Will Beverly Hills, 90210 Get a True Reboot? Jennie Garth & Tori Spelling Discuss a Straight Revival

Fans of the iconic 90s series Beverly Hills, 90210 have long dreamed of seeing their favorite characters return to the screen in a genuine revival. While the 2019 Fox reboot, BH90210, offered a unique meta-take on the beloved drama, it wasn’t quite the direct continuation many had hoped for. Now, two of the show’s most enduring stars, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, are openly discussing the possibility of a more traditional reboot, reigniting hope among a dedicated fanbase.

The 2019 iteration, BH90210, premiered with considerable fanfare and an initial fan frenzy. However, despite the nostalgic excitement, it ultimately wasn’t popular enough to secure a second season. This could be largely attributed to its unconventional format. Instead of a straight-forward reboot or revival that picked up with the original characters’ lives, BH90210 offered a meta-fictional approach. It focused on the original series’ stars — Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, and Shannen Doherty — playing heightened, fictionalized versions of themselves as they attempted to get a 90210 reboot off the ground. While innovative, this approach left some viewers craving the direct narrative continuation they had initially envisioned.

From Meta-Reboot to Podcast: Rekindling the 90210 Flame

Speaking exclusively to HollywoodLife, Jennie Garth explained that at the time of BH90210‘s conception, she and Tori Spelling were keen to do “something different and innovative.” They aimed to twist the traditional reboot formula, offering viewers a fresh perspective on the cast and the show’s legacy. However, their stance on a more direct revival appears to have evolved. While promoting their immensely popular iHeartRadio podcast, 9021OMG!, Tori Spelling made a revealing statement, expressing that she “can’t imagine not working” with her former co-stars again. On the podcast, Jennie and Tori have been rewatching the entire series from beginning to end, documenting their unfiltered reactions, memories, and insights. This immersive re-engagement with the show has evidently brought the magic of Beverly Hills, 90210 back to the forefront for the actresses, potentially influencing their openness to a future project that directly follows their iconic characters.

Before the 2019 premiere of BH90210, Jennie revealed that she and Tori had extensively discussed the various avenues for a Beverly Hills, 90210 comeback. “Should we do a straight reboot? Should we play those characters again and just catch up with them later in life?” These were the questions they pondered. Ultimately, they “were bent on the idea of doing something different and innovative,” leading to the unique meta-narrative seen in BH90210. Their intention was to approach the series from a “different perspective,” a creative choice that, while appreciated by some, also left a segment of the fanbase longing for something more familiar.

The Mixed Reception of BH90210 and the Desire for a Straight Revival

Jennie Garth candidly acknowledged the divided opinions on BH90210. “Some people loved it, [and] some people didn’t like it — they wanted [a] straight reboot.” This observation highlights the enduring appeal of the original characters and the desire among fans to see their stories continue uninterrupted. It’s precisely why Jennie herself wouldn’t rule out the idea of a straight-forward revival, akin to successful updates like Will & Grace, Roseanne, or even Fuller House. These shows managed to bring back beloved characters in their original roles, navigating new life stages while retaining the essence of what made them popular. However, Garth admits that getting the entire original cast back into their specific roles poses a significant challenge. “I can’t imagine everyone going back to those characters, but you know, crazier things have happened,” she remarked, hinting at the unpredictable nature of Hollywood and the power of fan demand.

Tori Spelling, on the other hand, appeared notably more optimistic and eager about the prospect of reuniting with her castmates. Her enthusiasm stems from the positive experiences shared during the filming of BH90210. “I can’t imagine, though, after the fun we had last summer, [and] all being back together and living together in Vancouver for the summer — I can’t imagine not working with them again,” Tori emphasized. Her words reflect a deep professional and personal bond forged over decades. For Tori, it’s not just about a project; it’s about the camaraderie and the unique chemistry they share. “I just want to be back with them and do something,” she added, making her desire for a reunion unequivocally clear. This sentiment is incredibly powerful, suggesting that the drive to collaborate again might be a strong catalyst for future projects, perhaps even a direct revival.

The Enduring Legacy of Beverly Hills, 90210

Beverly Hills, 90210 originally graced Fox’s airwaves for an impressive 10 seasons, from 1990 to 2000, becoming a cultural phenomenon that defined a generation. The series explored universal themes of friendship, love, betrayal, and coming-of-age against the glamorous backdrop of West Beverly High and later, their post-college lives. It launched the careers of its young cast and captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on television history. The show’s ability to tackle sensitive topics and its relatable characters ensured its place in the pop culture lexicon. This enduring legacy is precisely why fans remain so invested in the potential return of Brandon, Kelly, Donna, David, Steve, Andrea, and Valerie.

The success of the 9021OMG! podcast further underscores the deep affection and nostalgia fans hold for the series. Jennie and Tori’s unfiltered conversations about iconic episodes, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and personal reflections have created a vibrant community of listeners. The emotional impact of rewatching moments, particularly those featuring the late Luke Perry, who played Dylan McKay, has been a central theme of the podcast. This renewed connection to the material, both for the actresses and the audience, undoubtedly fuels the conversation around a potential revival. It serves as a reminder of the powerful narrative and character development that made the show so compelling in its original run.

What Would a “Straight Reboot” Look Like?

Should a “straight reboot” materialize, it would ideally pick up with the characters years later, exploring their adult lives, careers, and families. Fans could finally see where Kelly Taylor’s love life ultimately led, how Donna Martin and David Silver navigated their enduring relationship, what entrepreneurial ventures Steve Sanders pursued, and the impact of Brandon Walsh’s journalistic career. The challenge would be to update these characters for a modern audience while staying true to their established personalities and histories. It would require careful storytelling to acknowledge the passage of time, incorporate contemporary social issues, and potentially introduce new characters to carry the torch for a new generation.

While Jennie and Tori were careful not to reveal any concrete plans currently in the works, their recent comments and the success of their podcast clearly indicate a growing openness to revisiting their iconic roles in a more traditional format. For the millions of fans who grew up with Beverly Hills, 90210, the idea of a true revival remains a cherished dream. As two of the series’ most beloved figures continue to engage with the show’s past and present, the hope for a future where we can catch up with our favorite characters from West Beverly High burns brighter than ever.