10 Shows & Movies Like That ’70s Show (1998)

Description: American Graffiti, like That '70s Show, captures the spirit of a specific era (the early 1960s) through the lives of teenagers. Both use music, cars, and youthful rebellion as central themes, blending comedy with moments of nostalgia and the bittersweet transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Fact: The film was directed by George Lucas and served as a major influence on That '70s Show. It features early performances by Harrison Ford and Richard Dreyfuss. The film's success helped revive interest in 1950s and 1960s pop culture, much like That '70s Show did for the 1970s.

Description: Dazed and Confused is similar to That '70s Show in its nostalgic, ensemble-driven portrayal of teenage life in the 1970s. Both focus on the rituals of youth—hanging out, partying, and navigating social hierarchies—with a mix of humor and poignant moments, set against a backdrop of classic rock music.

Fact: The film was directed by Richard Linklater and features early performances by actors like Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck. McConaughey's line 'Alright, alright, alright' was improvised. The film has since become a cult classic, celebrated for its authentic depiction of 1970s youth culture.

Description: Freaks and Geeks shares similarities with That '70s Show in its nostalgic portrayal of high school life, albeit set in the 1980s. Both shows explore teenage angst, friendship dynamics, and the awkwardness of adolescence. They also feature ensemble casts and a mix of humor and heartfelt moments.

Fact: Despite its critical acclaim, Freaks and Geeks was canceled after only one season. Many of the show's actors, like James Franco and Seth Rogen, went on to become major Hollywood stars. The show was created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow.

Description: Freaky Friday shares with That '70s Show a focus on generational differences and the humorous conflicts between parents and teenagers. While it's a body-swap comedy, its exploration of family dynamics and the challenges of adolescence aligns with the themes of That '70s Show, albeit in a more fantastical context.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1976 movie of the same name. Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis starred as the mother-daughter duo who switch bodies. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews for its performances and humor.

Description: The Middle, like That '70s Show, centers on a middle-class family dealing with everyday life, though it's set in contemporary times. Both shows use humor to explore family dynamics, financial struggles, and the challenges of raising teenagers, with a focus on the parents' perspectives as well as the kids'.

Fact: The show was created by Eileen Heisler and DeAnn Heline, who previously worked on shows like Roseanne and Murphy Brown. It ran for nine seasons, making it one of ABC's longest-running sitcoms. The character of Sue Heck became particularly beloved for her relentless optimism.

Description: The Goldbergs mirrors That '70s Show in its nostalgic, decade-specific setting (the 1980s) and its focus on family and teenage life. Both shows use humor to explore the quirks of family dynamics and the challenges of growing up, with a strong emphasis on period-specific pop culture references.

Fact: The show is based on creator Adam F. Goldberg's real-life family and childhood experiences. Each episode begins with a voiceover from the adult Adam, reflecting on the events of the episode. The show often features actual home video footage from Goldberg's childhood in its end credits.

Description: Happy Days is similar to That '70s Show in its nostalgic look back at a bygone era, focusing on teenage life in the 1950s and 1960s. Both shows feature a group of friends hanging out, dealing with typical teenage issues, and are set against the backdrop of a specific decade's culture and music.

Fact: Happy Days popularized the term 'jumping the shark,' referring to a later episode where Fonzie literally jumps over a shark on water skis. The show originally focused more on the Cunningham family before shifting to emphasize Fonzie's character. It was one of the first shows to successfully capitalize on nostalgia for a past era.

Description: Fresh Off the Boat parallels That '70s Show in its humorous take on family life and adolescence, though it focuses on a Taiwanese-American family in the 1990s. Both shows use their specific cultural and temporal settings to explore universal themes of identity, belonging, and growing up.

Fact: The show is based on chef Eddie Huang's memoir of the same name. It was the first Asian-American family sitcom on network television in over 20 years. The show often used 1990s hip-hop music to underscore its cultural and generational themes.

Description: My So-Called Life shares with That '70s Show a deep dive into the emotional and social complexities of teenage life. Both shows feature a protagonist navigating high school, friendships, and first loves, though My So-Called Life takes a more dramatic and introspective approach compared to That '70s Show's comedic tone.

Fact: The show launched the careers of Claire Danes and Jared Leto. It was critically acclaimed but canceled after only one season due to low ratings. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage issues like identity, sexuality, and family conflict.

Description: Everybody Hates Chris shares with That '70s Show a coming-of-age narrative set in a specific time period (the 1980s), focusing on the humorous and sometimes painful experiences of adolescence. Both shows blend comedy with more serious themes and feature a relatable, flawed protagonist navigating family and social life.

Fact: The show is loosely based on comedian Chris Rock's childhood experiences. It was narrated by Chris Rock himself, who provided the voiceover as the adult Chris. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of a working-class African American family in the 1980s.