Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling: An Emotional Rewatch of 90210 and Luke Perry’s Enduring Legacy on 9021OMG!

Nostalgia is a powerful force, especially when it comes to beloved television shows that defined a generation. For fans of the iconic 90s series, Beverly Hills, 90210, that wave of nostalgia has been expertly harnessed by two of its original stars, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling. Through their popular iHeartRadio podcast, 9021OMG!, these real-life best friends are embarking on an emotional journey, rewatching every episode of the show that launched them into stardom. As they delve back into the lives of Kelly Taylor and Donna Martin, along with the entire West Beverly High gang, they’ve been remarkably candid about the deeply personal experience, particularly concerning the late, beloved actor, Luke Perry.

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife.com, both Jennie and Tori revealed that revisiting scenes featuring Luke Perry, who portrayed the brooding heartthrob Dylan McKay, was initially one of their “biggest fears” when conceiving the podcast. The prospect of seeing their cherished friend, who tragically passed away in 2019, alive and vibrant on screen once more, brought with it a complex mixture of anticipation and apprehension. It was a fear rooted in the raw grief of his loss, and the understanding that reliving those moments could open old wounds.

“It was this fear of what the emotions would be like seeing him again in that capacity,” Tori Spelling explained, articulating the sentiment many fans who miss Perry undoubtedly share. “But I think, we’ve run the gamut with our emotions, but we’re really happy each week to celebrate him. It’s almost as if he’s right there by our side and we are living through those moments again with him.” This transformation from fear to a sense of comfort and celebration highlights the unique bond shared by the cast, and the healing power of shared memories. Each episode becomes a tribute, a way to honor his undeniable impact both on and off-screen.

Jennie Garth echoed her co-star’s feelings, acknowledging the difficulty while also finding solace in the process. “Watching those episodes, it’s definitely hard and brings up a lot of stuff — a lot of memories, and that’s hard to kind of accept in your mind,” she admitted. “But, Tori is right, in a way it’s comforting and it’s nice to be with him again, in a weird way.” This “weird way” speaks volumes about the emotional landscape they navigate – a bittersweet journey where grief and gratitude intertwine. As they watch 90210 now “as fan girls,” Tori continued, they “see what a powerful energy Luke was.” This fresh perspective allows them to appreciate his contributions to the series with a newfound depth, understanding the magic he brought to the screen from a detached, yet intimately connected, viewpoint.

Luke Perry, who embodied the quintessential bad boy with a heart of gold, Dylan McKay, heartbreakingly passed away on March 4, 2019, after suffering a tragic stroke. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left millions of fans mourning the loss of a true icon. “We see why the world fell in love with him,” Tori reflected, underscoring the universal appeal Perry possessed. “We were so in love with him. He was a brother. But the impact he had, you really see his presence on camera, and it’s nice to go back and give people a taste of what he was like behind the scenes and his humor and kindness off camera, as well.” This insight into his character beyond the script is a precious gift to fans, offering a glimpse into the genuine warmth and charisma that defined him as a person. The podcast serves as a conduit for sharing these personal anecdotes, cementing his legacy not just as an actor, but as a cherished friend and colleague.

The concept behind 9021OMG is simple yet brilliant: Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth, who played Donna Martin and Kelly Taylor respectively in the beloved 90s show, commit to rewatching every single episode from the very beginning. As they journey through the seasons, they share exclusive behind-the-scenes secrets, hilarious anecdotes, and never-before-heard stories from their time on set and beyond. This intimate format creates an unparalleled experience for listeners, transforming passive viewing into an active, engaging discussion. Their effortless banter and genuine chemistry, cultivated over decades of friendship, make each episode a delightful listen, filled with laughter, revelations, and sometimes, poignant reflections. It’s a true celebration of their shared history and the cultural phenomenon that was Beverly Hills, 90210.

“We have been actual best friends off-camera for about 30 years and we love working together and we love to find new and inventive ways to work together, and we wanted to do a girlfriends podcast and give back to fans!” Tori Spelling gushed, highlighting the deep roots of their partnership. Their enduring friendship is the heart of 9021OMG!, providing a foundation of trust and camaraderie that allows for open and honest discussions about their past. This authenticity resonates deeply with listeners, who feel like they are right there in the room with them, reminiscing and uncovering new layers of a show they thought they knew inside and out. It’s a testament to the power of their bond that they continue to find fresh and exciting avenues to collaborate, sharing their unique perspectives and continuing to connect with their dedicated fanbase.

Beyond the nostalgia and celebrity anecdotes, the podcast also offers a fascinating study in perspective. “Now, watching90210 as adults and having a different perspective on things, we have a whole new appreciation for the show!” Jennie Garth added, demonstrating how time and maturity can reshape our understanding of familiar narratives. What once seemed like simple teen drama now reveals deeper themes, complex character motivations, and even social commentary that might have been overlooked by younger viewers. Jennie even shared a humorous yet telling example of her evolved viewpoint: “I told Tori the other day I’m a fan, I’m like team Brenda now. When before I was team Kelly!” This playful revelation speaks volumes about the dynamic shifts in allegiances and understanding that come with re-evaluating past pop culture through an adult lens. It encourages listeners to revisit their own past favorites and discover new insights.

The enduring popularity of Beverly Hills, 90210 lies not just in its memorable characters and compelling storylines, but also in its ability to capture the zeitgeist of the 1990s. It explored themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and coming-of-age with a raw authenticity that resonated with millions of teenagers worldwide. The fashion, the music, the cultural references – all contributed to a show that became a definitive cultural touchstone. The 9021OMG! podcast taps into this rich vein of nostalgia, allowing fans to not only relive their favorite moments but also gain a deeper understanding of the show’s creation and impact. Jennie and Tori’s commentary adds invaluable context, illuminating the creative decisions, the personal struggles, and the triumphs that shaped the series. This unique blend of behind-the-scenes access and heartfelt reflection is precisely what makes the podcast so compelling for both long-time devotees and new generations discovering the magic of West Beverly for the first time.

In essence, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling have created more than just a rewatch podcast; they’ve cultivated a community space where grief, joy, and shared memories can coexist. Their candidness about the emotional journey of revisiting Luke Perry’s iconic presence is a testament to their deep affection for him and their desire to celebrate his life and work. Through their authentic storytelling and unwavering friendship, they remind us that the bonds formed on screen can transcend the fictional world, becoming a profound and lasting part of our lives. The weekly episodes of 9021OMG offer a comforting, illuminating, and often hilarious escape for anyone who ever dreamed of walking the halls of West Beverly High. Be sure to tune in and experience this unique journey alongside them, celebrating a show that continues to capture hearts, and remembering a friend who will forever be missed.