Actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar was a teen heartthrob on the NBC sitcom Saved by the Bell. While it’s been more than a few years since Gosselaar’s day on the show, the character still follows him around today. In recent years, Gosselaar has spoken out about some of the regrets he still harbors regarding some of the show’s more questionable scenes.
Despite his reservations, Gosselaar should show himself a little grace, as should his fans, given that he was just 15 years old when the first episode of Saved by the Bell aired. Here’s a look at the ’90s teen sitcom and Gosselaar’s love-hate relationship with some of the show’s storylines.
‘Saved By the Bell’ isn’t the first ’90s sitcom with questionable storylines.
The teen sitcom Saved by the Bell first premiered on NBC primetime on August 20, 1989. The show was an instant hit, running for four seasons,...
Despite his reservations, Gosselaar should show himself a little grace, as should his fans, given that he was just 15 years old when the first episode of Saved by the Bell aired. Here’s a look at the ’90s teen sitcom and Gosselaar’s love-hate relationship with some of the show’s storylines.
‘Saved By the Bell’ isn’t the first ’90s sitcom with questionable storylines.
The teen sitcom Saved by the Bell first premiered on NBC primetime on August 20, 1989. The show was an instant hit, running for four seasons,...
- 9/30/2023
- by Suse Forrest
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” revival finally has a premiere date, so save this note in your trapper keepers: The new version of the ’90s cult classic premieres on NBCUniversal’s streaming service Nov. 25 — just in time for Thanksgiving.
To celebrate the announcement, Peacock put together a fun teaser with a literal peacock walking the halls of (we assume) Bayside High. Watch it at the top of the page right now.
In the show, which stars original series mainstays Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Mario Lopez reprising their roles of Jessie Spano and A.C. Slater, California Governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools and proposes they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state — including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in...
To celebrate the announcement, Peacock put together a fun teaser with a literal peacock walking the halls of (we assume) Bayside High. Watch it at the top of the page right now.
In the show, which stars original series mainstays Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Mario Lopez reprising their roles of Jessie Spano and A.C. Slater, California Governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools and proposes they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state — including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in...
- 9/29/2020
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
We’re so excited for the “Saved by the Bell” revival and Peacock’s new teaser for the show, which includes Elizabeth Berkley’s Jessie Spano explaining how “exciting” caffeine pills are, has made it so we just can’t hide it.
In the video, which the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service dropped during the show’s virtual summer Ctam panel Monday, Zack Morris’ son, Mac (played by Mitchell Hoog) is offering caffeine pills to fellow Bayside High student Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) to help “increase” her productivity.
That’s when Jessie, who is now the guidance counselor at her alma mater, jumps over to lecture them about the dangers of caffeine pills, poking fun at one of the most memorable episodes of the original series, in which Jessie gets “addicted” to caffeine pills.
Also Read: Hey, Preppy: Slater Lectures Zack's Son in First 'Saved by the Bell' Revival Teaser (Video)
“Are those caffeine pills?...
In the video, which the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service dropped during the show’s virtual summer Ctam panel Monday, Zack Morris’ son, Mac (played by Mitchell Hoog) is offering caffeine pills to fellow Bayside High student Daisy (Haskiri Velazquez) to help “increase” her productivity.
That’s when Jessie, who is now the guidance counselor at her alma mater, jumps over to lecture them about the dangers of caffeine pills, poking fun at one of the most memorable episodes of the original series, in which Jessie gets “addicted” to caffeine pills.
Also Read: Hey, Preppy: Slater Lectures Zack's Son in First 'Saved by the Bell' Revival Teaser (Video)
“Are those caffeine pills?...
- 8/10/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
The first look at Peacock’s “Saved by the Bell” revival has arrived and it includes a grown up A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) lecturing Zack Morris’s (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) teenage son and reminiscing about the old days with his ex Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley).
Yeah, get ready, preppies, ’cause this series, which is headed to NBCUniversal’s upcoming streaming service, is clearly going to be a huge nostalgia trip, mixing your favorite characters from the original show with a whole new crop of young Bayside High students.
The teaser, which you can view below, opens with a laid-back Slater saying to Jessie, “Remember how much fun high school used to be?” with her responding, “Can you believe that was like 30 years ago?”
Also Read: 'Saved by the Bell' Reboot on Peacock Casts Zack Morris' 'Handsome' and 'Privileged' Son, 3 Others
The teaser goes on to show Slater working...
