Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Beverly Hills 90210
The television show Beverly Hills, 90210 ended a decade ago or so after running for the same period of time. However, it is not forgotten as it remains a part of popular culture for those who grew up in the 1990s. We take a look back at the show and rediscover some facts you might not know about the cast and the show itself. If you know everything here, then you’re probably a huge fan. Check it out here!
(Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
FOX only wanted Perry for 2 episodes
Dylan was actually supposed to be a guest character on the show and was set to appear for 1-2 episodes. FOX executives weren’t convinced on the actor’s ability and the character itself. Perry can thank Aaron Spelling for initially paying his salary for the first episodes he starred in. Thankfully, positive audience response to his character finally convinced FOX that he had what it takes to be a part of the main cast.
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Drew Barrymore was approached for Shannon Doherty’s replacement
Three big stars were actually offered the role of Valerie Malone before Tiffani Thiessen was cast. Drew Barrymore was initially offered the role, but turned it down to focus on her film career. Additionally, Alyssa Milano was also a strong contender for the part for a while. Thiessen was eventually given the role right after Alicia Silverstone turned down the offer to star in the teen soap opera.
(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Potomac, 20854
The inspiration for the show was writer Darren Star’s hometown Potomac, Maryland. Therefore, the title of the show was originally intended to be “Potomac, 20854.” However, this was changed when they decided to use a city that a wide audience could associate and recognize. If they had not done this, the zip code “90210” would probably not have been as prominent in popular culture.
(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Andrea Zuckerman was played by a 29 year old
Gabrielle Carteris was 29 years old when she was cast to play 16 year old Andrea Zuckerman. Producers even had to write her pregnancy into the show when she got pregnant. However, her contract was not renewed shortly after because the age difference between the other cast members is starting to grow apparent. Her character’s baby daddy played by Mark Damon Espinoza didn’t return as well.
(Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
The show spawned spin-offs and reboots
There are actually a total of four spin-offs and reboots that exists in the same continuity as Beverly Hills, 90210. The most famous one was Melrose Place and it ran concurrently with its parent show. A reboot of that particular spin-off was also launched in 2009. Other shows include Models Inc. and the reboot of the main show 90210. The latter ran for five seasons and even included some of the characters from the original show.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Peach Pit and After Dark used the same set
Did you know that the after school hang out Peach Pit transformed into the night club After Dark? This didn’t happen in the show’s continuity though. The venues simply used the same sets for these locations. It seems like the producers were trying to stretch the budget. I wonder how many fans caught the fact that it was actually the same set. The crew did a good job in making those venues totally distinct from one another. What a surprise!
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
California University was shot in Occidental College
Filming for the exterior shots of the fictional California University was actually shot in Occidental College. It seems like the producers weren’t allowed to actually use the name of a school. At the same time, the show intended to use the name and location of Beverly Hills High School. However, the school refused and they resorted to renaming the school West Beverly High and it was filmed at Torrance High School instead as compromise.
(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
Paul Johansson was in the show
You might know Johansson from his time in the CW show One Tree Hill. Apparently, he was able to have some experience starring in teen television shows when he guest starred a douche frat boy John Sears in Season 4. He was a part of the love triangle with Jennie Garth and Luke Perry’s characters. Maybe Sears helped him prepare for the villainous role he played in One Tree Hill. He is one of the many stars who appeared in the show as a guest star.
(Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Beverly Hills, 90210 came from a failed Degrassi purchase
Aaron Spelling decided to create a teen show after he failed to purchase a highly lucrative teen show. Spelling actually wanted to buy Degrassi, but his offer was rejected. Consequently, he decided to produce his own and one of the working titles included Class of Beverly Hills. If the deal with Degrassi did pull through, then Beverly Hills, 90210 would not have existed. Things would certainly have been different with Degrassi as well. Tori Spelling might have been in it.
(Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)
Donna’s conundrum
The writers were probably confused about what to do with Tori Spelling’s character. In the early episodes of the show, Donna was actually portrayed as not being too innocent. However, it seems to have changed when she started to embody the innocent persona later in the season and for the remainder of the series. There was a lot speculation that this was because her father Aaron Spelling was trying to protect her daughter’s image.
(Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images