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What Led Eric Forman to Leave that ‘1970s Show?

What Led Eric Forman to Leave that '70s Show?

From August 23, 1998, through May 18, 2006, Fox broadcast the American television teen sitcom That ’70s Show.

Six adolescent friends’ lives are the main subject of the television series, which follows them from May 17, 1976, to December 31, 1979, while they reside in the fictional Wisconsin town of Point Place. 

Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Laura Prepon, Wilmer Valderrama, and Lisa Robin Kelly were the prominent teenagers in the cast. Don Stark, Tommy Chong, Tanya Roberts, Debra Jo Rupp, and Kurtwood Smith made up the majority of the adult cast.

Days Like These, a reimagining of the program that used nearly identical texts with just slight alterations to cultural references, premiered on the ITV network in the UK in 1999.

On January 19, 2023, Netflix began streaming a follow-up series called That ‘90s Show, which is set in 1995 and centers on the offspring of the main characters from That ’70s Show.

It Was a Great Success, That ’70s Show

As long as the subject matter is relatable enough, plays and movies that highlight bygone eras can attract an audience of all ages because nostalgia is always in style. When It debuted at the tail end of the 1990s, That ’70s Show was successful in doing just that.

The first season of That ’70s Show aired in 1998 and followed a group of teenagers who were living in Wisconsin in 1976. Take a moment to imagine that this actually happened; it would be like creating a television program today with a 1999 setting.

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Eric Foreman, the series’ main character, was cast as Topher Grace, and he was the ideal choice. In fact, one of the series’ strongest points was the fact that each performer was a perfect match for their respective roles. After it became a tremendous hit with the audience, That ’70s Show ended up being the starting point for Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and more.

The actors and actresses on the show were earning money and gaining popularity during the course of the series’ eight seasons and 200 episodes. Topher Grace did, however, end up leaving the series early, which surprised everyone considering that he played the show’s lead character. The actor seemed to have his sights set on something far more significant.

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What Caused Topher Grace To Quit That ’70s Show?

Grace left That ’70s Show as a result of some soul-searching as well. Grace’s first acting appearance was in the sitcom, although throughout the course of seven seasons, he appeared in a few minor roles in films including Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven, and Mona Lisa Smile.

He also played the romantic protagonist in Tad Hamilton’s 2004 film Win a Date! Grace was motivated to look for other acting opportunities by the experience.

He was constrained in what he could achieve while playing the lead on That ’70s Show due to the strict schedules of television.

Grace had to quit the show totally in order to pursue his own interest.

Following his departure from That ’70s Show, Grace had a successful film career, starting most notably with the character of Eddie Brock, or Venom, in 2007’s Spider-Man 3.

The casting was significant for Grace even if it signaled the conclusion of Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy. In contrast to his previous performance as the likable nice guy Eric Forman, Venom was one of the movie’s baddies.

Grace’s cinematic career slowed down after that though. It was a risk to leave a steady television career, and the payoff took a little longer. Grace has recently been cast in prominent movies including BlacKkKlansman with John David Washington and Interstella with Jessica Chastain.

For that ’90s Show, Will Eric Forman Be Coming Back?

When Netflix decided to air 10 episodes of a That ’90s Show spinoff, a return to Point Place, Wisconsin, was confirmed for 2021. Fans are naturally interested in how the Forman’s home will look when Leia, Red (Kurtwood Smith), and Kitty’s (Debra Jo Rupp) granddaughter, arrives to spend the summer 20 years later.

However, an even more crucial query is whether Topher Grace will return for the spinoff.

Be at ease. Eric and Donna (Laura Prepon), the lovebirds from the first season of the show, have a daughter named Leia. Both will make a special guest appearance.

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