'90s calling! Lifetime's Unauthorized Melrose Place Story aired on Oct. 10, giving audiences an (alleged) unfiltered glimpse at what really happened on set of the iconic Aaron Spelling-produced soap.
If you loved Melrose Place and have an affection for unauthorized faux documentaries (how could anyone not?!), check out eight things we learned from Lifetime's latest gift to humanity –– other than the fact that the '90s were a terrifying decade for fashion.
1. Aaron Spelling Was an LGBT Ally
Spelling made the controversial decision to include a gay character, Dr. Matt Fielding (Doug Savant), on Melrose Place, because "20 years from now, being gay is gonna be like owning a station wagon." The decision was made despite the fact that ABC lost $1 million in advertising for featuring a gay couple in Thirtysomething.
2. The Cast Was Almost Completely Different
Prepare to have your mind blown: Courteney Cox was considered for the role of Alison (eventually played by Courtney Thorne-Smith), while Jason Bateman, Paul Rudd, and Matthew Perry were considered for Billy Campbell (Andrew Shue's role).
3. Someone Was Fired for Being Overweight
Canadian newbie Stephen Dale was hired to play Billy Campbell, but was replaced by Shue when he gained a few pounds and no longer had washboard abs. Not having a six-pack sounds like a totally normal reason to be fired, right?
4. Courtney and Andrew Had a *Super* Dramatic Relationship
Yep, Alison and Billy were making out IRL! The dynamic duo's relationship eventually went public, but there was a lot of drama behind-the-scenes. Lifetime didn't get too into the nitty gritty, but the TV movie did depict a post-breakup scene where Courtney (played by Rebecca Dalton) asked Andrew (Frank Bailey) to stop slipping her the tongue on set. Awkward times!
5. Laura Leighton and Grant Show Got Jiggy with It
Speaking of not-so-secret relationships, Laura Leighton and Grant Show were hooking up on set –– though Leighton had some concerns about keeping things professional. After their breakup, she started a new on-set relationship with Doug Savant, with whom she eventually had two children.
6. Grant Show Could Have Been Brad Pitt
According to Lifetime, Show almost played Pitt's role in Thelma and Louise. Would Show have gone on to marry Angelina Jolie and become an international film star if he'd taken the part? The question will forever haunt us.
7. Doug Savant's Kiss Got Cut
Savant almost made history by kissing another man on TV, but the super-PG smooch was cut. Savant allegedly took a stand for his character, and was consistently concerned about fair representation of the gay community.
8. You Can Thank Melrose Place for Sex and the City
Melrose Place creator Darren Star wanted to move away from primetime soaps, and left the show for new projects in New York City. And by "new projects," we mean Sex and the City. Star never worked with Aaron Spelling again, but according to Lifetime they ended on good terms.
Tell Us: What did you think of The Unauthorized Melrose Place Story?
