The Shocking Revelation Behind the Final Seasons of That '70s Show - You Won't Believe What Went Wrong!

The final seasons of That '70s Show are widely regarded as subpar compared to the earlier seasons, sparking a fan theory that sheds light on this decline. As the plot took a different turn in season 7 and progressed into season 8, the characters and their circumstances underwent significant changes, making them almost unrecognizable. This can be attributed to the departure of Topher Grace, who portrayed the lead character Eric. Without Eric at the helm, That '70s Show struggled to find its footing. However, Eric's absence and the subsequent peculiar occurrences could potentially be explained within the show's storyline.

Numerous fan theories have emerged in an attempt to make sense of the puzzling events towards the end of That '70s Show. One such theory, proposed by Redditor NurseBerry, proposes that Eric had actually passed away in season 4, and everything that unfolded afterwards was merely a dream in his comatose state. Another theory, put forth by Redditor SMithsonIANPictures, presents a similar hypothesis. However, in this scenario, it is surmised that Eric met his demise while in Africa, leaving Donna to utilize her passion for writing as a means of coping with the loss during the show's eighth season.

That '70s Show Theory: Donna Wrote A Different Ending Because Eric Died

In season 7 of That '70s Show, Donna and Eric's relationship faced challenges as they decided to end their engagement. Eric embarked on a personal journey to discover his purpose in life, which led to him acting out of character. Although he had always been viewed as less masculine compared to Red's standards, Eric's behavior took an extreme turn in his final season. Eventually, he unexpectedly traveled to Africa, where he remained for the majority of season 8, excluding the finale.

During his time in Africa, Eric broke up with Donna, keeping this news a secret from their friends for a considerable period. This forms the foundation of SMithsonIANPictures' theory, suggesting that Donna received news of Eric's supposed demise instead of a call. Overwhelmed by anger and grief, Donna coped by writing a story depicting her friends and her late boyfriend, bringing the events of That '70s Show seasons 7 and 8 to life.

Donna's aspirations of becoming a writer in That '70s Show were always alive, and she frequently engaged in conversations with Eric about this talent. Nevertheless, had Eric's life been cut short, Donna would have undoubtedly been devastated. It wouldn't be surprising if her grief culminated in a story that lacked coherence. She commenced her writing journey by reimagining the circumstances that led to Eric's departure from Point Place, explaining his peculiar behavior throughout season 7. Subsequently, she delved into a narrative where he had chosen to end their relationship—a tragic event that proved to be somewhat easier for her to process than his actual demise.

That '70s Show's Final Seasons Made Characters Exaggerated Versions Of Themselves

The behavior of the other characters in the final season of That '70s Show also reinforces this theory. Despite maintaining their basic characteristics, such as Jackie's vanity and shallowness, Kelso's occasional denseness, and Fez's overly dramatic nature, these traits were amplified while their complexities were simplified. This phenomenon is often observed in fan fiction, which further supports the notion that Donna was writing about her friends rather than them naturally living their lives.

Randy Was Donna's Idea Of The Perfect Boyfriend - But He Wasn't Real

This is possibly the reason behind Hyde's apparent lack of concern when he found out about Eric breaking up with Donna, despite usually being there to comfort her. It could also explain why the heartbroken writer would envision his close friend suddenly running away with a stripper, even though it seemed illogical. Furthermore, it could be the underlying cause for Jackie, who usually prioritized wealth, becoming unexpectedly sorrowful over Eric's absence in season 8 of That '70s Show and ultimately ending up with the now overly emotional Fez. Perhaps it was just another way for Donna to cope with her grief.

One of the most peculiar and infuriating aspects of the eighth season of That '70s Show was the introduction of a new romantic interest for Donna. While Randy may not have deserved all the contempt he received, his clear intention to fill Eric's void did not sit well with viewers. What exacerbated matters further was Randy's seemingly flawless persona, which disregarded the intricacies of Eric's flaws, making it even more problematic for Donna.

Eric's Return In That '70s Show Season 8 Was Donna's Attempt At Rewriting Their Story

Regardless, when considering Randy from the viewpoint of the "Eric died in Africa" theory, he becomes much more comprehensible. Randy embodied all the qualities that Donna had secretly yearned for in a boyfriend. He exuded kindness and thoughtfulness, while also possessing a captivating rebelliousness. His words were always on point, and his physical appeal was conventionally attractive, with a touch of masculinity that surpassed Eric's. However, as Donna came to realize by the conclusion of her tale, this idealistic boy wasn't the one she truly desired. Despite his occasional thoughtlessness, Eric proved to be a much more multifaceted individual than the character she had fabricated.

The conclusion of That '70s Show season 8 gracefully marked Eric's return from Africa, leading to a blissful reunion with Donna. Viewed as if the final seasons were Donna's imaginative creation, it symbolizes her progression from the initial denial of her anguish. In order to come to terms with the pain of Eric's departure, Donna penned a narrative, transforming him into an unpleasant person who callously broke up with her while in Africa—something she found easier to bear. Nevertheless, Eric's homecoming and genuine remorse served as a reminder for Donna of his true nature, prompting her to envision a fresh ending to their story.

There are numerous issues with this theory regarding That '70s Show. It is highly unlikely that the show writers intended for this interpretation. The absence of Eric in season 8 was actually due to Grace's desire to conclude the series. The sitcom is notorious for disregarding continuity and not adhering to a consistent timeline. Ultimately, the unpopularity of the final seasons can be attributed to the show running out of creative ideas and the need to bring the story to a close. Nevertheless, it's still entertaining to entertain the idea that one of the characters influenced the unconventional twists in That '70s Show.