Questions
Who created Melrose Place and when did it premiere?
It was created by Darren Star and premiered on Fox on July 8, 1992. The series ran for seven seasons and 226 episodes before ending on May 24, 1999.
Where is the show set?
It centers on the residents of an apartment complex at 4616 Melrose Place in West Hollywood, California.
Is Melrose Place connected to Beverly Hills, 90210?
Yes. It was the second series in the Beverly Hills, 90210 franchise, and it initially aired on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. right after 90210.
Was Heather Locklear always a main cast member?
No. She first guest-starred in season one as Alison’s boss, then was promoted to series regular in season two after her character bought the apartment building. She stayed through 1999, though she was always billed as a special guest star.
Did Heather Locklear really save the show’s ratings?
Reportedly, yes. Season one ratings had dropped to No. 94, and the addition of Locklear as Amanda Woodward is credited with lifting the show from No. 94 to No. 50 in the second season.
Which actors appeared in every single season?
Thomas Calabro (Dr. Michael Mancini), Andrew Shue (Billy Campbell), and Heather Locklear (Amanda Woodward) all appeared in episodes every season.
How did fans rank Amanda Woodward as a villain?
TV Guide ranked Amanda Woodward No. 2 on its list of The Biggest TV Bitches, behind only Alexis Carrington of Dynasty.
What was the Hunter Tylo lawsuit about?
In 1996 actress Hunter Tylo was fired after announcing her pregnancy. She sued producer Aaron Spelling for discrimination and won 4.8 million dollars, a landmark case establishing actresses’ rights to work while pregnant.
How did the show handle its stars’ real pregnancies?
For Heather Locklear’s season six pregnancy, filming reportedly moved forward two weeks and a body liner was used for around ten shots. Lisa Rinna’s pregnancy was written into the storyline instead.
Where was Melrose Place actually filmed?
Much of the filming took place in Santa Clarita, about 30 miles outside Los Angeles.
Who played the core original characters?
Josie Bissett was fashion designer Jane Andrews Mancini, Grant Show was mechanic and carpenter Jake Hanson, Courtney Thorne-Smith was advertising executive Alison Parker, Doug Savant was social worker Matt Fielding, and Marcia Cross was Dr. Kimberly Shaw.
Did the show win any awards?
Yes. It won the 1993 People’s Choice Award for Favorite New TV Drama.
Who wrote the theme music?
The series theme was composed by Tim Truman.
Was there ever a reboot?
Yes. A reboot premiered on The CW in 2009 with a mostly new cast, but five original actors made appearances: Thomas Calabro, Laura Leighton, Josie Bissett, Daphne Zuniga, and Heather Locklear.
