Remakes, reboots, reimaginings… it’s fair to say they’re having a major moment on TV.
The latest blast from the past to be revived is ’90s teen classic Beverly Hills, 90210 as BH90210, although expect the unexpected with this limited-run series.
In a brilliant twist, the core cast return as heightened, satirical versions of themselves attempting to stage a revival of the series.
Yep, there’s hilarious irreverent characterisations of Gabrielle Carteris, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth and Ian Ziering.
It’s all very meta and “show within a show”. Think Matt Le Blanc making fun of himself in Episodes and Larry David hamming it up in Curb Your Enthusiasm – two series that apparently served as creative inspiration for co-creators Tori and Jennie.
The notable and very sad absence of star Luke Perry, who passed away earlier in the year from a stroke, is addressed multiple times in the first episode.
Luke Perry is sadly absent from the reboot, following his tragic death.
In BH90210’s premiere, the action kicks off at a 30th anniversary fan convention, reuniting the cast after they went their separate ways when the show wrapped in 2000.
Gabrielle, who played Andrea on the original, says in the premiere: “I like that the anniversary brought us together, I can’t believe that we’re all here.”
There’s a long, sad silence from the group. “I wish that were true,” Jason, who played Brandon, says.
But it doesn’t take long before old flames are flickering, old feuds fire up and old feelings reignite.
Tori’s stressing about seeing Brian, Jennie’s furious with Jason (and the tension is palpable!), Gabrielle’s now a grandma (and exploring feelings for a woman), everyone’s missing Luke… there’s a lot to unpack. A. Lot.
Jennie and Tori were the driving force of the revival.
So what’s fact? What’s fiction? We’ll never know for sure, but the actors each reportedly helped brainstorm their “character’s” arcs for the series and were encouraged to stay vulnerable with their suggestions during the writing process.
Time may have passed and there’s a big piece of the puzzle missing, but some things stay the same. The cast’s chemistry is as electric as ever, it’s entertaining, drama-packed and surprisingly laugh-out-loud funny at times.
As far as reboots go, this one’s pretty darn fun.
BH90210 premieres Tuesday, September 24, 8.30pm, on 10.
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