The Mind-Blowing '70s Show Theories You Won't Believe Exist

That '70s Show, a sitcom known for its humor and lightheartedness, is often reinterpreted by devoted fans through compelling theories that alter various aspects of the plot. Set in the nostalgic 1970s, the series follows the escapades and hilarious outcomes of a group of teenagers as they make mistakes and form friendships. Unlike shows that are riddled with mysteries for viewers to contemplate, That '70s Show generally does not require excessive analysis (except for the origin of the character Fez). However, this has not deterred fans from crafting intriguing theories that offer a fresh perspective on the show's characters and circumstances.

Throughout the show's eight-season run (despite the temporary departure and subsequent return of certain characters), Eric and his friends consistently occupy the Forman basement, showcasing the successful combination of unique comedy and the sitcom's concept. Nevertheless, it must be acknowledged that not everything in That '70s Show adheres completely to logic. The series has faced criticism for its lack of continuity, and certain dynamics, such as the unexpected relationship between Jackie and Fez at the end, appear contrived. Nonetheless, these discrepancies can be rationalized and resolved by the presence of a few compelling theories.

10 The Formans & Kelsos Are Back Yard Neighbors

9 Eric Was In A Coma Since Season 4

The Pinciottis and Formans were established as next-door neighbors in That '70s Show, but the homes of other characters were rarely featured. However, a Reddit theory suggests that the Kelsos and Formans were actually backyard neighbors, based on the fact that Michael always entered Eric's house through the garage. This theory gains support from Hyde's comment about attempting to jump the fence to reach Kelso's house, which would only make sense if they were in close proximity. The idea that Eric, Kelso, and Donna all grew up in such close proximity fundamentally alters our perspective on their friendships.

There is a Reddit theory surrounding That '70s Show that suggests Eric Forman may have been in a coma for part of the series. This theory stems from a specific episode in season 4 titled "Tornado Prom." In this episode, Eric is late picking up Donna from Prom due to a tornado in Point Place. During the episode, Red and Kitty are heard listening to a radio, where it is mentioned that a teenager is in critical condition after the tornado. Given the increasingly convoluted timeline of That '70s Show, fans have speculated that Eric was the injured teenager and that the remaining seasons were a dream-like coma experience that concludes with his death in season 8.

8 Fez Never Existed In That ‘70s Show

Fez, the enigmatic character from That '70s Show, always stood out as the most mysterious member of the group. His origins remained unknown, and despite being an exchange student, he never returned home as expected (which Kitty found peculiar in That '90s Show). Fez's role primarily revolved around providing peculiar comedic relief, leading some to question his existence altogether. The prevailing theory suggests that the gang from That '70s Show fabricated Fez, perhaps influenced by their extensive time spent in "the circle," and collectively imagined him as their peculiar, candy-loving friend.

7 Donna Wrote The Final Seasons Of That ‘70s Show

Just like the theory that "Eric was in a coma," there is another theory surrounding That '70s Show suggesting that Donna was the one who penned the final seasons. In this version, Eric tragically loses his life in an accident while he is teaching in Africa. To cope with her immense sorrow, Donna creates an alternate ending for her story. This revised narrative entails Eric breaking up with her, encounters with an overly idealized and widely disliked new boyfriend named Randy, and culminates in a joyful reunion with Eric in a much happier conclusion. Ultimately, this theory may shed light on why the concluding seasons of That '70s Show were considered subpar – they were the creation of a grieving teenager.

6 Hyde Is The Mastermind Of That ‘70s Show

Steven Hyde was notorious for causing trouble, but his influence went beyond mere mischief. While he may be absent from That '90s Show, he played a central role in That '70s Show. Hyde was responsible for introducing marijuana to the group, ultimately leading to Kelso's downfall as an honor student. Moreover, his advice to Eric often dictated the course of his actions, whether for better or worse. It was Hyde who planted the seeds of many pivotal moments in That '70s Show, shaping the unfolding of break-ups and marriages.

5 Fez Is From The Dutch West Indies

Fez's country of origin and its enigmatic nature has been a long-standing running joke in That '70s Show and continues in That '90s Show. However, a Redditor believes to have unraveled this mystery and claims that Fez hails from the Dutch West Indies. This deduction was made based on the bits of information Fez shared throughout the series: his homeland being an island, the obscure native language, his command of Dutch as a secondary language, and the apparent disdain of the British towards this location. Ultimately, they concluded that Fez settled in the Dutch West Indies, primarily because it not only encompasses Dutch but also Papiamento, a unique amalgamation of Spanish, Portuguese, and Dutch.

4 ‘The Circle’ Is Responsible For That ‘70s Show’s Timeline Issues

That '70s Show has faced years of criticism due to its timeline inconsistencies. Despite featuring a Christmas episode in almost every season, the characters remained in high school for an extended period that defied logical timelines. This issue has persisted in That '90s Show, where even Leia's existence raises questions as Eric should have still been in Africa during her conception. One Reddit user has proposed an intriguing explanation, attributing the timeline discrepancies to the influence of the characters' frequent marijuana use. According to this theory, the show's portrayal of the passing of time was a reflection of how the characters experienced it, as their perception was altered by their regular marijuana consumption.

3 Eric’s “It’s A Wonderful Life” Moment Wasn’t A Dream

In season 4, episode 1 of That '70s Show titled "It's a Wonderful Life," Eric experienced a surreal dream where he witnessed an alternate reality where he and Donna never fell in love. Accompanied by an angel, Eric embarked on a journey through the 80s, observing surprising scenarios such as Donna marrying Hyde, Kelso pursuing a career as a news anchor while having an on-again-off-again relationship with stewardess Jackie, and Fez becoming a popular event singer. Initially intended as a lighthearted moment of self-discovery for Eric, a Reddit user astutely pointed out that since all the songs Fez performed during the dream were real 80s hits, it suggested that Eric was indeed time-traveling rather than simply dreaming.

2 Red Didn’t Really Disapprove Of Eric In That ‘70s Show

Red was always a bit tough on Eric in That '70s Show, often expressing his desire for his son to be more "manly," which deeply bothered Eric. However, a theory on Reddit suggests that Red intentionally raised Eric to be this way. Despite his complaints, Red never disciplined Eric as harshly as he claimed he would, nor did he force him to partake in traditionally masculine activities against his will. If Red truly wanted Eric to be like him, he could have made it happen. Surprisingly, the sentimental man allowed Eric to be his own person.

1 That ‘70s Show’s Opening Theme Reflects Each Relationship Dynamic

The introduction song of That '70s Show showcases the characters cruising in the Vista Cruiser, and as the music progresses, their positions in the car change. A theory on Reddit highlights that these seating arrangements in the sequence symbolize the characters' relationships during different stages of the series. For instance, Hyde, Donna, and Eric are seen squeezed into the front seat, which aligns with the fact that these three were involved in a love triangle at one point. Later on, Eric is situated between Red and Bob, expressing his conflicted relationship with these influential figures in his life. In essence, the opening sequence of That '70s Show presents several captivating dynamics.