Revisiting the '70s Show: Uncovering the Brutal Truth, 25 Years On

This article mentions the topic of sexual assault in reference to a legal conviction.

Summary

That '70s Show

's lack of diversity and perpetuation of stereotypes is now glaringly evident, highlighting the importance of inclusivity in today's entertainment.

The noticeable age gap between the teenage characters and adult actors serves as a constant reminder that the portrayal of high school life on screen often tends to stray away from reality and leans towards fantasy.

Leo's interactions with the teenagers are highly inappropriate, and given Danny Masterson's conviction for sexual assault, his presence in the show has become uncomfortable to watch.

That '70s Show captivated a generation with its nostalgic and humorous portrayal of American suburban life in the 1970s. However, looking back at the series today, it becomes apparent that certain aspects no longer align with modern values. The show's use of stereotypes and problematic storylines now demand a necessary reevaluation. While acknowledging both its strengths and flaws through a contemporary lens can foster a deeper appreciation for the time-traveling sitcom, it is important to recognize that certain events from the past 25 years make the show more difficult to watch. Even the experiences of the beloved Forman family are subject to the scrutiny of evolving perspectives. Against the backdrop of disco beats and polyester fashion, That '70s Show offered a hilarious glimpse into the lives of a close-knit group of Wisconsin teenagers, skillfully blending coming-of-age stories with witty humor. The characters, including Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, Michael Kelso, Jackie Burkhart, Steven Hyde, Fez, and their parents, resonated with viewers, leading to a sequel series in 2023 called That '90s Show, focusing on the teenage daughter of Eric and Donna in the 1990s. The iconic basement scenes filled with smoke and the gang's insightful conversations have become emblematic of the show. However, as its appeal endures, it is important to approach That '70s Show with a critical eye in light of the current cultural landscape.

9. That '70s Show Has A Huge Lack Of Diversity

8. That '70s Show's Adult Actors Quickly Aged Out Of Their Teenage Characters

Today, the presence of racial and gender stereotypes in That '70s Show cannot be ignored. The characters often embody simplistic roles, perpetuating harmful clichés. Moreover, the show's glaring lack of diversity, despite being set near Chicago in a fictional Wisconsin town, fails to acknowledge the diverse tapestry of backgrounds in both contemporary society and the late '90s, when the series premiered. This deficiency is particularly indefensible in an era that prioritizes inclusivity and representation in entertainment. It serves as a harsh reminder of the significant strides society and media have made in understanding and valuing the intricacies of human experiences.

Upon reviewing, it is apparent that the actors portraying the characters in That '70s Show were significantly older than their on-screen counterparts. At the commencement of the show, the characters are approximately 16 or 17 years old, while the actors ranged from 15 to 22 years old. Although the incongruity is not easily discernible in the initial seasons of the series, the perplexing timeline and sluggish progression of time in That '70s Show magnify this issue in later episodes.

7. Leo's Relationship With The Teens Was Completely Inappropriate

During season 5 of That '70s Show, the teenage characters are portrayed as being around 18 years old, despite the fact that most of the cast members are in their late-20s. This can be somewhat distracting, as it is difficult to fully immerse oneself in the authentic teenage experience when the actors are clearly well into adulthood. While this was a common practice in many sitcoms during that era, it serves as a reminder that the portrayal of high school life on screen often strays from reality and instead leans towards a more fantastical representation.

The way That '70s Show depicts Leo's connection to the gang may appear casual, but it is actually highly inappropriate according to modern standards of adult-teen relationships. This holds true even when considering societal norms 25 years ago, as well as the show's 1970s setting. Initially portrayed as Hyde's boss, Tommy Chong's character develops into an unconventional father figure. However, Leo's role later takes on a peculiar dynamic where he supplies the teenagers with illegal substances, partakes in their activities, and even spends time alone with them. In fact, That '70s Show season 4 goes as far as showing a scene where Leo engages in a "circle" with Jackie and Donna, taking place exclusively in Donna's bedroom. Even years after the original series concluded, That '90s Show finally addresses the troubling nature of Leo's friendship with the gang.

