I was in high school when this show came out & I loved it. I love the music. It was always in the shadow of SBTB. NBC did not invest enough in differentiating this & other shows from SBTB. I think they are more real about teen issues. They were ethnically diverse. They even had an episode about social inequalities. There were even shows about broken families. I loved the music. The characters were less full of themselves and had distinctive personalities. None of them were the ultra popular high school kids. I love almost every single song they played. I love music. This may be one of the reasons I like this show so much. The series is on YouTube. Season 5 is poor quality though. I think there are finally box sets with all 5 seasons. Only seasons 1-4 were available for the longest time.
18 Reviews
A Wonderful Show
buffbabe2313 June 2001
I used to watch this show almost a decade ago. I was pretty young at the time, but I remember watching some re-runs somewhere and then finding out that it was one of the TNBC (Teen NBC) shows on Saturday mornings. After the first couple episodes, I was hooked. I don't know what it is about this show that got me hooked, but I was hooked. :) After watching "Saved By the Bell" for years, I watch it now and I almost cringe, but "California Dreams" was a great show and I loved watching re-runs up until a couple years ago, when they went off the air. Hopefully, I'll get to see some re-runs of it again... I really miss the cast. :)
waded in for the sake of Kelly Packard, drowning in a sea of annoying junk
RavenGlamDVDCollector29 September 2016
"Surf dudes with attituuude..." yyyaaaaccckkk! That has just got to be the queerest song ever. Especially as the lead singer is a guy... And then there is Brent Gore, in the intros of Season 2, pulling his face into a little snout like a choirboy.
Really people what were you thinking? Are these guys still blushing with shame for having appeared in this utterly annoying ridiculous attempt at a teen sit-com? Embarrassing to watch.
Once again the joke is on me. I bought the set depicted on the image currently displayed here on IMDb to see more of Kelly Packard, and, yes, of course that one's a very beautiful young girl, but I have to cringe constantly, there is a constant stream, no, a barrage, of stupidity emanating from my screen as I watch (endure!) this inane little thing.
Okay, so I am from an older generation, even if I had watched it in 1992, but I am young at heart, so that hasn't got anything to do with it.
No matter how pretty Kelly Packard is, this is very lame to watch. I was at the onset dismayed that further seasons weren't available on DVD, now I am relieved. The characters irk me to the point where I'd just love to stomp on them. Several times. Not Kelly Packard of course!
Foolish face-pulling is the main attempt at comedy. Annoying characters, most notably that Tony and the one that was supposed to be the original lead. You see, I don't even care about the story enough to know the names. But, hell, they jump about like garden gnomes on speed. They're about as talented as garden gnomes on speed. The entire cast deserves a good dose of bug-spray. Not Kelly Packard of course. (She's Tiffany, you see I care about that one) Wrap her up, I'll take her home with me!
Really people what were you thinking? Are these guys still blushing with shame for having appeared in this utterly annoying ridiculous attempt at a teen sit-com? Embarrassing to watch.
Once again the joke is on me. I bought the set depicted on the image currently displayed here on IMDb to see more of Kelly Packard, and, yes, of course that one's a very beautiful young girl, but I have to cringe constantly, there is a constant stream, no, a barrage, of stupidity emanating from my screen as I watch (endure!) this inane little thing.
Okay, so I am from an older generation, even if I had watched it in 1992, but I am young at heart, so that hasn't got anything to do with it.
No matter how pretty Kelly Packard is, this is very lame to watch. I was at the onset dismayed that further seasons weren't available on DVD, now I am relieved. The characters irk me to the point where I'd just love to stomp on them. Several times. Not Kelly Packard of course!
Foolish face-pulling is the main attempt at comedy. Annoying characters, most notably that Tony and the one that was supposed to be the original lead. You see, I don't even care about the story enough to know the names. But, hell, they jump about like garden gnomes on speed. They're about as talented as garden gnomes on speed. The entire cast deserves a good dose of bug-spray. Not Kelly Packard of course. (She's Tiffany, you see I care about that one) Wrap her up, I'll take her home with me!
Terrible Show
smooth_op_8527 August 2017
So, TNBC decided to make a show about a bunch of California teens forming a band...which I am sure this wasn't the first (Osmonds and Jakcksons, Beatles all had cartoons) and this was when NBC was hot with Saved By The Bell and wanted to clone it and fill their lineup.
