Netflix ‘That '90s Show’ Season 3 Review - A Bit of Overacting and Lots of Humor

Part 3 has arrived sooner than expected, bringing plenty of humor and a dash of over-the-top antics. As summer draws to a close and school looms, the season kicks off with Kitty and Red returning from their Paris vacation—only to be greeted by a broken kitchen. But the real mystery isn't just about who broke it—it's about who took the blame, and that’s a story you'll remember long after the credits roll.

Kitty, as the effortlessly cool grandmother, is still buzzing with excitement from her travels and can't stop talking about her time in Paris. She's got a stack of "freshly developed" photos that she insists on showing to everyone, reliving every moment. At first, you might wonder why she bothered developing them in the first place until it hits you—this is the '90s!

The show maintains its signature humor while new dynamics and relationships start to take shape. The characters are falling in and out of love—or more accurately, developing crushes. Leia, ever the fun-loving and occasionally trouble-prone girl, continues to enjoy time with her group of friends, even if she does end up in sticky situations more often than not. Nate’s feelings for her add an interesting twist, but as the story progresses, those feelings evolve, and not in the way you'd expect.

One of the season’s funniest ongoing gags is the tiff between Leia’s mother, Donna, and Kitty. Both are equally determined to do what's best for Leia, but their differing opinions spark a series of humorous clashes. From debating over what kind of backpack Leia should use to how she spends her final days of summer, their banter keeps the laughs coming. The humor is sharp and constant, making every moment a joy to watch.

As previously mentioned, there's a touch of overacting from the cast this season. While the exaggerated performances add to the comedic charm, at times, they push the humor into the realm of slapstick. It works well for the light-hearted tone of the show, though some moments may feel a bit over the top, especially for those who prefer subtler comedy.

In addition, the show slightly deviates from its usual dedication to capturing the essence of the '90s. While there are plenty of nostalgic nods—Kitty developing her vacation photos, references to pop culture, and the unmistakable fashion choices—there are moments where the '90s vibe feels a bit less authentic. Some aspects, whether it be the dialogue or certain modern sensibilities sneaking into the plot, can pull you out of the period setting. While these deviations don’t necessarily hurt the overall enjoyment of the show, they do create occasional distractions for those who are particularly keen on accuracy when it comes to the decade.

Still, the show maintains its energy and humor, blending the familiar with just enough of the unexpected to keep viewers entertained, even if it sometimes takes creative liberties with the era it’s trying to portray.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times