Staff Reporter
Today marks 35 years since Beverly Hills, 90210 first hit the airwaves, changing the landscape of teen television and turning a ZIP code into a shorthand for wealth, drama, and teenage angst. The show, which ran for 10 seasons, followed twins Brandon and Brenda Walsh, Midwest transplants adjusting to life among the privileged youth of Beverly Hills.
Story Highlights:
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Beverly Hills, 90210 celebrates 35 years since its premiere.
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The show followed twins Brandon and Brenda Walsh navigating life in Beverly Hills.
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Addressed teen issues including drug use, mental health, sexuality, and pregnancy.
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Filmed in Los Angeles: Torrance High School, Occidental College, Altadena Walsh home.
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Gabrielle Carteris became SAG-AFTRA president; Garth and Spelling launched 9021OMG podcast.
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Shannon Doherty and Luke Perry, iconic cast members, have passed away.
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Influence continues through the 2019 reboot and teen dramas like Gossip Girl and Euphoria.
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LA locations contributed heavily to the show’s cultural resonance.
“We wanted to tell stories that mattered to teenagers,” creator Darren Star once said. “The drama, the romance, the friendships—all of it reflected real experiences in a heightened, glamorous setting.”
The series was not just about high school parties and cliffhangers. It confronted serious issues rarely addressed on network TV at the time, including teenage pregnancy, drug use, mental health struggles, and sexual experiences. Fans still remember Brenda Walsh’s complicated romance with Dylan McKay, a relationship that defined a generation of viewers.
Los Angeles itself was more than a backdrop—it was almost a character. Torrance High School stood in for West Beverly Hills High, while Occidental College doubled as the fictional California University. The show’s frequent exterior shots captured the city’s essence, from Sunset Strip clubs to Valley neighborhoods, showcasing a side of Los Angeles that had rarely been seen on TV. Even the Walsh family home in Altadena has endured the test of time, standing untouched beside a fire-ravaged property.
“Filming in Los Angeles gave the show authenticity,” said Gabrielle Carteris, who played school paper editor Andrea Zuckerman. “Viewers recognized the city, and that connection made our stories more real.”
Many cast members have remained active in Hollywood long after the show ended. Gabrielle Carteris served as president of SAG-AFTRA, leading 160,000 performers for over five years. Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling, beloved as Kelly Taylor and Donna Martin, launched a rewatch podcast called 9021OMG in 2020, offering fans behind-the-scenes anecdotes and reigniting interest in the series.
But the Beverly Hills, 90210 fandom has also felt loss. Shannon Doherty, who portrayed the fiery Brenda Walsh, passed away in July 2024 after a decade-long battle with breast cancer. Luke Perry, Dylan McKay and teen heartthrob, died in 2019 following a major stroke.
Despite these tragedies, the show’s influence continues. The 2019 reboot and spiritual successors like Gossip Girl, The O.C., and Euphoria carry the DNA of Beverly Hills, 90210, highlighting teen romance, family drama, and social issues. In a tribute to Perry, Riverdale cast him in his final role as a steady, blue-collar father, honoring his legacy.
“The magic of Beverly Hills, 90210 was never just about the glamour,” said Tori Spelling. “It was about connection, friendship, and the challenges teens face everywhere.”
After 35 years, Beverly Hills, 90210 remains more than a teen drama—it is a cultural touchstone. From the Walsh twins’ trials to iconic L.A. locations, the show shaped television storytelling, influenced generations, and left a lasting mark on pop culture. Its legacy continues through reboots, podcasts, and spiritual successors, proving that the drama, friendships, and challenges of Beverly Hills are timeless.
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