That '90s Show

The series features prominent storylines centered on sexual identity. A major episode involves Ozzie planning and executing his coming-out to Kitty Forman, who responds with total acceptance. Later seasons continue to follow his attempts to find a boyfriend and go on dates. While other teen romances are standard sitcom subplots, the show places a clear thematic focus on the queer teen experience.

The show does not contain heavy activist critiques of Western institutions, capitalism, or history. However, it gently pokes fun at traditional midwestern social norms and older conservative mindsets. The teenage characters hold very progressive, modern social views compared to the adults, making traditional 1990s attitudes look outdated.

There was noticeable online backlash from viewers who complained that the show was too woke. Critics and social media users pointed out that having an openly gay teenager who is fully accepted by his peers in 1995 small-town Wisconsin was historically inaccurate and felt like modern political correctness.

The creative team has a mixed but notable history of progressive and activist work. Writer Andrew Ti has a very high activist profile as an anti-racist podcaster. Writer Erin Foley is an outspoken queer comedian who advocates for LGBTQ+ causes. Director Laura Prepon has publicly championed reproductive rights and praised queer representation. Showrunner Gregg Mettler has also actively pushed for more diverse representation.