"That 90's Show" is Cancelled for More Dumb Reality Television

I read earlier today that Netflix has cancelled "That 90's Show" after two seasons. This bums me out.

I really enjoyed that show. A buddy of mine told me to watch it when it first aired and I did and I loved it. I was a big fan of "That 70's Show" when it first aired. I watched it from start to finish. I stayed even after Topher Grace left. I was all in. I was getting to that level with "That 90's Show". I could totally relate to the kids on the show because I grew up in the 90's. When I watched "That 70's Show", I watched it for the kids, but I wasn't born until 1982. Growing up in the 90's, it was so much easier for me to understand because I lived through it. I got all the goth stuff. I knew every show they were referencing. The clothes were what I wore from time to time. It was great. I also related so much more with Red and Kitty in the new version of the show. I got what got them so upset. It made total sense. I have young kids now, but I see them interacting with my parents, their grandparents. My kids' grandparents aren't as mean as Red or lively as Kitty, but they show the same kind of tough love and real love. I loved the show for that.

All of "That 90's Show" was so much more in my personal wheelhouse. I was fully in on this show. But Netflix is killing it, and I don't know why. I don't get it. I don't know what the end game is for them. If I sit back and think about it, Netflix, like so many other streaming companies, are veering more towards reality TV, and that stinks. Reality TV doesn't cost all that much, you can do a bunch of seasons and people will watch that stuff no matter what. There seems to be a reality show for everyone. Want sports, watch "Quarterback" or "Receiver". Want dating shows, there's too many to name. Want cooking competitions, the possibilities are endless. There are far too many reality TV shows out there now, and they are killing narrative shows. Writers are going to be obsolete at this rate, and it is a bummer. Comedies are going to be nonexistent, except for standup specials. Hard dramas may last a little longer, older people seem to enjoy them, but they won't be around as long as reality shows. Along with writers, directors will be few and far between. Creative people are going to get pushed out for reality TV yes men and women and there will be a certain few who remain because they know how to film reality TV, but the good, lesser known directors and writers are going to get squeezed out. As are the young up and coming actors. The kids in "That 90's Show" were great. They were funny, had good timing and seemed to have really good chemistry. But they don't have people behind them, that I know of, like Jenna Ortega has behind her. People will push so much harder for Barry Keoghan over any kid on this show. The Jonas Brothers will get more bit roles than these kids. And reality TV "personalities" are going to be everywhere.

Some streaming network or TV network needs to let these shows develop for longer than two seasons. They need to see what they have before they just move on because the numbers aren't to their liking at first glance. I did read that the people behind "That 90's Show" are shopping it out, hoping someone else takes a chance on it. I hope some network does because they have a true nostalgic hit on their hands. I want less reality TV and more original series. Networks need to stop giving up on them so easily. I want original content so much more than mind dumbing reality TV. 

Ty

Ty is the Pop Culture editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

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