Semiotic Analysis of That 70's Show

This is a semiotic analysis based on the episode "Jackie Bags Hyde" [this link best viewed with Explorer]. In addition to the obvious signs of seventies popular culture, such as clothing, hairstyles, cars and home decoration, there are also subtle signs which reveal information about the relationships between characters. One of the best ways in which the interrelationships between characters become highlighted is through their positioning in the setting of the show—both within the home and in relation to each other. In the house, the Foreman's basement is of particular importance. It is here that we see the teenaged characters most. While Eric's parents, Red and Kitty are usually shown in the living room or kitchen (kitchen especially for Kitty), the children can most often be found in the basement. Because Red and Kitty rarely venture down the stairs, the basement is the kids' domain. It is there that they joke around, discuss the issues of their lives, and smoke pot. The fact that they actually feel safe smoking weed in the lower part of a house belonging to Red illustrates how secure they feel in the space of the basement. This is not the only placement of characters that is significant. While this arrangement includes only the male group members, Eric, Fez, Hyde, and Kelso, regular group get-togethers also include Jackie and Donna. The character placement at these times reveals a great deal about the relationships between characters.

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Written by Tamara Extian-Babiuk