That ’90s Show Part 3 offers a delightful trip down memory lane, doubling the fun with characters we’ve grown to adore. Set against the backdrop of 1995, this sequel to the immensely popular That ’70s Show fast-forwards 15 years and features the children of the original teenage crew. It’s not just a continuation but a fresh lens on the old narratives, blending past and present effortlessly.
Debuting ahead of its planned October 24 release, the third season also features Laura Prepon, who stars as Donna and takes the director’s chair for all eight episodes. Prepon’s involvement in directing adds a nuanced touch to the series, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
Central to the story is Leia (Callie Haverda), who visits her grandparents, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith), in Point Place, Wisconsin. Much like her parents, Leia forms an inseparable bond with her new friends, spending countless hours in the infamous basement. Her circle includes Gwen (Ashley Aufderheide), Nate (Maxwell Acee Donovan) who is Gwen’s brother, Jay (Mace Coronel) who is Nate’s best friend, Nikki (Sam Morelos) who is Nate’s ex-girlfriend, and the tech-savvy and sarcastic Ozzie (Reyn Doi).
As the season kicks off, we find Red and Kitty returning from a trip to Paris, only to be greeted by a chaotic scene—a gaping hole in their kitchen. Kitty, ever the disciplinarian, feels outraged but her anger mellows down to handing over a mountain of photo albums from her holiday to a visibly weary Gwen and Nikki. This sets the stage for more misadventures that are typical of Point Place.
While Leia’s relationship with Jay seems ready to ascend to new heights, Nate is tangled in regret over his breakup with Nikki and is hell-bent on winning her back. In a desperate bid to make amends, he even considers taking responsibility for the kitchen catastrophe. As if the teenage drama wasn’t enough, Jay’s older sister, Betsy (Kira Kosarin), returns from Spain and her presence begins to strain the bond between Jay and Nate, adding another layer of tension and complexity to the friendships.
.
The season is packed with a series of engaging subplots. From a memorable visit to a wrestling championship to Leia learning the multifaceted uses of showerheads. Nikki and Ozzie embark on their own romantic treks, with Ozzie getting some matchmaking help from none other than Kitty, who despite her stern persona, has an endearing belief in personal ads. Other hijinks include a booming Beanie Babies trade, a reunion with Gwen’s mostly absentee father, attempts at sneaking into an R-rated movie, and an imaginative reenactment of Indecent Proposal. Not to forget, there are humorous moments like Red and Kitty arguing over a Royale with Cheese a la Vincent and Jules, and a Jay Leno impersonation that elicits plenty of laughs.
The charm of the ’90s is subtly woven into the series. Whether it’s the pop culture references or the period-specific jokes, they slide in seamlessly, making it a nostalgic yet fresh viewing experience. The dynamics of the cast resemble a well-oiled machine; their chemistry is infectious and keeps you glued to the screen. With 24-minute episodes, the show strikes the perfect balance, offering just the right amount of entertainment to keep viewers engaged without overstaying its welcome.
That ‘90s Show Part 3 perfectly captures the essence of its predecessor while introducing new characters and storylines that make it worth the watch. The fusion of past and present, coupled with the hilarious and relatable scenarios, makes it a commendable continuation of the Point Place saga. It’s not just a series; it’s a celebration of an era wrapped in humor and heartfelt moments.
Currently streaming on Netflix, this latest installment offers a binge-worthy trove of laughter, nostalgia, and teen angst, wrapped in the unmistakable ’90s vibe. Dive into the world of That ’90s Show Part 3 and rediscover why Point Place remains the ultimate playground for both old fans and new ones alike.