Yeah, get ready, preppies, ’cause this series, which is headed to NBCUniversal’s upcoming streaming service, is clearly going to be a huge nostalgia trip, mixing your favorite characters from the original show with a whole new crop of young Bayside High students.
The teaser, which you can view below, opens with a laid-back Slater saying to Jessie, “Remember how much fun high school used to be?” with her responding, “Can you believe that was like 30 years ago?”
Also Read: 'Saved by the Bell' Reboot on Peacock Casts Zack Morris' 'Handsome' and 'Privileged' Son, 3 Others
The teaser goes on to show Slater working...
- 4/16/2020
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Peacock is rounding out the cast of its upcoming “Saved by the Bell” reboot.
Mitchell Hoog has been cast as Mac Morris, son of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who lead the original 1989 series.
Mac is described as “the handsome, charming, privileged son” of California governor Zack Morris. That’s right — in the new series, Zack has grown up to join the state government, and has now gotten himself “into hot water for closing too many low-income high schools and proposes they send the affected students to the highest performing schools in the state, including Bayside High,” according to Peacock’s description.
Three other new Bayside high schoolers have also been cast, including the son of Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), who was part of the original “Saved by the Bell” friend group along with Zack (Gosselaar), Screech (Dustin Diamond...
Mitchell Hoog has been cast as Mac Morris, son of Zack Morris (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), who lead the original 1989 series.
Mac is described as “the handsome, charming, privileged son” of California governor Zack Morris. That’s right — in the new series, Zack has grown up to join the state government, and has now gotten himself “into hot water for closing too many low-income high schools and proposes they send the affected students to the highest performing schools in the state, including Bayside High,” according to Peacock’s description.
Three other new Bayside high schoolers have also been cast, including the son of Jessie Spano (Elizabeth Berkley), who was part of the original “Saved by the Bell” friend group along with Zack (Gosselaar), Screech (Dustin Diamond...
- 1/27/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Zack Morris is returning to Bayside High.
After previously saying publicly that he had not been approached to reprise his role on the upcoming reboot of “Saved by the Bell,” Mark-Paul Gosselaar has closed a deal to join the new streaming series, TheWrap has learned. His co-star, Tiffani Thiessen is also in talks to appear on the show, though her deal has not yet closed.
In addition to guest starring, Gosselaar will also serve as a producer on the new “Saved by the Bell,” which is set to air on NBC Universal’s forthcoming streaming service, Peacock.
Also Read: 'Saved by the Bell': Josie Totah Cast as Lead in Peacock Reboot
Representatives for Peacock and Universal Television declined to comment.
Shortly after the reboot was announced last fall, Gosselaar told reporters that he had not been approached to appear on the show, despite the series logline calling out...
After previously saying publicly that he had not been approached to reprise his role on the upcoming reboot of “Saved by the Bell,” Mark-Paul Gosselaar has closed a deal to join the new streaming series, TheWrap has learned. His co-star, Tiffani Thiessen is also in talks to appear on the show, though her deal has not yet closed.
In addition to guest starring, Gosselaar will also serve as a producer on the new “Saved by the Bell,” which is set to air on NBC Universal’s forthcoming streaming service, Peacock.
Also Read: 'Saved by the Bell': Josie Totah Cast as Lead in Peacock Reboot
Representatives for Peacock and Universal Television declined to comment.
Shortly after the reboot was announced last fall, Gosselaar told reporters that he had not been approached to appear on the show, despite the series logline calling out...
- 1/9/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Bayside High has found its new leading woman.
Josie Totah will play a cheerleader named Lexi in the “Saved By the Bell” sequel series coming to NBC’s upcoming streaming service Peacock.
Lexi is described as “beautiful, sharp-tongued,” and “the most popular girl at Bayside High who is both admired and feared by her fellow students.”
Also Read: Peacock's 'Saved by the Bell' Reboot Casts Bayside High's New Principal
Totah joins returning original cast members Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley, who are slated to reprise their roles as A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano for the reboot. Mark-Paul Gosselaar said in September he has not been approached to join the show.
“Pitch Perfect” alum John Michael Higgins will play Principle Toddman, the successor to Dennis Haskins’ Principal Richard Belding, who was the bane of Zack Morris’ (Gosselaar) existence in the original “Saved By the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC.
Josie Totah will play a cheerleader named Lexi in the “Saved By the Bell” sequel series coming to NBC’s upcoming streaming service Peacock.
