On this day, October 4, 1990, hit TV series 'Beverly Hills, 90210' premieres on Fox

The series ran for ten seasons on Fox from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000, and is the first of six television series in the 'Beverly Hills, 90210' franchise
PUBLISHED OCT 4, 2023
'Beverly Hills, 90210' cast members Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris (Fox)
'Beverly Hills, 90210' cast members Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris (Fox)

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA: 'Beverly Hills, 90210' made its debut on October 4, 1990, marking the beginning of a TV drama that followed the lives of teenagers in the affluent Beverly Hills in California's Los Angeles County. 

Airing on Fox, the show would go on to become one of the highest-rated programs on the relatively new 'fourth network,' which had launched in 1986.

Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube)
Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox)

Who created 'Beverly Hills, 90210'? 

'Beverly Hills, 90210' was created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling, enduring its popularity and cultural impact throughout its run.

The series' lesser-known cast, including Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, and Tori Spelling (Aaron's daughter) became young stars overnight as they became household names. 

Jason Priestley and Matthew Perry in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube)
Jason Priestley and Matthew Perry in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' (Fox)

The series' producer was the late Aaron Spelling, a highly influential figure in the television industry, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 83.

Who are the 'Beverly Hills, 90210' characters? 

'Beverly Hills, 90210' initially revolved around the Walsh twins, Brenda (Shannen Doherty) and Brandon (Jason Priestley), who relocate with their parents to the affluent Beverly Hills from Minnesota. 

Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube)
Luke Perry, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris in Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox)

The family immerses themselves in the lifestyle of the ritzy neighborhood, with the twins enrolling at the fictional West Beverly Hills High School. 

Tiffani Thiessen, Ian Ziering, and Vincent Young in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube)
Tiffani Thiessen, Ian Ziering, and Vincent Young in Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox)

The ensemble cast includes the bad boy Dylan (Luke Perry), popular blonde Kelly (Jennie Garth), wealthy Steve (Ian Ziering), virginal Donna (Tori Spelling), and nerdy David (Brian Austin Green). 

Brian Austin Green and Douglas Emerson in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube) /Youtube)
Brian Austin Green and Douglas Emerson in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' (Fox)

Across the show's 10 seasons, the characters navigate various love triangles, graduate from high school, and progress into college and career paths, creating a narrative tapestry that keeps viewers engaged.

What happens in 'Beverly Hills, 90210'?

The show initially focused on the lives of high school students in Beverly Hills, then transitioned to their college years and beyond as they navigated the challenges of growing up. 

The characters' experiences encompassed friendships, romantic relationships, conflicts, and involvement in various social issues. 

Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, and Ian Ziering in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (@BevHills90210/Youtube)
Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, and Ian Ziering in Beverly Hills, 90210 (Fox)

'Beverly Hills, 90210' became known for addressing a wide range of topics relevant to its time, making it a cultural touchstone of the 1990s.

Tori Spelling's statement on the 'Daddy Issues' podcast ahead of the 'BH90210' premiere, provides a different perspective on the rumored feud between her and Shannen Doherty.

Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)
Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)

She said, “You know what, not for any reason... Like, it’s so funny, they used to… We were really close on the show. Like, she was one of my best friends. And then when she left the show, there were like all these, like, press things that came out, like, this rivalry, and it was never with us!”

When did the last episode of 'Beverly Hills, 90210' air?

The last episode of 'Beverly Hills, 90210' aired on May 17, 2000. A decade later, on September 2, 2008, a new iteration titled '90210' premiered.  

This version followed a Kansas family as they relocated to Beverly Hills. 

Vanessa Marcil, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, and Katherine Cannon in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)
Vanessa Marcil, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, and Katherine Cannon in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)

Among the original cast members, Jennie Garth reprised her role as Kelly, now serving as a guidance counselor at West Beverly Hills High.

Additionally, Shannen Doherty made guest appearances as Brenda, now an actress. 

Vanessa Marcil and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)
Vanessa Marcil and Tori Spelling in Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990) (Paramount)

Another reboot, titled 'BH90210,' happened in August 2019, featuring most of the original cast and offering a unique twist on the typical reboot format.

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