That 70s Show Review

One show that I really enjoyed through the years is That 70s Show because it laid out a really good portrayal of someone maturing into adulthood from adolescence, like their first job, getting fired, and pleasing parents. I find the show very relatable, and it still feels that way even generations after it was filmed.

That 70s Show is primarily about Eric Foreman and his friends during their high school years. His friend group includes Donna, Hyde, Kelso, Jackie, and Fez. Donna is the next-door neighbor and the girl that Eric has had a crush on for years. Hyde is the town bad boy as well as an implied weed enthusiast, and of course all of Eric’s friends smoke. Kelso is a lighthearted individual who enjoys having fun. The show portrays him as the dimmest in the group. He has surprising success with women due to his model-like good looks. Of course, he is superficial and vain and doesn't think his looks will fade. Jackie Burkhart is Kelso’s girlfriend for a majority of the program, whom Kelso cheats on constantly. Then there is Fez, the foreign exchange student; the show isn't clear on where he's from. He's a comedic character who's obsessed with porn.

Also, Eric's parents play a large role in the show. Red, his father, is a war veteran who doesn't encourage his son's unique talents and doesn't seem to appreciate what he's capable of, like sewing and decorating. I believe that Eric’s father doesn’t understand his son, especially Eric's obsession with Star Wars and everything sci-fi and nerdy. Red is an overbearing father who expects perfection from his children. He coddles Eric’s sister and gives her the benefit of the doubt when he shouldn’t. I also believe that Red is trying to toughen his son up for the real world. His mom, Kitty, is a fairly competent nurse, but has a slight alcohol problem.

The show is primarily about Eric’s journey into adulthood; his experiences along the way, his difficulties with his deepening relationship with his next-door neighbor from friendship to lovers to somewhere in between throughout the years. The show takes place from 1974 to 1980, but I still find it relatable today. I think the show had a very solid ending, although I wish the main character had stayed through the entire series. There is a brief period when Eric is away in Africa, so the show has to focus on his friends dealing with that, but other than that, it's a good show I would recommend.