THE UNAUTHORIZED SAVED BY THE BELL STORY Premieres Today on Lifetime

Lifetime takes a nostalgic look back at the '90s TV show that changed the landscape of Saturday mornings with America's favorite teens. The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story delves into the experiences of six unknown young actors placed into the Hollywood spotlight, exposing the challenges of growing up under public scrutiny while trying to maintain the squeaky clean image of their popular characters both on and off-screen. The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story is filming in Vancouver and the movie will premiere Labor Day, today, September 1, at 9 pm PT/ET.

With casting by the original series' casting director, Robin Lippin (Lizzie McGuire), Dylan Everett (Degrassi: The Next Generation) is set to play Mark-Paul Gosselaar in the role of mischievous ringleader "Zack Morris." Sam Kindseth (Shameless) is Dustin Diamond, everyone's favorite geek and loveable sidekick "Screech." Julian Works (Paranormal Activity, Modern Family) fills the shoes of superstar Mario Lopez as the hunky jock "A.C. Slater." Alyssa Lynch (The High Jumping Witch) plays the role of America's favorite sweetheart, Tiffani-Amber Thiessen, who originated the part of Kelly Kapowski. Tiera Skovbye (Supernatural, Girl in Progress) takes on the role of talented beauty Elizabeth Berkley and her beloved character "Jessie Sapano." Rounding out the cast is Taylor Russell McKenzie (Blink) who will portray Lark Voorhies and her on-screen persona, the privileged "Lisa Turtle."

The Unauthorized Saved by the Bell Story is produced by Front Street Pictures and Ringaling Productions Ltd. for broadcast on Lifetime. The movie is executive produced by Harvey Kahn (Flowers in the Attic) and Stephen Bulka (Dear Mom, Love Cher). The film is directed by Jason Lepeyre (Restless Virgins) and the teleplay is written by Ron McGee (The Nine Lives of Chole King).

ABOUT LIFETIME

Lifetime is a premier female-focused entertainment destination dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning scripted series, non-fiction series and movies. As a result of the network's aggressive programming strategy that has doubled the hours of its original programming, 2013 marked Lifetime's second straight year of growth among Total Viewers. Lifetime Television(R), LMN(R), Lifetime Real Women(R) and Lifetime Digital(TM) are part of Lifetime Entertainment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of A+E Networks. A+E Networks is a joint venture of the Disney-ABC Television Group and Hearst Corporation.

Photo credit: Sergei Backlakov

Photo courtesy of US Magazine

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