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Tue, March 11, 2025

Like Mister Rogers Before Him, 'Saved By The Bell's Peter Engel Found Faith & A Path Toward Morals In Kid TV: Guest Column


Published on 2025-03-11 07:24:33 - Deadline
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  • Carl Kurlander is a screenwriter (St. Elmo's Fire) who served as a writer/producer for four of Peter Engel's NBC series. He also teaches at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has made a series of documentaries including the birth of educational television and how AI is poised to transform the way young people learn.

The article discusses how Peter Engel, the producer behind the iconic '90s teen sitcom "Saved by the Bell," drew inspiration from Fred Rogers, the beloved host of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," in integrating moral lessons into children's television. Engel, reflecting on his career, shares how Rogers' approach to using television as a medium for teaching kindness, understanding, and moral values influenced his own work. He aimed to create shows that not only entertained but also imparted life lessons, much like Rogers did. Engel's commitment to this philosophy was evident in "Saved by the Bell," where episodes often dealt with real-life issues like drug use, racism, and peer pressure, providing a platform for moral education alongside humor and teenage drama. This approach has left a lasting impact, with Engel's shows continuing to resonate with audiences for their blend of entertainment and ethical guidance.

Read the Full Deadline Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/like-mister-rogers-before-him-saved-by-the-bells-peter-engel-found-faith-a-path-toward-morals-in-kid-tv-guest-column/ar-AA1ADHwV ]