A couple of weekends ago we caught a marathon of “I Love the 80s” on VH1 and spent what seemed like a good portion of the day watching it and laughing at all the quintessential ’80s things we remember. And it had to happen.
1989.
The year that “Saved by the Bell” debuted on NBC.
You’re wondering why that matters. You’re probably thinking of not visiting my site again.
This is significant because of a certain theory I have about that show.
And I’m not talking about “The New Class” or “The College Years,” no way. (Although “The College Years” did continue with Zack, Screech, Slater, and eventually Kelly.) No, the original series is where it’s at.
It’s only with the original series, anyway, that my theory comes into play.
Here it comes.
Bear in mind, this is a phenomenon that I not only experienced firsthand, but have witnessed affecting others as well. Basically, it stems from this: whenever “Saved by the Bell” comes on, you can’t NOT watch it.
Doesn’t matter if you were aimlessly channel surfing, or watching a different show: if for some reason “Saved by the Bell” appears on your TV, you are compelled to watch it until the end. Invariably. I’ve even had people that I didn’t know watched the show confirm this. My theory? At best, there’s a subliminal element to the original series of “Saved by the Bell” that compels you to watch.
At worst? I shudder to think.
Some links for your gratification: