Netflix’s That ‘90s Show already has a problem concerning its treatment of Hyde, but it can learn from That ‘70s Show’s worst character mistake by avoiding a recast. Almost the entire original main cast of That ‘70s Show is returning for That ‘90s Show, with the lone exception being Danny Masterson, who portrayed the prominent character Steven Hyde. Currently facing trial for multiple charges of sexual assault, Masterson was previously fired from Netflix’s The Ranch in 2017 amidst the initial allegations. Consequently, the actor isn’t being brought back for Netflix’s That ‘70s Show spinoff, which leaves That ‘90s Show with the difficult task of how to approach Hyde’s character.
Considering That ‘70s Show’s original teen actors are only confirmed to return in guest roles, That ‘90s Show doesn’t have to make a grand excuse for Hyde’s absence. Several theories have speculated That ‘90s Show will explain Hyde missing from the action as a prison stint, a new job in the music industry, or even an unexpected death. However, one simple solution often used by sitcoms must be avoided by That ‘90s Show, as the original series already demonstrated how poorly it could be received.
Back in 2003, That ‘70s Show viewers returned for season 6 to a major surprise: Laurie Forman had been recast. The actress who brilliantly played Eric’s older sister had struggled with alcoholism during her time on the series, which led Laurie to be absent through That ‘70s Show seasons 3 and 4. When Lisa Robin Kelly was set to come back for season 6, her personal struggles returned, leading the sitcom to recast her with Christina Moore. This plan, however, went awry, as audiences criticized the new portrayal for failing to recreate the charisma and antagonistic personality that Kelly brought to Laurie Forman. That ‘70s Show clearly recognized that Laurie couldn’t be played by anyone other than Kelly, as Moore’s Laurie was then written out after appearing in only six episodes. When considering the controversy over recasting a recurring character, That ‘90s Show would be inviting a world of backlash on itself if it decided to recast Steven Hyde.
While the character of Steven Hyde will surely be missed in That ‘90s Show, recasting isn’t the right decision. The unique personality of Hyde isn’t easily replicated, so even though Netflix is right not to bring Masterson back, That ‘90s Show finding an actor to recreate his charm is a tall order. The best route for That ‘90s Show to take is to dissuade any notion of Hyde appearing on-screen without ruining That ‘70s Show’s original character. It’s best to remember the importance of the original character without risking a complete upending of Hyde’s persona in the sequel, as That ’70s Show has previously demonstrated a poor track record with its recasting attempts.
Recasting Laurie Forman was one of the greatest character mistakes made during That ‘70s Show’s eight-season run, and it’s one that can’t be repeated under even more significant circumstances in That ‘90s Show. The original series already almost made an even worse mistake heading into season 8, as the absence of Topher Grace led That ‘70s Show to consider recasting Eric Forman with Josh Meyers. Thankfully, this plan was scrapped, with Meyers instead portraying Randy Pearson, who is still regarded as one of the series’ most divisive characters. To avoid repeating the same mistake of That ‘70s Show with Laurie, That ‘90s Show needs to write Hyde out of the spinoff, though this doesn’t mean the returning characters can’t still make quick references to him.
