Saved By The Bell: The Definitive History of the Classic 90s Teen Sitcom

The History of Saved By The Bell

Saved By The Bell is one of the most iconic teen sitcoms of the early 1990s. Premiering on NBC in 1989, the show centered around a group of friends at Bayside High School in California. Though it went through some casting changes in its first season, the core group of Zack Morris, Kelly Kapowski, A.C. Slater, Jessie Spano, Lisa Turtle, and Samuel "Screech" Powers would come to define the show.

Saved By The Bell was created by producer Peter Engel. Initially developed as a Disney Channel show titled Good Morning, Miss Bliss, the program followed teacher Miss Bliss and her students at John F. Kennedy Junior High School. After one 13-episode season aired in 1988-1989, NBC picked up the rights to the show and retooled it to focus on the teenage students rather than Miss Bliss. Retitled Saved By The Bell, the new series shifted to the fictional Bayside High with Zack, Screech, Lisa, and Mr. Belding as the only carry-over characters.

The Original Cast

For Saved By The Bell season one, Mark-Paul Gosselaar starred as Zack Morris, the charming schemer of Bayside High. Dustin Diamond played his loyal but geeky best friend, Samuel "Screech" Powers. Lark Voorhies portrayed fashionista Lisa Turtle. Dennis Haskins was the school's frustrated principal, Mr. Richard Belding.

After season one, the show underwent more changes. Lisa, Screech, and Mr. Belding remained, but the rest of the cast was replaced. Tiffani-Amber Thiessen took over as preppy cheerleader Kelly Kapowski. Mario Lopez joined as athletic heartthrob A.C. Slater. Elizabeth Berkley signed on as the brainy feminist Jessie Spano. These six actors would come to embody the iconic teen characters Saved By The Bell fans grew to love.

The Storylines

While Saved By The Bell relied on standard teen sitcom tropes - dating mishaps, school rivalries, wacky schemes - it also tackled some "very special" issues. Jessie's caffeine pill addiction in the infamous "I'm So Excited" episode became a defining moment for the show. Zack's friend in a wheelchair inspired empathy in a grounded episode. And the Bayside students learned tough lessons when a real-life oil spill affected their beach trip.

But between the more serious moments, hilarious antics took center stage. Zack came up with elaborate plots like transforming Bayside into a tourist trap. The friends formed their own band called "Zack Attack." And Mr. Belding was on the receiving end of many pranks. The show balanced earnest morals with pure fun.

The Legacy

After four seasons, Saved By The Bell ended in 1993. Its popularity spawned two spin-off series - Saved By The Bell: The College Years and Saved By The Bell: The New Class. Two TV movies - Hawaiian Style and Wedding in Las Vegas - continued the storylines for devoted fans.

Decades later, Saved By The Bell remains a pop culture icon. The fashions may be dated, but the humor and heart of the show still resonate. Millions of millennials grew up watching Zack's schemes unfold each Saturday morning. The iconic Bayside gang gave a whole generation a group of friends to laugh with. Saved By The Bell ultimately created a safe, playful world full of timeless teen spirit.

Why Saved By The Bell Was So Influential

As one of the most popular teen sitcoms of its era, Saved By The Bell had a profound impact on pop culture and an entire generation of young viewers. There are several key reasons why this show was so influential during its run from 1989 to 1993 and beyond:

It Was Relatable

Saved By The Bell focused on themes that were highly relatable for its target teen audience - school, friends, dating, first jobs. Even though the show was set in sunny Southern California and the characters lived absurdly zany lives, teens could still see themselves in the student characters' hopes, dreams, and struggles.

It Pushed Boundaries

While mostly light-hearted, Saved By The Bell sometimes addressed risky topics like drug use, environmental issues, and wealth inequality. Jessie's addiction storyline was especially groundbreaking for a Saturday morning teen show. Saved By The Bell snuck in moral lessons that challenged conventions.

It Launched Careers

Many Saved By The Bell cast members went on to become recognizable faces in Hollywood. Mario Lopez found fame as an entertainment host. Mark-Paul Gosselaar starred in numerous TV dramas. Tiffani Thiessen headlined Beverly Hills, 90210. And Elizabeth Berkley appeared in cult movies like Showgirls. For the core teen cast, Saved By The Bell was a career springboard.

It Had Signature Style

From Zack's giant cell phone to Jessie's off-the-shoulder tops, Saved By The Bell established some quintessential early '90s style. The show's fashions became hallmarks of the vibrant, optimistic tone of the era. Reruns introduced new generations to the series' playful aesthetic.

It Was Appointment Viewing

Before DVRs or streaming, fans had to tune in live to NBC on Saturday mornings to catch new Saved By The Bell episodes. They scheduled their weekends around this beloved show. This made it a true shared cultural touchstone of its time.

Saved By The Bell's Lasting Pop Culture Significance

Though Saved By The Bell aired its final episode in 1993, the show's comedy and characters remain pop culture icons today. There are many reasons the teen sitcom is still remembered so fondly after 30 years:

It's Comforting Nostalgia

For those who grew up watching the original run, Saved By The Bell represents a nostalgic link back to more innocent childhood times. The show's playful humor and optimistic tone conjure warm memories.

It Inspired Reboots

Due to enduring fan love, Saved By The Bell has spawned updated versions for new generations. Recent revivals include a movie sequel and the Peacock streaming series Saved By The Bell (2020).

Fans Keep Memes Alive

Thanks to meme culture, iconic images and quotes from Saved By The Bell continue circulating online. Mr. Belding's quips, Jessie's caffeine freakout, and Zack's wacky schemes are frequently recycled as viral memes and gifs.

The Fashions Are Back

From Lisa Turtle's neon ensembles to Preppy Kelly's modern-retro garb, Saved By The Bell looks are inspiring '90s throwback style. Fashion is drawing inspiration from the show's distinctive aesthetic.

The Cast Remains Famous

Core cast members like Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, and Tiffani Thiessen are still active in entertainment careers today. Their ongoing fame keeps interest in the show alive.

Though decades have passed since new episodes aired, Saved By The Bell continues finding new audiences through streaming and reruns. The show's potent mix of light-hearted fun and teen spirit makes it forever a pop culture treasure.

FAQs

Who was the main character on Saved By The Bell?

Zack Morris, played by Mark-Paul Gosselaar, was the main protagonist and often the ringleader of the group.

What high school did the kids attend?

Saved By The Bell was set at Bayside High School in fictional Palisades, California.

How many seasons of Saved By The Bell aired?

The original Saved By The Bell series ran for four seasons on NBC from 1989 to 1993.