List of That '70s Show episodes

The list of That '70s Show episodes details all 200 installments of the American teen sitcom, which originally aired on Fox over eight seasons from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006.^[1] Created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner, the series is set in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, during the late 1970s and centers on the lives, friendships, and coming-of-age experiences of a core group of teenagers—Eric Forman (Topher Grace), Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson), and Fez (Wilmer Valderrama)—along with their families.^[1][2] The show blends nostalgic references to 1970s pop culture, humor derived from the characters' mishaps, and circle shots featuring group discussions, often while smoking marijuana in Eric's basement.^[2] The episodes are organized chronologically by season in most references, reflecting the production and broadcast order, with each entry typically including the episode title, directed by, written by, original air date, and production code.^[3] Season 1 comprises 25 episodes, introducing the main ensemble and their dynamics; Season 2 has 26 episodes; Season 3 contains 25; Season 4 features 27; Season 5 has 25; Season 6 includes 25; Season 7 totals 25; and the abbreviated final Season 8 consists of 22 episodes, concluding major character arcs amid cast changes, including Topher Grace's departure after Season 7.^[4][5] Notable episodes highlight recurring themes, such as the season 1 opener "That '70s Pilot," which establishes the group's basement hangouts, or the series finale "That '70s Finale," resolving romantic and familial tensions as the characters enter the 1980s.^[3] This episode list serves as a comprehensive guide for viewers and researchers, capturing the show's evolution from a lighthearted ensemble comedy to more serialized storytelling in later seasons, while emphasizing its cultural impact through guest appearances by 1970s icons like Ozzy Osbourne and its influence on revival series like That '90s Show.^[6]

Series Background

Overview and Episode Totals

That '70s Show is an American sitcom that originally aired on Fox from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006, spanning eight seasons with a total of 200 episodes plus four specials.^[7][8] The series follows the lives of a group of teenage friends navigating adolescence in the late 1970s, blending humor with period-specific cultural references. The episodes are distributed across the seasons as follows: In August 2025, the series experienced a streaming resurgence on Peacock, topping the platform's most-watched TV shows list shortly after the cancellation of its sequel series That '90s Show in October 2024.^[16][17] Episodes typically run 22 minutes and center on an ensemble cast including Topher Grace as Eric Forman, Mila Kunis as Jackie Burkhart, and Ashton Kutcher as Michael Kelso, depicting everyday escapades of 1970s teenage life in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin.^[18][19]

Production and Broadcast Details

That '70s Show was created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner, who drew inspiration from their own Midwestern upbringings to craft the series' nostalgic portrayal of teenage life.^[1] The show was executive produced by the creators alongside Caryn Mandabach, Marcy Carsey, and Tom Werner under the Carsey-Werner Company banner, which handled overall production logistics.^[20] Filming took place at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, Los Angeles, employing a traditional multi-camera setup filmed before a live studio audience to capture immediate comedic reactions.^[21][22] The series aired weekly on Fox from August 23, 1998, to May 18, 2006, with episodes typically shot in batches several months ahead of their premiere dates to align with network scheduling.^[1][6] The writing in early seasons focused on 1970s cultural references, ensemble dynamics, and character-driven humor that resonated with viewers through relatable family and friendship scenarios.^[23] As the series progressed, particularly into later seasons, the narrative style evolved to accommodate cast transitions, including Topher Grace's exit after season 7 to advance his film career, which prompted adjustments in storylines and group interactions.^[24] Season 8, comprising 22 episodes, reflected these changes amid declining viewership, though the production maintained its core format without significant broadcast disruptions or extended hiatuses.^[25]

Regular Seasons

Season 1 (1998–99)

The first season of That '70s Show premiered on Fox on August 23, 1998, and concluded on July 26, 1999, comprising 25 episodes that introduce the core ensemble of teenagers—Eric Forman, Donna Pinciotti, Michael Kelso, Jackie Burkhart, Steven Hyde, and Fez—in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, during the summer and fall of 1976. Set against the backdrop of post-Watergate America, the season establishes recurring motifs of family dynamics, teenage rebellion, and nostalgia for 1970s pop culture through references to events like the bicentennial celebrations and films such as Saturday Night Fever. The pilot episode drew 8.8 million viewers, marking a strong debut for the series. No major cast changes occurred during production, with Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson, and Wilmer Valderrama leading the young cast alongside parents played by Kurtwood Smith, Debra Jo Rupp, Don Stark, and Tanya Roberts. The season builds foundational arcs, such as Eric and Donna's budding romance and the group's basement hangouts, while highlighting period-specific elements like disco music and economic concerns. Key episodes include the pilot, which sets up the ensemble's friendship and the iconic "circle" smoking sessions, and the finale, which resolves early tensions around Hyde's home life and advances interpersonal relationships.^[26]

Season 2 (1999–2000)

The second season of That '70s Show builds on the established characters and setting in Point Place, Wisconsin, advancing the group's high school experiences during 1977 with a focus on deepening relationships and family pressures. Airing on Fox from September 28, 1999, to May 22, 2000, the 26-episode season escalates romantic subplots, particularly the push-and-pull between Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti as they navigate intimacy and parental scrutiny, while Kelso and Jackie's volatile pairing introduces more jealousy and breakups. Group dynamics receive increased attention, with episodes highlighting interventions from parents and the circle's role in mediating personal crises, contributing to character growth for supporting figures like Hyde's cynicism and Fez's cultural displacement. The core ensemble cast, including Topher Grace as Eric, Laura Prepon as Donna, Ashton Kutcher as Kelso, Mila Kunis as Jackie, Danny Masterson as Hyde, and Wilmer Valderrama as Fez, remained stable, allowing for consistent exploration of their evolving bonds.^[31][32] This season incorporates 1977 cultural touchstones, such as the ongoing Star Wars craze, with characters referencing the film's impact on pop culture and daily life, reflecting the year's cinematic phenomenon that continued to captivate audiences months after its May release. Deeper backstories for supporting characters emerge, notably Fez's mysterious origins from an unnamed foreign country, which are teased through humorous cultural clashes and vague hints about his past, adding layers to his outsider status without full revelation.^[33] Key episodes underscore these themes. In "Garage Sale" (season premiere, September 28, 1999), the Forman family hosts a garage sale amid financial struggles, highlighting economic tensions and Hyde's resourcefulness when he sells brownies laced with marijuana, leading to comedic mishaps including Red's unwitting high.^[34] "Red's Birthday" (December 7, 1999) delivers holiday-themed humor around Red's special day, with Bob and Midge's new relationships causing awkwardness and Eric confronting Donna's confidences with Hyde, amplifying romantic insecurities. "Parents Find Out" (March 14, 2000) addresses parental interventions when Eric and Donna are caught by police during an intimate moment, forcing them to explain themselves and straining family ties while the group rallies in support.^[35] The table lists all episodes with production details and viewership, sourced from broadcast records; viewer numbers represent average household ratings for the premiere airing.^[31]

Season 3 (2000–01)

The third season of That '70s Show premiered on Fox on October 3, 2000, and concluded on May 22, 2001, comprising 25 episodes that aired on Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. EST. This season shifts focus to the characters' maturing relationships and external pressures, emphasizing romantic breakups and reconciliations, particularly between Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti, and between Michael Kelso and Jackie Burkhart. Set against the backdrop of 1978, it weaves in cultural elements like the waning popularity of disco and the economic strains of the late 1970s, while highlighting personal growth through storylines such as Steven Hyde's discoveries about his family.^[36][7] The season builds on the ensemble dynamics from prior years, with writing that deepens character explorations amid the group's typical humorous misadventures in Point Place, Wisconsin. Notable episodes include "Reefer Madness," which escalates the show's drug-related comedy when Hyde is arrested for marijuana possession and accepts sole blame to protect his friends, leading to tensions with Red Forman. Another key installment, "Jackie Says Cheese," advances the Valentine's Day arc by examining Jackie and Kelso's on-again, off-again romance through a photography contest mishap. Hyde's family revelations, introduced in "Hyde's Father," provide emotional depth as he meets his biological parent, Bud, marking a pivotal moment in his backstory.^[36][37] The season finale, a three-part "Family Vacation" arc, depicts the Forman family's road trip to Mount Rushmore, intertwining multiple romantic subplots and group antics for a climactic close. Average viewership hovered around 6 million per episode, reflecting sustained popularity amid evolving network scheduling.^[36][7]

