Sabrina the Teenage Witch Pilot Review — When Salem already steals the show from day 1

I never watched Sabrina the Teenage Witch when it originally aired, so it wasn’t a cornerstone of my childhood or teenage years. But Salem? Oh, I already knew him. The internet had already made sure of that, especially with the iconic meme of him filing his nails with pure, unimpressed judgment. That single image was enough to spark my curiosity, and once I stepped into Sabrina's world, I was hooked.

Remember anemoia? Never heard of it? It's that wistful longing for a time you never actually lived through. And there's something strangely nostalgic about diving into a show that was never part of your past.

The funny thing is, I actually started with the Netflix version first. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina had its appeal, it was darker and moodier, but it wasn’t until I went back to the 1996 original that I realized what I'd been missing.

This version is a time capsule of the 1990s that I never personally experienced, yet here I am, piecing together my version of that nostalgia trip. And honestly? It’s a blast.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch — A classic 1990s coming-of-age tale with a witchy twist

The pilot episode kicks off with Sabrina levitating in her sleep on her 16th birthday, which turns out to be a far bigger milestone than just a Sweet Sixteen party. In American culture, turning 16 is often seen as a gateway to independence — driving, more freedom, that first taste of adulthood.

For Sabrina, though, it’s the moment she discovers she’s a witch. Her aunts, Hilda and Zelda, drop the revelation casually as if it were just another teenage rite of passage. It’s a familiar setup, one that echoes through supernatural fiction.

Even Buffy the Vampire Slayer had her life-changing destiny kick in at 16. There’s something about that age that makes it the perfect threshold between the ordinary and the extraordinary.

And let’s be real, Salem, the snarky, talking black cat, steals the show from the moment he opens his mouth. While Sabrina Spellman (played by Melissa Joan Hart) is busy grappling with her new witchy reality, it's her feline sidekick who serves up the sharpest zingers and most iconic moments, setting the comedic bar sky-high.

Then, as if the whole “You're a witch, Sabrina” bombshell wasn’t enough, her aunts casually hand her a cauldron as a birthday present. Because of course, they do. Sabrina, still trying to process everything, blurts out: “A Black Pot?” thinking it's some cool new gadget. Hilda and Zelda, without missing a beat, correct her: “No, a cauldron.” The sheer bewilderment on her face is priceless. It’s the perfect example of how the show blends magic with comedy, making the supernatural feel absurdly mundane.

Of course, Sabrina treats the whole situation as complete nonsense and heads to school as if nothing happened. It’s her first day, after all. And just as she’s stepping out, we get our first taste of Salem in action. He struts out with signature confidence, and we immediately hear his iconic meow! It’s a tiny moment, but it establishes everything — his attitude, his presence, and the fact that he’s about to steal every scene he’s in.

Sabrina the Teenage Witch with... Reanimator vibes?

Then, in true sitcom fashion, her powers manifest at the worst possible time — science class. The assignment? Dissecting a dead frog. Sabrina, ever the idealist, casually mentions that she wishes she could bring the poor thing back to life. And, well… she does. Because of course, she does. She’s a witch. The moment is both hilarious and chaotic, as the reanimated frog promptly hops off, sending the class into an uproar. It’s a perfect early glimpse at how her magic will consistently turn even the most ordinary moments into complete mayhem.

Naturally, there are other shenanigans throughout the episode — especially with the school bully, Libby — but this is a review, not a recap. The important part? It’s all ridiculously fun. The pilot plays out like a younger, lighter version of The Craft, with its brand of chaotic teenage witchery, making it the perfect mix of supernatural hijinks and 1990s teen comedy.

One of the most entertaining moments comes with Sabrina’s very own Groundhog Day-style sequence. This trope — later seen in everything from Supernatural to countless sitcoms — gets its early sitcom magic treatment here, and it’s absolutely delightful. And, of course, the cherry on top? That little dance Sabrina shares with none other than Salem himself. A moment that perfectly encapsulates the charm of the show.

So, as I said before, I came for Salem and stayed for the absolute chaos, the effortless humor, and the strangely comforting world of the Spellmans.

Trivia from the spellbook

The meaning behind the name Sabrina

Sabrina’s name is steeped in legend. It traces back to the myth of a Celtic princess, Hafren, who was drowned in the River Severn. The name carries an air of mystery and magic, making it the perfect choice for a teenage witch.

Spellman is not subtle — it quite literally spells the nature of her family

Her last name, Spellman, is an obvious nod to the family's magical lineage. 'Spell' being right there in the name makes it clear that witchcraft runs in her blood.

Salem, the familiar with a past

Salem Saberhagen wasn’t just any cat — he was once a powerful dark wizard who attempted world domination. His punishment? A century stuck in feline form. In Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Salem is still a familiar, but this time, a more traditional one — silent, eerie, and connected to Sabrina through their bond.

The meaning of the name Salem

The name Salem carries heavy historical and mystical weight. It has Hebrew origins meaning "peace," but it's most famously linked to the Salem witch trials of 1692, tying the character to real-life history and folklore.

The Guardian of the Saber

Saberhagen isn’t just a cool-sounding last name. Broken down, 'Saber' refers to a sword, and 'Hagen' comes from old Germanic roots meaning guardian or protector. So, in a way, Salem’s name translates to 'guardian of the saber,' which is a fitting title for a cunning, sharp-witted familiar who always has an ace up his paw.

A voice and a pen in Sabrina the Teenage Witch

Nick Bakay, the voice behind Salem, wasn’t just a voice actor — he was also a writer for the show. His influence helped shape the character’s iconic wit and perfectly-timed sarcasm.

Practical Magic (nod intended) — Literally

To bring Salem to life, the team behind Sabrina the Teenage Witch used a mix of animatronic puppets and real cats. The animatronics handled the talking scenes, while trained feline actors played him in action shots. The blend of both made him one of TV’s most convincing (and entertaining) magical animals.

Final Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I didn’t find a single dull moment in this pilot of Sabrina the Teenage Witch. The pacing was fun, the comedy landed, and I immediately wanted to watch the next episode. So, my rating? A solid 5 out of 5. And for our...

Rate with a touch of flair?

5 out of 5 judgmental Salem side-eyes.