Overview:

This commentary revisits Saved by the Bell through a modern lens, reflecting on how the lighthearted 1990s teen sitcom addressed serious issues, challenged stereotypes, and left a lasting cultural impact on generations of viewers.

Holiday Nostalgia and Comfort Television

The holiday season is in full swing. Alongside watching modern and classic holiday films, many people love binge-watching their favorite shows from childhood or adolescence.

For me, that show was the teen comedy “Saved by the Bell.” Along with “Beverly Hills, 90210,” it defined a generation in the 1990s and has continued to resonate with succeeding generations.

From Good Morning, Miss Bliss to a Cultural Staple

What began as “Good Morning, Miss Bliss” (read my article on that here) evolved into an after-school and Saturday-morning favorite. The show followed the lives of California teenagers, portraying their day-to-day adventures with humor and heart.

A Show That Didn’t Always Reflect Reality — And That’s Okay

While “Saved by the Bell” didn’t always mirror the realities of high school, that was part of its charm. Take Zack Morris, for instance: he’s far from a perfect role model. Yet, the show was ahead of its time in many ways, setting the tone for the teen-oriented stories that followed.

Lighthearted Comedy That Tackled Serious Issues

Long before “Saved by the Bell,” 1980s sitcoms occasionally featured “important episodes” addressing sensitive topics. But most were not aired in the mornings or early afternoons. “Saved by the Bell” stood out as a teen comedy that could be both lighthearted and socially conscious, exploring challenges that resonated with its audience.

Teens Dealing with Real-Life Issues

Teenagers often have to deal with real-life issues like drug and alcohol abuse, stress at school, and relationship problems in the episodes. One of the best episodes, “Jessie’s Song,” is a good example of this. In this episode, Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) takes too many caffeine pills to stay awake and study. Her friends tell her to stop, but she doesn’t listen and has a breakdown. Jessie and the audience learn that trying to be perfect can make you do unhealthy things to deal with stress.

Breaking Down Stereotypes About Teens

In high school, people learn more about themselves and question what others think of them. “Saved by the Bell” did a great job of showing this. The six main characters were based on well-known archetypes, but they also showed that people with different personalities can get along and help each other.

Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar): The preppy schemer

Mario Lopez plays A.C. Slater, the jock.

Kelly Kapowski (Tiffani-Amber Thiessen): The sweet girl with a heart of gold

Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley): A feminist who is very intelligent

Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies): The wealthy socialite who is obsessed with fashion

Screech (Dustin Diamond): The nerd whose strange habits made him stand out

A Message That Will Last About Belonging

The show’s enduring theme is the power of friendship and mutual support. These characters cared about each other even though they were different. This shows that people with different personalities can still connect in meaningful ways. Screech and the other nerdy characters might have even known that “nerd culture” would become popular in the 21st century.

Watching “Saved by the Bell” again over the holidays reminds us why comfort TV is so important: it makes us laugh, feel good, and sometimes even teaches us things that we remember long after the show is over.