shifted more toward the new generation of characters, particularly Leia Forman, the teenage daughter of Eric and Donna.
As Grace’s character moves to California, it leaves the door open for the show to explore other storylines and characters. The decision to write Eric off, even if temporarily, suggests that the series is committed to charting its own path without relying too heavily on the legacy cast. While there’s no official word yet on whether Grace will return for future episodes, this shift certainly seems to mark a significant departure from his role in the show.
Absence of the Original Cast
While That ’90s Show’s spinoff has succeeded in capturing the essence of the original series, it’s also made it clear that the new show has a life of its own. As mentioned, the That ’70s Show cast has made limited appearances throughout the spinoff. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, for instance, both made cameo appearances in the early episodes, but they’ve stated that they have no plans to return.
“We did our thing,” Kunis told Entertainment Tonight in April, explaining that she and Kutcher were satisfied with their characters’ storylines in the original series and didn’t feel the need to reprise them in the spinoff. The decision was a bittersweet one for fans of the original show, but it also makes sense given the new direction That ‘90s Show is taking with its new characters.
Despite the absences of many of the original cast members, showrunner Gregg Mettler has expressed deep gratitude for the contributions of the legacy cast. “I will be grateful for the rest of eternity for the contributions of the legacy cast members from That ‘70s Show in Part 1,” Mettler said. “Them returning was a blessing, and they handed the show off in a delightful way.” He also expressed admiration for Laura Prepon, who not only reprises her role as Donna but also directed the entirety of Part 3. Prepon’s role both on and off-screen has been instrumental in the show’s success.
Moving Forward: A New Focus for That ‘90s Show
As the show transitions away from the legacy cast members, Mettler emphasized that That ’90s Show is focusing more on its new characters. While appearances from the That ‘70s Show characters will continue when possible, the new generation of teens – including Leia, her friends, and their families – are at the heart of the spinoff.
Mettler has noted that the shift in focus is crucial for the show’s longevity. “Focusing on our characters and weaving in That ‘70s Show people [when available] is a recipe that works for us,” he explained. This reflects a balancing act between honoring the legacy of That ‘70s Show and carving out space for new stories and characters to flourish. With its own distinct tone and updated setting in the ‘90s, the show has found a way to remain both nostalgic and fresh, keeping fans engaged with the next generation of Point Place.
While the writing off of Topher Grace’s Eric Forman may come as a surprise to some fans, it seems that the spinoff series is making a deliberate choice to move forward without leaning too heavily on the past. Eric’s new career in California and his distance from the family signal that That ‘90s Show is paving its own way, with new characters and storylines taking center stage. Whether or not Eric returns in the future remains uncertain, but for now, it seems like the show is content to focus on its younger generation of characters and continue the legacy of That ‘70s Show in its own unique way.
That ‘90s Show Part 3 is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans an exciting mix of old and new, even as it bids farewell to some of its most beloved characters.
