'That '90s Show' Actors Say They're 'Not Trying To Be Copies' Of 'That '70s Show': 'We Are All Unique'

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The 'That '90s Show' teens may be hanging out in the same basement where the 'That '70s Show' crew spent many summer nights in a smoky circle, but they're definitely forging their own way. The Netflix spin-off, which premiered on January 19, stars a new cast that includes Callie Haverda, Mace Coronel, Maxwell Acee Donovan, Reyn Doi, Sam Morelos and Ashley Aufderheide, as well as 'That' originals. 70s Show" Kurtwood Smith (Red) and Debra Jo Rupp (Kitty).

The series follows Eric (Topher Grace) and Donna (Laura Prepon)'s teenage daughter, Leia (Haverda), as she navigates coming of age and makes new friends in the exact place where her parents fell in love so many years ago. But despite the similarities between the sitcoms, the young cast of "That '90s Show" is determined to chart their own path.

"Each of us is our own character," Haverda tells POPSUGAR. "None of us are trying to be copies." Although Haverda's Leia seems to have inherited some elements of her father - including her goofy charm (although no teenager would ever want to admit they might look like their parents) - her character is very much her own person and determined to individualize and live life on your terms.

Leia's somewhat ironic desire for independence drives her to follow in her parents' footsteps by living with her grandparents, Red and Kitty, for the summer. There, she meets a host of new friends, including Jay Kelso (Coronel), the prankster son of none other than Michael Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) and his now wife, Jackie (Mila Kunis). Kunis and Kutcher, like many of their "That '70s Show" castmates, make cameos on the show, including Prepon, Grace, Rupp and Smith, along with other alums like Wilmer Valderrama (Fez), Don Stark (Bob Pinciotti), Timmy Chong (Leo) and Jim Rash (Fenton), all of whom have their own special moments on the spin-off designed to satisfy any nostalgic fan.

In an effort to bridge the gap between the original cast and that of "That '90s Show," former cast members have taken the time to cheer on the new generation in their spin-off. "They were all very welcoming. They welcomed us into their family," says Donovan, who plays well-meaning jock Nate. Morelos, who plays intelligent and ambitious Nikki, adds, "They're very supportive of this new generation of Point Place kids. It's really, really inspiring to see this old cast lift us up and support us in this way."

Doi, who plays the sharp-tongued Ozzie, says, "We're all unique, and everyone has their own special moments with the original cast. They were always by our side. I...