Everything you wanted to know about The Wonder Years


Everyone has a favorite TV show, tight? Okay, it might be difficult to narrow it down to just one, but there are bound to be a few that would make your list. When it comes to the finest American comedy shows of all time, there is one show that would likely make it onto anyone’s list – The Wonder Years. This classic coming-of-age comedy-drama series ran for 6 seasons on ABC in the late-‘80s and early-‘90s.

The comedy told the story of the life and loves of Kevin Arnold, a young middle-class kid growing up in the suburbs in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Considered a classic now, The Wonder Years is one of a handful of cult shows that has been considered for a remake. But, until that happens we can enjoy it in all its glory – here are some of the things you never knew about The Wonder Years.

It was meant to be a movie

The original idea for the show actually began life as a movie screenplay. Co-creator Carol Black talked about how it was considered as a movie, using narration as a plot device. As the idea expanded it became clear that there would b too much to fit into one movie script, and the idea for a TV show came about. Black created the show with her husband Neal Marlens, and it became a huge success.

It was revolutionary

The show actually set many of the precedents that are still around today and was revolutionary on its release. The use of single camera setup was a huge departure from other shows at the time and set The Wonder Years apart from the crowd. Throw into the mix the bold step of omitting a laughter track as well (something unheard of at the time), and this all signaled the start of something new on primetime television.

There’s no specific location

The idea originally was that Black and Marlens would set the series in their hometowns, but this idea was scrapped at the behest of the studio. ABC was very clear about the fact that they wanted the show to be one that could be set in Anytown, USA. No location is ever mentioned in the show, but there are clues (intentional or otherwise) that those watching closely would notice – California license plates, for example.

It won an Emmy very quickly

It can often take shows a long time to gain recognition, and even longer to scoop awards. Among the most prestigious awards for television is the Primetime Emmy Award. The Wonder Years again broke the mold by scooping an Emmy after just 6 episodes! Amazingly, just a handful of episodes into the show’s run it scooped the Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series in 1988.

These are just a few of the great things you probably never knew about The Wonder Years. The show went onto become one of the most popular and respected shows on television and is still well worth a look even today. It’s never too late to discover a new show, and this is a prime example of the kind of show you should be checking out when you get the chance.

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