The Wonder Years 

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.

Creators:

Carol Black, Neal Marlens

Stars:

Fred Savage, Dan Lauria, Daniel Stern

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 24 wins & 70 nominations.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Fred Savage	...	Kevin Arnold 115 episodes, 1988-1993
Daniel Stern	...	Kevin Arnold - The Narrator 114 episodes, 1988-1993
Dan Lauria	...	Jack Arnold 107 episodes, 1988-1993
Alley Mills	...	Norma Arnold 106 episodes, 1988-1993
Jason Hervey	...	Wayne Arnold 106 episodes, 1988-1993
Josh Saviano	...	Paul Pfeiffer 99 episodes, 1988-1993
Danica McKellar	...	Winnie Cooper 98 episodes, 1988-1993
Olivia d'Abo	...	Karen Arnold 84 episodes, 1988-1993

Storyline

The series depicts the social and family life of a boy in a typical American suburban middle-class family from 1968 to 1973, covering the ages of 12 through 17. Each year in the series takes place exactly 20 years before airing (1988 to 1993). The show's plot centers on Kevin Arnold, son of Jack and Norma Arnold. Kevin's father holds a management job at NORCOM, a defense contractor, while his mother is a housewife. Kevin also has an older brother, Wayne, and an older sister, Karen. Two of Kevin's friends and neighbors are prominently featured throughout the series: his best friend, Paul Pfeiffer, and his crush-turned-girlfriend Gwendolyn "Winnie" Cooper. Storylines are told through Kevin's reflections as an adult in his mid-30s..

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Plot Keywords:

junior high school | friend | childhood | suburb | high school | 

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Taglines:

It's 1968. The Suburbs. And in each little house with a Chevy in the driveway and a TV in the den, there are people with stories...families band together in laughter, hope, love and wonder (season 1)

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Family | Romance

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

31 January 1988 (USA)

Also Known As:

Les années coup de coeur

Filming Locations:

516 University Ave, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

New World Television,The Black/Marlens Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

22 min (115 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Inspired by A Christmas Story (1983). Peter Billingsley who played Ralphie in A Christmas Story (1983) makes a guest appearance as one of Kevin's roommates on the last episode.

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Goofs

In episode 41, Kevin comes home from school to watch the liftoff of Apollo 13. Apollo 13 lifted off on Saturday, April 11, 1970.

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Quotes

Wayne Arnold: [Wayne's friend Wart has returned shell-shocked from Vietnam and is sitting on a bench in just boxers and dog tags] What's wrong, buddy?
Wart: Nothing seems to fit any more.
Wayne Arnold: [Wayne takes his shirt off and offers it to his friend] Here you go. Wear mine.

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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.

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Connections

Referenced in The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson: Episode #7.97 (2011)

User Reviews

This has to be the most realistic show ever!

Wonder years for me was about growing up. I can still remember my father and I sitting in the living room watching that magnificent show. My mother on the other hand, couldn't stand the show. I could never tell why. I think that everyone when they were growing up knew a Paul Pieffer, a Winnie Cooper, a Doug Porter, Lisa Berlini, Becky Slater, Eddie Pentti, Charles "Chuck" Coleman, Randy Mitchell, and even a Greg Hobson. We all have experienced those one or two teachers that actually cared about how we did in school. The show can relate to our first crush, first kiss, first car (1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS)still have it BTW. Even our corny school dances. I guess as we get older good things fade away. Although the show might didn't last as long as we would have liked it to, The Wonder Years will forever be a part of me, and may it always stay in my memory.