Melissa Joan Hart and Brian Austin Green: From TV Dream Friends to HGTV Co-Stars

Melissa Joan Hart, who rose to fame in the Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, fondly remembers her teenage obsession with Beverly Hills, 90210. The excitement of watching her favorite show every Wednesday, complete with cookie dough in hand, was a cherished ritual that made her feel connected to the characters as friends.

Now, nearly three decades later, Hart finds herself co-starring with Brian Austin Green—who portrayed David Silver on 90210—in HGTV's Totally ‘90s House. Melissa explains how their paths first crossed when Green reached out to her after learning she was moving to Los Angeles, emphasizing that he became not just her first friend in Hollywood but also a kindred spirit.

The series, hosted by Jaleel White of Family Matters fame, revolves around teams competing to modernize a home stuck in the past, complete with outdated decor elements that defined the era. Hart's team includes Keshia Knight Pulliam and Matthew Lawrence, while Green collaborates with Jodie Sweetin and Beverley Mitchell. As they dive into transformations that pay homage to a past generation, their camaraderie echoes the friendships forged during their youth.

Reflecting on their connection, Green notes that their friendship felt instant. “You meet certain people, and it takes work, then you meet others and speak the same language right away,” he states. Their shared experiences—like ferry rides to the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards—set a whimsical backdrop to their story of friendship that flourished over the years.

With both actors having started families and facing the usual life detours, it's clear that time apart only bolstered their bond. “It's great when you have genuine connections, where you pick up where you left off,” Green reflects, highlighting the natural ease of their relationship.

Melissa echoes this sentiment, describing their friendship as akin to cousins navigating the fast-paced entertainment industry. Both stars find comfort in the unique understanding that arises from their shared journeys, facilitating deeper conversations that extend beyond their professional lives.

As they bond over the nostalgia of the 1990s, the cast also shares insights into family life. Hart, who has three sons with her husband Mark, and Green, a father to five, discuss the balance between parenthood and career. “You realize how quickly life changes,” shares Green, who has rekindled his creative passion for DIY projects amid his fatherly duties.

Green's proudest moment as a DIY dad was building a treehouse for his children—a project he tackled with creativity and without blueprints. “It was the coolest thing seeing them enjoying it and thinking, ‘Man, I built that on my own,’” he reminisces, illustrating the fulfillment that family-oriented projects can bring.

For Hart, her early exposure to home improvement came from her father, who owned a construction company. "I love the creativity," she asserts, mentioning a memorable project where she and her husband constructed a loft bed for their sons during the pandemic.

As the cast delves into their renovation projects, they are graded on how well they incorporate quintessentially ‘90s elements into their designs. Green shares his recent nostalgic experiences, having attended concerts featuring iconic acts like the Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block, which contribute to the ongoing appreciation for the decade.

Melissa attributes this enduring fascination with the ‘90s to its perceived simplicity, arguing that the era evokes a sense of safety that has been lost in the modern world. “The ‘90s was that delicate time where we felt safe,” she says, affirming that memories from that era resonate deeply with audiences today.

Furthermore, the pandemic brought about a renewed interest in family-oriented programming, leading to more shared viewing experiences. Hart recalls how attendees of a Sabrina anniversary event were charmed by her nostalgic appeal, as her son humorously remarked that she remains entertaining despite her age.

Totally ’90s House airs Wednesdays at 9 PM ET/PT on HGTV and is also available for streaming on HBO Max. As these former teen idols continue to navigate their careers while embracing their past, their shared history offers fans a heartwarming glimpse into the lives of two beloved television personalities.