Bayside is back! Lifetime announced they will air "The Unauthorized Saved By The Bell Story," based on Dustin Diamond's tell-all novel, "Behind The Bell," which exposes secrets about what went on off camera. It is being made in Vancouver and will air September 1 at 9 p.m. This is so exciting!
Diamond, who played Screech on the sitcom, penned a novel, divulging cast secrets including "sexual escapades among cast members, drug use, and hardcore partying."
Lifetime will examine the lives of the six students who started out as unknown actors, growing up in the spotlight, who try to maintain clean images despite the temptations of show business. The film will not be a direct adaptation of the book, as the network conducted extensive interviews to write the screenplay.
The original cast members were replaced for the film. Casting director Robin Lippin revived her role for the flick, choosing a group of fresh faces to play younger Bayside students. Dylan Everett (Degrassi: The Next Generation) will play Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Sam Kindseth (Shameless) will play Diamond, and Justin Works (Paranormal Activity) as TV host Mario Lopez.
As for the ladies, Alyssa Lynch will play Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, Tiera Skovbye (Supernatural) will take on the role of Elizabeth Berkley, and Taylor Russell McKenzie (Blink) will play Lark Voorhies.
"Saved By The Bell" aired on NBC from 1989-1993. The success of the series led to spin-offs like "Saved By The Bell: The College Years" and two TV movies, "Saved By The Bell: Hawaiian Style" and "Saved By The Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas."
Diamond wrote the book in 2008 with the help of a ghost writer. He also announced in 2006 he was selling T-shirts to keep his Milwaukee home from being foreclosed.
Are you excited for "The Unauthorized Saved By The Bell Story?" Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.