The original post: /r/television by /u/timebomb011 on 2025-01-31 09:54:07.

Hey! Born in 1983 and grew up watching Saved by The Bell in syndication. A lot. The trend of watching tv continued for me and as I matured, so did my taste. I loved My So-Called Life and would often defend my decision to watch it over Friends, however in later years stand by that choice as Friends became very watched for me in syndication. But My So-Called Life was harder to find.

Next for me was Freaks and Geeks, which was always a surprise when i found it. Oh, this show? I would exclaim on a random primetime evening it was on my screen, and when i was able to get it on dvd and truly watch the show it was a revelation.

I say this to paint a picture of someone with television taste that matured with age, but always appreciated a quality teen show. Of course in the present day Reboots are quite common. The 90210 reboot for instance was a hit at launch but quickly deteriorated.

So when the Saved By the Bell reboot launched, I didn’t exactly have high hopes. My god, I was so wrong. Where 90210’s reboot failed, Saved by the Bell exceeded. The problem with 90210 is that they were afraid to embrace their real life history, and yet played these versions of themselves, and they didn’t completely go for it. Saved by the bell went the other direction. Every actor other than Dustin Diamond and Dennis Haskins is back, and they all BUY THE FUCK IN. They are playing their characters but have no quams about making fun of their past. Jesse Spano makes Showgirl references, Kelly and Zack are a ridiculous couple making fun of the “teen sweethearts” story, AC Slater is a living in the past version of himself, even Lisa shows up at one point. John Michael Higgins goes off as this principle. The teen class is modern but also sorta doing a version of the original show, that is for teens, but also very tongue in cheek and winking at the camera while being almost poignant.

Mario Lopez actually shows depth in the role of AC Slater. He actually displays vulnerability that doesn’t come off lame. Same with Elizabeth Hurley, they are actually trying super hard and doing a great job in these roles, and are essentially the lead characters with the teen ensemble. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a comedy, it is definitely cheesy, but because it was created by Tracey Wigfield who worked on 30 Rock, the Mindy Project and Good News she balances these elements perfectly. I would say it’s closest in tone to 30 Rock.

It’s incredible that this show exists, and truly was a labour of love from people who wanted to do right by the Saved by the Bell cast and fans. It’s on peacock so nobody will see it, but to the few who have or will, just, wow. Much like My so-called life, and freaks and geeks, it ended too soon, however it did get a second season. If you ever get a chance and have a small amount of love for the original saved by the bell you’ll probably enjoy it.