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
Alley Mills	...	Norma Arnold 113 episodes, 1988-1993
Jason Hervey	...	Wayne Arnold 113 episodes, 1988-1993
Josh Saviano	...	Paul Pfeiffer 113 episodes, 1988-1993
Dan Lauria	...	Jack Arnold 112 episodes, 1988-1993
Danica McKellar	...	Winnie Cooper 105 episodes, 1988-1993
Olivia d'Abo	...	Karen Arnold 85 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:

The Wonder Years

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

The series was canceled due to declining ratings and raising budgets. In addition, the cancellation partly came about due to disputes between the network and the show's producers. As Kevin aged, producers wanted to explore more mature issues, but the network thought such issues would be inappropriate for the show's time slot, and were unwilling to change it.

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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: [meeting karen's new live-in boyfriend] New guy who's sleeping with my sister, huh?

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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 Say Goodnight Kevin: Catching Faith (2018)

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Soundtracks

With A Little Help From My Friends
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney
Performed by Joe Cocker
(opening theme)

User Reviews

A nostalgic blast from the past

The Wonder Years is an authentic look back into adolesence. In the wonder years we see young Kevin Arnold explore the world of denial, friendship, hate and love. Never in my life have i seen a more perfect depiction of life as a young teen. The hardships with school, friends, your older brother, and the girl that lives on your street; these are all realistic struggles and very easy to identify with. For generations to come, teens will continue to relate to this wonderful show. I will never forget this timeless series of family values and life long lessions; "Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you're in diapers, next you're gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul."