As high school comedies for young viewers go, Saved by the Bell is as light as they come, yet there is something unusually addictive about it. No doubt that's because the series, set at Bayside High School in Pacific Palisades, California, balances fluffy stories with evolving relationships. It's no chore to watch every episode and feel satisfied with the touching, admirable growth and affection between key characters.
The show concerns teenager Zack Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar) and his eclectic group of friends. Zack himself is a complicated fellow: he's a vain hound for the girls and a screw-up who sets attendance records for detention. But as the series progresses, he also demonstrates that he's a thoughtful kid, underneath it all, with insight and loyalty to others. Tiffani-Amber Thiessen plays Kelly Kapowski, a cheerleader and mall rat who gains seriousness of purpose and dignity over time, and who ends a rivalry between Zack and good-natured sexist jock A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) by choosing the former--after he cleans up his act a bit. Jessie Murtle Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) may be the most interesting character: smart and given to alternative-lifestyle values, an unabashed feminist yet self-conscious about her height. (She towers over most boys interested in her). Samuel "Screech" Powers (Dustin Diamond) is the show's token nerd, but he defies the stereotype in many ways: In "Dancing to the Max," Kelly develops a crush on Screech after he tutors her in science, while in other episodes he wins a beauty contest and comes to the heroic aid of a chum more than once. What's nice about Saved by the Bell is the way these sundry friends all get to know and accept each other, creating unexpected bonds and encouraging honest support when the chips are down.
The show began as a series named Good Morning, Miss Bliss, a short-lived series on the Disney Channel that focused on Miss Bliss and the students at John F. Kennedy Junior High School in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Cast and Characters
Mark Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris
Tiffany-Amber Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski (1989 – 1992)
Dustin Daimons as Samuel "Screech" Powers
Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle
Elizabeth Berkley as Jessie Spano (1989 – 1992)
Mario Lopez as A.C. Slater
Dennis Haskins as Mr. Richard Belding
Leanna Creel as Tori Scott (1992)
Leah Remini as Stacy Carosi (1991 – 1992)
Ernie Sabella as Mr. Leon Carosi (1991 – 1992)
Ed Alonzo as Max (1989 – 1990)
Tori Spelling as Violet Anne Bickerstaff (1990 - 1991)
Broadcast History First Telecast: August 20, 1989 Last Telecast: May 22, 1993 Number of Episodes: 87
Number of Seasons: 5
Original Network: NBC
Theme Song Lyrics and Opening Credits
When I wake up in the morning
And the alarm gives out a warning
I don't think I'll ever make it on time
By the time I grab my books
And I give myself a look
I'm at the corner just in time to see the bus fly by
It's alright 'cause I'm saved by the bell
If the teacher pops a test
I know I'm in a mess
And my dog ate all my homework last nite
Riding low in my chair
She won't know that I'm there
If I can hand it in tomorrow, it'll be all right
It's alright 'cause I'm saved by the bell
(short instrumental part)
It's alright 'cause I'm saved by the
It's alright 'cause I'm saved by the
It's alright 'cause I'm saved by the bell
As high school comedies for young viewers go, Saved by the Bell is as light as they come, yet there is something unusually addictive about it. No doubt that's because the series, set at Bayside High School in Pacific Palisades, California, balances fluffy stories with evolving relationships. It's no chore to watch every episode and feel satisfied with the touching, admirable growth and affection between key characters.
The show concerns teenager Zack Morris (Mark Paul Gosselaar) and his eclectic group of friends. Zack himself is a complicated fellow: he's a vain hound for the girls and a screw-up who sets attendance records for detention. But as the series progresses, he also demonstrates that he's a thoughtful kid, underneath it all, with insight and loyalty to others. Tiffani-Amber Thiessen plays Kelly Kapowski, a cheerleader and mall rat who gains seriousness of purpose and dignity over time, and who ends a rivalry between Zack and good-natured sexist jock A.C. Slater (Mario Lopez) by choosing the former--after he cleans up his act a bit. Jessie Murtle Spano (Elizabeth Berkley) may be the most interesting character: smart and given to alternative-lifestyle values, an unabashed feminist yet self-conscious about her height. (She towers over most boys interested in her). Samuel "Screech" Powers (Dustin Diamond) is the show's token nerd, but he defies the stereotype in many ways: In "Dancing to the Max," Kelly develops a crush on Screech after he tutors her in science, while in other episodes he wins a beauty contest and comes to the heroic aid of a chum more than once. What's nice about Saved by the Bell is the way these sundry friends all get to know and accept each other, creating unexpected bonds and encouraging honest support when the chips are down.
