Tiffani Thiessen goes from student to headmaster in new series 'Coven Academy'
Tiffani Thiessen is stepping into a new role with the series "Coven Academy," playing the headmaster of an elite boarding school for witches and warlocks.
In an interview with entertainment reporter Joelle Garguilo, Thiessen discussed the show, its themes and how her career has evolved since her days as Kelly Kapowski on "Saved by the Bell."
Reflecting on her long connection with television audiences, Thiessen recalled advice she received early in her career.
"Something that Aaron Spelling told me, somebody who is actually on TV, they feel much more a part of you because you're basically in their living room," she said.
Asked what excites her about "Coven Academy," Thiessen pointed to the opportunity to work with a younger cast.
"This is my new thing where I'm working with younger, a younger cast, and I really enjoy it," she said.
Thiessen said she plays "the head witch" in a fantasy setting based in New Orleans.
"I do. I run the school. I play the head witch of this wonderful, magical, mystical world that's set in New Orleans," she said.
She also described the series as a story about sisterhood, female intuition and finding a sense of belonging.
"I think the show is also really about sisterhood and female intuition and how coming together as a strong female, but coming together with many strong females, you can really do anything," Thiessen said. "And I think it's also about, you know, sort of like found family. Maybe feeling a little out of place, not feeling completely where you are is where you belong, and then finding that place that you do feel sort of special. It's also about that too."
The actress confirmed the show includes vampires.
"There is vampires and really cute ones," she said.
Thiessen said the series is aimed at younger viewers but believes it will also appeal to families.
"It's definitely geared for the young adults and the teens, but, yeah, I mean, I watch it. I think it's amazing," she said.
Discussing how television has changed, Thiessen said her daughter has watched both "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Saved by the Bell" but found the pacing very different from modern shows.
"She thought it was hilarious. She goes, mom, this has not got the kind of TV that kids are watching anymore," Thiessen said. "TV is so different. TV is like, you know, the story lines come in faster and it's cliffhangers and, like, it's happened, like, minutes within a show now."
During a lighthearted game, Thiessen was asked which current or former co-star would survive the longest at "Coven Academy."
"Oh. Maybe Zach," she said, referring to Zack Morris from "Saved by the Bell."
"Muscle's gonna get you a long way, but not all the way."
Thiessen also said one of the questions fans still ask her most often relates to Kelly Kapowski's relationship choices on "Saved by the Bell."
"Why did you go for Jeff? And I'm like, you understand I'm an actor. I didn't do anything. It was not me," she said.
When asked whether Valerie Malone or Miss Graves is more intimidating, Thiessen chose her "Coven Academy" character.
"I would say Miss Graves," she said.
As for a magical power she would like to have, Thiessen said she would choose the ability to slow time.
"Especially with my kids getting older. I would love to slow down time," she said.
Thiessen said she hopes audiences see "Coven Academy" as a show families can enjoy together.
"That it's one of those shows that you can watch with your kids together," she said. "I think that's what's nice is, like, getting families to have something in common to be able to come together, and so a fun show that they can watch together."
Coven Academy arrives on Disney+ on October 2.
Disney is the parent company of this station.
