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We're going back to Bayside
NBCUniversal's streaming service Peacock will launch on Wednesday with a heaping list of originals and licensed library titles ready to watch. The new service is also planning to continue distinguishing itself in the already-crowded streaming market by offering a return of some TV favorites, including a Saved By the Bell sequel, a new Battlestar Galactica series, and a revival of Punky Brewster. Sadly, none of these titles will be available at launch, nor have any of the three shows announced premiere dates yet, but everything we've learned about them so far has done nothing but whet our appetites for these franchises' returns.
The Saved By the Bell revival, created by Tracey Wigfield (Great News), will feature several of the original series' stars, with Mario Lopez (A.C. Slater), Elizabeth Berkley (Jessie Spano), and Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris) returning to their roles alongside a new generation of Bayside preppies. The new series will take place at a time when Morris has become the governor of California and creates a scandal by closing too many low-income schools; to ameliorate the situation, he suggests sending those displaced kids to wealthier schools, including his old alma mater Bayside High. By the time we see them again, many of our old favorites will now be parents, with the characters' children taking on roles in the show as well -- including Jessie's sensitive jock son, Jamie (Belmont Cameli), and Zack's privileged son, Mac Morris (Mitchell Hoog). Champions alum Josie Totah, will also star as the sharp-tongued cheerleader Lexie.
Everything to Know About Peacock, NBCUniversal's New Streaming Service
The return to the realm of Battlestar Galactica will be overseen by Sam Esmail (Mr. Robot), and while details are slim on the straight-to-order series, it is expected to take place within the universe of Syfy's 2004 run rather than the 1978 original series. The new series will be neither a reboot nor a revival; Esmail clarified on Twitter that the show will "explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of Battlestar."
BSG fans, this will NOT be a remake of the amazing series @RonDMoore launched because... why mess with perfection? Instead, we'll explore a new story within the mythology while staying true to the spirit of Battlestar. So say we all!
— Sam Esmail (@samesmail) September 17, 2019
Meanwhile, the Punky Brewster revival will feature Soleil Moon Frye returning to the eponymous role. The show will find Punky as a single mother of three who meets a young girl in the foster system, Izzy (Quinn Copeland), who reminds Punky of herself at the age. Steve and Jim Amogida will wrote and executive produced the pilot, which was first revealed to be in the works in June 2019. The cast also includes Cherie Johnson, who will reprise her role as Punky's BFF Cherie, and Freddie Prinze, Jr., who will play Punky's ex-husband Travis.
Peacock, an ad-supported platform, launches on Wednesday, July 15.
Mario Lopez and Elizabeth Berkley, Saved By the Bell
Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank