Why Doesn’t Topher Grace’s Eric Forman Return In That ‘90s Show Season 2?

Despite Eric Forman’s daughter being the main character of That ’90s Show, Topher Grace hasn’t returned for the show’s second season. That ‘90s Show originated as a spinoff to That ‘70s Show, a 1998 sitcom revolving around a group of high school friends. That ‘90s Show follows a similar format with the next generation of teens, including some of the children of the original group, who return to Point Place, Wisconsin for more antics. That ‘90s Show cast and characters list grew with the addition of season 2 part 1, yet many actors have yet to return for another cameo.

Even with the upcoming addition of That ‘90s Show season 2 part 2, it doesn’t seem likely that Grace will return. Wilmer Valderrama already shared that Fez won’t return to That ‘90s Show season 2 because of time conflicts with other projects. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher also did not come back for season 2 despite their appearances in season 1. Beyond the original group, That ‘90s Show season 2 is already packed with cameos. Still, despite playing the original show’s main character and the father of That ’90s Show’s protagonist, Topher Grace has only made one That ’90s Show cameo so far.

Why Didn’t Topher Grace Reprise His Role After That ’90s Show’s Pilot? Will Eric Ever Return?

Grace Wanted To Move On To Bigger Projects

Grace only appeared in the pilot episode of That ‘90s Show and hasn’t returned since. Some were shocked Grace appeared in the spinoff at all. Even before the final season of That ‘70s Show aired in 2006, Grace was working to distance himself from the series. He decided not to return for season 8 of That ‘70s Show, instead planning to focus on films.

Grace’s new movie, Huntington, began production in June 2024, likely conflicting with the new show’s filming. Netflix and Grace have yet to issue an official reason for his absence from season 2. However, it seems likely that Grace is still focused on projects outside of That ’90s Show, prioritizing his time and energy elsewhere.

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That ’90s Show Season 2 Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play

That ’90s Show season 2 uses memorable songs from the 1990s to drive its nostalgic premise home, with nearly every episode including an iconic number.

That ’90s Show Reveals Eric Faked Being Carsick So He Didn’t Have To Come To Point Place

Eric Gives An Excuse That No One Seems To Believe

Eric’s wife, Donna Pinciotti, played by Laura Prepon, is the only member of the original friend group to return as a season regular. In part 2’s first episode, she reveals Eric “got carsick backing out of the driveway” on their way to visit. Eric’s parents, Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp) and Red (Kurtwood Smith), use this as an opportunity to make fun of Eric, subverting the conversation surrounding his absence. Later, as Kitty begs Donna to move her family to Point Place, Donna makes a joke that Eric might have lied about being carsick to get out of visiting.

Though unlikely, there is still a chance Grace might appear in the next part of That ‘90s Show. Despite his excuses, his character Eric remains integral to the plot as Leia’s dad, Donna’s husband, and Red and Kitty’s son. It seems unlikely Eric can continue feigning illness forever, and hopefully, his persistent mother, Kitty, will reunite with him soon. Though That ‘90s Show continues to honor the traditions and gags of its predecessor, the cameos of the original That ’70s Show cast are essential for keeping the show engaging.

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. 

Cast

Kurtwood Smith , Debra Jo Rupp , Mace Coronel , Callie Haverda , Ashley Aufderheide , Sam Morelos , Reyn Doi , Maxwell Acee Donovan

Release Date

January 19, 2023

Seasons

1

Writers

Gregg Mettler , Bonnie Turner , Lindsey Turner , Terry Turner

Directors

Gail Mancuso , Laura Prepon

Showrunner

Gregg Mettler

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