Joseph Gordon-Levitt's cameo on That '70s Show was groundbreaking as it featured the first-ever male same-sex kiss on North American primetime TV. The 1998 episode marked a significant moment in television history, just months before a similar gay kiss on Dawson's Creek. While the reaction from fans was mixed, the scene served as a lesson in representation. Gordon-Levitt recalled the scene, stating that their lips only touched for a split second despite the director's instructions.

The franchise later expanded its queer representation in the follow-up show, That '90s Show. Ozzie's character was openly gay, and his coming out was treated with respect and acceptance. The progress made in That '90s Show was made possible by the groundbreaking moment in That '70s Show.