In a surprising move, “That ’90s Show Part 3” hit the streaming scene two months ahead of its original release date, leaving fans pleasantly taken aback. The latest installment of the nostalgic series, available now on Netflix, sees Laura Prepon, known for her role as Donna, stepping behind the camera to direct all eight episodes.
As the sequel to the beloved “That ’70s Show,” which soared in popularity and catapulted stars like Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, and Ashton Kutcher into the limelight, “That ’90s Show” is set 15 years later, taking us to the year 1995. The focus shifts from the original gang to their offspring, introducing a new generation of Point Place residents.
Leia Forman, played by Callie Haverda, visits her grandparents Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith) in Point Place, Wisconsin. The storyline takes nostalgic cues as Leia, much like her parents, finds herself bonding with new friends in the iconic basement. The group includes Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide), her brother Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan), Nate’s best friend Jay (Mace Coronel), the academically inclined Nikki (Sam Morelos), Nate’s girlfriend, and the tech-savvy, sharp-witted Ozzie (Reyn Doi).
The end of Season 2 saw a plot twist with Red and Kitty jetting off to Paris, leaving Leia under the watchful eye of her other grandfather, Bob (Don Stark). Unsurprisingly, chaos ensues. Kitty returns to a house in disarray, most notably sporting a gaping hole in the kitchen, which fuels her fury. Despite her threats of withholding travel photos, Kitty eventually inundates the guilt-ridden Gwen and Nikki with a mountainous pile of photo albums.
The upcoming episodes take viewers on an eventful ride. Leia and Jay contemplate taking their relationship to the next step, while Nate wrestles with remorse over his breakup with Nikki and frantically plans grand gestures to win her back, even contemplating taking responsibility for the disastrous kitchen hole.
. The arrival of Jay’s older sister, Betsy (Kira Kosarin), fresh from Spain, adds a sprinkle of drama as her presence causes a rift between Jay and Nate.
The season doesn’t skimp on humor and delightful ’90s tributes. There’s a memorable visit to a wrestling championship to get an autograph on a championship belt, exposing Leia to the multi-functional utility of showerheads, and even a Beanie Babies craze. Kitty’s matchmaking efforts also shine as she helps Ozzie find love through a personal column. Gwen’s estranged father makes an unexpected appearance, offering moments of reflection amidst the laughter.
In a hilarious homage, one episode has Red and Kitty echoing a scene from “Pulp Fiction” with a discussion about cheese, capturing the essence of Vince and Jules. Fans can also look forward to an “Indecent Proposal” reenactment and a Jay Leno impression that will have viewers in stitches.
One of the show’s strengths lies in its seamless incorporation of ’90s cultural references, sprinkled throughout the episodes without ever feeling forced or contrived. The cast’s chemistry is palpable, operating with the ease and precision of a well-oiled machine. The episodes, each running for a brisk 24 minutes, are perfectly timed bites of entertainment, leaving the audience craving more.
“That ’90s Show Part 3” continues to build on the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a blend of fun, nostalgia, and genuine humor. It’s a delightful escape back to the ’90s, complete with a charming new guest of teenagers reinvigorating Point Place.
Currently streaming on Netflix, “That ’90s Show Part 3” is a perfect binge for anyone looking to relive the glory days of the ’90s while enjoying the antics of a new generation of the Forman family and their friends.
