6 reasons why confused fans should give BH90210 a chance

Confused by the meta premise of BH90210? Here’s six reasons to fans should tune in for the smart and self-deprecating reboot.

If the premiere episode of BH90210 left you wondering what’s going on, you’re probably not the only fan of Beverly Hills, 90210 scratching their head. The meta spin on reboot culture might have surprised diehard fans anticipating a straightforward revival of the ’90s teen soap that became a decade-long pop culture phenomenon. But the Peach Pit crew’s serving up something a little different.

In fact, BH90210 turns the reboot trend on its head with a story that’s meatier and more insightful than catching up with Brandon, Kelly, David, Donna, and the rest of the gang. With the cast playing exaggerated versions of themselves in a fictionalized world, they’re honoring where they came from while toying with their public personas. However, fans of the original will still find plenty to love. We’re giving you six reasons to give the reboot a fair shot.

[Head’s up: This article contains spoilers from the premiere episode.]

1. You wouldn’t be pleased with a real reboot either.

Let’s face it: No matter how beloved, fan-favorite shows or movies are rebooted, revived, or remade, there’s always a chorus of fans who are disappointed with the new product. Imagine how much louder that chorus would revolt if David and Donna had gotten divorced or Brandon and Kelly still weren’t back together. You might think BH90210 “ruins the legacy” of the series, but if you look deep down in your heart, you don’t want your characters messed with. This was the best option.

2. It’s the lighthearted escape we need.

It’s a secret to no one that the world gets heavier by the minute. Likewise, many of the most popular television series these days aren’t entirely fit for escapism. Being so, fans should welcome a slice of TV comfort food like BH90210 with open arms. We know and love these performers, and even though they aren’t playing the characters that made them famous, we should trust them to, as a group, combine their talents once again and provide a nostalgic hideaway.

3. But it’s also as wild as the original.

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True, nothing could top the crazy plot twists from Beverly Hills, 90210, and there aren’t any fires or hostage situations (at least, not yet). But BH90210 proves that its earned the “soapedy” title its been given by creators and stars Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth. Following their reunion in Las Vegas for a 30th anniversary convention, the gang gets arrested when Tori steals a Donna Martin dress on display. Not to mention, Jason and Jennie sleep together, the gang catches Ian’s wife cheating on FaceTime, Gabrielle kisses a fan, and Brian has a stalker.

4. Figuring out fact vs. fiction is fun.

Yes, they’re technically playing themselves, but not everything included in the show has happened — or is currently happening. Tori has six kids and relies on a reality series for income, while Jennie’s three divorces are highly publicized.

Brian Austin Green, who’s married in real-life to Megan Fox, has taken a step out of the limelight to raise his kids while his more-famous pop star wife enjoys success. Deciphering what’s truth and what’s fabrication is half the excitement of the viewing experience, including all that Shannen Doherty shade (which is explicitly fiction).

5. The cast has never been better.

We have to kick it off with a shout out to Jennie Garth, who has never been better. The BH90210 version of Jennie might shock fans, as she’s unfiltered and uninhibited — two things Kelly Taylor never really was. But the liberation of poking fun at yourself and the media’s perception of your life can be felt in her excellent performance.

Likewise, Tori Spelling leans into the media speculation surrounding her finances, while also letting loose in the comedy zone she’s always been meant for. The remaining cast members still seem to be settling into the concept in the first episode, though Gabrielle Carteris’ gameness is a surprise, and Jason Priestley goes for absolute broke with his character.

6. We’ll still get to see our favorite characters.

Maybe it’s not in the capacity you would have preferred, but we will catch up with the Beverly Hills, 90210 characters. The episodes begin with a dream sequence featuring the stars back in Beverly Hills action, and that Peach Pit scene’s just the beginning. Now that Tori’s corralling the gang into a show-within-a-show reboot, the future holds more updates on the gang. The premiere also honors Luke Perry, who we see at the episode’s end as Dylan McKay in a beautiful dedication.

What did you think of the BH90210 premiere? Sound off in the comments!

BH90210 airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FOX.