Where was That '70s Show filmed?
1998
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Dated/50's-60's-70's, Industrial Style
About That '70s Show
That '70s Show graced the screens from 1998-2006 on the FOX network, capturing the hearts of many. It was created by Mark Brazill, Bonnie Turner, and Terry Turner and was directed by David Trainer, David Dobbins, and David Williams. The show starred Ashton Kutcher, Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Topher Grace, Danny Masterson, and Wilmer Valderrama.
The storyline is set in 1976 in the fictional town of Point Place, WI, and revolves around 17-year-old Eric Forman, played by Topher Grace. Eric's life is filled with humorously neurotic parents, Red (Kurtwood Smith) and Kitty (Debra Jo Rupp), and his eclectic friends. This includes his cute neighbor Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), his best friend Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), Kelso's girlfriend, Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), the always suspicious Steve Hyde (Danny Masterson), and the charming foreign-exchange student Fez (Wilmer Valderrama).
During its run from 1998-2006, That '70s Show garnered much attention and accolades. It won several awards, including a Primetime Emmy Award and numerous nominations. It has been praised for its writing, cast, and unique way it handled topical issues. The show expertly captures the era's essence, delving into numerous social issues in the 1970s, including sexual attitudes, generational conflict, and the economic challenges arising from the 1970s recession.
That '70s Show Locations
An introspective journey into the production of the iconic sitcom That '70s Show (1998-2006) reveals various shooting locations across the United States. Most scenes were filmed at the Los Angeles, California, CBS Studio Center. The region's backdrop is wild and expansive, with a unique blend of urban sprawl and surrounding natural beauty, from the Pacific Ocean to the San Gabriel Mountains.
The series also utilized the city of Ventura Boulevard in California for its introductory scenes. This city is a popular filming spot for numerous TV shows and movies, particularly those catering to the comedy and drama genres. The vibrant backdrop of Ventura Boulevard, with its bustling streets and diverse architecture, added a unique charm to the show's setting.
While the actual locations of the show are scattered between sound stages and the streets of California, a trip to these places might be worthwhile for fans of the show. Visiting the CBS Studio Centre and Ventura Boulevard could provide a sense of connection to the beloved series. However, since the town of Point Place is fictional, there isn't a physical location to visit in Wisconsin. However, since it is based on Toledo, Ohio, fans can take a trip there to feel like they’re part of the show.
The Forman Basement scenes in That '70s Show
Stage 2, CBS Studios Centre, 4024 Radford Ave, Studio City, CA
One of the most notable locations in That '70s Show is the Forman basement in their residence in Point Place, Wisconsin. Although it is a fictional location, the basement, affectionately known as Eric's (Topher Grace) "Bat Cave," became a central location in the show. It served as the primary hangout spot for Eric and his friends, where they spent most of their time eating sweets, watching TV, and engaging in their famous 'circle' sessions.
Fans can recall the iconic citations from this show from Red Forman, Eric's father (Kurtwood Smith), known to threaten people with his foot throughout the series: "Foot Up Your Ass." This quote became a running gag on the show, often directed at Eric or his friends when they did something that annoyed or disappointed Red.
That '70s Show was filmed on Sound Stage 2 at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, Los Angeles, California. The Forman's house and basement were set within the studio. Please note that while the studio does offer tours, access to specific sets, like Forman's basement, may not be available as sets are frequently changed for different productions.
To visit this location, you should travel to Los Angeles, California. The CBS Studio Center is at 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. It's accessible via car, bus, and metro, with the nearest metro station being Universal City/Studio City on the Red Line.
Eric takes the car to the concert scene in That '70s Show
Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, CA
The pilot episode takes us on a journey back to May 17, 1976, setting the ambiance of the series with a fusion of teenage trials, humor, and a touch of 70s nostalgia. Red Forman (Kurtwood Smith) passes on the keys of the Vista Cruiser to their son, Eric (Topher Grace). The car is more than just a vehicle; it's an emblem of independence, exploration, and the roller coaster ride of adolescence.
Eric, excited by this newfound independence, plans to drive to Milwaukee for a Todd Rundgren concert with his closest friends: Donna Pinciotti (Laura Prepon), Steven Hyde (Danny Masterson), Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher), and the new foreign exchange student, 'Fez' (Wilmer Valderrama).
Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis), Kelso's girlfriend, tags along uninvited, adding to the group dynamic. The trip takes a comedic turn when the car battery dies en route, and they have to trade two concert tickets for a new one at a mechanic shop.
The opening scenes of That '70s Show were captured in Studio City, situated on Ventura Boulevard in California. This renowned filming location is well-known for its diverse array of small businesses, shops, schools, and other establishments. This location has been the backdrop of several award-winning movies and TV shows, including Nightcrawler, Liar Liar, Crash, and The 40-year-old Virgin.
To visit this iconic location, you must travel to Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, Los Angeles, California. You can take the US-101 North highway from downtown LA and exit at Laurel Canyon Boulevard towards Ventura Boulevard. While you can visit the area, specific filming locations like the interior scenes of the Forman's house were filmed on a set at CBS Studio Center, not on location.
The Point Place scenes in That '70s Show
Toledo, Ohio
That '70s Show is set in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, a suburb near the Green Bay area. In one memorable episode, the characters travel to the iconic Green Bay Packers stadium, suggesting they live relatively close to the area (season 7, episode 14). In another episode, they mention crime creeping in from Sheboygan, a city between Green Bay and Milwaukee, further cementing Point Place's geographical context within Wisconsin.
Though set in Wisconsin, Point Place pays tribute to a town near Toledo, Ohio, the childhood home of Bonnie Turner, one of the series' creators. The made-up town of Point Place is notably furnished with facilities such as a shopping mall, a standard movie theater, a drive-in, and the large-scale shopping center, Price Mart. The town even has an amusement park named Funland - an exceptional attribute for a small town.
While Point Place may be a fictional town, you can take a trip to Toledo, Ohio, which inspired the ambiance of the TV show. Toledo is a city rich in art and history located at the western end of Lake Erie. The Toledo Museum of Art, renowned for its extensive collection of modern and Renaissance pieces, is a testament to this. In homage to the city's illustrious tradition of glass production, the museum's Glass Pavilion exhibits thousands of intricate glass creations.
To reach Toledo, one can opt for private car transportation. From Detroit, the journey takes approximately an hour via Interstate 75 S. On the other hand, traveling from Chicago offers a longer route but rewards with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. The estimated travel time is around 4 hours.
Conclusion
The iconic TV series That '70s Show captured the essence of the 1970s with its carefully selected filming locations across the United States. From the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, to the vibrant streets of California, these settings played a pivotal role in creating the show's unique atmosphere.
Point Place, Wisconsin, portrayed by various locations in California and based on the gorgeous Toledo in Ohio, served as the heart of the series, with the first episode giving viewers a glimpse of the famed Ventura Boulevard in Studio City. The Forman house, where much of the action took place, was set in the charming town of South Pasadena.
Meanwhile, Eric and Donna's high school scenes were shot at the Andrew Warburton Memorial Park in Van Nuys.
California's sunny backdrop also lent itself to the show's outdoor scenes, showcasing picturesque landscapes such as the Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park in Agua Dulce for those memorable vista point moments.
From basement hangouts to unforgettable car rides, the diverse filming locations in the US seamlessly blended to create the nostalgic world of That '70s Show, leaving a special mark on television history and forever preserving the spirit of the 1970s for generations to come.