Netflix will soon debut That ’90s Show, a follow-up to That ’70s Show that brings back Kurtwood Smith and Debra Jo Rupp as Red and Kitty Forman. They’ll be in good company, as most of the original cast of That ’70s Show make special appearances in the spinoff as well. Ahead of the premiere, the two spoke with Netflix from the makeup chair about returning to their roles and reuniting with several cast members of That ’70s Show.

“It has been a gift. I mean, seeing all the kids come back,” Rupp says while holding back tears. “It was almost like no time had passed. We have like a mini-reunion every week. It’s just been amazing.”

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As has been revealed in the trailer, returning legacy stars include Topher Grace as the Formans’ son Eric; his daughter, Callie Haverda’s Leia, is one of the new stars of That ’90s Show. Other returning legacy stars include Laura Prepon as Donna, Ashton Kutcher as Kelso, Mila Kunis as Jackie, and Wilmer Valderrama as Fez. Smith also shared his thoughts on working with the original cast members again on That ’90s Show, suggesting that there’s a good reason that they’re referred to as the “legacy” stars.

“They don’t call them ’legacy’ for nothing,” he says. “They just want to make sure we’re not messing everything up. But they’ve been extremely encouraging about the whole thing.”

A New Gang Hangs Out in the Old Basement in That ’90s Show

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The legacy stars will make appearances, but That ’90s Show will primarily follow Smith and Rupp joined by a new cast of characters. Hanging out in the same old basement are Callie Haverda as Leia Forman, Ashley Aufderheide as Gwen Runck, Mace Coronel as Jay Kelso, Maxwell Acee Donovan as Nate Runck, Reyn Doi as Ozzie, and Sam Morelos as Nikki.

“I instantly loved the kids,” Rupp explains. “I have to say that I instantly loved them. I was very impressed, very impressed.”

On how the new gang affects Red’s life in the 90s, Smith adds, “He thinks he wants to be retired, but at the same time he doesn’t, because he really does like the life that these kids have brought back into his house - but he won’t admit it, because he’s stubborn in his own way.”

That ’90s Show will premiere on Netflix on Jan. 19, 2023. You can view the official trailer below.