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June 9, 2009

A 'Saved by the Bell' reunion?

Posted: 04:30 PM ET

In the summer of 2000, my college friends and I spent hours playing "Saved By the Bell" trivia. We'd try to one-up each other with obscure SBTB references, such as:

gosselaar

Which "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" student regulars didn't make it to "Saved By the Bell"? What were the names of the competing friendship bracelet brands Zack and friends sold to the students of Bayside High? What teacher called Zack a "blond Tom Cruise" in the episode about subliminal messages in advertising? (See below.)

Yes, it was a lame way to spend a Saturday night.

But it was also a revealing insight into what a cultural touchstone "Saved By the Bell" was for my generation - those of us born in the late '70s and early '80s. We knew the show was cheesy, for sure, but we couldn't turn away.

Now buzz on "Saved By the Bell" is building, largely thanks to Jimmy Fallon, who is campaigning for a "Saved By the Bell" reunion. Last night Mark-Paul Gosselaar -­- in character as Zack Morris –­ announced on Fallon's "Late Night" that he would participate in the reunion, where he'll join Mr. Belding (Dennis Haskins), Lisa Turtle (Lark Voorhies), Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) and A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez).

Today Gosselaar cracked the top 20 on Google Trends, following yesterday's strong showing by Voorhies at number 14 and Tiffani Thiessen (Kelly) -­- formerly known as Tiffani Amber Thiessen ­– at number 39.

What is it about this show that captivates us? I think its ubiquity in the '90s helped; I remember coming home from high school and being able to watch two hours of "Bell" per day in syndicated repeats.

And then last night, as Gosselaar delivered his tongue-in-cheek performance as Zack on "Fallon," he appeared to lampoon his adolescent acting skills, his impossible SAT score (1502? really?) and the band, Zack Attack, of "Friends Forever" fame. And yet we're still interested.

Even if it's a little shameful to admit it.

(Incidentally, the answers to the questions in the second paragraph are, respectively, Nikki and Mikey, Friendship Bracelets and Buddy Bands, and Miss Wentworth. But you knew that, right?)

– Debra Alban, CNN.com Writer/Producer

Filed under: television


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Smiles   June 9th, 2009 4:38 pm ET

This is fantastic! You can still watch re-runs every week-day morning on TBS starting at 6am (central time)! On Friday mornings they air the college years episodes. It is shameful to admit it, but you've got to love Saved By the Bell!

katie   June 9th, 2009 4:44 pm ET

I can't believe Im admitting to this, but I would be so happy to see a reunion. I just got an email from some friends just this morning about it and they agree that it would be great to see them all together.

Trey Box   June 9th, 2009 4:50 pm ET

This is fantastic, when I saw the episode on Jimmy Fallon last night, I was messaging all my friends to let them know that Zach Morris was on, and he hasn't aged a bit, heck I'm 23 and I look older, yikes... maybe it was Botox

Jill   June 9th, 2009 4:55 pm ET

I am all for a reunion! It would be awesome! I love Jimmy Fallon for finally putting this all together!

Claya   June 9th, 2009 4:56 pm ET

Please no!!!

Jill   June 9th, 2009 4:57 pm ET

I love Jimmy Fallon and wish him luck on this noble crusade :) I'd love nothing more than to see the gang reunite... it'd be a welcomed break from the crap they call television these days.

Jiffypop   June 9th, 2009 5:03 pm ET

This is a definite must-see. I'll throw some Bagel Bites in the oven and wear my scrunchies on my wrists just for the occasion!

Mary from Mesa, Az   June 9th, 2009 5:04 pm ET

This is AWESOME! I watched Saved by the Bell every day when I was younger and I LOVED IT!!! I hope there is a reunion, I would LOVE to see it!!

tony   June 9th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

here's another SBTB trivia question: In three different episodes, they suggest what the A and C, in AC Slater, stands for....what are the three?

ANSWERS BELOW

ANSWERS HERE - Alfred Clifford, Abnormely Cruel and Absolutely Charming - ANSWERS HERE

TSV   June 9th, 2009 5:08 pm ET

Hours in syndication? No No No. This show was best viewed on Saturday mornings, as we all know.

Leo   June 9th, 2009 5:14 pm ET

The reunion is not out of reach none of the cast ever made it big enough to say no. Screech-reality show loser. Slater-Show host and stage actor. Kelly-Made a few tv shows. Jessie-showgirls enough said. Zach-made afew shows here and there. Liza-Soap operas. Not one A lister in the bunch. But I have to say Elizabeth Berkely has gotten hotter with age.

jessica h   June 9th, 2009 5:16 pm ET

i was born in 82, and i still remember watching it, and all the reruns later on. it was so cheesy, but it was great. i can't wait to see the reunion :)

Kinko   June 9th, 2009 5:17 pm ET

I didn't see Fallon, but I LOVED SBTB...I still catch an episode or two and I'm 33 years old. One of my fav...well a few of my fav episodes are when Jesse get's hooked on speed (I'm so excited, I'm so excited....I'm so...) Also when Jesse's step brother comes to live with them. Ohh and the episodes when Kelly breaks up with Zach to hook up with her manager...

