That '70s Show: Donna & Eric's Relationship Timeline Explained

The Beginning of a Romance

As one of the central couples in That '70s Show, Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti's relationship is a main focal point from the very beginning of the show. Set in the 1970s, That '70s Show is a teen sitcom about a teenager named Eric Forman and his friends, who spend most of their time hanging out in Eric's basement, much to his mom Kitty's delight and his dad Red's dismay. Donna is Eric's longtime best friend and next-door neighbor, who becomes his on-and-off girlfriend.

Donna (Laura Prepon) and Eric (Topher Grace) have their first kiss in the pilot episode of That '70s Show.

Throughout all eight seasons of That '70s Show plus the spinoff series, That '90s Show, the couple share many firsts and experience pivotal milestones together. However, Eric and Donna’s relationship on That ‘70s Show also takes many turns and is put to the test more than once. Through it all, they manage to work things out and end up together in the long run.

Eric (Topher Grace) with his arm awkwardly around Donna (Laura Prepon) in That '70s Show pilot episode.

Season 1: Friendship Turns Into More

In the first season of That '70s Show, Eric and Donna's relationship blossoms from a deep friendship into something more. They share their first kiss and go on their first date at a fancy restaurant on Valentine's Day. Their journey is filled with moments of jealousy, competition, and the ultimate decision to make their relationship official. Despite the challenges, they solidify their commitment to each other.

Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) on their first date on That '70s Show

Throughout season 1, Eric competes with Hyde for Donna's affection and often gets jealous when Donna gives Hyde attention. When Hyde confesses his feelings for her, she makes it clear she wants to be with Eric, not Hyde. Eric and Donna make their relationship official after Donna rejects Hyde once and for all.

Donna (Laura Prepon) and Eric (Topher Grace) at prom in That '70s Show season 1.

Season 2: Getting Serious

In season 2, Eric and Donna take their relationship to the next level. They express their love for each other, share intimate moments, and navigate the challenges of physical intimacy. Despite facing communication problems and insecurities, they stay committed to each other and continue to grow as a couple.

Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) in Eric's prom fantasy on That '70s Show.

They take some major steps, like saying 'I love you' to each other for the first time and losing their virginities to each other. After they have sex for the first time, Eric's ego is crushed when he finds out that Donna said he wasn't good in bed, but Donna reassures him that it can only get better. Eric still feels inferior to her and threatened by Donna's dynamic with Hyde at times. They get into some arguments and experience communication problems, but despite these hiccups, they manage to stay together the whole season.

Eric (Topher Grace) gazing at Donna (Laura Prepon) while she writes on a legal pad in That '70s Show.

Season 3: Trouble In Paradise & First Breakup

Throughout season 3, Eric and Donna face challenges that test the strength of their relationship. They start to imagine their future together, which ends up causing problems. Eric gets more and more insecure and frustrated, leading to their first breakup after nearly three seasons together.

Eric and Donna look at her promise ring in That '70s Show season 3.

Eric gets frustrated by how much time Donna spends at her new job at a radio station, accusing her of not prioritizing their relationship or making any time for him. As Eric gets progressively more worried that Donna is slipping away, he decides to give her a promise ring in the season 3 finale, in an attempt to secure their relationship. Donna tells him she's not ready for that kind of commitment, which only makes Eric's fears of losing her worse. After nearly three seasons together, Eric breaks up with Donna for the first time.

Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) sitting at her kitchen table in That '70s Show Season 4

Season 4: Time Apart & Dating Other People

Eric and Donna's breakup hits Eric especially hard, and they both struggle to navigate their new dynamic and their lingering feelings for each other post-breakup. Their status as exes gets even more complicated when Donna's mother, Midge, leaves for California and Eric reluctantly offers Donna support. Eric turns out to be a comfort to Donna, and they end up sleeping together. However, their attempt at getting back together is short-lived, as they both try to move on by dating other people.

Eric and Donna kiss on the beach in That '70s Show season 5 premiere.

Donna tries to get back together with Eric, but he tells her he turns her down because he doesn't want to be her second choice, which he instantly regrets. Their journey in season 4 is filled with heartbreak and the realization of how much they still care for each other despite the obstacles they face.

Donna (Laura Prepon) and Eric (Topher Grace) sitting on a rock in That '70s Show.

Season 5: Back Together Again

In the season 5 premiere, Eric decides to follow Donna to California to get her back. The couple gets back together but face challenges as they start planning their future together. They get engaged, but their decision is met with skepticism from their friends and families. Despite the doubts, they remain committed to each other and look forward to spending the rest of their lives together.

Eric and a blonde Donna in That '70s Show season 7.

With college approaching, Eric and Donna start to seriously think about their future together. Eric buys an engagement ring and decides to propose to Donna, and she says yes. By the end of the season, though, they're still happily engaged and planning to move to Madison after graduation, ready to spend the rest of their lives together.

Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon) pressing their foreheads together in That '70s Show's series finale.

Season 6: Engaged & Committed

Season 6 brings new challenges for Eric and Donna as they navigate the complexities of their engagement and their plans for the future. After a pregnancy scare, they decide to attend pre-marital counseling and become celibate until their wedding day. However, their wedding plans hit a roadblock when Eric gets cold feet and runs off before the rehearsal. Despite the challenges, they agree to stay together but decide to call off their wedding and hold off on marriage for now.

Donna (Laura Prepon) and Eric (Topher Grace) sitting on a car and smiling in That '90s Show pilot episode.

Their journey in season 6 is a testament to their commitment to each other, as they face the realities of growing up and the challenges of making important life decisions. Their love for each other is evident in their determination to work through their differences and build a future together.

Season 7: Eric's Final Season

In season 7, Eric and Donna's relationship faces a new test as Eric panics about his future and decides to spend a year in Africa. Despite the distance, they continue to support each other and remain committed to their relationship. Their love for each other transcends the challenges they face, and they hold on to the hope of a future together despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead.

The season finale marks a bittersweet moment as Eric and Donna say their goodbyes, with Eric leaving for Africa. Their love for each other remains strong, but they are faced with the reality of being apart and the uncertainty of what the future holds for their relationship.

Season 8: Second Breakup & Reconciliation

Season 8 brings new challenges for Eric and Donna as they face a second breakup, with Donna dating a new guy named Randy. However, Eric returns in the series finale and confesses his true feelings to Donna, leading to a reconciliation and the implication that they get back together. Their journey in the final season is a testament to the enduring nature of their love, as they find their way back to each other despite the obstacles they face.

The series finale marks a poignant moment for Eric and Donna as they share a kiss and embrace the possibility of being together again. Their love story comes full circle, leaving fans with the hope of a bright future for the iconic couple.