Lexi is described as “beautiful, sharp-tongued,” and “the most popular girl at Bayside High who is both admired and feared by her fellow students.”
Also Read: Peacock's 'Saved by the Bell' Reboot Casts Bayside High's New Principal
Totah joins returning original cast members Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley, who are slated to reprise their roles as A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano for the reboot. Mark-Paul Gosselaar said in September he has not been approached to join the show.
“Pitch Perfect” alum John Michael Higgins will play Principle Toddman, the successor to Dennis Haskins’ Principal Richard Belding, who was the bane of Zack Morris’ (Gosselaar) existence in the original “Saved By the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC.
- 1/6/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Step aside, Mr. Belding, there’s a new principal in town: NBCUniversal’s forthcoming streaming service Peacock has cast “Pitch Perfect” alum John Michael Higgins (pictured below) as the new head of Bayside High in its upcoming “Saved by the Bell” reboot, an individual with knowledge of the casting tells TheWrap.
He’ll be playing Principal Toddman, the successor to Dennis Haskins’ Principal Richard Belding, who was the bane of Zack Morris’ (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) existence in the original “Saved By the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC, and its spinoffs.
According to the official description, the “beleaguered” Principal Toddman, “is constantly being pranked by his privileged students and yelled at by their entitled parents. But all this changes when Bayside gets an influx of new, low-income students and Toddman gets a second chance to really make a difference.”
Also Read: Mark-Paul Gosselaar Says He Has Not Been Approached for...
He’ll be playing Principal Toddman, the successor to Dennis Haskins’ Principal Richard Belding, who was the bane of Zack Morris’ (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) existence in the original “Saved By the Bell,” which ran from 1989 to 1993 on NBC, and its spinoffs.
According to the official description, the “beleaguered” Principal Toddman, “is constantly being pranked by his privileged students and yelled at by their entitled parents. But all this changes when Bayside gets an influx of new, low-income students and Toddman gets a second chance to really make a difference.”
Also Read: Mark-Paul Gosselaar Says He Has Not Been Approached for...
- 12/18/2019
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Saved by the Bell has found its new Mr. Belding.
TVLine has learned exclusively that the in-the-works revival from NBC’s forthcoming streaming service Peacock has tapped veteran character actor John Michael Higgins — whose credits include the Pitch Perfect trilogy and the sitcoms Happily Divorced and Great News — to play Bayside High’s newest principal. He succeeds Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding in the original Saved By the Bell series and its various offshoots.
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TVLine has learned exclusively that the in-the-works revival from NBC’s forthcoming streaming service Peacock has tapped veteran character actor John Michael Higgins — whose credits include the Pitch Perfect trilogy and the sitcoms Happily Divorced and Great News — to play Bayside High’s newest principal. He succeeds Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding in the original Saved By the Bell series and its various offshoots.
More from TVLineTVLine Items: T.R. Knight Takes Flight, Batwoman Adds Alfred's Kid and MorePunky Brewster's Ex-Husband Is Freddie Prinze Jr. in Peacock SequelSaved...
- 12/18/2019
- TVLine.com
Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski’s chemistry was apparently all too real. According to “Saved By the Bell“ actor Ed Alonzo, who played diner owner Max in the beloved series, Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tiffani Thiessen were crushing on one another while portraying high school love interests on screen. Et’s Lauren Zima chatted with Alonzo and Dennis Haskins, who played Principal Richard Belding,...
- 5/1/2018
- by Robert Lohbihler
- ET Canada
Dennis Haskins, best known as that fun-squelching principal Richard Belding on the '90s show Saved By the Bell, is finally a college graduate. The actor earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga at the age of 65. In an Instagram post, he said, "Now, with the forward thinking policies of this great university that I love so much that have benefited many other graduates, I join these graduates in holding my head high having earned my liberal arts degree in theater from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga." Congratulations!
- 12/13/2015
- by Greg Cwik
- Vulture
It's alright, 'cause he's got a degree!
Dennis Haskins, the actor best known as principal Richard Belding on '90s sitcom Saved by the Bell, graduated from college on Saturday.
The 65-year-old, who obtained his bachelor of arts degree in theatre from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, shared the exciting news to his Instagram account over the weekend.
In one selfie the actor smiled during the ceremony while wearing a cap and gown.
"It's official," Haskins wrote. "Tassel moved from right to left! I'm a graduate! #Utc #TheaterandSpeech #GoMocs."
