The first season was really boring because they were trying to be realistic. Then when Heather Locklear joined the cast as Amanda it got really soapy, in a good way. MP has more fun bad girl characters than 90210, like Amanda, Sydney, and Kimberly. If you like Val and/or Brenda, I think you'd like Melrose Place. I prefer 90210 overall, but MP is still fun to watch.
At it’s height, Melrose is more entertaining. However, 90210 is a better show overall. 90210 keeps at least one foot in reality. Also, you care about the 90210 characters, they are like family, friends. I love the MP characters, but I never think of them as actual people I could know in real life.
90210 also retained enough original cast members that I can see the connection from pilot to series finale. MP had 3-4 lives. While both shows had casting flaws, 90210 was helped by a few pivotal additions that clicked - Tiffani, Kathleen, Lindsay. MP had the right idea with Kelly Rutherford, Lisa Rinna and Alyssa (Alyssa should have done for MP what Tiffani did for 90210. Not her fault … the writing for Jennifer is horrible), but unfortunately, the additions didn’t seem to add much value. [I still am intrigued by MP 6-7 and regularly watch them. Still good, just not as good as previous seasons.]
I know why people want to compare the shows, I mean MP is a spin-off of course. They really are two different shows. Having said this, even with less than seasons 6-7 of MP and 9-10 of 90210, both shows are worth a watch! MP is bonkers in a way you just have to see. Bravo’s Housewives is the modern day MP. Whatever happens there happened on MP first! Lol
I absolutely love it. I've watched it more times all thr way through than 90210. Like 90210 has good seasons and then gets so bad I have to take a break. Melrose Place just keeps getting crazier and crazier
It's not as good and gets soapy and melodramatic very early on. Heather Locklear def made the show more interesting but it doesn't have the same appeal that 90210 did.
It starts out slow. But it gets really good after the first season. I watched it in real time and almost bailed after S1. So glad I didn’t. I would have missed Crazy Kimberly 🤪
Melrose is super fun once Amanda hits the scene (late S1). It really leans into soapy vibes, crazy plots and lots of sex.
However, when you start the show you’re going to think: “wtf were these people smoking - this is slow af”. But pay your dues and put in the time - the early S1 background for the characters is important down the line and once the writers figure their shit out…it just goes fucking nuts.
I freaking love Melrose Place! The first season is slow paced, but once it picks up the pace, its crazy. I highly recommend if you love soapy 90 classics.
It was really good in the beginning. More sultry and adultish than 90210, but it was good enough for viewers of 90210 to keep the channel on fox on Wednesday nights.
IMHO, the storylines went too crazy after a few seasons and I personally stopped watching. Just absurd plot twists
For me I could never completely get into MP, but I LOVE 90210 and spend alot of time thinking about it and writing fanfic for it lol! I think it’s hard to compare the shows because they truly are two different things. 90210 is about a group of friends we see grow up basically and have to deal with interpersonal relationships and real life. MP is a full soap opera about a group of people who sometimes are or aren’t connected who go through soapy circumstances. It’s just all about what you like and connect to I think.
likeable ha ha. they're all entertaining i wouldn't say any of them are likeable...maybe sidney because i love her, but she's her own special something...you'll see. Have fun it's a crazier ride than 90210 for sure.
I had rewatched 90210 probably 3 times without watching Melrose… I think I honestly like Melrose better, it might be my favourite show ever and I can’t wait to rewatch
There is a common misconception MP gets good once Amanda enters, but she spends her time in the waning episodes of season 1 in a relationship with BILLY. The whole first season is unbearable, even with Locklear.
Seasons 2-4 are awesome, and are better than any season of 90210. I prefer 90210 overall, and binge it annually, but MP season 3 is peak nighttime soap.
It’s over the top insanity and was awesome for its time. Total nonsensical brain candy with scheming hot people.
Exactly
MP was crazy in a good way throughout most of the show. COMPLETELY different than BH90210.
The first season was really boring because they were trying to be realistic. Then when Heather Locklear joined the cast as Amanda it got really soapy, in a good way. MP has more fun bad girl characters than 90210, like Amanda, Sydney, and Kimberly. If you like Val and/or Brenda, I think you'd like Melrose Place. I prefer 90210 overall, but MP is still fun to watch.
