Dennis Haskins, the actor who played Mr. Belding on "Saved by the Bell," is not at all surprised that the show ranked No. 1 in three Southern states, including his home state of Tennessee, in a Dish Network poll ranking favorite '90s sitcoms.
"In fact, I don't think it's really a regional thing," he said of the poll results. "I bet it ranked in the Top 10 or maybe Top 5 in every state."
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He says so with confidence because nearly 30 years after the show aired, he is still much in demand for celebrity appearances all over the country, and he can't walk through an airport, restaurant or bar without being stopped for an autograph or selfie.
Most of the latter involve him tugging on someone's ears in the pictures as his Mr. Belding character did with Bayside students Zack (Mark-Paul Gosselaar), Slater (Mario Lopez Jr.) and Screech (Dustin Diamond) on the show.
Haskins said he loves meeting fans, and is appreciative of how popular the show remains with people. In fact, he was on his way to Columbus, Ohio, for an appearance at a minor-league baseball game.
"It's my fifth year in a row there. The lines [of fans there to meet him] are so long, I don't get to see everyone, so they keep having me back.
"It's a blessing," he said. "I try to have gratitude without attitude.
"Saved by the Bell" ranked No. 1 in three Southern states in a Dish Network poll ranking favorite '90s sitcoms. (Photo: Dish Network)"It's a warm, fuzzy, positive thing. I can't tell you how many people thank me for being part of a positive show that everybody can watch."
"Saved by the Bell" aired from 1989 to 1993. There have been several spin-offs over the years, including one focused on the college years and even a new class. But the original series focused on the students and their principal, Richard Belding, at Bayside High School.
Other top-ranked '90s sitcoms in the poll were "Friends," which ranked highest in the most states with 13. "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" was next with five states naming it their favorite. Others on the list included "The Simpsons," "That '70s Show" and "Full House." In all, 20 shows earned top rankings.
To further illustrate the popularity of "Saved by the Bell," Haskins said a "Saved By The Max" restaurant opened earlier this month in West Hollywood "and it is booked up for the first six months." The Max was the diner that "Saved by the Bell" students went to after school.
Contact Barry Courter at bcourter@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6354.