That '80s Show is an American
sitcom that aired from January through May 2002. Despite having a similar name, show structure, and many of the same writers and production staff, it is not considered a direct
spin-off of the more successful
That '70s Show. The characters and story lines from both shows never crossed paths. Although the main character, Corey Howard (
Glenn Howerton of
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), is designed as
Eric Forman's (
Topher Grace) cousin, the show itself was a separate decade-based show created because of
That '70s Show's popularity at the time.