I think a reunion episode would be the bomb...the only hold out I see is Elizabeth...maybe, and probably Dustin Diamond...but being that he's broke...he might want to jump on the chance....

Stephanie   June 9th, 2009 5:23 pm ET

I am not ashamed. I'm 29 and freaking love SBTB! I loved it when it was 'Good Morning, Miss Bliss (love Hayley Mills!) and followed it through to the College Year and Zach and Kelly's wedding.
I used to do SBTB trivia and still quote the show with my friends.

I'm so excited for a reunion. 'I'm so excited. I'm so...scared." Haha.

Dirty Joe   June 9th, 2009 5:33 pm ET

I loved it when they were in middle school in Minnesota (Michigan?) or some other midwestern state, then they all moved to California for high school. Even the principal moved! I mean I could somewhat believe (thought it would be quite a stretch) if all the parents of the show's stars worked for a company and were relocated to California. But the principal! Give me a freaking break.

Anonymous   June 9th, 2009 5:35 pm ET

The name of the companies were "Friendship Forever" and "Buddy Bands" (not Friendship Bracelets)... So sad that I know that...

Dan   June 9th, 2009 5:38 pm ET

A.C is actually ALBERT Clifford. SBTB is a great show. They just don't make them like that anymore.

Question – What was the name of Mr. Belding's brother in the class trip episode?

El Stone   June 9th, 2009 5:46 pm ET

Dirty Joe, the show started out in Indianapolis before moving to California. I agree, it was a real stretch and a weak move on the part of the show.

Same as the whole Tori debaucle during the last season.

Biggy Johnson   June 9th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

Yo Dan, trivia games aren't fun anymore since the internet came around. Just go on Wikipedia. That's probably where these jokers are getting their questions from anyway!

Belding's brother was named Rod.

Lame-o.

T   June 9th, 2009 5:48 pm ET

I watch it every morning before work...I'm glad to hear I'm not alone.

T   June 9th, 2009 5:49 pm ET

Rod Belding.

Sarah   June 9th, 2009 5:54 pm ET

This is so funny! The clothes, the phone... I laughed so hard!

I hate screech   June 9th, 2009 6:01 pm ET

NO SCREECH PLEASE!!!!!!!. I loved that show growing up and my kids have watched in reruns. The one constant is how much we despise not just his character on the show, but the guy himself. He is an egotistical maniac that thinks he is smarter than everyone he comes in contact. If he was so smart why was his voice still cracking and he still be so stupid in college and then in the New SBTB.? He tanked, the character tanked and he has just become abhorrent to watch. From his time on Celebrity Fit Club 2 x, to his foray into porn to his "I'm a 7th degree blackbelt"does not impress. I bet Harvey would have wore his a@@ out and we would pay money to see that. To the people writing the script, leave him out please so we can watch?

Cari   June 9th, 2009 6:04 pm ET

SWEET....My 9 year old watches this every morning after she gets ready for school..she is always hoping I am running late! And the episode where Jessi is hopped up on pills to study..classic!

Joey   June 9th, 2009 6:16 pm ET

It would be interesting to see a "class reunion"! Thanks to Jimmy Fallon for trying to put this thing together.

Question– What was Slater's chameleon's name?

Joey   June 9th, 2009 6:18 pm ET

Oh, and Mr. Belding's brother's name was Rob!

Joey   June 9th, 2009 6:20 pm ET

Dirty Joe, "Good Morning, Miss Bliss" took place at John F Kennedy Middle School and was set in Indiana.

noileen junor   June 9th, 2009 6:23 pm ET

I really enjoyed this show even the reruns, I can't wait for the Reunion.

Lindsay   June 9th, 2009 6:37 pm ET

ron or russ or something?
he was the "cool" brother who was going to take them rafting but then let Zach down :(

steve   June 9th, 2009 6:39 pm ET

Guess they all ran out of money and are drilling for more!?

William   June 9th, 2009 7:28 pm ET

2 Beldings in one building and one Belding is balding!

Kyle   June 9th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

Slater's chameleon was named Artie....they sang "oh artie boy" at a funeral in the classroom that everyone attended....wow.

Dan   June 9th, 2009 7:46 pm ET

Correct! Rod (Rodney) Belding was Belding's younger brother.

Slater's pets name was Artie........

Dan   June 9th, 2009 7:47 pm ET

What about Mr. Beldings wifes name?

Ellen   June 9th, 2009 7:55 pm ET

Stop the madness!

Josh   June 9th, 2009 8:32 pm ET

Would LOVE to see a reunion!!! Whats funny to me is, I actually propsosed to my wife in a poem, that featured Zack and Kelly... I am soooo lame!!!

Chris Wieneke   June 9th, 2009 9:37 pm ET

Born in 1980. I have to say that Mark Paul is the most successful of all of them, starring in Steven Bochco series...

ThePit   June 10th, 2009 1:11 am ET

This episode was awesome. Zack Morris rocks!

