“Beverly Hills, 90210” Premiered 36 Years Ago Today and Later Became a Hit. See Throwback Photos of the Cast in Their Early Days of Fame
“Beverly Hills, 90210” Premiered 36 Years Ago Today and Later Became a Hit. See Throwback Photos of the Cast in Their Early Days of Fame
Stephanie SengweSun, October 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM UTC
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Beverly Hills, 90210Credit: mikel roberts/Sygma via Getty
It’s hard to believe that when Beverly Hills, 90210 premiered on Oct. 4, 1990, it wasn’t an instant hit. The show debuted to low ratings throughout its first season, however, a decision to release new episodes through the summer of 1991 changed everything. The show would garnered a massive fan base during its second season and the rest is history.
The series followed a group of siblings and friends living in a posh Southern California town during their high school years and beyond, offering up dramatic love triangles, nail-biting twists as well as heartfelt friendship moments, week after week. Helming the show were Jennie Garth, Luke Perry,Shannen Doherty, Tori Spelling, Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green and Gabrielle Carteris, who became mega superstars as fans got hooked onto the show.
In the years that followed, the Beverly Hills, 90210 would become synonymous with some of its off-screen drama, as rumors of tensions on set ran rampant. It ended in 2000, after a decade-long run.
In March 2019, news that that Luke Perry died at age 52 shocked fans. The actor had suffered a massive stroke the previous month and never regained consciousness. Five years later, former costar Shannen Doherty also died, after years of living with cancer. She was 54.
Three decades after its premiere, Beverly Hills, 90210 still remains one of the most tentpole TV shows in pop culture. Check out some fun throwbacks of the cast from their early days.
01 of 11
Bright Eyes
Jason Priestley and Ian ZieringCredit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Jason Priestley and Ian Ziering were bright-eyed and cheery at the FOX Television Fall Affiliates Party in New York in 1990.
02 of 11
‘90s Baddies
Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Gabrielle Carteris and Shannen DohertyCredit: Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty
The ladies of the show — Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth, Gabrielle Carteris and Shannen Doherty — served some serious ‘90s glam during a photoshoot in 1990.
03 of 11
Handsome Galore
Jason Priestly, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Luke PerryCredit: Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty
Not to be outdone, the gents — Jason Priestley, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Luke Perry — also looked quite suave when they posed for their portrait.
04 of 11
Group Photo
Cast of ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’Credit: mikel roberts/Sygma via Getty
All eight members of the original main cast posed for a this timeless beach photo in January 1991.
05 of 11
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Big Laughs
Shannen Doherty and Tori SpellingCredit: mikel roberts/Sygma via Getty
Doherty and Spelling were pictured sharing a good laugh in this candid taken on the beach in California the same day.
06 of 11
Push and Pull
Cast of ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’Credit: mikel roberts/Sygma via Getty
The gang got into a playful battle of tug-of-war during their shoot and it appears Perry was very serious about getting the win.
07 of 11
Going to Bat
Luke Perry and Jason PriestleyCredit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Luke Perry, Jason Priestley and another friend lent their talents to the T.J. Martell Foundation’s charity baseball game in 1991.
08 of 11
Simply Fabulous
Tori Spelling, Shannen Doherty, and Jennie GarthCredit: Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Spelling, Doherty and Garth looked beautiful as they made their way through the 18th Annual People’s Choice Awards in 1992. Beverly Hills, 90210 won the trophy for Favorite TV Series Among Young People.
09 of 11
Sweet Tooth
Jason Priestley, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth and Kathleen RobertsonCredit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Priestley, Tiffani Amber Thiessen (who joined the show in season 5) Garth and Kathleen Robertson (who joined in season 4) all looked on as Tori Spelling snuck a taste of the cake at their 200th episode party.
10 of 11
Young and Free
Brian Austin Green and Tori SpellingCredit: Ron Galella Collection via Getty
A baby-faced Brian Austin Green and Tori Spelling buddied up for the release of Beverly Hills, 90210 pilot on video in 1992.
11 of 11
Blonde Ambition
Tori Spelling and Jennie GarthCredit: Steve Starr/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty
Tori Spelling and Jennie Garth were two cool blondes as they attended the Emmy Awards in 1995.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
