Warning: This story contains minor spoilers for That ’90s Show.

Netflix has officially premiered That ’90s Show, an official follow-up to the hit sitcom That ’70s Show (which also conveniently ignores the short-lived spinoff That ’80s Show). In the series, many original cast members return, including most of the starring cast that played the show’s teen characters in That ’70s Show. But noticeably absent is Steven Hyde, played by Danny Masterson in the original show.

We knew ahead of the show’s premiere that Hyde would not be a part of That ’90s Show. This is because Masterson was charged with multiple counts of rape in 2020, and though his trial ended in a hung jury in December, a new trial was ordered for March 2023. The seriousness of the allegations kept Masterson out of the picture for That ’90s Show from the very start, leading to speculation as to how Hyde’s absence would be acknowledged.

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So, what happens to Hyde? Does he go to jail, or is it revealed that he had to leave Earth for his home planet, dying along the way? Nothing like that happens, as Hyde’s absence is not addressed at all. None of the characters make any mention of Hyde whatsoever, leaving it a mystery as to what happened to the character. Bob’s ex-wife Midge and Eric’s sister Laurie, respectively played by late actors Tanya Roberts and Lisa Robin Kelly, are also not mentioned.

Danny Masterson’s Character Was Given an Ending in The Ranch

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While Masterson wasn’t charged until 2020, the accusations against him came to light in 2017. AT the time, he was starring alongside Ashton Kutcher in the Netflix series The Ranch, and in light of the allegations, he was fired from the show. It was revealed in the series that his character had seemingly been killed off following a motorcycle accident. At that time, Masterson released a statement professing that he’s innocent and noting his disappointment in the firing.

“From day one, I have denied the outrageous allegations against me. Law enforcement investigated these claims more than 15 years ago and determined them to be without merit,” Masterson’s statement noted in part, via People. “In this country, you are presumed innocent until proven guilty. However, in the current climate, it seems as if you are presumed guilty the moment you are accused. I understand and look forward to clearing my name once and for all.”

You can stream That ’90s Show on Netflix.