'That '80s Show' Creators Explain the Show's Name

[TJ]

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Producers of the upcoming FOX series "That '80s Show," had another title in mind for their new comedy, but it turns out it was taken.

"We originally wanted to call it 'The Bernie Mac Show,'" Linda Wallem, one of the show's creators, joked to reporters at the Television Critics Association Press Tour in Pasadena, Calif.

"That '80s Show" was created by Wallen, Terry Turner, Mark Brazil, the team which created FOX's "That '70s Show." Seriously, there was thought put into whether the new show should have a name so similar to their old one.

"I think there are upsides and downsides to it," says Turner. "When you call something named in the same style, there's going to be a comparison. We have enough confidence in the show and the cast and the writers and FOX promotions that we can make the distinction."

One thing that will remain the same between the two shows, is that the characters and the story will always come first to the time period, adds Turner.

One benefit of the similar names is that it opens up the opportunity to create another show about the '90s.

"We're hoping that as the ''70s Show' slides into the '80s and the ''80s Show' slides into the '90s, we'll call the ''70s Show' 'That Other '80s Show' and then this one will become 'That '90s Show,'" Turner jokes.