The Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise comprises the ongoing timeline and shared characters that link the American television series Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990); Melrose Place (1992); Models Inc. (1994); 90210 (2008); Melrose Place (2009); and the 2019 revival BH90210, which takes place outside of the franchise continuity.
The continuity, which progresses in real time, was introduced in 1990 with the debut of Darren Star's teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, which was produced by Aaron Spelling and initially aired on the FOX television network in the United States. After this series became a worldwide success in 1991, Star expanded the franchise with 1992's Melrose Place, a drama about young adults in Los Angeles. The third series, Models Inc., aired from June 1994 to March 1995.
The fourth entry, simply titled 90210, was developed by Rob Thomas, Gabe Sachs, and Jeff Judah, and premiered on The CW on September 2, 2008. On September 8, 2009, the fifth series, a follow-up to Melrose Place, also debuted on The CW, and concluded in April 2010.
The franchise has been generally well received among young audiences. Some characters have appeared in multiple shows throughout the continuity. Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling, Brian Austin Green, and Ian Ziering are the only actors who appeared in a show's entire run, while Grant Show appeared in all three of the original series.
In February 2019, it was announced that a six-episode revival, set outside of continuity, had been ordered by FOX and that the show would be titled BH90210. The series aired between August and September 2019.
Production
While planning a new teen drama in 1989–1990, executives at FOX learned of Darren Star's interest in writing youth-oriented screenplays. Upon being hired by the network, Star created the concept and characters for the series that would eventually become Beverly Hills, 90210. The unexpected worldwide success of this project, as well as that of the spin-off Melrose Place, was largely credited with launching Star's career, while bringing early fortune to FOX in the process.
Aaron Spelling, whose company produced the shows, was well known for producing some of the most famous hit series on television, including Charlie's Angels (1976–81), The Love Boat (1977–86), and Dynasty (1981–89). Spelling would also produce the next show in the franchise, Models Inc., in 1994.
Melrose Place was initially inspired by Star's own professional aspirations during his 20s, while Models Inc. was born when FOX asked Spelling for an eight-part summer series. When ratings proved adequate, the show continued throughout the following television season. Models Inc. concluded in 1995, Melrose Place finished in 1999, and Beverly Hills, 90210 ended in 2000.
In 2008, the franchise returned via the fourth production, 90210, attracting a new collection of noted creators. Rob Thomas, known for the television show Veronica Mars, began the initial work on the project. Prior to the premiere, Thomas was succeeded by producers Jeff Judah and Gabe Sachs, both known for the series Freaks and Geeks and Undeclared. During the first season, Rebecca Sinclair, who had previously worked on Gilmore Girls and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, became the series' new show runner. In June 2009, a fifth production, a follow-up to Melrose Place, was officially confirmed.
Writers
Emmy-nominated scribe Charles Rosin joined Beverly Hills, 90210 in its first year and served as a writer and executive producer, scripting several episodes in seasons to come along with his wife Karen. Other prominent writers of the first series included John Eisendrath and Steve Wasserman.
Charles Pratt, Jr. and Frank South worked closely with Darren Star in writing early seasons of Melrose Place, helping to set the tone of the series as it grew in popularity. Pratt and South would then create the similarly toned Models Inc. Rebecca Sinclair wrote for 90210 during the first season prior to her promotion.
Casting
Throughout its run, the franchise has attracted several established actors, while bringing fame to others and the roles which they have portrayed. The narrative's most widely seen character is Jennie Garth's Kelly Taylor, who was instrumental in launching two spin-offs, and has been used in the most episodes throughout the continuity. Also made famous via the first program was male lead Jason Priestley, who earned Golden Globe nominations and began a directorial career via the series, and actor Luke Perry, who won acclaim and drew comparisons to James Dean. The first series brought fame to several other cast members as well.