90210 is a teen drama developed by
Rob Thomas,
Jeff Judah and
Gabe Sachs, and the fourth series in the
Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise created by
Darren Star.
90210 is the first series produced by
CBS Productions under the company's re-launch, but now produced by
CBS Television Studios. The series premiered on
The CW on September 2, 2008 with a two-hour series premiere event.
The series revolves around the Wilson family, along with other rich teenage students at the fictional West Beverly Hills High, where
Annie Wilson (
Shenae Grimes) and
Dixon Wilson (
Tristan Wilds) begin attendance. Their father,
Harry Wilson (
Rob Estes), returns from Kansas to his childhood home of Beverly Hills with his family to care for his mother, former television star Tabitha Wilson (
Jessica Walter), who has a drinking problem. Annie and Dixon struggle to adjust to their new lives while making new friends and adhering to their parents' wishes.
90210 features cast members from the original series; featured guests include
Jennie Garth,
Shannen Doherty,
Tori Spelling, Ann Gilepsie and
Joe E. Tata.
Production
Conception
On March 13, 2008, it was announced that The CW was developing a contemporary spin-off of
Beverly Hills, 90210. The project was put on the fast track by the network, and an order of the pilot was expected by the end of the month. The
Beverly Hills, 90210 creator, Darren Star, was announced not to be involved with the project. The only surviving element from the original series was believed to be
Creative Artists Agency, the talent agency which masterminded the spin-off idea.
Veronica Mars creator Rob Thomas was in negotiations to write the pilot and
Mark Piznarski was in talks to direct.
