Summary
That ’90s Showseason 2 references an iconic Leonardo DiCaprio movie — but, unfortunately, the homage doesn’t make a ton of sense. A sequel to the hugely popularThat ’70s Show,the Netflix series centers on Leia Forman(Callie Haverda), the teenage daughter of Eric Forman (Topher Grace) and Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon). Unfolding 15 years afterwhat happened inThat ’70s Show’s finale, the 1990s-set sitcom sees Leia spending the summer with her grandparents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty Forman (Debra Jo Rupp), in the original show’s old haunt: Point Place, Wisconsin.
Much like its parent series,That ’90s Showis packed with Easter eggs and referencesto the era it takes place in. In fact, it’s that nostalgia and fondness for the era that makesThat ’90s Showseason 2 a must-watch for long-time franchise fans and newcomers alike. Notably,That ’90s Show’s soundtrackis filled with scene-setting hits that transport the viewer back nearly 30 years. The one issue with paying homage to another time period, however, is thatevery detail must be spot-on, andThat ’90s Show’s Leonardo DiCaprio reference failsthe fact check.
That ’90s Show Season 2 Is Set Before Romeo + Juliet Released In 1996
Leia Imagines That She & Jay Are The Characters From Baz Luhrmann’s Film
InThat ’90s Showseason 2, episode 7, “Baby-Baby-Baby,” one of Leia’s daydreams references a hugely popular Leonardo DiCaprio film from the mid-90s. Directed, produced, and co-written by Baz Luhrmann,Romeo + Julietis one of the best Shakespeare adaptations, especially with its modern-day setting and stylistic flair. The now-cult classic stars DiCaprio and Claire Danes as the titular star-crossed lovers, Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet. Whenthe pair first meet at a costume party — Juliet dresses as an angel, while Romeo wears armor— they see each other through a fish tank.
That ’90s Showseason 2 is set during the summer of ‘96, butRomeo + Julietdidn’t hit theaters until July 26, 2025.
As Leia and Jay Kelso (Mace Coronel) plot to take their relationship to the next level, they’re interrupted by Red’s almost-heart attack. While at the hospital,Leia imagines that she and Jay are Romeo and Juliet from the fish tank sequence. Much like DiCaprio and Danes, the pair stare at each other longingly through the waters while “I’m Kissing You” by Des’ree, the film’s official love theme, plays. Unfortunately, the Netflix series makes a massive error.That ’90s Showseason 2is set during the summer of ‘96, butRomeo + Julietdidn’t hit theaters until June 14, 2025.
Romeo + Juliet 1996 Cast & Character Guide
Here’s a guide to the cast and characters of Baz Luhrmann’s popular 1996 adaption of Shakespeare’s most well-known tragedy, Romeo + Juliet.
Romeo + Juliet Is Still A Fun Pop Culture Reference For That ’90s Show
The Divisive-Yet-Inventive ’90s Film Is A Cult Classic
There’s no denying thatThat ’90s Showstill made a solid choice. Bolstered by Baz Luhrmann’s distinct visual aesthetic and over-the-top approach,Romeo + Julietis a frenetic-yet-compelling adaptation of Shakespeare’s tragedy of the same name. The film is also peak ’90s pop culture, fromRomeo + Juliet’s movie soundtrackto its cast of characters led by ’90s Hollywood royalty like DiCaprio and Danes. That said, even ifThat ’90s Showmixes up its dates and makes an anachronistic reference toRomeo + Juliet,the homage still adds scene-setting flair and historical texture to its nostalgia-fueled spinoff.
Both seasons ofThat ’90s Showstream exclusively on Netflix.
That ’90s Show
That ’70s Show returns set two decades later with That ’90s Show, acting as a sequel but bringing back old cast favorites. Led by Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) Forman, the new cast arrives as the next generation, with the daughter of Eric and Donna, Leia Forman, leading the charge. Spending the summer with her grandparents, Leia makes new friends and forges new bonds in Point Place, Wisconsin. That ’70s Show series regulars make cameos in the show to maintain that sense of familiarity, and the show adopts the conventions of the ’90s as expected. That ’90s Show first aired on Netflix with a total of ten episodes.
