A lot of people were expecting this show to jump out of the gates as a classic. Why? Name one series that did that? Certainly not the show that most people are comparing it to. Did anybody actually WATCH That '70s Show when it debuted in the summer of 1998? It was horrible. And it focused too much on the 70s. But that is not all. Try going back and watching the first season of Seinfeld, or even the Simpsons these days. They are horrible. Why? Because the writers need time to develop the direction of the characters and the show in general.
Now that the series has had about half a season, they HAVE become less reliant on the 80s references and more on the plots. Yes, they throw the occasional reference in a few times a show. But I can say that as a child of the 80s, I want MORE references, not less. (Why have they not visited an arcade yet?)
This show is not destined to be one of the all time greats, but don't expect it to leave the airwaves any time soon. It is still doing pretty well for Fox, and anchoring the Wednesday line up, which is a difficult task to give to a mid-season replacement. Fox is not stupid. They will allow this show to grow, just as they allowed That '70s Show to develop.
Now that the series has had about half a season, they HAVE become less reliant on the 80s references and more on the plots. Yes, they throw the occasional reference in a few times a show. But I can say that as a child of the 80s, I want MORE references, not less. (Why have they not visited an arcade yet?)
This show is not destined to be one of the all time greats, but don't expect it to leave the airwaves any time soon. It is still doing pretty well for Fox, and anchoring the Wednesday line up, which is a difficult task to give to a mid-season replacement. Fox is not stupid. They will allow this show to grow, just as they allowed That '70s Show to develop.