The Wonder Years

TV Series
1988–1993
TV-PG
22m

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

42K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

Play trailer2:38

Coming-of-Age Feel-Good Romance Sitcom Teen Drama Teen Romance Comedy Drama Family Romance

Kevin Arnold recalls growing up during the late 60s and early 70s; the turbulent social times make the transition from child to adult unusually interesting.Kevin Arnold recalls growing up during the late 60s and early 70s; the turbulent social times make the transition from child to adult unusually interesting.Kevin Arnold recalls growing up during the late 60s and early 70s; the turbulent social times make the transition from child to adult unusually interesting.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.4/10

42K

YOUR RATING

POPULARITY

867

105

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 4 Primetime Emmys
- 46 wins & 129 nominations total

Episodes115

Browse episodes

TopTop-rated6 seasons6 years

Trivia
One major part of the show's running storyline is a falling-out between Kevin and Winnie, who becomes a background character for several months until she and Kevin reconcile. The primary reason for this part of the storyline was that actress Danica McKellar had a growth spurt, and she and star Fred Savage, already shorter than McKellar, didn't look right standing together. The characters reconciled after Savage began to catch up in height.

Goofs
Throughout the series, whenever characters are seen riding in vehicles, there are often instances of late-'80s to early-'90s vehicles appearing in the background.

Quotes
Kevin Arnold - The Narrator: Things never turn out exactly the way you planned. I know they didn't with me. Still, like my father used to say, 'Traffic's traffic, you go where life takes you' and growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, the next you're gone, but the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul. I remember a time a place, a particular fourth of July, the things that happened in that decade of war and change. I remember a house like a lot of houses, a yard like a lot of yards, on a street like a lot of other streets. I remember how hard it was growing up among people and places I loved. Most of all, I remember how hard it was to leave. And the thing is, after all these years I still look back in wonder.

Alternate versions
In some cable TV reruns outside North America, the original Joe Cocker rendition of the theme song ('With A Little Help From My Friends') has been replaced by a cover version. In the end credits, the instrumental version of this song that was originally broadcast has been replaced by the instrumental 'Winnie Cooper Theme' which is heard sometimes throughout the show. The Netflix/Amazon streaming versions use this replaced opening theme and other music replacements, but include the original closing instrumental.

Connections
Featured in The 40th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1988)

Soundtracks
With A Little Help From My Friends
Performed by Joe Cocker

User reviews138

Review

Featured review

10/10

A lesson of life delivered by entertainment.

This is without a doubt one of the best serious programs that mixed humor and the style of sitcoms in history of American t.v.

Who didn't have a geeky friend that would always embarrass you like Paul? Who didn't have a crush like Beck? Or what about the unexpected crush from another super sexy girl? On the more serious aspects, who didn't have a discussion that could harm a family member? What about dealing with death, love, projects of school?

This show displayed the truth of life but only in a funnier way. I grew up watching Kevin and company dealing with the problems of diary life.

I personally find this to be the most complete drama-comedy show of the past 20 years. You won't find another visual experience like this.

It's like, remembering your childhood-puberty years through the eyes and memory of Kevin.

This show made me laugh, cry, reflex, and best of all, it brought me sensations of my life; you know, memories, smells, specific situations, etc. It's like a reproduction of my life through someone else's narration.

Also, the opening song is stuff for legend.