Where was Saved by the Bell filmed?
1989
City Locations
Santa Monica (USA), Van Nuys (USA), Los Angeles (USA), Burbank (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio, Beach Club, School
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, School, Bus, Beachfront
About Saved by the Bell
Saved by the Bell is a famous American sitcom that has made a lasting impression on popular culture. The series, produced by Sam Bobrick, premiered on NBC on August 20, 1989. Set in the fictional Bayside High School in Palisades, California, it follows six close friends as they traverse the challenges of adolescence.
The primary character is Zack Morris, a charming schemer who frequently leads his pals into adventures and predicaments. Zack is accompanied by his best friends: athletic A.C Slater, fashion-forward Lisa Turtle, scholarly Jessie Spano, the naive Screech Powers, and his on-and-off love affair, cheerleader Kelly Kapowski.
This original series was revived in 2020 and broadcast on Peacock. This reboot welcomed a new batch of low-income students who had transferred to Bayside High as part of a program launched by the California Governor. The original cast members, including Mario Lopez, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and Elizabeth Berkley, all made appearances, adding continuity to the series.
Over the years, Saved by the Bell has become synonymous with 90s nostalgia, influencing fashion trends and catchphrases and even creating the 'time-out' narrative device. Its appeal stems from its portrayal of the hardships and tribulations of high school life, which is infused with humor, heart, and a generous dosage of insanity.
Saved by the Bell Locations
The classic American sitcom Saved by the Bell has many ties to the places where it was filmed, which added to its charm and attraction. The series, which transported viewers to the sun-soaked corridors of Bayside High School in Pacific Palisades, California, was shot in a variety of locations, each contributing uniquely to the overall image of the show.
Most of the scenes were filmed in Los Angeles, California, at the backlot of Universal Studios in Universal City. This busy movie studio with many different sets was the perfect setting for Zack Morris and his friends' high school adventures. The Burbank area of California was also used for a lot of shooting.
Scenes from the TV movie Saved by the Bell: Wedding in Las Vegas were filmed at Palisades High School, 15777 Bowdoin St, Pacific Palisades, CA. With its beautiful homes and wide ocean views, this charming seaside neighborhood made for a stunning background.
Exploring these places would be a great experience for anyone who loves the show. It would not only give people a look behind the scenes of the popular show but also let them see some of California's beautiful scenery and famous sites. There's a lot to see and do, from the busy streets of Los Angeles to the peaceful coast of Pacific Palisades.
Fun Fact
One interesting fact about Saved by the Bell is that it was not originally envisioned as a high school sitcom. The show began as a series called "Good Morning, Miss Bliss," which followed an Indianapolis teacher. However, due to low ratings, NBC retooled the show, relocated it to California, and centered on the students rather than the teacher. This alteration signaled the beginning of Saved by the Bell as we know it.
The Bayside High gang arrives at the Beach Club scene in Saved by the Bell
Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA
Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Lisa (Lark Voorhies), Screech (Dustin Diamond), Slater (Mario Lopez), Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley), and Kelly (Tiffani Thiessen) embark on a summer adventure, taking up jobs at the beach club. This shift from the familiar corridors of Bayside High to the sun-drenched sands of a beach club lends a refreshing change of pace and scenery. As the gang arrives at the beach club entrance, viewers are treated to an engaging montage of beach activities, setting the tone for the sunny escapades to follow. The entrance itself is depicted as a welcoming gateway to an oasis of summer fun, with palm trees lining the pathway leading to the main building.
The Annenberg Community Beach House, located on Santa Monica's coastline, is a unique public space open to all. Built originally as an opulent estate by William Randolph Hearst for actress Marion Davies, it now offers contemporary amenities such as swimming, beach volleyball, and children's play areas. Its historic legacy and spectacular ocean views make it a beloved community destination.
