“That ’70s Show” brought us back to the days of bell-bottoms, shag carpets, and questionable haircuts, all wrapped in a haze of youthful rebellion and classic rock. But while it did a decent job of capturing the general vibe, there were quite a few details that only those of us who lived it would notice were a bit… off. Here’s a look back at the quirks, realities, and true essence of growing up in the ’70s that the show didn’t quite capture.
1. Hanging Out in the Basement All Day
Sure, many of us spent time in basements or garages, but we weren’t always lounging there. If we were out of sight for hours, our parents would assume we were either getting into trouble or had chores we’d forgotten. We had friends, yes, but they had their own houses. And you didn’t just casually walk into someone’s home like on TV without at least a call ahead—or a knock!
2. Record Players Were Sacred
The gang in the show just threw on records like they were old news, but in real life, they were the centerpiece of our social lives. We’d spend ages carefully selecting each album to play, flipping through records, and meticulously lowering the needle to avoid scratches. Plus, the record player was often one of the few entertainment devices in the house, not something you’d use casually in a friend’s basement.
3. We Didn’t Call It “Hanging Out”
Today, everyone “hangs out,” but in the ’70s, if you were meeting up, you were likely “going over to so-and-so’s” or “getting together.” “Hanging out” sounds laid-back, but our meetups had purpose: fixing bikes, playing sports, or listening to music. We didn’t just sit in a circle for hours doing nothing—that was too much time doing nothing for our parents’ liking!
4. The Real Freedom of the Phone
When Red picked up the basement extension phone in the show, it’s funny to watch, but in reality, phones were serious business. The one landline was the family’s hub, and if you dared to stay on too long, someone was bound to start tapping on the other end or shout, “Are you done yet?” Phone calls had to be quick and efficient, and don’t even think about a phone in the basement.
5. The Mysterious World of Adults
In “That ’70s Show,” Red and Kitty are always there, popping in and adding comic relief. But back then, adults didn’t hover the way they do in the show. Parents kept their distance, and if they were home, you probably weren’t bringing your friends over. There was a mystery to adults’ lives, and honestly, most of us had no clue what they were up to beyond making dinner or reading the paper.
6. No Such Thing as “Casual” Work
The gang’s random jobs and easy attitudes might look fun, but for us, a job was a privilege and taken seriously. Whether it was pumping gas, working at a local grocery, or babysitting, we knew there were no throwaway gigs. Every dollar mattered, and you didn’t just quit one day for something else. Jobs came with a sense of duty, not just a paycheck.
7. Pot Wasn’t Exactly Mainstream
Sure, some circles were more open about it, but for most kids in the ’70s, pot wasn’t as “normalized” as it looks on the show. For a lot of us, even hearing that someone “knew a guy” who had pot was an urban legend. If you did know about it, you certainly didn’t openly talk about it around parents or at school.
8. Everyone Had a Rigid Curfew
Curfews in “That ’70s Show” are loose and vague, but most of us lived by strict, almost military schedules. By 10 or 11, you were home, no excuses. There was no texting to let someone know you’d be late—only a mad dash to get in the door before Dad started flipping switches. If you wanted to stay out late, it had better be for a good reason, like a school dance or a special family event.
9. Weekends Weren’t Always for Partying
The weekend freedom in the show makes it seem like every teen was constantly out, partying or causing trouble. But for most of us, weekends had a rhythm to them—catching up on chores, maybe some family time, and a bit of socializing if you were lucky. Plus, lots of people went to church on Sunday morning, which meant Saturday nights couldn’t get too out of hand.
10. The Cars Were No Joke
While the show nails the aesthetic of the old clunkers, it missed out on just how serious we were about them. Owning a car was a badge of independence, and we were always under the hood, fixing them up. You didn’t just drive for fun. Gas was expensive, and every mile you drove had a purpose. And no one left trash in their car like Kelso—those rides were our pride and joy!
11. We Weren’t All at the Mall
Shopping malls didn’t become the ultimate hangout spot until the later ’80s. Back in the ’70s, if you wanted to meet friends, you went to each other’s houses, parks, or even a roller rink. Malls were still more functional than social, and you usually went there with a parent. The mall culture they show just didn’t fully exist yet.
12. The Music Sharing Ritual
Today, everyone shares music with a single click. But back then, sharing a new song was an event. Friends would come over just to listen, and we’d sit silently in awe as the first bars played. In “That ’70s Show,” music seems almost secondary, but for us, discovering a new band or album was like finding gold. We even made mixtapes, which took hours!
13. No Fancy Coffee Shops
It wasn’t like today, where every town had a café on every corner. If we wanted coffee, it was black and usually from the kitchen. While the diner culture they show is fun, we didn’t have cozy spots with lattes and pastries just down the road. Cafés were places adults went—if we wanted to meet friends, it was usually at a fast-food place or just someone’s house.
14. The Hair Wasn’t as Constantly “Perfect”
The characters in the show seem to have hairstyles that don’t budge, but in reality, maintaining those feathered styles and perms was hard work. It wasn’t just a quick comb-through to get that look. A lot of us spent way too long with hair dryers, curlers, and hairspray, and you could still end up looking like you’d been caught in a windstorm by the time you got to school.
15. Teenagers Actually Weren’t that Mouthy
In “That ’70s Show,” it’s funny to watch Eric and the gang talk back to their parents. But in the real ’70s, most of us wouldn’t dream of mouthing off like that. Our parents ruled the roost, and if you crossed the line, you knew you’d be grounded or worse. Respect was the name of the game, and even the “cool” kids knew not to push their luck.
16. Sitting Around Watching TV? Not Likely
In “That ’70s Show,” the characters spend plenty of time watching television. In real life, we had limited channels and only a handful of shows we liked. TV wasn’t something you just turned on whenever. Evenings were usually spent doing something more active or social, and it was common to only sit down to watch a specific show, maybe with family.
It’s always fun to look back and see how Hollywood tries to capture an era, even if they miss the mark sometimes. The quirks and little details that “That ’70s Show” missed are the things that truly made the ’70s unforgettable. After all, it’s the memories of vinyl records, strict curfews, and our love for our cars that remind us just how different those times were—and how grateful we are to have lived through them.
