Jennie Garth Says She’s “Sad” After Tori Spelling’s Exit From the Beverly Hills, 90210 Rewatch Podcast

Fans of Beverly Hills, 90210 received unexpected news this week when Tori Spelling announced she was stepping away from the long-running “9021OMG” rewatch podcast she launched with longtime friend and co-star Jennie Garth. The announcement came as a surprise because the pair had spent nearly six years revisiting one of television’s most beloved teen dramas together, and they were only two seasons away from completing their episode-by-episode journey. (EW.com)

Jennie Garth has now publicly addressed the departure, admitting she is “sad” to see her friend leave the show they created together while also making it clear that she supports Spelling’s decision to move on to new opportunities. (Page Six)

A Friendship That Spanned Decades

For many fans, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling have always represented one of the strongest off-screen friendships to emerge from Beverly Hills, 90210. During the original series, which aired from 1990 to 2000, Garth portrayed Kelly Taylor while Spelling played Donna Martin. Their characters experienced countless dramatic storylines, evolving from high school students into adults navigating careers, relationships, marriages, and family life. (Wikipedia)

When the actresses launched the “9021OMG” podcast in November 2020, it offered longtime viewers something they had wanted for years: a chance to hear behind-the-scenes stories directly from two of the show’s biggest stars. Each episode featured Garth and Spelling revisiting classic installments, discussing memorable scenes, sharing personal recollections, and occasionally welcoming former cast members and special guests. (Wikipedia)

Over time, the podcast developed a loyal audience, becoming more than just a television recap. It evolved into an ongoing conversation about friendship, Hollywood, growing older, and reflecting on an iconic chapter of both actresses’ lives.

Jennie Garth’s Emotional Response

In an early-released episode of the podcast, Jennie Garth acknowledged the obvious question many listeners had been asking.

She explained that she wanted to address “some housekeeping things” before the episode continued. Garth openly admitted she was disappointed that Spelling would not be finishing the project alongside her.

According to reports, Garth said she was “sad” because they had started the podcast together, while emphasizing that she was also genuinely happy that Spelling felt comfortable making a decision she believed was right for herself. (Page Six)

Her comments reflected a mixture of disappointment and understanding rather than resentment.

Producer Explains the Decision

Podcast producer Amy Sugarman also joined Garth during the episode to provide additional context.

Sugarman explained that Spelling had not appeared on recent episodes and had informed the team roughly two weeks earlier that she had decided not to continue with the podcast. She described it as a very personal and difficult decision while stressing that everyone involved respected Spelling’s choice. (Page Six)

Neither Sugarman nor Garth suggested there had been conflict behind the scenes. Instead, both emphasized that they wished Spelling nothing but success moving forward.

Why Did Tori Spelling Leave?

Spelling first revealed her departure during an Instagram Live conversation with fellow 90210 co-star Brian Austin Green rather than on the podcast itself.

She explained that she wanted to pursue other projects and encouraged fans to continue supporting Garth as the podcast moves toward its conclusion. (EW.com)

Although some fans immediately speculated that disagreements or personal issues may have contributed to the exit, no evidence has emerged publicly to support those rumors.

Instead, all public statements have described the decision as one driven by Spelling’s desire to focus on new professional opportunities. (EW.com)

Fan Reaction

News of Spelling’s departure quickly spread across social media.

Many longtime listeners expressed disappointment because the podcast was nearing the end of its rewatch, with only Seasons 9 and 10 remaining.

Some questioned why the announcement came through an Instagram Live rather than during the podcast itself, while others simply thanked both actresses for years of entertainment and nostalgic memories. (EW.com)

The emotional attachment fans feel toward the podcast reflects how important Beverly Hills, 90210 remains more than three decades after its debut.

Jennie Garth Will Continue

Despite losing her longtime co-host, Garth has confirmed that “9021OMG” will continue.

Rather than ending the show early, she plans to finish revisiting the final seasons with the help of special guests and guest co-hosts connected to the series. (Page Six)

That decision ensures listeners will still receive complete coverage of the final years of Beverly Hills, 90210, even if the format changes somewhat.

Why the Podcast Mattered

When “9021OMG” launched during the pandemic in 2020, nostalgia podcasts were becoming increasingly popular.

However, Garth and Spelling offered something unique.

Instead of simply reviewing episodes, they discussed what was happening in their personal lives during filming, shared stories about cast relationships, reflected on guest stars, and revealed production details that had never been publicly discussed.

The podcast also became a place where difficult memories were explored with honesty, including cast departures, industry pressures, and the challenges of becoming famous at a young age. (EW.com)

An End of an Era

Although Garth and Spelling reunited for the 2019 BH90210 revival and have remained friends for years, Spelling’s departure from the podcast marks the end of another chapter in their shared professional journey. (Wikipedia)

For listeners who have followed every episode since 2020, it is understandable that the news feels bittersweet.

Still, Garth’s public comments suggest there is no lingering bitterness. Instead, she has chosen to emphasize gratitude for what the pair created together while respecting Spelling’s decision to pursue new goals.

Looking Ahead

The future now appears different for both actresses.

Jennie Garth will continue guiding fans through the remaining seasons of Beverly Hills, 90210, introducing guest hosts and fresh perspectives as the podcast approaches its conclusion. (EW.com)

Meanwhile, Tori Spelling has indicated that she is turning her attention to other creative ventures, though she has not yet announced specific new projects. (EW.com)

Whether they collaborate again remains unknown, but their decades-long friendship and shared television legacy continue to resonate with audiences around the world.

For many fans, 9021OMG represented more than a nostalgic rewatch—it was a reunion between two actresses whose friendship endured long after the cameras stopped rolling. While Tori Spelling’s departure signals a significant change, Jennie Garth’s heartfelt response makes clear that the bond between the former co-stars remains one built on mutual respect, appreciation, and support as they each begin the next chapter of their careers. (Page Six)