AllMovie

The series that redefined the prime-time teen drama back in the 1990s gets a modern makeover in this spin-off series centering on a family attempting to adjust to life in Beverly Hills after relocating from the Midwest to California and seeing their lives change in ways they never anticipated. Annie Wilson (Shenae Grimes) is a teenage girl with a big heart and a passion for the theater, and her brother Dixon (Tristan Wilds) is a talented athlete and gifted scholar who was adopted by Annie's parents after living with the family as a foster child. Their father Harry (Rob Estes) and mother Debbie (Lori Loughlin) decided to move their family from Kansas to Beverly Hills in order to be closer to Harry's elderly mother Tabitha (Jessica Walter), a former television star who spent her fair share of time at the Betty Ford Clinic. Of course adjusting to life at a new high school is never easy when you're a teenager, though Annie and Dixon's transition is made especially awkward due to the fact that their father has accepted a position as the new school principal. It's going to take a little time for the two West Beverly Hills High newcomers to identify the cliques and connect with classmates, who include bratty rich girl Naomi (AnnaLynne McCord), popular jock Ethan (Dustin Milligan), ambitious student journalist Navid (Michael Steger), and rebellious broadcaster Silver (Jessica Stroup). Perhaps with a little help from such staff members as hip teacher Ryan Matthews (Ryan Eggold) and helpful guidance counselor Kelly Taylor (Jennie Garth) - not to mention Kelly's longtime friend Donna Martin (Tori Speling), the owner of a popular Beverly Hills boutique - Annie and Dixon will make some lasting friendships while finding their way though the hallowed halls of California's most exclusive high school.