Nearly 17 years after the final episode of “That 70s Show” aired in 2006, its sequel, “That 90s Show”, finally released on Netflix after months of anticipation. Many long-time fans were excited to see the old cast from “That 70s Show” back together again, and even meet some new faces. However, after watching, it’s clear that the sequel fell short in many ways.

“That 90s Show” is set in Point Place, Wisconsin and follows Leia Forman (Callie Haverda) in the summer of 1995 visiting her grandparents in the same town her parents grew up in. To recreate the adventures her parents had when they were her age, Leia makes friends with a new generation of Point Place kids.

At first, I was excited to watch the show. With cameos from the original cast, and Leia’s grandparents Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith) being at the forefront of the show again, “That 90s Show” looked promising, but the moment the first scene played, it was clear that something was off. 

The problem stems from the fact that the series aimed to recreate the original dynamics of “That 70s Show” using a newer, younger cast. It just didn’t work. Maybe if the characters were original and not just archetypes of the characters in the original show, it would be more interesting. Instead, they come across as bland, shallow and annoying. Perhaps it’s because the cast is so much younger than they were in “That 70s Show”, or maybe they’re simply not as talented. Either way, most of the charisma and charm in the original show is not present in this sequel, and it’s painfully obvious.

Regardless, it’s not entirely the actors’ fault. The writing, much like “That 70s Show”, has many added allusions to the 90’s – flannel shirts, Blockbuster and Boyz II Men are all referenced, for example. However, the way these jokes are delivered comes across as cheesy and out-of-place rather than clever. The jokes don’t land the same way, and the comedic timing made me cringe more often than laugh. 

Although the show fell short in most aspects, there was one clear redeeming quality. Having the original cast back together was absolutely amazing. There were, of course, short visits from Ashton Kutcher as Kelso, Mila Kunis as Jackie, and Wilmer Valderama as Fez, which were predictably terrific. But having Eric (Topher Grace), Donna (Laura Prepon), Kitty and Red on screen together again was a comedic renaissance among an otherwise boring and humorless show.

I was never expecting “That 90s Show” to be better than the original. I didn’t even expect it to be good. I wasn’t shocked when I walked away from the TV feeling like I wasted an afternoon, but somehow, I was still disappointed. Aside from the original casts’ cameos, the only other reason to watch “That 90s Show” is for the nostalgia factor – and even then it probably isn’t worth it.

“That 90s Show:” ★★☆☆☆