"As successful as some have said I've been, from the...
Dennis Haskins, the actor best known as principal Richard Belding on '90s sitcom Saved by the Bell, graduated from college on Saturday.
The 65-year-old, who obtained his bachelor of arts degree in theatre from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, shared the exciting news to his Instagram account over the weekend.
In one selfie the actor smiled during the ceremony while wearing a cap and gown.
"It's official," Haskins wrote. "Tassel moved from right to left! I'm a graduate! #Utc #TheaterandSpeech #GoMocs."
"As successful as some have said I've been, from the...
- 12/13/2015
- by Lindsay Kimble, @lekimble
- People.com - TV Watch
Zack, Screech, Kelly, A.C. and the gang are back, 20 years after the final bell. E! has picked up the early-’90s sitcom Saved By The Bell and will air it in a two-hour block from 7-9 Am weekdays starting November 11. The show, which aired from 1989-93 on NBC, chronicled the lives of a group of students at Bayside High and their ex-hippie principal (Richard Belding). It helped launch the careers of young actors including Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen and Elizabeth Berkley.
- 11/4/2013
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Mark-Paul Gosselaar & Dennis Haskins say they’d be down to visit the hallowed halls of Bayside High. Wouldn’t we all?
90210 did it. Boy Meets World is doing it. And now, it sounds like the door could be open for Saved By The Bell to make a comeback of its very own! Two of Bayside’s finest — Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played blond beauty Zack Morris, and Dennis Haskins, who (sort of) kept the gang in line as Principal Richard Belding — have recently spoken out, saying they’d love to do another reunion… or even a potential spin-off series.
TMZ caught up with Mark, 38, on Jan. 21 — and by “caught up,” I mean literally chased him down a Los Angeles street, camera in hand — and he said, “Maybe we’ll do a reunion.”
Ok, so it wasn’t exactly a confirmation — or anything close to it — but it was enough to give...
90210 did it. Boy Meets World is doing it. And now, it sounds like the door could be open for Saved By The Bell to make a comeback of its very own! Two of Bayside’s finest — Mark-Paul Gosselaar, who played blond beauty Zack Morris, and Dennis Haskins, who (sort of) kept the gang in line as Principal Richard Belding — have recently spoken out, saying they’d love to do another reunion… or even a potential spin-off series.
TMZ caught up with Mark, 38, on Jan. 21 — and by “caught up,” I mean literally chased him down a Los Angeles street, camera in hand — and he said, “Maybe we’ll do a reunion.”
Ok, so it wasn’t exactly a confirmation — or anything close to it — but it was enough to give...
- 1/24/2013
- by Andy Swift
- HollywoodLife
Just weeks after Alex Mack showed up on Mad Men, last night, the show welcomed another nostalgia-inducing guest star into the fold: Dennis Haskins, aka Richard Belding from Saved By The Bell: Haskins played the small but entertaining role of a Cool Whip ‘test kitchen’ scientist with an inordinately casual relationship with his Cool-Whip-students who’s also constantly proctoring weekly Cool-Whip-school dances. (Also, the coolest Cool Whip employee used to be able to stop time and talk to the camera the first couple seasons but then they phased that out.) Next Week On Mad Men – The search for Megan’s replacement comes down to a handful of candidates: Kel, Count Duckula, Small Wonder, Donnie Jeffcoat from Wild And Crazy Kids, Voltron’s left arm, and the fish from Eureeka’s Castle.
- 5/7/2012
- by Dan Hopper
- BestWeekEver
Mario Lopez played the lovable jock AC Slater alongside teen heart throb Mark-Paul Gosselaar, geeky Dustin Diamond, fashionista Lark Voorhies, talented Elizabeth Berkley, beautiful Tiffani Thiessen, and Dennis Haskins as the goofy Principle Richard Belding in the hit television series Saved By the Bell. After leaving Saved by the Bell, Mario moved onto the hit show Pacific Blue and from there moving to daytime soaps starring in The Bold and the Beautiful as Dr. Christian Ramirez. Fast forward a few years and you can still find Mario Lopez on television every day bringing smiles to viewers all over America. Mario Lopez is the host of Extra, the second longest-running entertainment magazine on television. Mario has great talent and charisma plus the camera just loves his bright contagious smile which makes him one of the best talk show hosts on television. When Mario is not in the studio shooting clips he...
- 3/10/2009
- by cjoyce@corp.popstar.com (Colleen Joyce)
- PopStar
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