To reach Annenberg Community Beach House, start from downtown Los Angeles, and take I-10 W toward Santa Monica. Continue on I-10 until it transitions into CA-1 N/Pacific Coast Hwy. Follow CA-1 N directly to the destination, located on the right, just past Santa Monica State Beach.
The school parking lot scene in Saved by the Bell
Ulysses S. Grant High School, 13000 Oxnard St, Van Nuys, CA
Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) and Slater (Mario Lopez) catch up in the parking lot as they begin their senior year at Bayside High. There's tangible excitement in the air as they discuss the new girl at school, laying the groundwork for the episode's primary conflict.
Ulysses S. Grant High School, situated in the Valley Glen neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, is a distinguished public high school in the region. Since its establishment in 1953, the school has been dedicated to fostering a secure, inclusive atmosphere while providing a challenging curriculum that integrates cutting-edge technology and practical real-world applications. The school proudly adopts the Generals as its mascot, paying homage to President Ulysses S. Grant. Noteworthy for its presence as a filming site for various productions, including the renowned series Saved by the Bell.
To visit 13000 Oxnard St, head towards the Valley Glen neighborhood of Los Angeles. From downtown Los Angeles, take US-101 and continue on Burbank Blvd. Drive to Oxnard St in Van Nuys. Ulysses S. Grant High School will be on your left, easily recognizable from its appearances in various films and TV shows, including Saved by the Bell.
The dance competition scene in Saved by the Bell
Sunset Gower Studios, 1438 N Gower St, Los Angeles, CA
Despite having a sprained ankle, Lisa (Lark Voorhies) creates an inventive dancing routine known as 'The Sprain.' The scene is full of laughter, friendship, and friendly competitiveness, perfectly capturing the spirit of the play. The dance-off finishes with a spectacular performance by the gang, demonstrating their camaraderie and shared passion for dance. This sequence is about more than just the dance-off; it's also about the deep buddy relationships throughout the series.
Sunset Gower Studios is a famous movie and TV studio that covers 14 acres and can be found in Hollywood at the corner of North Gower Street and Sunset Boulevard. It's the biggest independent studio, with 12 soundstages and 415,000 square feet of office and support room. It opened in 1918. It is famous for having state-of-the-art production tools used in many TV shows and movies. Sunset Gower Studios is still very important to Hollywood's movie and TV business.
Coming from downtown LA is the best way to get to Sunset Gower Studios. Get on US-101 N and head toward Hollywood. Before you get to Sunset Blvd., take exit 8C, and turn left on N Gower St. The studio, known for making important advances in film and TV production, will be on your left. There are public parking lots close by.
Zack finds out about Jessie's addiction scene in Saved by the Bell
The Burbank Studios, 3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA
Jessie (Elizabeth Berkley) is pressured to maintain her grades and excel in her female group. To keep up, she begins taking caffeine pills. The action climaxes when Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar) learns about Jessie's addiction.
The Burbank Studios, originally known as NBC Studios, is a notable television and film studio complex in Burbank, California. The 34-acre site has hosted some of the industry's most renowned productions, such as "The Tonight Show" and "Days of Our Lives." The Studios offer cutting-edge sound stages, post-production services, and office space. Today, the Burbank Studios is a powerhouse of invention and production in the entertainment industry.
Take I-5 North to Burbank until you reach Alameda Ave W. Continue on West Alameda Avenue to your destination. The Burbank Studios will be to your right.
Conclusion
Saved by the Bell expertly used a variety of filming locations to create its unforgettable setting. Most school sequences were shot at NBC Studios in Burbank, California. Viewers were introduced to the lively hallways of Bayside High and the Max, the characters' favorite hangout location. But the show was not limited to these settings.
Occasional episodes transferred people to different locations, adding dimension to the plot. For example, Palm Springs and Malibu Beach provided settings for some of the series' most memorable plotlines.
The successful utilization of these different filming locations helped create an environment that seemed familiar and exciting, leading to the show's success and long-lasting place in pop cultural history. Saved by the Bell continues to demonstrate the importance of setting in television storytelling.