Season 4 (2001–02)

The fourth season of That '70s Show consists of 27 episodes and aired on Fox from September 25, 2001, to May 21, 2002. Set during late 1978 and 1979 amid Jimmy Carter's presidency, the season incorporates period-specific references to the energy crisis, inflation, and cultural shifts like the disco decline, enhancing the show's nostalgic portrayal of the era. This installment shifts focus from high school antics to post-graduation transitions, as the core group—Eric, Donna, Hyde, Kelso, Jackie, and Fez—confronts adulting challenges including college enrollment, entry-level jobs, and romantic upheavals.^[7][38] Major story arcs center on independence and growth: Eric grapples with a breakup from Donna and begins attending community college while working at the Photo Hut; Donna pursues broadcasting ambitions at a local radio station; Hyde, after being kicked out by his mother, moves into the Forman basement and takes a job at the record store; Kelso relocates to Chicago for a modeling gig, straining his relationship with Jackie; and Fez continues navigating American culture while working at the Cheesecake Factory. These developments blend humor from everyday mishaps, such as failed job interviews and awkward dates, with deeper explorations of identity and family dynamics.^[39] Key episodes highlight the season's comedic and emotional range. In "Eric's Depression" (episode 2), Eric's heartbreak leads to a bout of withdrawal, with family and friends intervening in humorous yet poignant ways, subtly addressing mental health amid the laughter. "Hyde Gets the Girl" (episode 4) features a chaotic house party organized by Eric and Fez to help Hyde find romance, resulting in slapstick mishaps and revelations about the group's bonds. The season finale episodes, "Celebrate Me Home" and "The Promise Ring," culminate arcs with holiday gatherings and relationship reckonings, emphasizing themes of home and commitment. Broadcast on Fox in its established Tuesday slot, the season maintained production consistency despite airing shortly after the September 11, 2001, attacks.^{[40][41][39][7]} The episode table above details the season's production credits and broadcast information. Note: Episodes 26 and 27 were produced but not aired due to scheduling.^[39]

Season 5 (2002–03)

The fifth season of That '70s Show consists of 25 episodes that aired on Fox from September 17, 2002, to May 13, 2003. This season builds on the cast's established chemistry, emphasizing themes of commitment and adult transitions through central story arcs, including Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti's engagement and the deepening romance between Steven Hyde and Jackie Burkhart. The narrative advances the timeline into 1979, reflecting the era's cultural shifts, including the growing popularity of punk rock music that influences the characters' social and musical references.^[42][43][44] The season introduces notable guest stars, such as Luke Wilson, who recurs as Casey Kelso, Michael Kelso's older brother and a temporary romantic rival for Donna, adding tension to the group's dynamics. Cast chemistry is highlighted in ensemble scenes, particularly in the basement hangouts and family interactions, where the actors' timing underscores the humor and emotional stakes of the relationships.^[45][46] Key episodes showcase these themes, including "Hot Dog Gets Fired" (aired October 29, 2002), where Eric grapples with the realities of starting college and its impact on his future with Donna, and "Whole Lotta Love" (aired February 11, 2003), which peaks the romantic developments as Eric proposes to Donna amid group celebrations. These moments illustrate the season's focus on personal growth and pair bonds, with the ensemble's interplay providing comedic relief.^[47] The episodes are detailed in the following table, with titles drawn from Led Zeppelin songs for most installments to evoke the era's rock influences. Episodes listed in original air date order.^[42]

Season 6 (2003–04)

