Overview:
It’s hard to believe that the pilot episode of Beverly Hills, 90210 turned 35 this week. A show cherished by multiple generations, its early lessons on honesty, identity, and perception still resonate—especially in today’s social media era.
It captured the imagination of millions of youth worldwide. A popular series that set the precedent for teen dramas broadcast across TV screens for the past 30 years. What show are we talking about? Of course — Beverly Hills, 90210.
This past Saturday marked the 35th anniversary of the release of the show’s pilot episode. To celebrate, Paramount Home Entertainment announced that it will release all ten seasons, along with a complete series bundle, on Digital in 4K UHD on October 20.
Though the first season of Beverly Hills, 90210 is now three and a half decades old, the lessons from its earliest episodes remain surprisingly relevant—especially in the age of Instagram, TikTok, and online personas.
90210: How It All Started
The pilot of Beverly Hills, 90210, titled Class of Beverly Hills, was a two-part episode. While it contained various subplots, its main story followed siblings Brenda (Shannen Doherty) and Brandon (Jason Priestley) Walsh as they navigated culture shock after moving from the cold, snow-filled roads of Minnesota to the sunny, glamorous streets of Beverly Hills.
Pilot Lessons
The Story of Brenda Walsh
Brenda’s story in the pilot is both relatable and revealing. She feels pressure to make friends in a new school in an entirely different world — one filled with wealth, fame, and social status. Surrounded by classmates with celebrity parents, Brenda does her best to fit in with the new crowd.
Trying to Fit In
Brenda, along with her new friend Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth), tries to enter a club with fake IDs. While the other girls are turned away, Brenda gets in and meets a man named Jason (Maxwell Caulfield). She lies about her age, and the two begin seeing each other.
Brenda’s Lies Catch Up with Her
Eventually, Brenda admits the truth, and Jason reacts angrily. Although the experience leaves her heartbroken, Brenda learns a valuable lesson: always be true to yourself—and never lie just to impress others.
Be Yourself on Social Media
The message from Beverly Hills, 90210’s pilot still applies today. Social media often tempts people to present a version of themselves that isn’t real. Like Brenda, those small untruths can spiral into something painful. Authenticity still matters—online and off.
No Parent Is Perfect, Not Even in Beverly Hills
Kelly’s Mom Living It Up
Kelly Taylor’s mother, Jackie Taylor (Ann Gillespie), is known for her years as a fashion model and her glamorous lifestyle. But as the episode Perfect Mom shows, that polished image hides deeper struggles.
Not So ‘Fashionable’ Fashion Show
Jackie battles with drug and alcohol addiction, and at one fashion show she’s hosting, she arrives high and hungover—slurring her words on stage as her daughter looks on in tears. The episode lays bare the truth that even the seemingly perfect lives can be messy behind the scenes.
Even the Rich and Famous Have Problems
These episodes were never meant to mock or sensationalize. Instead, they remind us that every person—no matter how privileged—faces private challenges.
Nobody’s Life Is Perfect, Especially on Social Media
Studies show that constant social media use can heighten depression and anxiety, often due to unhealthy comparisons. People tend to post only the best parts of their lives, creating a highlight reel that hides reality. Just like Jackie’s facade in Perfect Mom, what we see online rarely tells the full story.
Beverly Hills, 90210 Lives On
Some may argue that the show’s success stemmed from its portrayal of wealth and celebrity, but Beverly Hills, 90210 was always deeper than that. It revealed that growing up is difficult for everyone, no matter where they’re from — and its timeless lessons about honesty, self-worth, and empathy remain just as relevant today as they were 35 years ago.
Sources:
- LAist – How Beverly Hills, 90210 Shaped Generations of Teen TV
- Class of Beverly Hills (1990), Directed by Tim Hunter
- Perfect Mom (1990), Directed by Bethany Rooney
- IMDb – Class of Beverly Hills
- IMDb – Perfect Mom
- Taylor & Francis Online – The Cultural Impact of Teen Television
- ScienceDirect – Social Media and Mental Health Study
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