The Unbreakable Bayside Legend: What AC Slater Is Doing Now And His Surprising Evolution In The Saved By The Bell Revival

Few characters from 90s television have enjoyed a legacy as enduring and a career as dynamic as A.C. Slater, the muscle-bound, charming jock from the iconic teen sitcom, Saved by the Bell. While the original series ended decades ago, the character's journey is far from over, thanks to a successful, albeit short-lived, revival and the continued prominence of the actor who brings him to life, Mario Lopez.

As of December 2025, A.C. Slater remains a beloved pop culture fixture, transitioning from Bayside High student to a dedicated Bayside High teacher, while Mario Lopez solidifies his status as one of television's most recognizable hosts. This deep dive explores the character's surprising evolution, the latest on the revival series, and the current projects keeping the star in the spotlight.

Mario Lopez: The Man Behind the Muscle and His Current Career Highlights (2025)

The man who defined the high school jock archetype, Mario Lopez, has successfully parlayed his acting fame into a multi-hyphenate career as a prominent television host, producer, and author. His professional life in 2025 is a testament to his enduring appeal and work ethic.

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• Full Name: Mario Lopez Jr.
• Born: October 10, 1973
• Birthplace: San Diego, California, U.S.
• Primary Roles: Actor, Television Host, Entertainment Journalist, Author
• Breakthrough Role: A.C. Slater on Saved by the Bell (1989–1993)
• Current Hosting Roles (2025): Host of Access Hollywood and its daytime counterpart, Access Daily, where he provides daily entertainment news and interviews.
• Notable 2025 Event: Confirmed as the host for the 52nd Daytime Emmy Awards, further cementing his status as a major figure in television hosting.
• Previous Notable Projects: Host of *The X Factor*, *Extra*, and *Candy Crush*, as well as early acting roles in *Kids Incorporated* and *a.k.a. Pablo*.

Lopez's career trajectory is unique. He has managed to stay relevant by embracing a new role as an entertainment journalist, a pivot that allows him to remain a constant presence on television screens across America, long after his days of wrestling in the halls of Bayside High.

The Evolution of A.C. Slater: From Bayside Jock to P.E. Teacher

The original A.C. Slater was the quintessential high school heartthrob—a star quarterback, champion wrestler, and the charming rival-turned-friend of Zack Morris. His primary storylines revolved around his on-again, off-again romance with Jessie Spano and his pursuit of Kelly Kapowski, all while navigating the typical teen drama of the early 90s.

The Original Slater: Muscles, Machismo, and a Sensitive Side

Slater was initially conceived as a young John Travolta type, and while he was often portrayed as a man's man, the character frequently showed surprising depth and vulnerability. He was known for his signature catchphrase, "Preppy," directed at Zack, and his complex background as a military brat, which often informed his disciplined yet sensitive nature.

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Interestingly, the character's interests were not limited to sports. Over the years, the original series explored his brief ventures into ballet dancing and even culinary arts, showing a side of Slater that was always willing to challenge stereotypes, even if often played for laughs.

The Revival: A.C. Slater as a Mentor and Coach

The 2020 Saved by the Bell revival series on Peacock provided a fresh, mature, and critically acclaimed continuation of Slater's story. In the revival, A.C. Slater is no longer a student; he has returned to his alma mater, Bayside High, as the dedicated Phys Ed teacher and sports coach.

This new role perfectly utilizes his history as a star athlete while giving him a sense of purpose. He is shown mentoring a new generation of Bayside students, often acting as a voice of reason and a bridge between the old Bayside and the new, more diverse student body. The character's trademark machismo is softened by a genuine, paternal concern for his students, allowing Mario Lopez to display a new, welcome layer of vulnerability in the role.

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The Enduring "Slater and Jessie" Dynamic

One of the most compelling reasons for the Saved by the Bell revival's success was the return of the original cast members, particularly the electric dynamic between A.C. Slater and Jessie Spano, played by Elizabeth Berkley Lauren. Their relationship was a cornerstone of the original series, pitting the jock against the feminist intellectual, and the revival beautifully paid homage to this history while advancing their story.

A Lifelong Connection

In the revival, both Slater and Jessie are series regulars. Jessie Spano is the school's guidance counselor, meaning the two former high school sweethearts are now colleagues. This setup immediately reintroduced their unique tension and chemistry.

The narrative arc of the revival series heavily focused on their relationship. Jessie is married and dealing with an unsatisfying home life, while Slater is still the charming, slightly emotionally stunted bachelor. Their constant proximity and shared history create a powerful "will-they-won't-they" tension that fans of the original show had waited decades to see resolved.

A Romantic Tease

Over the two seasons of the Peacock series, the show teased a romantic reunion, with both characters acknowledging their deep, lifelong connection. The possibility of "Slatessie" getting back together was a major topical authority driver for the revival, with the actors themselves hinting at the potential for a full-blown romance in a potential Season 3.

Unfortunately, the critically acclaimed Saved by the Bell revival was canceled after two seasons, leaving the ultimate fate of Slater and Jessie's romantic future unresolved, a cliffhanger that continues to fuel fan speculation and discussion to this day.

Beyond Bayside: Mario Lopez’s Enduring Pop Culture Legacy

While the revival series provided a fantastic, fresh look at A.C. Slater's life, Mario Lopez's impact on pop culture extends far beyond the halls of Bayside. His work as a television host is what keeps him a household name in the 2020s. His high-profile roles on shows like Access Hollywood and his hosting of major events like the Daytime Emmys demonstrate a seamless transition from acting icon to media personality.

Lopez’s ability to remain relevant for over three decades is a testament not just to his talent, but to the indelible mark A.C. Slater left on a generation. The character, with his charm, athleticism, and surprising sensitivity, created a foundation for a career that continues to thrive, making both the character and the man behind him true legends of television history. The legacy of the former Bayside wrestler and quarterback is secure, proving that some high school heroes never truly graduate.