One That ‘90s Show season 2 guest star has an interesting history with the sitcom franchise, having played a part in the production of That ‘70s Show years earlier. That ’90s Show's cast of characters are likable enough for the sitcom spinoff to need no celebrity cameos. However, like its predecessor That ’70s Show, the Netflix comedy still brings in famous faces from time to time to spice up proceedings. In That ‘90s Show season 2, these cameos can be supporting stars established by That ‘70s Show years earlier or entirely new characters.

Although a lot of That ‘70s Show characters are missing from That ‘90s Show season 2, the series did bring back Seth Green’s Mitch to update viewers on the supporting star’s fate. Although former That ‘70s Show guest star Wayne Knight also appeared in one episode of season 2, he didn’t reprise his role from the earlier series. Instead, Knight played a new character who Red befriended while in hospital. Like Knight’s That ‘90s Show season 2 cameo, another star’s appearance offered viewers a subtle nod to the show’s history.

Will Forte's Role In That '90s Show Explained

Will Forte Plays Kiefer The Cocaine Addicted Spiritual Scam Artist

In season 2, episode 6, "I Can See Clearly Now,” Will Forte appears as Kiefer, a fake spiritual guru who charges Kitty hundreds of dollars to cleanse her home. Kiefer’s reliance on cocaine is obvious to everyone except the eternally innocent Kitty and Forte plays the sleazy character with a combination of transparent phoniness and smug faux-enlightenment. Most recently seen in Netflix’s comedic thriller Bodkin, Forte is known for his time on Saturday Night Live and his leading roles in 2010’s MacGruber and its 2021 TV spinoff, as well as Strays, Scoob, A Futile and Stupid Gesture, and Nebraska.

However, Forte also has a connection to That ‘70s Show that viewers might not know about. Years before his guest appearance in That '90s Show season 2, Forte served as a writer and producer on That '70s Show between 2001-2003. While Fez’s That '90s Show season 2 absence might be strange, Forte’s return means the spinoff is more closely linked to its predecessor than it might seem. In its second season, That ’90s Show decreased its reliance on cameos from That ‘70s Show’s original cast, so it is fun to see the series secretly bring back behind-the-scenes talent.

That ‘70s Show was an important stepping stone in Forte's career trajectory.

How Will Forte's Appearance In That '90s Show Is A Nod To That '70s Show

Forte Was A Producer On That ‘70s Show During Its Original Run

Prior to That ‘70s Show, Forte cut his teeth writing for the similarly nostalgic ‘90s sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. It was his time as a cast member on Saturday Night Live that made the star more recognizable, but That ‘70s Show was an important stepping stone in his career trajectory. As such, Forte’s That ‘90s Show cameo is a sweet nod to his earlier work that also works as a funny supporting role for viewers who weren’t aware of the star’s background. Forte wrote for That ‘70s Show in an era that many viewers still consider its peak.

Forte wrote for the series between 2001 and 2003, working on series 4, 5, and 6. While series 7 and 8 were disastrously received due to various stars quitting the series and their replacements not working out, series 1 and 2 were a little more sedate and dull than the show’s strongest outings. That ‘90s Show season 2’s many cameos prove that the series is aiming for the zanier, more playful approach of That ‘70s Show seasons 3—6, and it is easy to see why. With cartoonier side characters and more ambitious plots, Forte’s era is fondly remembered.

Forte tried his hand at dramatic acting with 2013’s Nebraska

What Will Forte Did After Working On That '70s Show

Forte Went On To Star In The Last Man On Earth, Scoob, And MacGruber

Forte parlayed his work as a TV writer into a successful audition for Saturday Night Live and the star remained a cast member there for eight years. Near the end of this run, Forte starred in MacGruber, a feature-length action comedy based on his recurring Saturday Night Live character of the sneak name. MacGruber was a critical and commercial failure but has gone on to become a cult classic. In the years that followed, Forte tried his hand at dramatic acting with 2013’s Nebraska and landed a lead role in the critically acclaimed sitcom The Last Man On Earth.

Since then, Forte has appeared in major movies like Scoob, Strays, and The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, as well as smaller indie productions like Extra Ordinary. Outside of That ‘90s Show’s Easter egg cameo, the actor recently played supporting roles in The Simpsons, The Great North, Rick and Morty, and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off. He starred in Netflix’s Bodkin as well as the TV adaptation of MacGruber. Forte also had a role in the upcoming spinoff Sausage Party: Foodtopia after That ‘90s Show reminded viewers of his stint on That ‘70s Show.