Here’s How ‘BH90210’ Paid Tribute to Luke Perry

Almost 30 years after it first premiered, Beverly Hills, 90210 is back on television. Tonight, the original cast reunited for the series premiere of Fox’s reboot BH90210, which sees the stars play both their beloved characters and heightened versions of themselves. While the BH90210 premiere gave longtime fans plenty to think about, tragedy looms large over the episode as the characters attempt to grieve their co-star Luke Perry, who passed away in May after suffering a stroke. Perry is brought up multiple times throughout the premiere, including in the final moments, when the Fox reboot plays a particularly emotional clip of Dylan McKay reminiscing on “paradise.”

BH90210‘s first of three Luke Perry tributes comes in the first ten minutes of the pilot. When the group reunites for a 30th anniversary celebration, they stand in the lobby and reminisce about the missing member of their squad. “Well, this is weird,” says Jason Priestley. “Come on, we’re all thinking it.” Gabrielle Carteris ignores him, saying, “I like that the anniversary brought us together. I can’t believe that we are all here.”

“I wish that were true,” adds Priestley. A long silence falls over the group, but after a beat, Ian Ziering cuts through. “Well, it’s so great to see all you guys,” he says, effectively pivoting away from their grief.

Later, after a dress mishap sends them home from Las Vegas early, the group reflects on the plane. “This is not the alcohol speaking,” says Tori Spelling. “I just forgot how much I love all of us together.” She thanks the group for helping her steal Donna’s red dress, which she describes as a reminder of “everything we created together.” Continues Spelling, “You. And you. And you. And you. And me, and Shannen and Luke.” There’s another long pause. “We’re not all going to be here forever. But we made something that will be,” she says.

The group toasts to Perry, but their attention quickly shifts when they hear Ziering’s phone ringing. Spelling answers, and the group sees their friend’s wife having sex with another man. Don’t you hate when you accidentally FaceTime your partner while you’re having sex with someone else?

The episode’s final scene also pays homage to Perry. “Think about all the stuff that went down this weekend,” Spelling tells Jennie Garth, as an episode of the original drama plays on her TV. “90210. This is the time to do a reboot.” She admits that she’s “maybe” lost her mind, but then attempts to squash Garth’s anxieties with some inspiration. “Maybe going back is what we all need to move forward,” she says. When Perry appears on Spelling’s television, the women get visibly emotional. “Welcome to paradise, man,” says Perry’s Dylan McKay. “Welcome to your dream come true.” The camera zooms in on Perry’s face as a title card emerges explaining that the episode is dedicated in his honor. It’s a fitting tribute to the late star, an a sweet way to end the first episode.

BH90210 airs every Wednesday at 9/8c on Fox.

Where to stream BH90210