Peacock TV Slammed For Taking Advantage Of Dustin Diamond’s Death
On February 1, the entertainment world was shocked by the news that actor Dustin Diamond passed away. He played Samuel “Screech” Powers on Saved By the Bell. He had only just been diagnosed with lung cancer three weeks earlier. No one expected him to pass so suddenly.
In the years since SBTB ended, he faced many personal and legal troubles. He was open about not always having the best relationship with his co-stars from Saved By the Bell. In fact, he was one of the only original stars who didn’t get an invite to take part in Peacock TV’s recent reboot.
And SBTB fans were not shy in calling the streaming service out for the slight.
Peacock Streaming Honors Dustin Diamond on Instagram
Some good news came out of 2020 – Peacock Streaming announced they were rebooting 90’s fan-favorite show Saved By the Bell. Featuring original stars Elizabeth Berkley and Mario Lopez, the revival premiered on the streaming service in November. Mark-Paul Gosselaar and Tiffani Thiessen made several guest appearances on the reboot. Even Lark Voorhies reprised her role as Lisa Turtle for one scene.
However, Dustin Diamond wasn’t part of the reboot. The show did mention Screech in a throwaway line that put him – and Kevin – on the International Space Station. The SBTB reboot was recently renewed for Season 2. Fans had hoped that Dustin Diamond would bring Screech back to Earth and join the reboot. Sadly, that won’t happen now.
Hours after reports of the actor’s death, a tribute went up on Peacock TV’s official Instagram. The short note said that they were “deeply saddened” about his death. Furthermore, it said that Dustin Diamond will “forever be a part of the Bayside family.”
Upset fans began trashing the company for taking advantage of Diamond’s passing.
SBTB Fans SLAM Streaming Service For Not Including Actor in Reboot
Saved By the Bell fans did not appreciate Peacock’s tribute to the late actor. Many people pointed out the hypocrisy of saying Dustin Diamond is part of the “family” but not including him in the reboot.
Some of the angry comments include:
- Should’ve got him in the reboot last year.
- Time to profit off his death! Brace yourselves for the “best of screech” bits
- “part of the family”, but was a mere passing moment on the reboot.
- Yeah? Then why didn’t you let him on the show. He wanted to come on and y’all just shut him down. Do a episode (sic) in memory of him!
- NBC means No. Body. Cares. Don’t act like you do now! Shame on you all!
It’s likely that Season 2 of the SBTB reboot will honor the actor in some way.
Mario Lopez Shares Moving Tribute to Friend & Co-Star
Some of Dustin Diamond’s co-stars did keep in touch with him in the nearly 30 years since the show ended. Mario Lopez shared a close friendship with Diamond. He posted a tribute to his friend on social media after news of Diamond’s passing.
Dustin, you will be missed my man. The fragility of this life is something never to be taken for granted. Prayers for your family will continue on… pic.twitter.com/BnxY9XgN5g
— Mario Lopez (@mariolopezviva) February 1, 2021
Do you think Peacock’s post was sincere? Were fans right to be angry by the streaming service snubbing Dustin Diamond from the reboot? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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