When I was in about 9th Grade (early 2000s), this show replaced City Guys on the lineup in the morning and as I watched this more and more I began to hate it. A bunch of kids with a bunch of the same problems we saw on Saved By the Bell, and wasn't fresh and original. I also hated that the only black main character on the show was a bumbling idiot; maybe that changed in later seasons but I hated it so much I'd rather not see Tony's character Now I believe City Guys came AFTER this show ended so maybe they learned a bit from this show when forming City Guys. It lasted 5 seasons so it had to have enough of a fan base to actually continue that long, but for me it was a huge miss. I may decide to watch the full show and change my mind about it, but as of now I give it a 1 of 10. Namely because I couldn't get into the show and it irked me that this show replaced one of my favorites
When I was in about 9th Grade (early 2000s), this show replaced City Guys on the lineup in the morning and as I watched this more and more I began to hate it. A bunch of kids with a bunch of the same problems we saw on Saved By the Bell, and wasn't fresh and original. I also hated that the only black main character on the show was a bumbling idiot; maybe that changed in later seasons but I hated it so much I'd rather not see Tony's character Now I believe City Guys came AFTER this show ended so maybe they learned a bit from this show when forming City Guys. It lasted 5 seasons so it had to have enough of a fan base to actually continue that long, but for me it was a huge miss. I may decide to watch the full show and change my mind about it, but as of now I give it a 1 of 10. Namely because I couldn't get into the show and it irked me that this show replaced one of my favorites
Similar to Saved By the Bell in theme
Op_Prime9 January 2000
California Dreams is similar to Saved By the Bell. It's about a group of teens who have a rock band. Like Saved By the Bell, some kind of serious issue arises and the characters have to deal with it. This series was not all that bad. In fact, it was very funny. Catch the reruns where ever you can.
i even have the cd!
louisemcmahon26 December 2002
california dreams is one of the best teen tv shows ever in my opinion. it was really funny with a wicked cast. plus the music that the band did was great! i bought the cd soundtrack and play it all these years later! i liked the way the show had it's comedy moments yet still managed to have some more serious issues in it. about a year ago nicelodian uk were doing repeats of it and i taped every episode they showed just so i can still watch this amazing show.
Good, Classic TNBC Television
actionmoviestar22 December 2005
"California Dreams" was more than a good television show. It was in fact my favorite TNBC television show during the time it was on air. California Dreams basically focused on a group of teenagers with a rock band that also dealt with serious issues in their life.
This show, had some of the most memorable songs written for a television show. I use to love to sing the show's theme song as soon as it came on. "California Dreams" was just a good, fun, clean-cut show. When I think about it, this show is nothing but a "revenge of the 90's" type show because it debuted in the early nineties during the time of all the various rock and roll forms arosed.
If one wants to see, good classic TNBC television(before what it has evolved into now) then you should try watching "California Dreams."
This show, had some of the most memorable songs written for a television show. I use to love to sing the show's theme song as soon as it came on. "California Dreams" was just a good, fun, clean-cut show. When I think about it, this show is nothing but a "revenge of the 90's" type show because it debuted in the early nineties during the time of all the various rock and roll forms arosed.
If one wants to see, good classic TNBC television(before what it has evolved into now) then you should try watching "California Dreams."
Better than Saved by the bell
departed0711 April 2004
California Dreams came out in the year when Saved by the bell was on its knees before the finale. What i liked about the show is that it is about a group of kids who form their own band and sing songs. Yes, the stories are copies from Saved by the bell, a Peter Engel production, but what really makes up for the show is the soundtrack. you don't have to watch a show to like its music, you can like the show for having wonderful characters and attitude. It's just a shame that the show lasted five years, compared to Saved by the bell which had two spinoffs and lasted for eight years.
NBC should make shows like these.
NBC should make shows like these.
One of the best
sonny_200318 April 2003
California Dreams was one of the best shows on Saturday morning television. A terrific cast, great music and a lot of laughs is the way I describe this show. Based on a garage band destined to make it big, the "Dreams" go through life's changes, many scams (thanks to Sly), and learn the true meaning of friendship and love. A must see, if you're lucky to catch it in syndication.