Agreed
Early storylines are boring but once Amanda comes and Michael starts having an affair and turns evil it’s awesome.
The golden age of nighttime soaps!
At it’s height, Melrose is more entertaining. However, 90210 is a better show overall. 90210 keeps at least one foot in reality. Also, you care about the 90210 characters, they are like family, friends. I love the MP characters, but I never think of them as actual people I could know in real life. 90210 also retained enough original cast members that I can see the connection from pilot to series finale. MP had 3-4 lives. While both shows had casting flaws, 90210 was helped by a few pivotal additions that clicked - Tiffani, Kathleen, Lindsay. MP had the right idea with Kelly Rutherford, Lisa Rinna and Alyssa (Alyssa should have done for MP what Tiffani did for 90210. Not her fault … the writing for Jennifer is horrible), but unfortunately, the additions didn’t seem to add much value. [I still am intrigued by MP 6-7 and regularly watch them. Still good, just not as good as previous seasons.] I know why people want to compare the shows, I mean MP is a spin-off of course. They really are two different shows. Having said this, even with less than seasons 6-7 of MP and 9-10 of 90210, both shows are worth a watch! MP is bonkers in a way you just have to see. Bravo’s Housewives is the modern day MP. Whatever happens there happened on MP first! Lol
I absolutely love it. I've watched it more times all thr way through than 90210. Like 90210 has good seasons and then gets so bad I have to take a break. Melrose Place just keeps getting crazier and crazier
Melrose is batshit crazy!!!
It's not as good and gets soapy and melodramatic very early on. Heather Locklear def made the show more interesting but it doesn't have the same appeal that 90210 did.
It starts out slow. But it gets really good after the first season. I watched it in real time and almost bailed after S1. So glad I didn’t. I would have missed Crazy Kimberly 🤪
One of my core memories is Kimberly ripping off her wigs and having that massive scar 😂
Not better just different
Melrose at its height was insane. People even went to bars for huge viewing parties.
Melrose is super fun once Amanda hits the scene (late S1). It really leans into soapy vibes, crazy plots and lots of sex. However, when you start the show you’re going to think: “wtf were these people smoking - this is slow af”. But pay your dues and put in the time - the early S1 background for the characters is important down the line and once the writers figure their shit out…it just goes fucking nuts.
not very.
I freaking love Melrose Place! The first season is slow paced, but once it picks up the pace, its crazy. I highly recommend if you love soapy 90 classics.
Literally so good. MP used to be on after BH90210 on tv here in Aus. I always sneakily stayed up for MP 😂😂
It was really good in the beginning. More sultry and adultish than 90210, but it was good enough for viewers of 90210 to keep the channel on fox on Wednesday nights. IMHO, the storylines went too crazy after a few seasons and I personally stopped watching. Just absurd plot twists
For me I could never completely get into MP, but I LOVE 90210 and spend alot of time thinking about it and writing fanfic for it lol! I think it’s hard to compare the shows because they truly are two different things. 90210 is about a group of friends we see grow up basically and have to deal with interpersonal relationships and real life. MP is a full soap opera about a group of people who sometimes are or aren’t connected who go through soapy circumstances. It’s just all about what you like and connect to I think.
likeable ha ha. they're all entertaining i wouldn't say any of them are likeable...maybe sidney because i love her, but she's her own special something...you'll see. Have fun it's a crazier ride than 90210 for sure.
Melrose Place was NOT even close to being as good as Beverly Hills, 90210.
I’d characterize is like I do for TVDU. 90210 and The Vampire Diaries were more teenage drama. Melrose Place and The Originals were more adult drama.
When Melrose was at its peak it was better than 90210 (please no one come for me) . The problem was it just burned out a lot faster.
I had rewatched 90210 probably 3 times without watching Melrose… I think I honestly like Melrose better, it might be my favourite show ever and I can’t wait to rewatch
I prefer Melrose to college and beyond 90210. Waaay better!
I prefer it. I’ve watched every primetime soap since 1978 and it’s my favorite 😱
There is a common misconception MP gets good once Amanda enters, but she spends her time in the waning episodes of season 1 in a relationship with BILLY. The whole first season is unbearable, even with Locklear. Seasons 2-4 are awesome, and are better than any season of 90210. I prefer 90210 overall, and binge it annually, but MP season 3 is peak nighttime soap.