Saved by the Bell: The College Years

Saved by the Bell: The College Years
File:Sbtbcollegeyears.jpg The cast of The College Years.
Genre	Sitcom
Created by	Sam Bobrick
Developed by	Elaine Aronson
Written by	Elaine Aronson Andy Guerdat Steve Kreinberg Noah Taft Bennett Tramer Mark Fink Brett Dewey Ronald Solomon
Directed by	Miguel Higuera Jeffrey Melman
Starring	Mark-Paul Gosselaar Mario López Dustin Diamond Anne Tremko Kiersten Warren Bob Golic Tiffani-Amber Thiessen
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of seasons	1
No. of episodes	19
Production
Executive producer	Peter Engel
Running time	22 minutes
Production companies	Peter Engel Productions NBC Productions
Original release
Network	NBC
Release	May 22, 1993 – February 8, 1994

Saved by the Bell: The College Years is a sequel to the Saved by the Bell series which ran from May 22, 1993 to February 8, 1994, lasting one season. It was the third incarnation of the franchise. It is also the only series of the franchise to air on primetime television instead of Saturday mornings. It aired on NBC on Tuesday evenings.

Premise

"Saved by the Bell: The College Years" was very similar to Saved by the Bell; the plot line had to do with the six characters getting into trouble each week at California University, under the watchful eye of Mike Rodgers, the dorm adviser. The series included Zack Morris, Samuel 'Screech' Powers, and A.C Slater (from the original Saved by the Bell series) as the main characters, along with newcomers Leslie Burke (Anne Tremko), Alex Tabor (Kiersten Warren) and Danielle Marks (Essence Atkins). After the pilot, however, Atkins's role was eliminated, and Tiffani-Amber Thiessen returned to the show as Kelly Kapowski (in the show, it was explained that Danielle decided to "transfer to another college").

During the first and second episodes, the series centered around Zack's schemes to try to get Leslie to like him (Leslie hated Zack at first). Later, when Kelly returned to the show, Zack had to make a decision about who he really loved (as he still had feelings for Kelly). When Kelly and Leslie found out about Zack secretly liking both of them, they decided to both dump him. Starting with the third episode, the plot line changed, and became more centered around the whole gang (instead of just Leslie and Zack) and their various college issues.

In the beginning of the series, Mike Rodgers (the dorm adviser) was portrayed as tough-as-nails, although later in the series, he became softer and took a liking to the kids. Mike played for the 49ers at one point, but later decided to quit to become the Cal U dorm adviser. In one episode, he tried to train so he could play football again, but decided it was too much work and went back to his old job. Beginning with Episode 15 ("The Rave"), Dean Susan McMann (Holland Taylor) became involved with the series as the "Mr. Belding"- type character. She took the role of the tough-as-nails authority figure that Mike originally was supposed to be at the beginning of the series. Like Mr. Belding, she took a disliking to Zack's schemes and often had to punish him in various ways because of his schemes.

Much of the series had to do with Zack trying to win the affection of Kelly, who was currently in love with their anthropology professor Jeremiah Lasky. Eventually, Zack won Kelly over and they got engaged.

The series was cancelled after only one season, due to a very low average of 7.8 million people per household. It was also ranked 88th in the yearly ratings. It dealt with huge competition from Full House and Rescue 911, both of which were ranked in the top 30 yearly ratings. Only 19 episodes were produced. Episode 19 ("Wedding Plans") left the series with a cliffhanger ending, where Zack and Kelly had not yet gotten married. Due to shock and outrage of fans, a 20th episode (a 90-minute TV movie, Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas) was produced to wrap up the series. All the main actors agreed to come back for the movie, except Anne Tremko, who refused to be in the movie. This series was the last to feature main characters Zack Morris, A.C. Slater and Kelly Kapowski, except for occasional appearances in Saved by the Bell: The New Class. Zack, Slater and Lisa (who only appeared in Episodes 19 and 20) all appeared again in "Goodbye Bayside" Part 2, which marked the last appearance to date of Zack and Lisa. Slater appeared one more time in "Fire at the Max: Part 2" of the New Class. Kelly never again appeared after "Wedding in Las Vegas." Screech, however, would return in The New Class Season 2-7 as Mr. Belding's administrative assistant on a work-study program from Cal U.