Another great example from NBC
selfellows3 April 2005
What can I say, I started watching the show when I was 12 and 10 years later I still love every episode,a great example of teen comedy and entertainment. Real issues with respect for the designated age group, provides honest moments into the teen psyche while providing a light hearted take on high school situations that remain real and believable. What separates this show from other great offerings such as saved by the bell is the music. Although middle of the road pop rock is not to everyones taste the music is fantastically written by Steve Tyrell, and incredibly well produced. The music highlights the shows themes and are as infectiously catchy as they are entertaining. Critiscims such as the perfect America of the 1950s are misplaced as these miss the aim of the show, to represent teen life without degrading it to teenage sex and drug abuse. California dreams is a clean, entertaining family show which never fails to disappoint. Great cast, great songs, great show!
Another great show produced by Peter Engel
bittenbythedancingbug22 April 2007
I have to say I loved watching this show when I was a kid. It has to be one of the better shows that Peter Engel came up with that followed the same sort of story lines, characters and plot structures set out by Saved By The Bell (another great one that should be checked out is Hang Time).
While it followed the format set out by Saved By The Bell it differed slightly with the concept of it being about a band. Some of the songs are a little corny while others are really great and I still love them now.
Great programme that I would love to watch again but it can never match up to its predecessor: SBTB.
While it followed the format set out by Saved By The Bell it differed slightly with the concept of it being about a band. Some of the songs are a little corny while others are really great and I still love them now.
Great programme that I would love to watch again but it can never match up to its predecessor: SBTB.
One Of The Best Shows Ever...
XxCoRyxX3 June 2003
Watched it very little as a kid,when it was actually on originally,but now I catch it on repeat syndication weekdays,try never missing it...i'm also starting to tape the episodes for the future if it happens to go off the air.But I hope it sticks around a while longer,its a show every kid and teen should see,even adults as well...i'm older now and realize the generic and cliche issues they cover similiar to all saved by the bell such type shows,but its still just as good as saved by the bell and the rest...love Jay Franke the most,awesome actor for a show like this....he reminds me of the original red ranger in the original 1st season of the power rangers,and I think he should have been casted rather then austin st. john,but i'm glad he did this show...kelly packard and heidi leinhart were beautiful,packard is sometimes too un-believeable....jennie kwan has the sweet innocent look to her,and does a good job,as does everyone else for what its worth...bottom line,one of the best,words can't describe the vibe,memories and feelings i get when watching it...so joyful.
pretty good
jnhardyriotgrlv116 April 2003
I watched this show for the first time today and it's pretty good although in my opinion, the girls can't act. But the guys are really funny especially Sly Winkle. Jake Sommer's pretty hot and the show is a good TV show for teens.
Better than Saved by the Bell...
robertcicco30358 October 2000
California Dreams is a show similar to Saved by the Bell, but it is superior. It's generally funnier, and overall the cast is better. The show doesn't seem to be running anywhere at the present time, so it might be hard to spot. I don't understand why the cast hasn't moved on to bigger and better things.
Saved by the Bell wannabe
mariea528 May 2003
Saved by the Bell is a better show. This show has more attractive actors though. The show came out at around the same time, covers the same teen issues. The big difference is that they're in a band, and spend more time in beach clothes than the saved by the bell crowd.
OH PLEASE!
Pol1429 May 2000
Stale Dreams? Copy Other Concepts.
tfrizzell27 June 2005
A group of California teens play in their garage band as their lives weave and intertwine. Kelly Packard (who had later success during the final breaths of "Baywatch") is the only real notable performer here in this blatant rip-off of "Saved by the Bell". NBC decided to double up on their live-action Saturday morning lineup with this program that is almost a seamless carbon copy of its inspiration. As usual the attractive cast, hot sounds and standard teen stories were the calling cards for adolescents who had outgrown "The Smurfs" but were not quite ready for "Beverly Hills 90210". In spite of limited substance and unoriginal ideas, the program still ran for six seasons on the famed network. 2 stars out of 5.
possibly..the worst sitcom of all time.
JackSRenton5 August 2003
I absolutely cant stand this show. The premise is decent, for the time period, but the jokes and cast are equally dry. This show takes all the californian stereotypes, like surfing, bad attitudes, movie stars, and the eternal sunshine, shoves it in some lame studio sets, then throws in some Carrot Top level jokes. Avoid.
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