The sixth season of That '70s Show consists of 25 episodes that aired on Fox from October 29, 2003, to May 19, 2004. Set primarily in 1979, the season captures an end-of-decade atmosphere as the characters navigate post-high school transitions, including college, jobs, and evolving friendships in Point Place, Wisconsin. This installment marks a pivotal shift toward greater instability in the group's dynamics, contrasting the relative optimism of the previous season's engagements and commitments.^[48] The season's episodes build on the core ensemble's coming-of-age stories, with recurring themes of romantic turmoil and personal growth. By its conclusion, the series reaches its 150th episode overall.^[48] Key episodes highlight the season's focus on relational fractures and surprises. In "Join Together," tensions peak as Hyde continues to ignore Jackie after their breakup, prompting Kelso to intervene and causing further rifts within the group, underscoring the fracturing friendships. Later, "Won't Get Fooled Again" delivers a pregnancy scare for Donna after she misses a birth control pill, leading Eric and her to panic and seek advice, amplifying the stakes of their intimacy amid parental oversight.^[49][50] The season stands out for Donna's professional arc, beginning with her internship and eventual role as a radio DJ at WFPP, where she hosts a show and deals with workplace challenges like competition from a rival host. Fez's storyline emphasizes cultural humor through his awkward attempts at American assimilation, including disastrous dates and job mishaps that play on his mysterious foreign origins for comedic effect.^[48] Major plot developments revolve around multiple breakups and reconciliations, injecting instability into the core relationships. Eric and Donna experience strains from her independence and his insecurities, culminating in temporary separations before reuniting; Jackie and Hyde's post-breakup avoidance evolves into reconciliation attempts; meanwhile, Kelso's fling with Brooke leads to fatherhood responsibilities, forcing maturity amid comedic chaos. These shifts propel the characters toward adult decisions, setting up future departures while maintaining the ensemble's basement hangouts as a constant.^[49][50][48]

Season 7 (2004–05)

The seventh season of That '70s Show aired on Fox from September 8, 2004, to May 18, 2005, consisting of 25 episodes that advance the characters' stories amid the late 1970s setting. This season emphasizes maturing relationships and individual transitions, with Eric Forman opting for a gap year after high school to figure out his future, while the group navigates post-graduation uncertainties. The narrative builds tension toward potential endings, reflecting the cast's real-life decisions, including Topher Grace's planned departure from the role of Eric at season's end.^[51][52][53] Major story arcs include Michael Kelso's commitment to fatherhood as he relocates to Chicago to be closer to his daughter Betsy and her mother Brooke, balancing responsibility with his impulsive nature. Red Forman, still recovering from his heart attack in the prior season, returns to the workforce by purchasing a muffler shop, showcasing his gruff determination to reclaim normalcy. Romantic dynamics evolve, particularly Steven Hyde's relationship with Jackie Burkhart, tested by his discovery of his biological father Bud, leading to moments of vulnerability and doubt.^[51][54][55] Notable episodes highlight these themes, such as "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" (season 7, episode 13, aired January 12, 2005), where Hyde confronts his past and questions his engagement to Jackie after meeting Bud. Another standout is "2000 Light Years from Home" (season 7, episode 21, aired May 4, 2005), a surreal, space-themed installment where the gang imagines an interstellar adventure amid personal conflicts.^[55][56] The season's episodes are listed below: Note: Episodes 23 and 24 aired back-to-back on the same day.

Season 8 (2005–06)

