Lifetime bows ‘Unauthorized’ Melrose Place and Beverly Hills 90210 films this month

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The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story (L to R) Abby Ross (“Tori Spelling/Donna Martin”), Michele Goyns (“Gabrielle Carteris/Andrea Zuckerman”), Ross Linton (“Brian Austin Green/David Silver”), Samantha Munro (“Shannon Doherty/Brenda Walsh”), Jesy McKinney (“Luke Perry/Dylan McKay”), Abbie Cobb (“Jennie Garth/Kelly Taylor”), David Lennon (“Ian Ziering/Steve Sanders”) and Max Lloyd-Jones (“Jason Priestley/Brandon Walsh”). Photo by Scott Schaffer Copyright 2015

Though August’s The Unauthorized Full House Story drew only tepid ratings as Full House fans eagerly await a more genial return to clan Tanner in Netflix’s upcoming Fuller House, Lifetime has given two popular ’90s nighttime soaps the same kitschy teleflick treatment. The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story  and The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story bow on back-t0-back Saturdays this month and feature The Simpsons‘ Dan Castellaneta as uber-producer Aaron Spelling (see below).

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Dan Castellaneta (“Aaron Spelling”) and Adam Korson (“Darren Starr”) in the all-new Lifetime movie, The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story. Photo by Sergei Bachlakov Copyright 2015

According to the network, The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story “will show the roller-coaster ride of the program’s first four seasons, highlighting the drama between cast members and producers both on and off set, including the series’ journey from several near-cancellations to its massive success and [the] lasting impression it has made on millions worldwide to this day.”

Populated by newcomers who bear vague resemblance to original cast members Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, Jennie Garth, Luke Perry, Tori Spelling, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green and Tiffani Thiessen, The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story also features seriously awesome ’90s hairdos (these poor male actors!) and excellent mall fashions. Memories!

A week later, Lifetime debuts The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story, crafted from material gleaned from “true stories and anecdotes from interviews with the original cast and crew,” including dish on early casting decisions, Heather Locklear’s arrival and other cast members begging for juicier storylines to steal the spotlight from her.

I still love Andrew Shue (Billy!) too much to make fun of this one. Or, you know, watch it. How about you? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story, premieres Saturday, October 10, at 8pm ET/PT Photo by Scott Schaffer Copyright 2015
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Frank Bailey (“Andrew Shue/Billy Campbell”), Teagan Vincze (“Marcia Cross/Kimberly Shaw”) and Chloe McClay (“Josie Bissett/Jane Mancini”) star in the all-new Lifetime movie, The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story. Photo by Sergei Bachlakov Copyright 2015

The Unauthorized Beverly Hills, 90210 Story premieres Oct. 3 at 8pm on Lifetime.

The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story premieres Oct. 10 at 8pm on Lifetime.

About Lori Acken 1195 Articles
Lori just hasn't been the same since "thirtysomething" and "Northern Exposure" went off the air.