Television is a medium that has seemingly no limits in the ways in which it can create pop culture wormholes. One of the latest and greatest examples will come in the form of a Family Guy episode from its fifteenth season, which will dedicate a gag to a truly iconic scene from the always reference-worthy Saved by the Bell. Amazingly enough, actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar himself will be reprising the role of Zack Morris for the scene.
Which scene are we talking about? Only one of the greatest moments ever put to film that arguably should have been burned to ashes immediately afterward: Jessie's infamous "I'm So Excited" mental breakdown. Given how bizarre and beloved it is, one has to wonder why Family Guy hasn't referenced it ad nauseam, Conway Twitty-style. (The show has, after all, gone to darker places for its cutaways.) Perhaps that will change in the future, and we're keeping an ear to our giant phones to hear about Gosselaar joining Family Guy full-time.
Here's what executive producer Richard Appel told TVLine about putting it together.
It's a very famous scene where Stewie is in the Elizabeth Berkley role. It was one of those times when we were like, 'Do you think Mark-Paul Gosselaar would play [Zack]? Let's try.' And he did it quite enthusiastically.
Of course it's going to be Stewie as the presumed pill-popper. The Griffin baby has had his share of intoxicants over the years, and he's also the most on-edge character in this show, so it only makes sense. And we all know it couldn't be done with Meg, because in the original, Mark-Paul Gosselaar's Zack sympathetically stops Jessie and hugs it out with her, and no one would want to hug it out with Meg.
There was a time when Saved by the Bell's stars weren't too eager to embrace those early years in their respective careers, but that has changed for the most part, as evidenced by that spectacular reunion on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, along with a couple of other awesome situations. And it makes a lot of sense for an animated version of Saved by the Bell to happen in some form, since it doesn't require the actors to be on camera. It might not make sense to put all of my energy into wishing that concept into existence as a full TV series, but do it, I must, since an official revival won't happen.
Now, without further ado, let's pretend like we're strung out on caffeine pills and find our musical centers.
Not since the Simpsons crossover have I anticipated a Family Guy episode this alarmingly. It's unclear when this episode will arrive, but Family Guy will debut Season 15 on Sunday, September 25, at 9 p.m. ET. To see when you can get excited and scared about everything else coming to TV later this year, check out our fall premiere schedule.