Cast

• Mark-Paul Gosselaar as Zack Morris
• Mario López as A.C. Slater
• Dustin Diamond as Samuel "Screech" Powers
• Tiffani-Amber Thiessen as Kelly Kapowski
• Anne Tremko as Leslie Burke
• Kiersten Warren as Alex Tabor
• Bob Golic as Mike Rogers
• Essence Atkins as Danielle Marks (pilot only)
• Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky
• Holland Taylor as Dean Susan McMann

List of episodes

No.	Title	Original air date	U.S. viewers (in millions)
1	"Pilot"	May 22, 1993 (1993-05-22)	6.7/14
Zack, Slater and Screech go to Cal U and find out they have three beautiful girls as roommates. Also starring: Essence Atkins as Danielle Marks Guest stars: Steve Easton as the Coach, Elena Lyons as Sonya, Chad Wood as Wrestler
2	"Guess Who's Coming to College?"	September 14, 1993 (1993-09-14)	9.9/16
Just when Zack and Leslie begin to become close, Kelly Kapowski shows up at Cal U, and Zack finds himself falling in love with her again. Zack must make a tough decision: continue going out with Leslie, or go out with Kelly again. Meanwhile, Slater takes classes that are too easy for him and Alex tries to get into a drama class. Guest star: George Kee Cheung as Chinese Professor Note: Tiffani Amber-Thiessen joins the cast as Kelly in this episode and Essence Atkins's role of Danielle Marks is dropped after the pilot. It is explained in the show that Danielle transferred to another college.
3	"Zack, Lies and Videotape"	September 14, 1993 (1993-09-14)	9.9/16
Proffesor Lasky gives Zack an assignment to find out what women really want. Zack at first takes it as a joke, but in the end, Zack realizes the importance of the assignment. Meanwhile, Slater tries to gain weight so he can become a heavyweight wrestler. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Matthea Webb, Hillary Matthews, Kelli Kirkland and Jenny Cooper as Women #1-4, Kevin Marshall Brady as The Student and Damon Preston as Wrestler
4	"Rush Week"	September 21, 1993 (1993-09-21)	9.0/15
Zack and Slater hope to get into a fraternity, but are worried that Screech will ruin their chances. Meanwhile, the girls try to get into different sorrorities. Guest stars:Matt Letscher as Rick, Charles Carpenter and David Markus as Frat Guys, Susan Collins as Julie, Tatanya Carmichael as Karen, and Lisa Ann Russell as Sorrority Girl
5	"Slater's War"	September 28, 1993 (1993-09-28)	7.8/13
Slater meets a Hispanic rights activist and begins to embrace his Chicano culture. Guest stars: Ara Celi as Theresa Alvarez, Olivia White as Professor Hopkins, and James Gleason as Mr. Novak
6	"The Homecoming"	October 5, 1993 (1993-10-05)	8.0/13
Zack is excited when he is invited to the Cal U Homecoming by football star Johnny Walters, but changes his mind after some of the football players sexually harass Kelly. Meanwhile, Alex becomes the Cal U mascot (Freddy the Falcon), and Leslie tries to shock her parents by bringing Screech to the Homecoming Dance. Guest stars: Charles Grant as Johnny Walters, Edward Winter and Gloria Loring as Leslie's Parents
7	"The Poker Game"	October 12, 1993 (1993-10-12)	9.1/15
The girls fall in love with their new karate instructor, and attempt to win his affection leading to a series of comical mishaps. Meanwhile, the guys try to set Mike up on a date so they can illegally play poker. Guest stars: Dan Clark as John Hammer, Mindy Sterling as Clara Meade, Heather Parkhurst as Sally, Nancy Stafford as Judith Trudell, and David DeLuise as Tony
8	"Professor Zack"	October 19, 1993 (1993-10-19)	8.5/14
Zack poses as Professor Lasky to impress a girl (who turns out to be the Chancellor's daughter). Meanwhile, the girls make a pin-up calendar. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: John Fink as Chancellor Williams and Brittney Powell as Jennifer
9	"Screech Love"	October 26, 1993 (1993-10-26)	7.9/13
Screech begins tutoring school tennis star Linda Addington and begins to fall in love with her, but he is devastated when he finds out Zack also likes her. Meanwhile, Slater brings Alex to his wrestling matches as a good luck charm, and Kelly and Leslie try to meet older college guys. Guest stars: Hillary Danner as Linda Addington and Deborah Hershey as Judy
10	"Dr. Kelly"	November 2, 1993 (1993-11-02)	7.4/12
Kelly leaves her dream of becoming a doctor behind to work at a popular sports bar. Meanwhile, Leslie fills in for Kelly at her old job in the medical center. Guest stars: Tony Rizzoli as Mr. Savio, Donna Barnes as Debi, Diana Tanaka as Dr. Wong, Ric Coy as the Frat Member, Brian Hopkins as Guy, and Martin Davis as Customer.
11	"A Thanksgiving Story"	November 23, 1993 (1993-11-23)	7.4/12
