The Wonder Years

Watch The Wonder Years

  • TV-PG
  • 1988
  • 6 Seasons
  • 8.3  (40,347)

The Wonder Years is a classic American television series that aired on ABC from 1988 to 1993. It was a coming-of-age drama set in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and its narrator was an adult Kevin Arnold, who reflected on his childhood experiences. The show followed the lives of Kevin Arnold (Fred Savage), his family (parents Jack and Norma, played by Dan Lauria and Alley Mills, respectively), and his best friends Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar) as they navigated the ups and downs of adolescence. Kevin had an older brother, Wayne (Jason Hervey), who often teased him and a sister, Karen (Olivia d'Abo), who was the quintessential free-spirited teenager.

The Wonder Years was praised for its accurate portrayal of life in the 1960s, with pop culture references and historical events woven seamlessly into the storylines. The show tackled serious topics such as racism, sexism, and the Vietnam War, but it also had a lot of heart and humor, making it a beloved favorite of viewers of all ages.

One of the most remarkable aspects of The Wonder Years was how it captured the essence of growing up in a time before cell phones, social media, and other modern conveniences. The show depicted a world where kids rode their bikes around the neighborhood, spent hours playing outside with their friends, and learned about the world from newspapers and television. It was a time when families gathered around the dinner table every night, and parents didn't hesitate to give their kids a good spanking when they misbehaved.

As the series progressed, we saw Kevin and his friends face new challenges, including first loves, school pressures, and the loss of loved ones. The show explored the complex dynamics of families and the shifting relationships between siblings and friends as they grew up and went their separate ways.

Despite its nostalgic themes, The Wonder Years never shied away from the harsh realities of life. Characters made mistakes and faced consequences, and the show didn't always provide easy answers or happy endings. But ultimately, it was a show about hope, resilience, and the power of love and friendship to overcome adversity.

The cast of The Wonder Years was truly outstanding, with Fred Savage delivering a nuanced and heartfelt performance as Kevin, and Danica McKellar and Josh Saviano bringing Winnie and Paul to life with sensitivity and depth. Dan Lauria and Alley Mills were perfect as the sometimes-gruff but loving parents, and Olivia d'Abo played the complex and rebellious Karen with both humor and vulnerability.

Overall, The Wonder Years was a groundbreaking show that spoke to generations of viewers. Its themes of family, friendship, and growing up have universal resonance, and its portrayal of a bygone era continues to captivate audiences today. Whether you're a fan of coming-of-age dramas or just appreciate a good story, The Wonder Years is a series that's not to be missed.

The Wonder Years is a series that is currently running and has 6 seasons (131 episodes). The series first aired on January 31, 1988.

The Wonder Years
Filter by Source

Seasons
Independence Day (2)
22. Independence Day (2)
May 12, 1993
Kevin is heartbroken when he finds out Winnie has a new boyfriend Eric, and then loses his money and car in a poker game against the cooks at the country club. Returning home by hitchhiking leads to Kevin and Winnie spending a night in a barn during a storm. They arrive home in time for the Fourth of July parade where we find out the futures of each of the cast by narration.
Summer (1)
21. Summer (1)
May 12, 1993
Kevin chases after Winnie who has taken a job at a out of town country club as a lifeguard.
Reunion
20. Reunion
April 28, 1993
The Arnold's go back to Norma's hometown to attend her 25-year high school reunion.
The Little Women
19. The Little Women
March 31, 1993
It's a case of the men vs. the women when Winnie scores high on her SAT's and Norma gets a high paying job in a new company.
Poker
18. Poker
March 24, 1993
A game of poker finds Chuckie fearing his girlfriend may be pregnant, Randy is failing at school and Paul is too stuffy for the other guys liking.
Eclipse
17. Eclipse
March 3, 1993
A school field trip finds Winnie upset at Kevin after he says that she is perfect during a game of truth or dare.
Nose
16. Nose
February 24, 1993
Ricky falls in love with a girl that has a huge nose. His feelings are hurt when he overhears the guys joking about it.
Hulk Arnold
15. Hulk Arnold
February 10, 1993
Kevin feels he has been recruited to be on the school's wrestling team, but when the coach pushes him to try harder, he thinks about quitting.
Unpacking
14. Unpacking
February 3, 1993
Winnie has Kevin help her to set up Jeff and Ann. But Jeff feels guilty about hurting the girlfriend he had in his old town and Ann gets mad that Jeff doesn't want to be with her. Things get worse when Winnie blames Jeff and Ann's problems on Kevin.
Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones
13. Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones
January 27, 1993
Kevin, Winnie and the guys follow a rumor that the Rolling Stones are playing in a bar just out of town. But to get there Kevin must sneak out in his dad's new car.
Alice in Autoland
12. Alice in Autoland
January 13, 1993
Kevin can get a great deal on a car from Alice's father, but fears she is falling for him.
New Years
11. New Years
January 6, 1993
New Year's finds Wayne and Bonnie springing for a night out for the Arnold's and Winnie at a Nightclub, but ends up in heartbreak.
Let Nothing You Dismay
10. Let Nothing You Dismay
December 16, 1992
After seeing Winnie at the mall with a big Christmas gift in hand, Kevin feels the need to buy her something special. Meanwhile, Jack is trying to get a loan to buy a new business.
The Test
9. The Test
December 2, 1992
Jack is frustrated after getting a lukewarm evaluation as "competent" at work. Meanwhile, Kevin, Winnie and Paul are all studying for their SAT exams.
Kevin Delivers
8. Kevin Delivers
November 25, 1992
Kevin's new job as a Chinese food delivery boy has him too busy to spend time with Winnie, and also gets in a battle of wits with a pizza delivery boy.
Wayne and Bonnie
7. Wayne and Bonnie
November 11, 1992
Wayne has a new girlfriend Bonnie, a 23 year old divorcee with a young child, which leads Norma to believe he is not mature enough to be a father.
White Lies
6. White Lies
October 28, 1992
An innocent mistake has Kevin bragging that he and Winnie spent the night together.
Politics as Usual
5. Politics as Usual
October 21, 1992
Winnie volunteering for a handsome political candidate has Kevin jealous.
Sex and Economics
4. Sex and Economics
October 14, 1992
Kevin's job as a house painter for a sexy teacher turns out to be real work when his worker's are better goof-off's than employees.
Scenes from a Wedding
3. Scenes from a Wedding
October 7, 1992
A wedding for the daughter of Jack's boss finds a bridesmaid hitting on Kevin, Jack's boss hitting on Norma and Wayne once had a relationship with the bride.
Fishing
2. Fishing
September 30, 1992
The annual father-son fishing trip is weighted down by all of the problems that arise which threaten the fate of future trips.
Homecoming
1. Homecoming
September 23, 1992
Wayne's friend Wart returns home from Vietnam a changed man, as found out during the homecoming football game.
Description
Where to Watch The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Wonder Years on demand at Netflix, Hulu, Microsoft Movies & TV and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 31, 1988
  • IMDB Rating
    8.3  (40,347)