Saved by the Bell is one of many hit '80s-90s shows to be rebooted thirty years later, and it's a pretty big deal. The anticipation for the new series is high, but it does not yet have an official release date. Fans will be able to stream the reboot on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service.
Until the new episodes are available, viewers can enjoy all the previous Saved by the Bell episodes and specials; some fans even might like to stick with the old. The mix of excitement and hesitation is real, nonetheless.
Excited: Massive Fandom
Even though it isn't an ABC TGIF show, Saved by the Bell is easily one of the most popular television shows of the late '80s and early '90s. It began as Good Morning, Miss Bliss with Hayley Mills and evolved into a formidable franchise. Fans followed the show's youthful characters through a lot of life. No matter what, plenty of people will sign up for Peacock (which starts with a free tier) just to watch the reboot.
Not Excited: Too Much Of A Good Thing
Despite the massive fandom of Saved by the Bell, its viewers might already be tired of reboots, reunions, and the like. Everything that's old is being made new, and no one is surprised when it happens anymore. Viewers already have their favorite episodes of the original, and they can stream them or catch reruns on cable anytime. For some, what's done is done, and they've had their fun.
Excited: Long Time Coming
For those who never tire of '90s nostalgia, the reboot can only be a good thing. It was first announced in September 2019, so fans have been waiting a year and still have to wait a little longer. The satisfaction of finally seeing Bayside High again will be sweet, even with reservations about its supposed new look.
Not Excited: Same Problems?
In a 2020 trailer of the reboot, the new principal calls Bayside's kids "sheltered" and "clueless." Those terms aren't too far off from some of the original faces of the classic Saved by the Bell. Even though the cast is more diverse and the school is expanding to include low-income students, the Bayside bubble sounds like it isn't going anywhere. Perhaps it is good to keep that continuity, though.
Excited: Good Trailers
Speaking of those trailers, they definitely got fans excited with a bright '90s color scheme, and they paid obvious homage to the old Saved by the Bell.
The team packed a lot into two commercials, including footage of a school dance, Slater as gym teacher, Zack and Kelly's kid in a fight with Jessie's kid, new students trying to find their way, caffeine pills, and even The Max. Those touches collectively are a commendable way to entice new and old fans alike.
Not Excited: Who Will Watch It?
It's not that hard to subscribe to Peacock. The streaming service has a free tier, a paid premium tier, and then a premium plus add-on. Theoretically, Saved by the Bell will garner plenty of views right where it lands. At the same time, Peacock is the new streaming service on the block compared to juggernauts like, say, Netflix. Fans might be worried that the reboot won't gain enough traction on such a young platform.
Excited: Made For This
If fans really think about its history, a reboot of Saved by the Bell is just what the doctor ordered. The series was made for longevity, producing new installment after new installment. The franchise is no stranger to expansive media like books and musical projects, but it has also spawned multiple on-screen spin-offs already. Kind of like The Brady Bunch, Saved by the Bell led to television movies (Hawaiian Style and Wedding in Las Vegas) and television spin-offs (The College Years and The New Class). With a background like that, a reboot is a no-brainer in the streaming era.
Not Excited: What Is The Goal?
It's going to take some work to get everyone invested in brand new characters, but it can be done. One question fans might raise is, "What is the goal here?"
Viewers still don't know exactly who they should be rooting for, where the storylines might go, or what the overall tone of the show will be. Hopefully, these questions will be answered as the first season premiers.
Excited: Familiar Faces
While viewers get to know the new kids, they can take comfort in seeing some familiar Saved by the Bell faces. It's clear that A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano will be main characters. Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski are confirmed as recurring characters (and yes, they are still married); Zack is the governor of California. The flirtation between Slater and Jessie in the trailer is on point, so that is an indicator that the adults should have engaging storylines.
Not Excited: Missing Some Classmates
Some fans are none too pleased that Dustin Diamond and Lark Voorhies will not return as Screech and Lisa Turtle, respectively. Both have had their fair share of personal struggles, and hardcore fans know all about those. It's sad not to round out the Saved by the Bell class, but even Mr. Belding can't be principal forever.