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.