Wait, do you remember when Jessica Simpson was basically the biggest thing on the planet? It was the early 2000s, low-rise jeans were everywhere, and MTV was basically the Jessica and Nick show. But right before Newlyweds turned her into a household name for not knowing if "Chicken of the Sea" was fish or poultry, she made a splash in a very different way. Specifically, she landed a recurring role as Jessica Simpson That 70s Show guest star, and it was... kind of perfect?
Most people forget she was even in Point Place. Honestly, it feels like a fever dream now. But if you go back to Season 5, there she is, playing Annette Berkardt. She wasn't just a random cameo either. She was a legitimate plot point that drove Jackie Burkhart (Mila Kunis) absolutely insane.
The "New Jackie" and the Battle for Kelso
Here is the setup: Kelso (Ashton Kutcher) had run off to California at the end of Season 4 because he couldn't choose between Jackie and Laurie. While he was out there soaking up the sun, he met Annette.
When he finally drags her back to Wisconsin, the gang realizes something immediately. Annette is basically a blonde, California-flavored version of Jackie. She’s bossy, she’s high-maintenance, and she has that same "the world revolves around me" energy. Eric and Donna even started calling her "Blackie" (as in, "Blonde Jackie").
It was hilarious.
Watching Mila Kunis and Jessica Simpson trade insults was top-tier sitcom writing. Jackie called her everything from a "slutball" to "random beach trash." Simpson, for her part, played the "dumb blonde" trope with a lot of self-awareness. She wasn't just some singer trying to act; she actually leaned into the comedy.
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That Time Ashton Kutcher Was Genuinely Confused
There is a story about this era that actually just resurfaced recently. It turns out that life was sort of imitating art on set.
In the show, Annette tells Kelso they can’t have sex because she’s a virgin. Well, in real life, Jessica Simpson was famously waiting for marriage at the time. She was 22, and this was a huge part of her public brand.
During a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight in late 2025, Jessica looked back at a clip from the show and remembered telling Ashton Kutcher off-camera that she was a virgin in real life, too.
His response? A very blunt, confused: "Why?"
She explained it was because she hadn't met her husband yet (though she was already dating Nick Lachey at the point of filming). It’s kind of wild to think about now, but at the time, that was such a massive talking point in pop culture. It made her performance as Annette feel weirdly authentic because she was genuinely navigating those same boundaries in her own life while playing a character doing the exact same thing to Michael Kelso.
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Why Annette Didn't Last in Point Place
Simpson was only in three episodes:
- "Going to California" (Season 5, Episode 1)
- "Your Time Is Gonna Come" (Season 5, Episode 13)
- "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You" (Season 5, Episode 14)
She wasn't meant to be a permanent fixture. Her whole purpose was to be a mirror for Jackie and Kelso’s toxic-but-destined relationship. Annette eventually realized that Kelso was still head-over-heels for Jackie.
She gave him a classic ultimatum and, when it was clear he couldn't let go of his ex, she packed her bags and headed back to California. It was the right move for the show, but honestly, Simpson had surprisingly good comedic timing. She could have stayed longer.
The Lost Music Video Connection
Did you know there’s a "lost" version of the "I Wanna Love You Forever" music video featuring Ashton Kutcher?
Apparently, they filmed a million-dollar version where they were ballroom dancing in a mansion. It was all very high-end and romantic. But the head of the record label reportedly hated her hair—it was wavy instead of straight—and they scrapped the whole thing.
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This happened right around the time they were working together on the show. Instead of that epic video, we got the one where she’s standing in a field of fake sunflowers. Kind of a downgrade, if you ask me.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Acting
People love to dunk on Jessica Simpson's acting career. They point to The Dukes of Hazzard or Employee of the Month as proof that she was just a "pretty face."
But if you actually watch her episodes on That '70s Show, she’s in on the joke. She knew exactly what people thought of her, and she used it. She played the "ditzy blonde" with a wink.
Why It Matters Now
Looking back at Jessica Simpson That 70s Show appearances gives you a glimpse into a very specific moment in the early 2000s. It was right before the "Bimbo" era was reclaimed, and right before reality TV changed the trajectory of her life forever.
If you're a fan of the show, those episodes are worth a rewatch. Not because she’s a Meryl Streep-level actress, but because she brought a weird, bubbly energy that actually challenged Jackie Burkhart’s dominance in the group.
Actionable Takeaway: How to Revisit the Annette Arc
If you want to catch these episodes, here is the best way to do it:
- Stream it: As of 2026, That '70s Show is usually shuffling between platforms like Peacock or Hulu. Check your local listings.
- Focus on Season 5: Start with the premiere, then skip ahead to the mid-season episodes (13 and 14) to see the full rise and fall of Annette.
- Watch for the Chemistry: Notice the interaction between Simpson and Kunis. It’s some of the best "rival" energy in the whole series.
- Compare to That '90s Show: If you've seen the Netflix spinoff, it makes the Annette arc even funnier knowing where Kelso and Jackie eventually end up.
It was a short run, but Jessica Simpson left her mark on Point Place. She wasn't just a guest star; she was the girl who almost made Kelso forget about Jackie Burkhart. Almost.