For those who grew up in the late eighties and nineties, Saved By the Bell was a staple fixture in their coming-of-age experience. It was a show that taught us about the benefits and challenges of growing up and about friendships and first loves. It provided us with tender moments and plenty of giggles. The series is iconic, even today. One can imagine the sheer joy and excitement that so many former fans experienced when it was announced that the gang from Saved By the Bell would be returning to the small screen.
The reboot has been one of the best shows to come out of 2020. Actually, it was one of the best things, in general, to emerge from a year that has been characterized by anxiety and fear. Many would argue that the reboot of the series is actually better than the original—the new and improved theme song sure has people talking—but others have stayed true to the 1989-1990's version. Here are six ways that the reboot is so much better and four ways the original reigns supreme.
Reboot's Better: Heavier Storylines And More Complex Characters
The original series was very family-friendly. The kids at Bayside had their fair share of woes and heartbreak, but, aside from Jessie's short stint as a caffeine pill addict, the storylines stayed pretty G-rated. The reboot takes the plots in a heavier direction, and we see episodes that include issues surrounding class and privilege and other equality concerns. The reboot showcases Lexi, a trans student. This is much more progressive than the original series ever was.
Original Is Best: Zack Was Likeable
In the original series, Zack was certainly a troublemaker. He pulled tons of pranks and had a bit of an Eddie Haskell persona going on. Nevertheless, everybody loved Zack Morris. Underneath his Mr. Cool exterior, was a good guy who loved his friends dearly and would do anything for them.
Zack, twenty years later, is a self-involved governor who seems out of touch with people. Zack is less likable in the reboot, which is sad, as many show fans spent years pining for the goof.
Reboot's Better: More Diversity
The original series has some diversity; Lisa Turtle is African American, but diversity otherwise is scant. The students showcased are mostly caucasian, and, as far we can tell, they are straight. The kids at Bayside in the reboot reflect a world more diverse and inclusive.
One of the more popular kids at Bayside is a trans student, and the culture of the building shifts immensely when the Douglas High kids find themselves surrounded by wealthy students. Aisha she goes out for the football team, something we would never have seen in the 90s version.
Original Is Best: One Word: Screech
Dustin Powers played Zack Morris's unlikely best bud. He encompassed everything nerdy, but we loved him nonetheless. Screech was a mainstay in the original series, but, so far, he is the only cast member not to return to the reboot. Some of Powers's recent life activities have likely been the cause as to why he hasn't been asked back. While we stand by the decision not to bring Screech back, we can't help but feel like the reboot is missing an essential element.
Reboot's Better: The Kids Are More Cultured And Advanced
In the nineties version of the show, the kids are goofy and a bit sheltered. Jessie is slated as the brains in the group, but others seem to rely on tricks or advanced athleticism to elevate them in the academic world.
Conversely, the kids in the reboot reflect the children of today. They push all possible boundaries, and there are so many elements of change and activism in their characters. These students are much more cultured, inclusive, and geared up to make differences in the world.
Original Is Best: Slater And Jessie's Romance
Jesse and Slater are the main characters in the reboot. They both play Bayside High employees and seem to still be pals, even after all of these years. Jessie is a married woman and a mother to a son who plays on Slater's football team in the reboot. Thus far, no romantic moves have been made, but, with Jessie's marriage on the rocks, who knows what will happen in future episodes.
Though we understand what the reboot is going for, we miss this duo as a couple. Jessie has set out to accomplish so much in her life, and she could use a loving partner who isn't self-centered. Slater has evolved and is much less of a "pig." We miss their banter and their chemistry that we got in the original series.
Reboot's Better: Slater Is Less Of A Pig
Slater had a bit of a female respect issue in the original series. This was always causing issues between him and his sometimes girlfriend, Jessie Slater. It seems that Slater has gone through a transformation of sorts in recent decades, and he seems much less "piggish," as Jessie might say. He even goes as far as to apologize to his friend and former love for his teenage ways. Slater still has some kinks to work out in the sensitivity department, but fans like the emotional direction that he is headed in.
Original Is Best: Summers At The Beach Club
At least the reboot kept major elements of the show's scenery the same. The kids still hang out in the classrooms and hallways of Bayside High, and the gang continues to gather at their favorite afterschool hangout, The Max.
The original series also had the gang working at The Beach Club during the summer months. Viewers enjoyed the change of scenery and the new characters that got introduced at the Beach Club. It's something that's desperately missing from the reboot.
Reboot's Better: The Mind Behind It Has Serious Clout
One reason that the reboot is so seemingly successful is that the producer behind it is incredibly talented. While several nineties sitcoms have made a comeback in recent years, it is Saved By the Bell that has people singing its praises.
Executive producer Tracey Wigfield has worked on shows like 30 Rock and The Mindy Project. She understands good writing, satire, and the importance of a knock-out cast and has been a major player in the reboot's success. She managed to tie in the original series with a new and improved version of the show without ever watching Saved By the Bell: The New Class.
Original Is Best: Tightest Group Of Friends Ever
The new kids at Bayside are kind and inclusive. They aren't polarized like the kids in the original series. The reboot showcases students who are independent and ready to change the world.
This is great, and we are happy to see such advances, but the gang isn't thick as thieves like the original kids were. Kelly, Zack, Lisa, Screech, Slater, and Jessie were friends who stayed close through high school, college, and even adulthood. We see many of them gather at the wedding of Kelly and Zack. Fans miss the whole "friends forever" element that the original series contained.