Top 10 Callbacks to That '70s Show on That 90s Show
#10: Kitty & Red’s Lovemaking Music “Free Leia”
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In the second episode, Red and Kitty argue over having their home taken over by teens once again. Just as their bickering reaches its climax, “Tell Me Something Good” by Rufus featuring Chaka Khan starts to play. And the next thing we know… This musical reference calls way back to season one of “That ‘70s Show,” when Eric has the traumatic experience of walking in on his parents while they’re getting intimate. He can’t get the image or the song out of his head, making for a hilariously uncomfortable family dinner. Ever since, the track’s been associated with the couple’s love life, and anytime we hear it, we know they’re about to get it on.
#9: The Force Has Grown Even Stronger in Eric “That '90s Pilot”
Eric’s love of “Star Wars” was a running gag throughout the original series, and it seems like time’s only intensified his obsession. After all, his daughter is called Leia, although she doesn’t seem to have inherited his penchant for her namesake’s franchise. Anyway, in “That ’90s Show,” we learn that Eric turned his passion into a profession and is now a college professor teaching “The Religion of Star Wars.” We'd love to see what the prequel trilogy, which premiered at the end of the decade in which the sitcom is set, will do to his lesson plans. Well, as Yoda might say, “A job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life, choose.”
#8: We Still Don’t Know Where Fez’s From “Lip Smackers”
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Good ol' Fez is back, and he hasn't changed a bit! He's still obsessed with candy, his feud with Fenton's alive and kicking (well, at first), and he still has the perfect exit remark. Also, in continuation of the original series, we still have no idea where he's from. In the original series, the writers were always careful to ensure audiences could never pin Fez's country of origin on a map, and they've kept that running gag going. While chatting with her neighbor and Fez's lover, Sherri, Kitty mentions the mysterious country but is drowned out by her whistling kettle. The creators always found inventive ways to keep Fez's origins the show's best-kept secret.
#7: “The Vista Cruiser” Various
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The Formans' car was present for so many integral moments in the original gang's lives that it's practically like their seventh member. So, we were delighted to see it rolled out for the sequel. It was even more thrilling to watch Donna and Eric share one of their classic intimate chats on the hood of a vehicle. Likewise, it's also the backdrop for a significant step in Leia and Jay's relationship - plus Red gifts it to Leia, along with driving lessons for her 15th birthday. Leia's parents and their crew embarked on so many crazy adventures in this car, and we can only hope that Leia and her friends will do the same.
#6: The Like Father, Like Daughter Keg Throwback “That '90s Pilot”
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In the pilot episode, Nate, Jay and Nikki accidentally find themselves in possession of a keg - but no tap. Sound familiar? That’s because it was also the premise for a season one episode of “That ’70s Show.” Eric makes it his mission to locate a tap for their keg; meanwhile, Leia uses her finely honed debate skills to secure theirs. The 90s gang celebrates on the Water Tower, which still features some of its original graffiti. In the following episode, while tripping out on the Candy Land stash, Leia envisions her grandparents as Donkey Kong characters. It reminds us of the time Eric hallucinated that the walls and his parents’ heads were moving and swaying. Like father, like daughter indeed!
#5: “That ‘70s Show” Plot Point References Various
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“That ’90s Show” doesn’t just recreate old scenes and storylines; occasionally, the characters share memories from back in the day. For instance, in the seventh episode of the new series, Jay tries to prove he’s responsible by running an errand for Red. Only Mr. Forman can’t quite shake off the image of Jay’s father glued to their fridge. Although, as he fairly points out, comparing anyone to Michael Kelso sets the bar rather low. Also, in Jay’s defense, he doesn’t seem to have inherited his father’s brains. Then, during a mother-daughter heart-to-heart in the final episode, Donna calls back to the time she dated Jay’s Uncle, Casey, during one of her and Eric’s many breakups.
#4: Catchphrases Various
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BURRRRRN! No, you couldn’t produce a spin-off without bringing back the original show’s iconic catchphrases too. And there were many, from Bob’s cheery “Hey there! Hi there! Ho there!” to Red’s, let’s call it, term of endearment and his constant reminders of where you might find his foot if you tick him off . However, no catchphrase is perhaps more synonymous with the show than. And we’re glad that if Jay inherited anything from his father, it’s this. After all, no one “Burns” harder than a Kelso. So naturally, when the Michael Kelso makes his “90’ Show” debut, it’s the very first word that comes out of his mouth. We couldn’t have asked for a better reintroduction!
#3: Kelso & Jackie Reunite “That '90s Pilot”
Top 10 Kelso & Jackie Moments on That '70s Show
Speaking of Michael Kelso, he and Jackie appear in the first episode, where we learn that they’re back together and about to get remarried. But wait, when “That ‘70s Show” ended, wasn’t Jackie dating Fez? As he recounts to Kitty, it didn’t take long for her to return to Kelso; after all, she did once call him her soulmate. Hilariously, their dynamic hasn’t changed much; Jackie’s still yelling at him, while hearing Kelso proclaim made our teen hearts soar in delight. Of course, they, and later Fez, weren’t the only OGs to make guest appearances. In episode two, while looking for the “Clerks” videotape, Kitty and Leia first come across another familiar face.
#2: The Basement Various
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Ah, the Forman home, where so many memorable "That '70s Show" moments took place. While it's been updated with the times, Kitty's personal touches are still instantly recognizable. But no room pays homage to the original quite like the basement. Eagle-eyed viewers might recognize that its furniture once populated the family's living room. Also, did you spot the "Stupid Helmet" in the background? Kelso senior often wore it anytime he did something dumb, which happened a lot. Plus, Kitty's glass grapes have also made their way downstairs, you know, in case Leia and her new friends need a conversation starter. With so many homey throwbacks, we'd have to rewatch several times to catch them all. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Laurie, “Dirty Double Booker” She Might Not Be Mentioned by Name, but Laurie Forman Hasn’t Been Forgotten! Gwen’s Bedroom, “That '90s Pilot” “You Oughta Know” That Gwen Is the New Inhabitant of Donna’s Old Room The Hub, “Step by Step” & “Boyfriend Day One” The Diner Is Still Point Place’s Local Teen Hangout Pastor Dave, “Free Leia” Has the Pastor Found a New Calling? Family Photos, Various Did You Spot the Photo on the Bookshelf of the Late Betty White & Tom Poston, Who Played Kitty’s Parents?
#1: The Circle Various
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You can’t talk about “That ‘70s Show” without mentioning The Circle. This series’ mainstay involved a circular rotating shot that hinted at the group’s recreational activities. Under the influence, their chatter was often hilariously abstract, or each participant was off in their own little world. We even get flashbacks of the original Circle’s participants in the new series. However, it seems that Eric forgot to clear out his Candy Land stash, much to the delight of his daughter’s friends. Luckily, it was the perfect segue to revive this iconic running gag. We also hope we’ll hear a lot more about Nikki’s Donkey Kong conspiracy.