Slater, Zack, Kelly and Alex try to go home for Thanksgiving, but when Mike's car breaks down, they decide to help Mike prepare a Thanksgiving dinner for underprivileged kids. This soon turns into a disaster when Screech buys frozen turkeys instead of cooked ones, until Mr. Belding and various other celebrities bring food to save the day. Guest stars: Eric Champnella as Associate Youth Director, Randy McLeod as Youth Counselor, Curtis Swanson as Delivery Man, Marty York as Boy Special guest stars: Dennis Haskins as Mr. Belding, Marv Albert, Jonathan Brandis, Marsha Warfield, Jenna Von Oy/ Six (from Blossom) and Brian Austin Green
12	"Teacher's Pet"	December 7, 1993 (1993-12-07)	5.8/10
Zack falls in love with Kelly again, but he realizes that she now has feelings for Proffesor Lasky. Meanwhile, Screech takes Professor Lasky's chimp home with him. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Jamie Smith as Abby, Jonathan Anderson as the Husky Guy, and Rod Bierman as Keith Note: This is part 1 of a two-part story arc.
13	"Kelly & the Professor"	December 14, 1993 (1993-12-14)	7.7/13
Zack jealously tells everyone that Kelly and Professor Lasky are having relations. Meanwhile, the rest of the gang takes a relationship test to see who they should go out with, with the results being Screech & Alex, and Leslie & Slater. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Note: This is part 2 of a two-part story arc.
14	"A Question of Ethics"	December 21, 1993 (1993-12-21)	6.7/11
Zack must decide what the right thing to do is after he finds a copy of the Ethics midterm. Guest stars: Mindy Sterling as Clara Meade, Mary-Pat Green as Marlene and Lasondra Zarif as Customer
15	"The Rave"	January 4, 1994 (1994-01-04)	7.1/12
Zack throws a rave in his dorm when Mike is gone, so he can afford to take Kelly to Cancun. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Holland Taylor as Dean McMann, Tim Griffin as Jason, Jake Grace as Stingray and Alle Ghadban as Guy
16	"Bedside Manner"	January 11, 1994 (1994-01-11)	6.3/10
Kelly begins her relationship with Professor Lasky again, and Zack goes to great lengths to break the relationship up, even going so far as to become a doctor at the medical center that Kelly works at. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Holland Taylor as Dean McMann, Diana Tanaka as Dr. Wong, Adam Philipson as Will, Timothy Elwell as Nurse Gruen and Stephen Garvin as Male Orderly
17	"Love & Death"	January 25, 1994 (1994-01-25)	4.8/8
After one of Zack's favorite professors suddenly passes away, he begins taking unnecessary risks while mourning. Guest stars: Holland Taylor as Dean McMann, Frank Farmer as Minister, Don Mirault as Sky Diving Instructor and Victor Raider-Wexler as Professor Rich
18	"Marry Me"	February 8, 1994 (1994-02-08)	8.7/13
After Kelly is invited on a three-month cruise trip, Zack tries to do anything possible to stop her from going. Zack later has a dream about Kelly with another man and realizes he wants to marry Kelly. Meanwhile, Slater and Alex break up. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Paul Kersey as Curtis, Jake Grace as Stingray, Ami Dolenz as Christy and Holland Taylor as Dean McMann
19	"Wedding Plans"	February 8, 1994 (1994-02-08)	8.7/13
While Zack and Kelly make wedding plans, Screech and Slater fight over who will be the best man. Meanwhile, Lisa Turtle stops in for an unexpected visit, prompting another fight between Leslie, Alex and Lisa about who will be the maid of honor. Also starring: Patrick Fabian as Professor Jeremiah Lasky Guest stars: Holland Taylor as Dean McMann, Jake Grace as Stingray, Marty Rackam as Stan, Dean Scofield as Reverend Dunlap, Kathy Hartsell as the Cop, Brittany Levenbrown as Zackerina and Nathaniel Meyst as Zack Jr. Special guest star: Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle Note: This episode is the final appearance of Anne Tremko as Leslie Burke.
20	"Wedding in Las Vegas"	October 7, 1994 (1994-10-07)	8.1/15
Zack and Kelly attempt to get married, but run into trouble when they find out Kelly's parents can't afford the wedding and Zack's parents are against it. Guest stars: Liz Vassey as Carla and Gilbert Gottfried as Bert Banner Special guest stars: Lark Voorhies as Lisa Turtle, Dennis Haskins as Mr. Belding, and Elizabeth Berkley as Jessie Spano Absent: Anne Tremko as Leslie Burke Note: Officially "Wedding Plans" was the last episode of the series, and this episode is considered a "separate TV movie," although most fans consider this as episode 20 of the series (because it gives closure to the series).

Media releases

Saved by the Bell: The College Years was released on DVD in Region 1 by Image Entertainment on August 17, 2004. As of 2010, this release has been discontinued and is out of print. Currently, no plans have been made to re-release the series on DVD, although the series is now available on Amazon Instant Video.

External links

• Saved by the Bell: The College Years at IMDb
• Template:Tv.com show