That ’90s Show Was Like a “Mini Reunion Every Week” - Netflix Tudum

  • Press Play

    Behind the Scenes at ‘That ’90s Show,’ Where Debra Jo Rupp’s Laugh Saves the Day

    “Everybody loves it.”

    Dec. 27, 2022

Here’s a hair and makeup secret straight from the set of That ’90s Show: that perfectly coiffed Kitty Forman hairdo? It’s a wig. 

OK, that might not actually be a secret — just look at it! — but stars Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith sat down for a chat with Netflix directly from their hair and makeup chairs and revealed some interesting information about their sitcom sequel in the process.

The two comedy veterans, who played parents Kitty and Red Forman on That ’70s Show for eight seasons, reprise their roles for the new series that follows the characters’ granddaughter, Leia (Callie Haverda), as she spends the summer of 1995 with them. Much like her parents before her, Leia comes of age with the eclectic group of friends she finds in Point Place, Wisconsin. 

Related Stories

  • What To Watch
    16 Sitcoms That Are Always Great for a Good Laugh
    May 26
    Grid of Netflix Original sitcom series.

Leia is the daughter of Eric Forman and his high school sweetheart/girl next door crush Donna, but those characters aren’t the only ones returning to the series. Topher Grace (Eric), Mila Kunis (Jackie), Ashton Kutcher (Kelso), Laura Prepon (Donna) and Wilmer Valderrama (Fez) all reprise their roles as special guests in That ’90s Show.

“It was almost like we have a mini reunion every week,” Rupp says in the clip above. 

The original cast members “just want to make sure we’re not messing everything up,” jokes Smith. “But they’ve been extremely encouraging about the whole thing.”

As nice as it is for Rupp and Smith to see their on-screen children again, it’s even better for their characters. The notoriously grumpy Red “really does like the life these kids have brought back into his house, but he won’t admit it because he’s stubborn,” explains Smith. 

And no one actually worries about messing everything up. “Whenever things are going bad, we just throw it over to Debra Jo,” reveals Smith. Rupp gives one of her iconic laughs — you know the one — and “everybody loves it.” 

That ’90s Show premieres Jan. 19 on Netflix.

The Grooviest That '70s Show Easter Eggs in That '90s ShowThe more things change in the Forman house, the more they stay the same.

All About That '90s Show

  • Explainer
    Crack a Zima and Learn About All the ’90s References in ‘That ’90s Show’
    Yes, that’s actually Brian Austin Green.
    By Jean Bentley
    Jan. 24, 2023
  • Deep Dive
    From glass grapes to horny Pastor Dave, here’s how the new sitcom paid tribute to its predecessor.
    By Leora Yashari and Jean Bentley
    Jan. 19, 2023
  • Up Close
    “I needed to have the house open up again.”
    By Leora Yashari
    Jan. 19, 2023
  • First Look
    Coming to you from the Forman basement, it’s the Donkey Kong conspiracy.
    By Jean Bentley
    Jan. 17, 2023
  • News
    Red and Kitty are back, and so are Red’s words of wisdom.
    By Jean Bentley
    Dec. 22, 2022

Shop That '90s Show

GO TO NETFLIX SHOP

Discover More Press Play

  • Press Play
    Get a glimpse at the new series from Courtney A. Kemp and Tani Marole.
    By John DiLillo
    April 13
  • Press Play
    Who ate Cookie Monster’s pie? The answer lies right before our googly eyes. 
    By John DiLillo
    Dec. 2
  • Press Play
    Keira Knightley stars in the adaptation of Ruth Ware’s mystery novel.
    By John DiLillo
    Aug. 26
  • Press Play
    Meet Megan Stalter’s family, played by Dunham, Rita Wilson, and Rhea Perlman. 
    By Tara Bitran
    July 9
  • Press Play
    Alice Oseman explains how they chose the songs that shape the new season.
    By Jean Bentley
    Oct. 14, 2024
  • Press Play
    Pitbull and Taylor Swift instrumentals soundtrack the drama’s third season.
    By Jean Bentley
    June 17, 2024
  • Press Play
    “There are people out there for you.”
    By Tara Bitran
    May 3, 2024
  • Press Play
    Composer Mathieu Lamboley explains how he created the series’ unique score.
    By Jean Bentley
    Oct. 20, 2023

Related Videos

  • Trailer
    Summer hasn’t ended. 
    Aug. 15, 2024
    2:35
  • Trailer
    They’re getting older, but not wiser … 
    June 7, 2024
    2:14
  • Trailer
    Hello old friends, hello new friends, hello Wisconsin.
    June 6, 2024
    1:04
  • What To Watch
    Shows to make you laugh.
    Aug. 23, 2023
    2:18
  • News
    Red and Kitty will deal with these dumbasses for another summer.
    Feb. 3, 2023
    0:25

Popular Now

  • News
    Plus: Viewers choose new series Unchosen, and Running Point Season 2 is nothing but net. 
    By Ananda Dillon and Ashley Lee
    Yesterday 7:00 pm
  • New on Netflix
    Stream Apex, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85, plus new seasons of BEEF, Running Point, and more.
    By Ashley Lee
    March 31
  • Casting Call
    Kate Hudson leads another all-star team, including some appearances from real-life LA legends. 
    By Brookie McIlvaine
    April 23