<Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> ← Previous Season 7 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> List of That' 70s Show episodes </Td> </Tr> <P> The eighth and final season of the American comedy television series That' 70s Show premiered November 2, 2005 on Fox in the United States . The season ended on May 18, 2006 with an hour - long series finale . The eighth season was the only season without the show's star Topher Grace who portrayed Eric Forman, the central character, since he left the series at the end of the previous season . Eric was often mentioned throughout the season, even being an important off - stage character central to an episode's plot upon occasion . Topher Grace returned as Eric for the final episode, although his role was brief and uncredited . </P> <P> This season also marked a major change in the series, as a new character was introduced to take Eric's place named Randy Pearson (portrayed by new cast member Josh Meyers) and the departure of Michael Kelso, who was portrayed by Ashton Kutcher . Kutcher had quit the show at the end of season seven but remained on the series for five episodes during the eighth season . He appeared in the first four episodes to give closure to Kelso and he appeared again in the final episode titled "That' 70s Finale". Also, Leo (Tommy Chong) returned as a main character since his return to the series in the seventh season (in a special guest role). </P>

Why wasn't eric in the last season of that 70s show
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