Schooled: AJ Michalka on Bringing Lainey Lewis and ’90s Nostalgia to The Goldbergs Spinoff

Grab your pencils and your floppy disks, because it’s time to go back to school – and straight into the vibrant, unforgettable era of the ’90s! Fans of The Goldbergs are buzzing with excitement for the highly-anticipated spinoff series, Schooled. This new ABC comedy promises to deliver a fresh dose of nostalgia, following beloved character Lainey Lewis as she embarks on a new chapter: becoming a high school music teacher. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, series star AJ Michalka shared insights into the creative process, the joy of reprising her role, and what makes Schooled a must-watch for anyone who grew up in the last decade of the 20th century. Prepare for a deep dive into the world of William Penn High, ’90s fashion, and iconic pop culture references.

Lainey Lewis: From William Penn Student to ’90s Music Teacher

The beloved The Goldbergs universe is making a significant expansion, transporting viewers from the rad ’80s into the fresh, fly ’90s. Schooled officially premiered on January 9 at 8:30 p.m. on ABC, introducing audiences to a new era at William Penn High. This time, however, the primary focus shifts from the students to the faculty, with particular attention on the journey of Lainey Lewis. Having previously been a free-spirited, aspiring rock star student in The Goldbergs, Lainey now returns to her alma mater as a new music teacher, navigating the challenges and triumphs of her professional life. This transition marks a significant evolution for the character, and AJ Michalka expressed her immense enthusiasm about being at the forefront of this exciting new venture.

“It’s been so fun,” AJ Michalka shared, her excitement palpable. Her connection to the character of Lainey is deep-seated, having portrayed her for six years within the framework of The Goldbergs. “I mean, you know, I’ve obviously been working as Lainey for the past 6 years on The Goldbergs, and now being able to kind of transition her into the ’90s as a teacher at William Penn is crazy.” This unique opportunity allows Michalka to explore a more mature, yet still inherently Lainey, version of the character. The narrative of Schooled doesn’t just center around Lainey; it also highlights the experiences of fellow teachers like Coach Mellor and Principal Glascott, along with the introduction of new character Chuck Brown. Michalka describes this group as “the hub of the show,” emphasizing the series’ focus on “honoring them and having fun with going back to our old high school.”

For Michalka, returning to this familiar world, albeit in a different capacity, feels like a dream come true. “I’m loving doing this. I love this character. I love these writers, and I really feel at home here,” she explained. The comfort of continuing a character she knows so well, combined with the excitement of spearheading a new series, presents an ideal scenario for the talented actress. “To be able to work on a new show and have the comfortability of continuing a character you’ve already been working on is kind of a perfect world.” This sentiment underscores the seamless transition and inherent familiarity that both Michalka and the character of Lainey bring to Schooled, promising a rich and authentic viewing experience for new and returning fans alike.

Embracing the ’90s: Pop Culture, Fashion, and Unforgettable Nostalgia

One of the most anticipated aspects of Schooled is its deep dive into the aesthetic and cultural phenomena of the 1990s. As a series set squarely in that iconic decade, viewers can expect a delightful array of throwback vibes, from fashion statements to groundbreaking musical trends and cinematic homages. If you consider yourself a ’90s kid, or simply appreciate the unique charm of the era, then Schooled is poised to become your new favorite show. AJ Michalka, herself a proud ’90s girl, revealed her personal connection to the decade’s pop culture, admitting she was a massive fan of music icons like Britney Spears and NSYNC back in the day. This personal affinity for the decade ensures that the show’s portrayal will be authentic, heartfelt, and meticulously detailed.

The series isn’t shy about its commitment to ’90s nostalgia. Michalka eagerly teased some exciting upcoming episodes, including a direct “ode to She’s All That,” one of the quintessential teen romantic comedies of the era. This kind of specific homage suggests a rich tapestry of references that will delight viewers who remember the decade fondly. Beyond just specific films, Schooled aims to capture the broader spirit of the ’90s – a period characterized by the burgeoning internet culture, the rise of grunge music, the dominance of boy bands and girl groups, iconic sitcoms, and unique fashion trends that effortlessly blended grunge with preppy and hip-hop influences. Expect to see everything from oversized flannels and slip dresses to platform shoes, choker necklaces, and perhaps even some frosted tips making a stylish comeback on screen, creating an immersive experience for every viewer.

Desired Guest Stars and Iconic ’90s Figures

To further enhance the show’s ’90s authenticity and appeal, Michalka shared her dream list of guest stars and creative collaborators. “There’s so much we throw back to,” she stated, expressing a strong desire to bring in talent directly from the era that defined the show’s setting. “I would love to get a Lisa Kudrow or an Alicia Silverstone on the show or even like a guest star director like Amy Heckerling, who did Clueless.” The inclusion of such figures, whether in front of or behind the camera, would undoubtedly add an extra layer of credibility, charm, and excitement for fans who cherish ’90s cinema and television. Imagining Lisa Kudrow, famous for her iconic role as Phoebe Buffay in Friends, or Alicia Silverstone, the unforgettable Cher Horowitz from Clueless, making an appearance in William Penn High is a thrilling prospect that would perfectly blend the show’s comedic tone with genuine ’90s star power.

