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Canceled Too Soon? The Ultimate 2025 Update On Saved By The Bell (2020) And Where The Cast Is Now

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The *Saved by the Bell* (2020) reboot, a sharp, self-aware, and critically acclaimed revival of the iconic teen sitcom, remains a fascinating case study in the modern streaming landscape. As of December 22, 2025, the series has been officially off the air for several years, canceled by Peacock after just two seasons, leaving fans and critics alike wondering why a show that was praised for its humor and social commentary met such an abrupt end.

The show successfully blended the nostalgia of the original Bayside High crew—Zack Morris, Jessie Spano, A.C. Slater, and Kelly Kapowski—with a diverse and compelling new generation of students, using its premise to satirize issues of class and privilege in the American education system.

The Shocking Cancellation: Why Peacock Pulled the Plug on Bayside

The decision by Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service, to cancel the *Saved by the Bell* revival series after only two seasons was met with surprise, especially given the overwhelmingly positive critical reception.

The show, developed by Emmy-winning writer Tracey Wigfield, was a flagship series for the new streaming platform and was lauded for its smart writing, which took the original show's campy premise and turned it into a vehicle for topical authority and social commentary.

Several factors have been cited as the likely cause for the cancellation, pointing to the harsh realities of the streaming business model:

  • The "Netflix Playbook": One major theory is that Peacock followed a strategy often attributed to other streaming giants: canceling a show before it reaches a third season. This move allows the network to avoid costly contract renegotiations that typically occur after a second season, saving a significant amount of money.
  • Viewership Growth Concerns: While the show was critically successful, reports suggested that the viewership of the *Saved by the Bell* reboot may not have shown sufficient growth, or may have even experienced a decline in Season 2, which is a key metric for streaming services to justify renewal.
  • A Shifting Strategy: NBCUniversal executive Susan Rovner confirmed the cancellation, which was part of a broader reevaluation of content strategy on the Peacock platform. Despite its quality, the show simply did not align with the long-term, high-volume content goals of the service.

The cancellation was a disappointment for those who appreciated how the series, centered on the transfer of students from a lower-income school to the wealthy Bayside High, tackled issues of economic disparity, gender identity, and race with wit and heart.

The New Bayside Class: Where Are They Now in 2025?

The true legacy of the *Saved by the Bell* reboot lies in the talented ensemble of young actors who brought a fresh, modern perspective to Bayside. Since the series ended, they have all moved on to significant new projects, proving that the show was a major launching pad for their careers.

The Latest Projects of the Breakout Stars

The new generation of Bayside students, including Daisy, Lexi, Mac, Aisha, Jamie, and DeVante, are quickly becoming Hollywood mainstays. Here is a look at their biggest roles and ventures in 2025:

  • Josie Totah (Lexi Haddad-DeFabrizio): The breakout star, known for her sharp comedic timing as the school's popular and trans student, Lexi, has continued her rise. In 2025, she is starring as Mabel in the Apple+ film adaptation of *The Buccaneers*. Totah is also expanding her career behind the camera as an actress, writer, and producer.
  • Belmont Cameli (Jamie Spano): The actor who played Jessie Spano’s sweet-natured son, Jamie, has secured a major film role. Cameli is cast as Abe in the highly anticipated 2025 film *Until Dawn*.
  • Dexter Darden (DeVante Young): Darden, who played the talented but conflicted DeVante, is starring in the new Peacock series *Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist*, where he portrays the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. He also attended the 2025 AFI Fest for the premiere of *Song Sung Blue*.
  • Haskiri Velazquez (Daisy): Velazquez, who played the ambitious and conscientious Daisy, has been actively working on breaking stereotypes in film and television. She recently received her first producer credit on the independent film *Development*.
  • Mitchell Hoog (Mac Morris): The actor who played Zack and Kelly’s charmingly dim-witted son, Mac, is set to star in the 2025 war action film *Against All Odds*.
  • Alycia Pascual-Peña (Aisha Garcia): Pascual-Peña, who played the competitive and loyal Aisha, has been busy with film projects, including a role in the hit Netflix movie *Moxie*. She is also set to star opposite comedian Aida Rodriguez in the indie dramedy *Hurricane Seasons*.

The Original Cast's Enduring Legacy and Cameos

The success of the 2020 reboot was heavily reliant on the return of original cast members, who reprised their roles not just for nostalgia, but to drive the new narrative.

Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack Morris) returned as the now-Governor of California, whose policy decisions inadvertently set the stage for the entire reboot. His wife, Tiffani Thiessen (Kelly Kapowski), also returned as the First Lady of California.

The show's emotional core was often carried by Elizabeth Berkley Lauren (Jessie Spano) and Mario Lopez (A.C. Slater), who were main cast members and executive producers, adding a layer of continuity and maturity as they navigated life as Bayside adults.

These legacy characters provided the perfect bridge between the two generations, allowing the new cast to shine while paying respectful homage to the Peter Engel Productions original.

Topical Authority: The Reboot's Smartest Storylines

Unlike its predecessor, the *Saved by the Bell* (2020) revival was not afraid to tackle complex, real-world issues, earning its distinction as a "smart" reboot.

The central conflict, stemming from Zack Morris's decision to close several low-income schools, forced the new students from Douglas High to integrate into the highly privileged Bayside High. This premise was a brilliant narrative device to explore the theme of class and privilege, which was largely absent from the original series.

The storylines were praised for their progressive nature, including Lexi's journey as a trans teenager, which was handled with sensitivity and humor, and the exploration of DeVante's struggles with his identity and future.

By using the familiar, brightly colored backdrop of Bayside High, the series managed to deliver a powerful message on social issues while still being genuinely hilarious and full of meta-humor. The show's ability to mix revival and reboot, old cast and new, remains a high-water mark for legacy sequels in television.

saved by the bell 2020 tv series
saved by the bell 2020 tv series

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