Fans are anticipating a lot of nostalgia as “That ’70s Show” will be returning with the spin-off series “That ’90s Show” on Netflix. The American sitcom starred Wilmer Valderrama, among others, and aired on Fox for eight seasons between 1998 and 2006.
In a conversation with TV Insider, Valderrama talked about the possibility of pleasing fans by reprising Fez, his former character, on the highly anticipated Netflix series. While he’s currently busy with other things, he definitely loves the idea of a reboot.
He said, “I’m a little busy right now, but I support them so much. I’m rooting for them. I wish them nothing but the best.” Keep reading to find out more about the spin-off and what Valderrama has been up to.
Wilmer Valderrama Loves The Show
On whether he would agree to reprise Fez on “That ’90s Show,” the 42-year-old said, “If the timing is right, I’d never say no.” Valderrama’s love for the show was very obvious to fans, as the star even bought the amazing ’69 Vista Cruiser car from the show. Last December, he opened up on Jay Leno’s Garage about why he wanted to keep it.
“I wanted to keep that because every time I get in the car, I get a little emotional about it because I was about to turn 18 when I booked That ’70s Show,” the NCIS star said. “I think, like any immigrant family, we came here to work and getting That ’70s Show was exactly what every generation has experienced in America.”
He then revealed that the chance to be Fez made him believe that he could do anything. “That’s when I knew everything was possible,” he said. “And all I had to do was never get fired!”
What ‘That ’70s Show’ Was About
The show focused on a group of high school students and their lives as teenagers. They struggled to be successful while dealing with common challenges that come with adolescence. Fez was short for Foreign Exchange Student on the show, as he actually was one.
The sitcom was created by screenwriters Bonnie Turner, Mark Brazill, and Terry Turner. Other main stars of the show include Ashton Kutcher, Topher Grace, Debra Jo Rupp, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Tanya Roberts, Tommy Chong, Kurtwood Smith, Danny Masterson, Don Stark, and Lisa Robin Kelly.
A “That ’80s Show” spin-off premiered in 2002 and released 13 episodes between January and May. The series received much lower ratings than its parent show and was canceled four months after its premiere, ending with only one season. Fans hope the “That 90’s Show” spin-off will be better.
Netflix’s ‘That ’90s Show’
Netflix announced the new sequel show in October 2021. It will follow Eric Forman (played by Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti’s (played by Laura Prepon) daughter, Leia (played by Callie Haverda).
Cameras for the upcoming series started rolling on February 11th, and some leaked pictures showed some old characters, including Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty) and Kutwood Smith (Red), discussing at the kitchen table of the Formans. The two will be reprising their roles in the sequel.
Topher Grace also teased that “That ’90s Show” would have an entirely new set of teenagers on The Jess Cagle Show by SiriusXM. He said, “A whole new group of kids” would star in this sequel, and “I know some of the writers that are on it.”
When asked whether he would be making a return, he replied, “Oh, I don’t know. It’s all top-secret.” As much as fans would love Valderrama back on the show, Grace’s return would also be exciting.
What Else Is Valderrama Up To?
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While the actor, TV personality, and producer is majorly known as Fez from the sitcom, he has made several marks in the entertainment world by starring in fan-favorite films and series. He had recurring features in the “Grey’s Anatomy” series and was also the voice of Agustín Madrigal in the Oscar-winning film “Encanto.”
Currently, he is part of the main cast in the crime and investigation series “NCIS” and plays Nick Torres, a Special Agent. Last year, it was announced that he would star as Don Diego de la Vega and the legendary Zorro, his alter ego, in an upcoming Disney Branded Television series.
He opened up about the role to TV Insider and said, “Growing up, Zorro was the one character that made me, as a Latino, feel like I could be a hero. As an adult and a storyteller, I have a responsibility in the stories that I help bring to life. To partner with Gary and Disney to bring Zorro back into the family after 60 years and be a part of the legacy for other children to know they too can be the heroes of their own stories is a dream come true.”
