There are some television series you enjoy.
Then there are the ones that quietly become part of your life.
For me, Beverly Hills, 90210 will always be one of those series.
I grew up watching the reruns on television every single day. It became part of my routine, and all these years later, not much has changed. I still watch the entire series twice a year, every year.
If I had to describe Beverly Hills, 90210 in one word, it would simply be drama.
Not because it's over-the-top, but because every character is constantly dealing with life. Relationships, family, addiction, eating disorders, money, friendships, betrayal, grief and growing up. It wasn't afraid to tackle difficult subjects, and I honestly think 90s television often handled taboo topics better than many modern series do.
The storylines weren't always perfect, but they were willing to ask difficult questions.
They trusted the audience.
One of the reasons I've always loved 90210 is that it never felt like every character had to be perfect. They made mistakes, hurt each other, apologised, fell out and grew up.
Steve Sanders is probably the best example of that.
When the series begins, he's immature, impulsive and often thinks about himself first. By the time the series ends, he's become one of the most loyal and dependable people in the group. His character development is one of my favourites in television.
My favourite characters, however, have always been Gina Kincaid and Valerie Malone.
They aren't the obvious choices, and maybe that's exactly why I love them.
Both arrive as outsiders. Neither finds it easy to fit into the group, and both spend much of the series being judged before they're truly understood. I think that's something I've always connected with.
Gina in particular has always had a special place in my heart. One of the most emotional moments in the series for me is when she opens up to David about her eating disorder. For all her confidence and sharp edges, that scene reminds us how vulnerable she really is.
Years ago I even sent Vanessa Marcil a message telling her how much I loved Gina as a character. To my surprise, she replied with a kiss emoji. It was only a tiny interaction, but as someone who's admired her performance for years, it genuinely made me smile.
One of my favourite friendships in the series is Steve and Brandon.
They're completely different people and they don't always agree. They argue, annoy each other and challenge each other, which is exactly why their friendship feels so believable. Real friendships aren't built on always agreeing. They're built on staying friends despite disagreements.
The Peach Pit deserves a mention too.
To me, it isn't just a diner.
It's home.
It's family.
It's comfort.
No matter what was happening in everyone's lives, sooner or later they always found their way back there. That's exactly how the series feels to me now.
Looking back as an adult, I think one of my favourite long-running themes is watching these privileged teenagers slowly realise that life isn't simply handed to them. They have to work, make mistakes, take responsibility and figure out who they want to become.
That's a lesson that never gets old.
If I had to choose one episode to rewatch over and over again, it would be Season 9, Episode 1. It has everything I love about the series. The drama, the humour and all of the complicated relationships that keep pulling me back.
I know Beverly Hills, 90210 isn't for everyone.
Some people will see it as dated.
Others will think it's just another teen drama.
But for me, it's so much more than that.
It's the series that grew up with me.
It comforted me through breakups, helped me feel less alone during my own struggles with eating disorders, and has been there through different stages of my life.
Every time I press play, it feels like visiting old friends.
And after all these years, that's exactly what Beverly Hills, 90210 has become.
Home.
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