90210

90210 is a teen drama television series that aired on The CW from 2008 to 2013. This captivating show was a spin-off and sequel to the iconic 90s television series Beverly Hills, 90210, and it rotates around a new generation of teens living in upscale, star-studded Beverly Hills, California.

The series was anchored by the Wilson family, which included the father, Harry Wilson, played by Rob Estes, and his wife, Debbie Wilson, played by Lori Loughlin. Rob Estes is a Kansas transplant and the new principal of West Beverly Hills High School who moves his family back to Beverly Hills to care for his alcoholic, former actress mother, Tabitha Wilson, adeptly portrayed by Jessica Walter. The Wilson family includes their two teenage children, Annie Wilson -an aspiring actress- and her adopted brother, Dixon Wilson, played charmingly by Shenae Grimes and Tristan Wilds respectively. These two teens struggle to adjust to their new lives while making friends and enemies along the way.

Among the new friends and faces they encounter, there is the wealthy and spoiled Naomi Clark, played effectively by AnnaLynne McCord, who provides a touch of sass, and Ethan Ward, the all-American lacrosse star portrayed by Dustin Milligan. The cast also includes Ryan Eggold as Ryan Matthews, the young English teacher at West Beverly Hills High School.

The series further introduces us to an array of interesting characters each carrying a backstory filled with tension and intrigue. Jessica Stroup portrays the complex Silver -real name Erin Silver- who maintains a blog about her life and has a shaky emotional history. Also, Michael Steger stars as Navid Shirazi, an aspiring journalist and the son of a successful producer of bad Persian cinema.

Back to the Wilson family, Annie and Dixon's friendships quickly intensify when they meet Naomi's half-brother, Liam Court, played by Matt Lanter, a troubled and dark outsider who has a thing for both Naomi and Annie.

As the seasons develop, the series introduces a few more intriguing characters. One of them is Teddy Montgomery, a tennis prodigy and playboy who is best friends with Liam, portrayed by Trevor Donovan. And the other is Ivy Sullivan, an earthy and talented surfer girl who is friends with Teddy and has dated both Dixon and Liam, played by Gillian Zinser. Last but not least, Jessica Lowndes joins the cast as Adrianna Tate-Duncan, a teenage actress and singer who suffers from drug addiction which colours her often unpredictable and dramatic behaviour.

With the iconic zip code 90210 as the backdrop, the series adeptly presents a contemporary take on the “teen experience.” It balances the pursuit of glamorous Hollywood lifestyles with real-life issues confronting today’s adolescents. Through the beautifully flawed characters, the series explores their navigation through high school society, their intricate relationships with each other and individual family dynamics. It sheds light on major social issues, each character going through numerous trials and tribulations, dealing with the issues of scandal, betrayal, relationships, and identity.

90210’s appeal lies in its relatability, despite the affluence and glamour that its setting provides. It calls back to the original Beverly Hills, 90210 while crafting its own style and narrative. The show delivers numerous romantic entanglements, social dramas, personal crises, and exciting plot twists, all while presenting a vision of teenage life in one of the most famous zip codes in America.

Throughout its five-season run, this dramatic television series remained true to its dynamic storytelling style and nuanced character portrayals. The actors brought depth and sensitivity to their roles, getting audiences invested in their characters' lives and making 90210 an engaging portrayal of teenage life. Whether it’s navigating through first loves, heartbreaks, or finding personal identity, the series resonated with both, its young target audience and adults alike. The layered characters, dreamy Californian backdrop, smooth soundtrack, carefully crafted drama, and the relevant themes it dealt with made 90210 a beloved watch, a nostalgic nod to the era of the original while finding its own recognizable brand of charm.