6. That '70s Show Is Harder To Watch After Danny Masterson's Sexual Assault Conviction

5. That '70s Show Casually Repeats Offensive Slurs

Considering Danny Masterson's conviction for sexual assault and the fact that his crimes took place during the original airing of That '70s Show, watching scenes involving Hyde has become incredibly distressing. After many years of mounting accusations and legal proceedings, Masterson was found guilty of two counts of rape in May 2023 and has been sentenced to 30 years to life in prison. The absence of Hyde in That '90s Show highlights the harsh reality that the character's actor's legal troubles have forced the franchise to confront in recent years.

That '70s Show also addresses offensive language, including slurs, which is used in certain instances. Fez, along with characters like Red and Jackie, faces racist remarks and xenophobia, often being labeled as "the foreigner." Such dialogue on a popular sitcom would face immediate criticism today and could deeply trouble newer audiences, underscoring the current shift towards more respectful and inclusive language standards in television content. Additionally, Fez's nationality and real name were deliberately kept a running joke and a mystery throughout That '70s Show, further demonstrating the show's lack of attention to diversity. The show frequently toyed with the uncertainty surrounding his nationality, resulting in various situations where characters attempted to guess his origins.

4. That '70s Show's Laugh Track Is Distracting 25 Years Later

A product of its time, That '70s Show was filmed in front of a live audience but also utilized a laugh track, a common feature of sitcoms during that era. However, this pre-recorded laughter can often feel contrived and out of sync with today's expectations. It tends to overshadow genuine moments of humor, creating a disconnect between the comedic timing of the show and the preferences of modern viewers. This outdated stylistic choice can detract from the overall viewing experience, hindering full engagement with the content. Surprisingly, the upcoming Netflix series That '90s Show, set to premiere in 2023, will also film in front of a live studio audience, perpetuating the same antiquated sitcom element that proved distracting in the original.

3. That '70s Show Has A Shocking Lack Of Parental Supervision

The lack of parental involvement in the lives of the main characters in That '70s Show may seem unrealistic. In today's culture, where hands-on parenting is emphasized, it is surprising to witness the relative freedom and independence of the teenagers, even for the 1970s era. Although the show aimed for comedic exaggeration, it can be jarring for modern audiences who are accustomed to a different portrayal of parent-teen dynamics on screen. The absence of parental oversight, particularly during crucial moments, may be seen as a convenient narrative device that does not align with contemporary parenting norms. While no parents are aware of everything their children are up to, the lack of knowledge displayed by Red, Kitty, Bob, and Midge about the teens' actions is truly shocking.

2. That '70s Show's Treatment Of Eric & Fez's Character Arcs

1. That '70s Show's Humor Is Often Insensitive & Repetitive

Eric's character development, marked by indecisiveness and occasional complaints, can be frustrating for adult viewers. While his struggles with identity and growing up are relatable, they may test the patience of those with a more mature perspective. On the other hand, Fez's storyline often relies on racial stereotypes, which can be uncomfortable to watch with a critical eye. This aspect of his character does not align with today's focus on nuanced and respectful representation of diverse backgrounds. Unfortunately, both Eric and Fez's character arcs in That '70s Show are either incomplete or out of touch with modern expectations.

1. That '70s Show's Humor Is Often Insensitive & Repetitive

Rewatching That '70s Show 25 years later reveals some harsh realities, particularly in terms of its insensitive humor. The show occasionally pokes fun at mental health issues, which may distress viewers who understand the importance of mental health in today's society. The punchlines now appear inconsiderate when it comes to gender norms, mental health, and sexual orientation. Furthermore, certain recurring jokes and gags within the series can become tiresome or irritating upon repeated viewing. What may have been amusing in moderation during the show's original run can lose its charm when binge-watched or revisited over time. It is clear that a significant portion of the dialogue and situations in That '70s Show can be classified as insensitive and exclusionary.