The Official Saved By The Bell: The New Class FAQ

[TMC]

For every question you ever had about it but never cared to ask:

• Q: Why was the series created?
  
• Q: Is it true TNC lasted longer than the original series?
  
• Q: Did any of the original cast appear?
  
• Q: Why did Screech come back?
  
• Q: What was with all the cast changes?
  
• Q: Ugh, Screech is so annoying in Seasons 4, 5, 6 and 7. Why’d he grow out his hair and change his voice?
  
• Q: Did any well known Hollywood actors appear in episodes?
  
• Q: Was the show ever in syndication like the original?
  
• Q: What’s the best season to watch?
  
• Q: Is it true that Mr. Belding became a moron?
  
• Q: Did any episodes take place outside of Bayside?
  
• Q: Why is the show not really remembered well despite running for so long?
  
• Q: Did the cast ever do anything with the original cast?

[hch]

Why was the series created?
Following the conclusion of the original show, NBC wanted to maintain its successful Saturday morning teen block (TNBC) by introducing a new group of students at Bayside.

Is it true TNC lasted longer than the original series?
Yes. While the original Saved by the Bell aired for 4 seasons (86 episodes), The New Class ran for 7 seasons and produced 143 episodes.

Did any of the original cast appear?
Aside from Dennis Haskins (Mr. Belding) and Dustin Diamond (Screech), who were series regulars, the Season 2 finale "Goodbye Bayside" featured guest appearances by Mark-Paul Gosselaar (Zack), Mario Lopez (Slater), and Lark Voorhies (Lisa).

Why did Screech come back?
After Saved by the Bell: The College Years was cancelled, producers brought Screech back in Season 2 to act as a bridge between the old and new shows and to boost ratings. In-universe, he returned on a work-study program as Mr. Belding's administrative assistant.

What was with all the cast changes?
The frequent cast overhauls (nearly every season) were due to a lack of chemistry between actors and low popularity in focus groups. Producers were constantly "throwing stuff at the wall" to recapture the original's magic.

Why did Screech grow out his hair and change his voice?
Starting in Season 3, Dustin Diamond adopted a wheezier, higher-pitched voice for the character. While his physical appearance changed naturally as he aged, the exaggerated performance was part of the show's shift toward more slapstick, cartoonish humor in later years.

Did any well-known Hollywood actors appear?
Famous guest stars included James Marsden, Taraji P. Henson, Milo Ventimiglia, Tara Reid, and Gabrielle Union.

Was the show ever in syndication like the original?
No. Unlike the original series, which has never stopped airing in syndication, The New Class lacked a major syndication deal, which is why it is not as widely discovered today.

What’s the best season to watch?
Season 2 is often cited because it introduced Screech, featured the original cast reunion, and still maintained a bit of the original Bayside aesthetic before later cast changes.

Is it true that Mr. Belding became a moron?
Fans and even Dennis Haskins have noted that Mr. Belding became a caricature of himself, moving from a firm but fair principal to a bumbling, slapstick character.

Did any episodes take place outside of Bayside?
Yes. Later seasons featured episodes at Space Camp, a cruise ship, a dude ranch, and even a trip to France.

Why is the show not really remembered well?
It suffered from recycled plots, constant cast turnover that prevented character development, and the fact that it was never heavily syndicated.

Did the cast ever do anything with the original cast?
In 1993, NBC aired promotional "passing of the torch" segments where the original cast (Zack, Slater, etc.) interacted with the first season students at The Max and in the Bayside hallways.