The Controversial Departure of Kelly and Jessie from 'Saved by the Bell'

Saved by the Bell was a popular television series that captivated audiences during the 1990s. However, the show's fifth season faced an interesting turn of events that involved the departure of two beloved characters: Kelly Taylor and Jessie Spano, played by Elizabeth Berkley and Tiffani Thiessen respectively. This article delves into the reasons for their exit and the aftermath.

The Reasons for Kelly and Jessie's Departure

During the show's fifth season in 1992, actresses Elizabeth Berkley and Tiffani Thiessen pursued other projects, which led to their temporary absence from the series. The producers, wanting to maintain continuity and the integrity of the show, adjusted the storylines to explain the characters' departures through various plot devices. These devices included having the characters attend different schools or take time off from the main group.

Aftermath of Their Departure

Despite their temporary absence, there was skepticism and disappointment among fans when Kelly and Jessie did not return for the TV movie that concluded the series. Instead of having their characters come back, the producers chose to bring in a new character named Tori, played by Leanna Creel, for the 11 additional episodes ordered by NBC. This decision was made due to the success of the show and the desire for more content from the network.

The Introduction of Tori

NBC's decision to order 11 additional episodes for the fourth and final season presented a problem: these episodes were to follow the series' conclusion, where the main characters had already graduated from Bayside High School. Most of the original cast agreed to continue for the final 11 episodes, but Tiffani-Amber Thiessen and Elizabeth Berkley, who played Kelly and Jessie, decided not to return. This led to the inclusion of Tori in the show for the final episodes.

The Alternating Format

In the United States, NBC decided to alternate between episodes featuring the original cast and the Tori episodes. This alternation was particularly noticeable during the Saturdays when two episodes would air back-to-back. The series finale, which featured the original cast, was broadcast in prime time on May 22, 1993, as all other final season episodes and the Tori episodes had already aired.

Influences and Legacy

The departure of Kelly and Jessie, and the introduction of Tori, had a significant impact on the show's legacy. Fans were divided, with some content with the decision to include new characters and others feeling that the continuity of the show was compromised. This event also contributed to the mythic quality surrounding the show, as many fans attributed the characters' milestones to real events.

Conclusion

The departure of Kelly Taylor and Jessie Spano from Saved by the Bell remains a topic of discussion among fans. The decision to include new characters like Tori was a pragmatic response to the network's demands and the success of the show. However, it also created a lasting impact on the series' narrative and legacy.