Debra Jo Rupp Didn’t Even Realize That ’70s Show Was Set In The Same Decade – Looper

To promote the spinoff series, “That ’90s Show,” which sees Debra Jo Rupp and Kurtwood Smith return as Kitty and Red Forman, respectively, the two actors sat down with Entertainment Weekly to discuss their time on the long-running predecessor. During the conversation, Rupp revealed that she didn’t know the show would be set in the ’70s until she arrived on set and noticed everything looked like it came straight out of that decade. 

Rupp explained, “I did not realize that this was set in the ’70s until I saw the appliances on the set. I somehow missed that part in the script.” Her co-star Smith seemed confused that she apparently missed the title, but Rupp was quick to remind him that before it was called “That ’70s Show,” the series was titled, “The Kids Are Alright.” So she didn’t know the show would be set in the ’70s just from reading about the characters. 

One other facet of filming that clued Rupp into what the show was actually about was the clothing. She pointed out a big red frilly number she wore in an episode and was worried whether she would be able to be seen with everything that was going on. Luckily, Rupp caught on quickly and perfectly embodied the ideal doting ’70s mother.