40 Facts About Beverly Hills 90210 (TV Series)

Creation and Concept

Beverly Hills, 90210 is a show that defined a generation. It wasn't just a TV series; it was a cultural phenomenon that captivated audiences worldwide. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about its creation and concept.

1. Beverly Hills, 90210 was created by Darren Star, who was just 27 years old when Fox approached him to develop a series about teenagers in Beverly Hills. He drew inspiration from John Hughes' movies and the TV show Thirtysomething.

2. The original concept aimed to be a family drama centered around the Walsh family, but it quickly shifted focus to the high school friends of Brandon and Brenda Walsh halfway through season one.

3. Despite its title, the Walsh family does not live in Beverly Hills. Their home is actually located in Altadena, California, about 30 miles away from Beverly Hills.

Cast and Characters

The cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 became household names. Their characters' lives and dramas kept viewers glued to their screens. Here are some interesting tidbits about the cast and characters.

4. When the show premiered, Shannen Doherty was 19, Jennie Garth was 18, Tori Spelling was 17, Jason Priestley was 20, Luke Perry was 23, Brian Austin Green was 17, Ian Ziering was 26, and Gabrielle Carteris was 29. Quite the age range for playing high school students!

5. The character of Dylan McKay was initially supposed to appear in only eight episodes. However, due to positive audience response and Luke Perry's performance, Fox executives approved his addition to the regular cast.

6. Shannen Doherty, who played Brenda Walsh, was a central figure in the show's behind-the-scenes drama. By season four, producers, crew, and some cast members wanted her fired due to her behavior and lateness on set.

Ratings and Reception

Beverly Hills, 90210 didn't start as a hit, but it quickly found its footing. Let's explore how the show climbed the ratings ladder.

7. The show premiered on October 4, 1990, and finished the 1990-91 season ranked #118 of all shows, losing to NBC's Cheers in its Thursday night time slot.

8. To boost its ratings, Fox decided to produce new summer-set episodes instead of going into reruns in the summer of 1991. This strategy worked, and the show found a significant audience.

9. The show's success was also attributed to the lack of competition during the Gulf War. Fox aired Beverly Hills, 90210 on the same day that every other network suspended programming to report on the war, resulting in a ratings spike.

Drama and Controversy

The show was known for its dramatic storylines and occasional controversies. Here are some notable moments.

10. The season one finale, which saw Brenda lose her virginity to Dylan, was particularly controversial and helped increase the show's popularity.

11. The show's content was often controversial, and some episodes were censored due to their mature themes. The season one finale led to advice from Fox affiliates to address the consequences of Brenda and Dylan's actions.

12. The show's popularity was so great that it even attracted unwanted attention. During filming, the cast received a bomb threat, adding to the show's notoriety.

Filming Locations

The show's setting was iconic, but not everything was filmed in Beverly Hills. Here are some interesting facts about the filming locations.

13. The exterior shots of the Walsh family home were not actually in Beverly Hills but in Altadena, California. The interior scenes were filmed at various locations.

14. Beverly Hills High School refused to allow the production to use its name, so the show used Torrance High School instead. This location has been used in numerous other films and TV shows.

15. The decision to air summer episodes was crucial to the show's success. These episodes helped establish the show as a teen soap opera and attracted a larger audience.

Cultural Impact

Beverly Hills, 90210 left a lasting mark on pop culture. Its influence can still be seen today. Let's look at some ways the show impacted the world.

16. By the end of season two, Beverly Hills, 90210 had nearly doubled its audience and was pulling in an astonishing 52 share of teen TV-watchers.

17. The show influenced later teen dramas like Gossip Girl and The O.C. and became a cultural phenomenon of the 1990s.

18. In 2019, a reboot titled BH90210 was released, featuring most of the original cast members. However, this reboot was not as well-received as the original series.

Behind-the-Scenes Rules

The production of Beverly Hills, 90210 had some unique rules and quirks. Here are a few behind-the-scenes facts.

19. Aaron Spelling had a strict rule against cutting hair on set. This rule was meant to maintain consistency in character appearances.

20. Luke Perry’s famous squint was due to the no-sunglasses rule on set. Aaron Spelling believed that characters should be seen in their eyes before they were heard in their words.

21. Several behind-the-scenes specials were produced during and after the show's run. These included documentaries like 90210: Behind the Zip Code and Beverly Hills, 90210: Behind the Scenes.

Legacy and Influence

The show's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and has left a lasting impact on television and pop culture.

22. After its initial run on Fox, Beverly Hills, 90210 went into syndication. It aired on various networks including FX, SoapNet, and Pop, with reruns featuring the show's original music.

23. The show launched the careers of its cast members, including Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, and Tori Spelling. Many of these actors went on to appear in other successful TV shows and films.

24. Beverly Hills, 90210 became a cultural icon of the 1990s. Its influence can still be seen in modern teen dramas, and its characters remain iconic figures in popular culture.

25. Fans were highly engaged with the show, often dissecting each episode and discussing it the next morning at school. The show's characters became role models for many teenagers.

26. The relationships between characters like Brandon and Kelly, Dylan and Brenda, and Steve and Donna were central to the show's appeal. These dramatic and romantic storylines kept viewers hooked.

27. Beverly Hills, 90210 tackled various social issues, including teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and family dynamics. These issues were presented in a way that resonated with its teenage audience.

28. The show had a significant impact on teenagers in the 1990s. It provided a platform for young people to discuss and explore their own issues and emotions.

29. The show influenced fashion trends of the 1990s, with characters often wearing iconic outfits that became popular among teenagers. Scrunchies, babydoll dresses, and high-waisted jeans were just a few of the fashion items that gained popularity thanks to the show.

30. The show's theme music, composed by John E. Davis, became synonymous with the series. The show also featured original music composed by Jay Gruska, which added to its appeal.

31. Beverly Hills, 90210 has left a lasting legacy in the world of television. It paved the way for future teen dramas and remains a beloved classic among many who grew up watching it.

32. The show received several awards and nominations during its run. It was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards and won several People's Choice Awards.

33. The show's success led to changes in television programming. It helped establish the teen soap opera genre and influenced the way future shows approached storytelling and character development.

34. Beverly Hills, 90210 has been referenced in popular culture numerous times. From memes to parodies, the show's characters and storylines continue to be referenced in modern media.

35. The show has a dedicated fan community that continues to celebrate its legacy. Fans have created countless fan art, fan fiction, and other creative works inspired by the show.

36. The show had a broader impact on society, addressing issues like teenage angst, family dynamics, and social pressures. It provided a platform for discussions about these issues and helped shape public opinion.

37. Beverly Hills, 90210 remains a significant part of pop culture history. Its influence can still be seen in modern television shows, and its characters continue to be iconic figures in popular culture.

38. Hilary Swank appeared in season eight as Carly Reynolds, Steve’s love interest. However, she was fired after only 16 episodes due to fan backlash against Steve's relationship with Carly.

39. A Christmas special titled Beverly Hills, 90210: A Christmas Special was aired on December 19, 1994, providing a festive episode for fans.

40. The show's impact on its audience was significant. Fans were known to be passionate and vocal about the show, with some even writing in to express their opinions on the characters' relationships and storylines.

The Legacy of Beverly Hills 90210

Beverly Hills, 90210 wasn't just a TV show; it was a cultural touchstone of the 1990s. From its dramatic storylines to its impact on fashion and music, the series left an indelible mark on pop culture. The show tackled real-life issues like teenage pregnancy and substance abuse, making it relatable for its audience. It also launched the careers of its cast members, turning them into household names. Even today, the show's influence can be seen in modern teen dramas. Whether you were a fan of Brenda and Dylan's romance or the friendships at West Beverly High, Beverly Hills, 90210 remains a beloved classic. Its legacy continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide, proving that some stories never go out of style.