The eighth and final season of That '70s Show consists of 22 episodes, a reduction from the typical 25-episode order of prior seasons, primarily due to the departures of key cast members Topher Grace and Ashton Kutcher, who prioritized film careers, along with limited appearances by Tommy Chong amid ongoing personal commitments. The season premiered on November 2, 2005, with the two-part opener "Bohemian Rhapsody," and concluded on May 18, 2006, marking the series' end after eight years on Fox. Eric Forman (Grace) is absent for most episodes, written out as teaching in Africa, while Michael Kelso (Kutcher) appears only in the first two and the finale before relocating to Chicago; a new character, Randy Pearson (Josh Meyers), joins the circle as a record store colleague to Hyde, attempting to fill the group dynamic void. Chong's Leo features in just four episodes. This season holds the lowest critical reception among all, with a 31% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on nine reviews, often cited for struggling with the altered ensemble and rushed closure.^{[24][57][58][59]} The season emphasizes character maturation and farewells, with arcs focusing on romantic entanglements, family transitions, and post-high school ambitions set against 1979 Wisconsin. Hyde navigates a tumultuous marriage to Samantha (Jud Tylor), ultimately ending it; Jackie explores independence and new suitors; Donna dates Randy briefly before reflecting on past relationships; Fez pursues entrepreneurial dreams; and the Formans grapple with empty-nest syndrome. Brief contract negotiations with departing stars contributed to the abbreviated run, allowing a focused wrap-up rather than extension.^[24] *Note: Viewer numbers sourced from Nielsen ratings via industry reports; directors and writers compiled from production credits. Overall numbers adjusted to reach series total of 200.^[7][60] Key episodes highlight the season's transitional tone, such as the premiere "Bohemian Rhapsody," where the gang copes with Eric's absence and Hyde's sudden marriage, introducing Samantha and setting up relational tensions. The finale, "That '70s Finale," provides closure through a time jump to New Year's Eve 1979, with Eric returning from Africa to reunite with and propose to Donna; Kelso departing for Chicago to support his children; Hyde breaking off his marriage and committing to the record store; Jackie and Fez beginning a romance; and Red and Kitty opting to remain in Point Place rather than move to Florida. Flash-forwards depict open-ended futures: Eric and Donna married with a daughter; Hyde single and business-owner; Jackie as a TV host; Fez running a muffler shop; and Kelso as a father and firefighter, leaving their paths ambiguous yet optimistic.^[61][62]

Special Episodes

That '70s Special (2002)

The "That '70s Special" is a retrospective television special for the sitcom That '70s Show, airing on Fox on April 30, 2002. This 30-minute production served as a clip show to commemorate the series' impending 100th episode milestone, featuring interviews with the cast and crew reflecting on the show's run up to that point. Series director David Trainer participated in the discussions, alongside comments on viewer-selected highlights and the production's evolution.^[63] The special's content focused on a compilation of memorable moments from seasons 1 through 4, emphasizing signature elements like the ensemble "circle" scenes, key romantic developments among the characters, and cultural trivia tied to 1970s aesthetics and events. It avoided any new narrative material, relying instead on curated clips interspersed with brief introductory interviews to evoke nostalgia for the early years of the series.^[64] Directed by regular series helmer David Trainer, the special was positioned as a bridge to the 100th episode, "That '70s Musical," which aired the same evening. While primarily a promotional and reflective piece, it underscored the show's enduring appeal through its focus on fan-favorite tropes and behind-the-scenes insights.^[63]

That '70s KISS Show (2002)

The "That '70s KISS Show" is a 25-minute television special produced by VH1 that aired on August 30, 2002, to mark the syndication launch of the sitcom That '70s Show.^[65] Directed by Rob Thomas, the program blends elements of the series' 1970s nostalgia with the rock band KISS, focusing on their collaboration to create promotional content.^[66] It served as a tie-in to the show's ongoing popularity ahead of its fifth season premiere, highlighting the cast's enthusiasm for 1970s rock culture.^[67] The special features interviews with the That '70s Show cast members, including Topher Grace, Laura Prepon, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis, Danny Masterson, and Wilmer Valderrama, alongside KISS band members Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Tommy Thayer, and Eric Singer.^[65] Viewers are presented with never-before-seen footage of the cast interacting with the band, capturing casual behind-the-scenes moments during the production of a joint music video.^[66] These interactions emphasize the thematic overlap between the sitcom's Point Place setting and KISS's iconic 1970s glam rock persona, with lighthearted discussions on the era's music scene.^[67] A central element is the world premiere of KISS's reimagined music video for their 1975 hit "Rock and Roll All Nite," in which the That '70s Show cast joins the band for performances and cameos, parodying classic rock concert antics in a 1970s style.^[66] The video, directed by Deaton Flanigen, integrates the actors into KISS's high-energy stage presence, including group sing-alongs and exaggerated rock-star tropes to promote the show's syndication.^[68] This collaboration underscores the special's promotional intent, blending scripted humor with authentic band dynamics to appeal to fans of both the series and classic rock.^[65]

That '70s Bloopers (2004)

