Ali Arsalan
Mark-Paul Gosselaar, famous for his role as Zack Morris in “Saved by the Bell,” is revisiting the show’s past through a podcast collaboration with writer Dashiell Driscoll, who contributed to the “Saved by the Bell” reboot. In their podcast, “Zack to the Future,” Gosselaar candidly discusses how some episodes have problematic elements when viewed today.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar Reflects on ‘Saved By The Bell’s Problematic Episodes and Sensitive Discussions
During an appearance on the “Pod Meets World” podcast with Danielle Fishel, Rider Strong, and Will Friedle, Mark-Paul Gosselaar candidly discussed some problematic episodes from his “Saved by the Bell” days.
He mentioned one storyline where his character essentially exploited Lisa Turtle without her consent, charging people to kiss her, and another episode in which Zack Morris wore a traditional Native American outfit, both of which he acknowledged wouldn’t be filmed today. Gosselaar stressed that their podcast aimed to discuss these issues sensitively while celebrating the show’s legacy.
Mark-Paul Gosselaar on Handling Challenging Storylines in Today’s Industry
Given his extensive acting experience, Gosselaar stated that if faced with a similar storyline today, he would prioritize both his own well-being and the integrity of the character he portrays. He emphasized the importance of engaging in a dialogue with writers and producers to ensure a deeper exploration of such sensitive topics, assessing how they would impact his image, the character, and the show’s future.