Synopsis:
For six seasons, The Wonder Years captured the angst of growing up in suburban middle-class America in the late ’60s, as seen through the life and times of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage). Audiences eagerly followed his evolution as a typical awkward teenager who remembered every moment of his transition from childhood with excruciating detail and remarkable hindsight. From his first kiss with Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) to his friendship with Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and the ups and downs of the Arnold family, fans shared in laughter, love, and loss, but above all, wonder.
What We Thought:
The Wonder Years was one of my favorite shows growing up and rewatching it now, it still holds up. It had perfect casting and perfect storytelling.
Set against a 1960’s backdrop, the storylines were pretty universal and still translate today. Even with technological advances and non-stop 24 hour news and social media, being a kid, falling in love for the first time and inter-family arguments stand the test of time.
That’s why the show is so beloved, it’s timeless. Kevin’s growing up, falling for Winnie, being with his best friend Paul, dealing with his family, those stories are universal.
Kevin had to deal with a hard-nosed dad, a mother who wanted everyone to get along, the older brother, the wild sister, all while dealing with teenaged life of friends, school and love. And Fred Savage handled it all brilliantly. His Kevin is easily one of the top 20 kid characters in TV history. Plus Danica McKellar’s Winnie was the affection of many pre-teen and teenaged boys across the country myself included. Oh Winnie, you amazing girl!
The show wasn’t just kid friendly pop like The Brady Bunch. Nor was it all the drama of a Beverly Hills 90210. It was a good combo of both. It was a family friendly show, but it also tackled issues like the Vietnam War, politics, peace and love. And it mixed all that with amazing music. From Joe Cocker’s voice in the theme song to Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Simon & Garfunkel, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor and more.
The Wonder Years has been on DVD for a while already, but this new box set The Wonder Years: The Complete Series has a great lower price and comes with a lot of bonus features. If you don’t already own it, this is a must have. I’m thrilled to have gotten this because it’s a trip down memory lane not only for the show, but my own childhood. Just a fantastic show.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
- Highlights from the first cast reunion in 16 years
- Roundtable discussions with Danica McKellar, Fred Savage, and Josh Saviano
- 6 newly produced featurettes
- Farewell set tour
- One-hour ABC broadcast of the series finale
- Exclusive interviews with the show’s creators and cast including Fred Savage, Danica McKellar, Josh Saviano, Alley Mills, Dan Lauria, Olivia d’Abo, Jason Hervey, and more!
Cast & Crew:
- Fred Savage
- Danica McKellar
- Josh Saviano
- Alley Mills
- Dan Lauria
- Olivia d’Abo
- Jason Hervey
Recommended If You Like:
- Growing Pains
- The Facts of Life
- Great TV!
The Nerds Templar 