The final bell at Bayside High may have rung decades ago, but the show's legacy is more vibrant than ever thanks to a new generation of creators. For fans looking to keep that '90s spirit alive, these are the essential follows.
Dashiell Driscoll, The Master of Bayside Lore
If there’s a king of the 'Saved
by the Bell' fan universe, it’s Dashiell Driscoll. He's the mind behind the brilliant Funny Or Die web series 'Zack Morris is Trash', which hilariously exposes the titular character's many, many sociopathic schemes. This series isn't just a roast; it's a meticulously researched and sharply edited critique of the show's often-ignored dark side. Driscoll's encyclopedic knowledge is so profound that he was hired as a writer for the Peacock reboot, ensuring the new series was packed with authentic details. He also co-hosted the 'Zack to the Future' podcast with none other than Mark-Paul Gosselaar, where he guided the original Zack Morris through watching the series for the first time since it aired. Following Driscoll is like having a direct line to the world's foremost Bayside scholar.
‘Zack Morris Is Trash’, The Seminal Video Series
While Driscoll is the creator, the 'Zack Morris is Trash' series deserves its own spot on the list. For the uninitiated, each short episode isolates one of Zack’s schemes—from using subliminal messaging to brainwash girls to getting his best friend struck by lightning for personal gain—and lays his treachery bare with ruthless comedic narration. It reframes the charming rogue of our youth as the 'human garbage' the title proclaims. Watching this series changes how you see the show forever, turning a nostalgic sitcom into a dark comedy about a teenage monster who always gets away with it. It’s essential viewing for any fan with a sense of humor about the show’s more ridiculous and problematic plot points. It’s a masterclass in cultural commentary, all delivered in hilarious, bite-sized packages on YouTube.
April Richardson, The Podcast Pioneer
Long before podcasting was the ubiquitous medium it is today, comedian April Richardson was breaking down Bayside High one episode at a time on 'Go Bayside!'. From 2013 to 2017, Richardson and a rotating cast of funny guests watched and analyzed every single episode, from 'Good Morning, Miss Bliss' to 'The College Years'. What makes 'Go Bayside!' so special is Richardson's genuine, un-ironic love for the source material, paired with a sharp comedian's eye for absurdity. She and her guests, including a who's who of the comedy scene, apply real-world logic to the show's cartoonish plots, resulting in hilarious deconstructions of everything from Screech' own inventions to the gang's summer at Malibu Sands. The podcast is a foundational piece of 'Saved by the Bell' fan content and a joy to binge.
‘Saved by the Bell Reviewed’, The Deep-Dive Discussion
For fans who want to go even deeper, the 'Saved by the Bell Reviewed' podcast offers another fantastic episode-by-episode analysis. This podcast brings a panel discussion format to the table, with hosts David Bitzenhofer, Ryan Alexander_Tanner, and others providing an irreverent but loving look at the show. They dissect the plots, question the characters' motives, and celebrate the sheer weirdness that often defined the series. It’s the kind of conversation you wish you could have with your friends after re_watching an old episode. Their archive is a treasure trove for anyone looking to systematically revisit the entire series with funny and insightful companions guiding the way. It’s a perfect listen for a long commute or a lazy weekend.
The Fan Community on Reddit
Sometimes the best creator is a community. The 'Saved by the Bell' subreddit is a bustling, modern_day version of The Max where fans of all ages gather to discuss everything from favorite episodes to fan theories. It's a living archive of fandom, where you can find discussions on whether Zack was really a good friend, debates over Kelly vs. Lisa, and appreciations for the show's most iconic fashion moments. Unlike a single podcast or video series, this is an ever_evolving conversation. New threads pop up daily, analyzing character arcs, sharing nostalgic memories, and even discussing the latest news about the cast. For anyone who wants to feel connected to a larger group of Bayside enthusiasts, joining the subreddit is a must.