While those are dream scenarios, Schooled has already secured some impressive talent known for their contributions to nostalgic cinema. Michalka highlighted their good fortune, mentioning, “we’re lucky enough to have like Lea Thompson and Jay Chandrasekhar, people who have done nostalgic films that the fans, if they’re looking close enough, will go, ‘Wow, this was directed by Lea.'” Lea Thompson is widely recognized for her memorable role in the beloved Back to the Future franchise, a cornerstone of ’80s and ’90s pop culture, while Jay Chandrasekhar is celebrated for his work with Broken Lizard and films like Super Troopers, which have garnered a significant cult following. Their involvement, even behind the scenes, ensures that the spirit of classic, feel-good cinema and comedic filmmaking is woven into the very fabric of Schooled, offering subtle yet impactful nods that true film buffs and ’90s enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate.

The Goldbergs Universe Expands: Exciting Crossovers and Enduring Family Ties

As a direct spinoff, Schooled proudly maintains strong ties to its popular predecessor, The Goldbergs, creating an interconnected universe that fans have grown to love and anticipate. AJ Michalka confirmed that many characters will “weave between both shows,” promising delightful crossovers and satisfying continuity for long-time viewers. One of the most anticipated appearances is none other than the iconic Goldberg matriarch herself, Beverly Goldberg, portrayed by the incomparable Wendi McLendon-Covey. This particular crossover is not just a fleeting cameo; it’s pivotal to Lainey’s brand-new career path, adding depth and humor to her journey.

“Beverly Goldberg will make an appearance, and she actually is the one who gets me this [teaching] job,” AJ revealed, detailing a key plot point. This narrative choice creates a humorous and heartwarming link between the two series, showcasing Beverly’s enduring, albeit often overbearing, influence on Lainey’s life. Lainey’s gratitude is evident: “So I owe everything to Beverly, and she’s actually probably my favorite cameo.” The idea of Beverly Goldberg, with her signature smothering love, unique fashion sense, and unconventional methods, being the catalyst for Lainey’s teaching career at William Penn is a comedic stroke of genius that perfectly encapsulates the charm of this shared universe. Fans can eagerly look forward to seeing how Beverly’s unchanging ’80s sensibilities clash or connect with Lainey’s ’90s challenges, adding another rich layer of inter-generational humor and heartwarming moments to the show.

A Potential Family Affair: Aly Michalka’s Guest Role

Beyond the established crossover characters, AJ Michalka has also been actively discussing future guest appearances with series creator Adam F. Goldberg, always seeking new ways to enrich the show. A particularly exciting prospect involves her real-life sister, Aly Michalka, potentially joining the cast of Schooled. “I kind of want to bring her in as like a bad cousin or something,” AJ playfully teased, sparking immediate excitement among fans. The idea of the Michalka sisters sharing the screen within the Schooled universe is undoubtedly appealing to their vast fanbase, who have followed their successful careers both individually and as the beloved musical duo Aly & AJ.

An appearance by Aly, perhaps as a rebellious family member, a quirky new teacher, or even a ’90s pop star cameo, would not only provide a fun Easter egg for dedicated fans but also leverage the sisters’ natural chemistry and established rapport, adding a unique and dynamic element to the show. The potential for such a cameo highlights the creative freedom and playful spirit that defines Schooled, ensuring that the series remains fresh, exciting, and full of delightful surprises for its growing audience. This kind of thoughtful integration of real-life connections further deepens the show’s personal touch and broadens its appeal.

The Enduring Appeal of Schooled: A Perfect Blend of Humor, Heart, and History

Ultimately, Schooled promises to be more than just a simple trip down memory lane; it’s a heartfelt and humorous exploration of teaching, growing up, and the unique challenges and joys of the 1990s. With AJ Michalka confidently leading the charge as Lainey Lewis, audiences are invited to witness her transformative journey from a high school rock-and-roll dream to a dedicated, albeit still cool and unconventional, music teacher. The show’s unwavering commitment to authentic ’90s detailing, combined with its strong comedic writing, relatable characters, and seamless integration into The Goldbergs universe, positions it as a worthy successor and a standout comedy in its own right.

Whether you’re a devoted fan of The Goldbergs eager to see familiar faces in a new decade, a ’90s enthusiast keen to relive your youth and all its iconic moments, or simply looking for a witty, entertaining, and heartwarming sitcom, Schooled offers a delightful blend of nostalgia, humor, and genuine heart. Prepare to laugh, reminisce, and maybe even bust out some old dance moves as William Penn High reopens its doors to a brand new, totally tubular decade, proving that some things, like the spirit of the ’90s, are simply timeless.