A breezy, highly rewatchable hangout sitcom with a strong ensemble, sharp period flavor, and a reliably funny first seven seasons. It’s especially good if you like character-driven comedy built around a single setting and recurring bits, though the final season is widely considered a step down after a major cast… Read more
74% ★★★★☆ (199,835)
That '70s Show
Where to watch: Peacock
TV Show · Comedy · Family
1998 · ★ 74% (199.8K)
Be groovy... be very groovy!
Starring: Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon
Overview
Crank up the 8-track and flash back to a time when platform shoes and puka shells were all the rage in this hilarious retro-sitcom. For Eric, Kelso, Jackie, Hyde, Donna and Fez, a group of high school teens who spend most of their time hanging out in Eric’s basement, life in the ‘70s isn’t always so groovy. But between trying to figure out the meaning of life, avoiding their parents, and dealing with out-of-control hormones, they’ve learned one thing for sure: they’ll always get by with a little help from their friends.
Production
Carsey-Werner Company
Cast
Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Don Stark, Tommy Chong, Josh Meyers
Where to watch
Peacock Premium, Peacock Premium Plus
Curator Review
Verdict
A breezy, highly rewatchable hangout sitcom with a strong ensemble, sharp period flavor, and a reliably funny first seven seasons. It’s especially good if you like character-driven comedy built around a single setting and recurring bits, though the final season is widely considered a step down after a major cast shift.
Best for
fans of ensemble sitcoms
viewers who like nostalgic period comedies
people who enjoy low-stakes, comfort-watch TV
fans of teen-to-young-adult coming-of-age stories
Skip if
you want tightly serialized storytelling
you dislike broad sitcom humor and catchphrase comedy
you need consistently strong later seasons
you’re looking for a realistic or especially progressive portrait of the 1970s
Overview
That '70s Show is one of the defining hangout sitcoms of its era: easygoing, character-based, and built around the chemistry of a core group who can make even the smallest basement conversation feel like a running joke machine. The period setting is more vibe than history, but the show uses its 1970s backdrop well enough to give the comedy a distinct flavor and a strong sense of place.
Worth noting
The early seasons are the sweet spot, when the ensemble is balanced and the rhythms are freshest. Red and Kitty are standout parental foils, and the series gets a lot of mileage out of its recurring dynamics, from Eric and Donna’s push-pull romance to the rotating schemes and relationship chaos among the teens. It’s not subtle, but it’s very effective when it’s clicking.
Bottom line
Quality softens as the series goes on, and the final season is the clear low point after a major cast change. Still, the show’s best episodes remain highly rewatchable, and its comfort-food appeal has lasted because it knows exactly what it is: a funny, familiar basement sitcom with a strong ensemble and a lot of personality.