Tony   June 10th, 2009 1:19 am ET

"Hey slater did you tell your dad about Iowa?"
"what about Iowa Albert?"
"Uh Uh I oh uh, I oh uh Zack ten dollars"

absolutley classic bring it back and millions will watch, even if they wont admit it

shelly   June 10th, 2009 4:08 am ET

oh dear lord NO!!

Timothy   June 10th, 2009 4:38 am ET

My first apartment as an adult was JUST like Zach Morris' bedroom!!!! Palm fronds and everything. I swear.

skinnyb   June 10th, 2009 5:54 am ET

i cannot believe! a reunion? i read somewhere that gossellar wished everyone would stop calling him zack. i am glad to hear that he has said yes to the reunion. i loved sbtb! can't wait to see it.

Andrew   June 10th, 2009 6:55 am ET

Zach needs to make sure he's sporting his original cell phone...

JAH   June 10th, 2009 8:06 am ET

I saw this episode of Late Night and cracked up. I expected him to agree to the reunion, but I was not expecting him to do the entire interview as Zack Morris (hair, clothes, shoes, watch, and all)! When, he whipped out his famous cell phone, I lost it!! Then Zack and The Roots performed "Friends Forever".... classic.

j   June 10th, 2009 8:27 am ET

"Two Beldings in one building one of whom is balding. " – Zack Morris

the L   June 10th, 2009 8:33 am ET

Leo, Tiffany was in a Woody Allen film. She had a substantive role in The Ladie's man among others. Also in one of those nothing tv shows you were mentioning, she was the star and another was the high profile 90210. So c'mon...Everyone has been falling in line in the exact order of their current stature in Hollywood with the exception of screech. He should have been number one or two to sign on.

WhoCares   June 10th, 2009 8:39 am ET

I'm as excited to see this as when they decided to bring back 90210 and Melrose Place. I thought Jimmy Fallon was a man not a teenie-bop-little-crapface. Get some better writers Fallon!

justin   June 10th, 2009 8:54 am ET

This is awesome! I cant' wait for the reunion. Even though I am 25 years old; I still am stoked about the new reunion.

Tina   June 10th, 2009 8:57 am ET

I would LOVE a reunion! If the fans could do it for the New Kids on the Block, I'm sure the SBTB fans could do it too! Are they also going to bring back the memorable guest stars and fill-ins? Remember Tori, the bike-riding chick in the "second" final season? What about Tori Spelling as Screech's girlfriend Violet?

Mr. Belding's wife's name was Becky.

Annette   June 10th, 2009 3:17 pm ET

Where's Screech!? Its not like he's doing anything else, except maybe hanging out at Disneyland with his SBTB satin jacket on hoping someone will recognize him. Come on dude, we want to make fun of you again! Don't let us down!

Chris   June 10th, 2009 3:44 pm ET

No Kelly or Screech? It can't be done without them. They really need to get those two so it can be a real reunion.

JC   June 10th, 2009 4:03 pm ET

Screech's latest claim to fame is being on Celebrity Fit Club, even though he's not fat, and making an adult film in an attempt to save his house from forclosure.

Chris Smith   June 10th, 2009 4:10 pm ET

I hope Tiffany Amber Theisen joins too. She was soooo fine!

danny   June 10th, 2009 4:26 pm ET

Im definitely into a reunion!! if im not working, im trying to watch the show from 6am til 8am Central time! Have always been a fan of the show, and loved how he came out as zack! Oh, Kelly was also in the movie son-in-law with Pauly! Yeah!! Im glad there doing this, it'll bring joy to all of us that grew up with the show! There hasn't been a good show on tv like this one for awhile! Why do you think they're showing this and Fresh Prince EVERYDAY??? Oh, and to 'i hate screech' come on man... Shit happens, And if the write the script, its gonna be them back in high school! He wasnt that bad, THEN! And of course, Look at 90% of child stars, they dont go big! So just chill, let them get back together for this one show, and bring some memories back to all of us! THANK YOU JIMMY!!!!!

Sarah   June 10th, 2009 4:37 pm ET

Smiles.. TBS isn't showing Saved By the Bell at 6 a.m. anymore, they have changed it to Married with Children (blech!). I was totally bummed....

I think it would be awesome for a reunion! I am so ready!!!!

Screech   June 10th, 2009 4:40 pm ET

Only if Elizabeth Berkley reprises her stripper role for it

Kate   June 10th, 2009 5:56 pm ET

SBTB was the best show ever. Pop question: What was Jessie stepbrother's name? Also, isn't he the guy who plays Charlie on NUMBERS?

Barbara   June 10th, 2009 7:45 pm ET

Mario Lopez is the biggest phony ever!! I saw him by the pool in South Beach, Miami 2 years ago and he was the biggest ass you could ever ever imagine......

The Pissed Off Tree Rat   June 11th, 2009 1:36 pm ET

Can Elizabeth Berkley actually do TV now? I'm not sure the FCC is cool with her "must be nude" clause in her standard contract.

jimmy   August 4th, 2009 6:29 pm ET

Good that would be great saved by the bell reunion. Im all for it loved it when I was a kid and growing up.

Mindwave   August 17th, 2009 11:10 pm ET

Eric was the name of Jessie's stepbrother.

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