"That '70s Bloopers" is a television special for the sitcom That '70s Show, airing on the Fox network on May 12, 2004, the same day as the series' 150th episode, "Sparks".^[69][7] The 25-minute program compiles outtakes from Seasons 1 through 6, showcasing flubbed lines, on-set pranks, and spontaneous improv by the cast during filming.^[70] Assembled amid the production of Season 7, the special highlights behind-the-scenes mishaps without introducing any original storyline or scripted segments.^[70] Among the featured moments are rare clips involving recurring guest star Tommy Chong as the character Leo, whose role was curtailed after his September 2003 sentencing to nine months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute drug paraphernalia, leading to his complete absence from Seasons 5 and 6.^[71] Rated TV-14 for content, the special was produced under code 622 and positioned in the series' episode guide ahead of Season 6, Episode 23, though it served as a standalone retrospective.^[70]

That '70s Show: The Final Goodbye (2006)

"That '70s Show: The Final Goodbye" is a 60-minute retrospective special that aired on Fox on May 11, 2006, one week before the series finale episode. Directed by Brad Lachman and written by Garry Bormet, the special features interviews with the cast and crew reflecting on the show's eight-season run, including discussions of memorable moments, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and the emotional impact of concluding the series. It includes unaired clips, bloopers, and fan tributes, providing a comprehensive look back at the production's evolution from its 1998 debut.^[72] Produced during the eighth and final season, the special served as an emotional wrap-up, with cast members like Topher Grace, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, and others sharing personal farewells and gratitude toward fans. The program previewed elements of the upcoming finale, tying into the season's narrative of the characters' transitions into the 1980s.^[73][74] The special received a Nielsen household rating of 7.8, indicating solid viewership for its time slot.^[75]

Reception and Data

Viewership Ratings

The series That '70s Show experienced strong initial viewership during its premiere season, reflecting audience interest in its nostalgic take on 1970s teen life. Subsequent seasons saw a gradual decline, culminating in lower numbers for Season 8, influenced by cast changes and shifting network priorities, including a shortened season due to falling ratings.^[76] Special episodes drew mixed viewership compared to regular installments. The That '70s KISS Show special aired in 2002, boosted by guest appearances from the band KISS. The series finale special, That '70s Show: The Final Goodbye, aired in 2006, providing a nostalgic send-off.^[72] In a 2025 streaming resurgence on Peacock, the series topped the platform's TV charts amid renewed interest following the cancellation of its sequel That '90s Show.^[16]

Critical Notes and Trivia

That '70s Show ran for 200 episodes across eight seasons, establishing it as Fox's second-longest-running live-action sitcom after Married... with Children.^[77] A signature recurring element was the catchphrase "Hello, Wisconsin!" shouted by Danny Masterson during the opening title sequence, which appeared in virtually every episode to set the nostalgic tone of the series.^[78] Critics initially praised the show's early seasons for their effective blend of 1970s nostalgia and relatable teen dynamics, with Season 1 earning a 78% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 40 reviews.^[79] However, later seasons faced criticism for repetitive storylines and cast changes, particularly Season 8, which holds a 31% rating from nine reviews, often cited for diminishing originality.^[58] An original working title of Teenage Wasteland, inspired by The Who's "Baba O'Riley," was ultimately rejected due to licensing issues with songwriter Pete Townshend.^[80] Other considered titles like The Kids Are Alright and Feelin' All Right also drew from rock songs but were discarded during development.^[80] Notable guest appearances added unique flavor to episodes, such as Jenna Fischer's role as receptionist Stacy Wanamaker in Season 7's "2000 Lightyears from Home," which highlighted the show's knack for integrating rising stars before their major breakthroughs.^[81] In 2025, amid widespread streaming availability on platforms like Netflix, the series has undergone reevaluation for its enduring cultural impact, with memes featuring the basement circle scenes and character catchphrases proliferating online and reinforcing its meme-worthy legacy.^[82] The 2024 cancellation of the spinoff That '90s Show after two seasons due to declining viewership has prompted discussions on how it slightly tarnished the original's legacy by failing to capture the same charm, though it briefly revived interest in the parent series.^[83][84]