The Wonder Years (2021 TV series)
{{short description|2021 American television sitcom}}
{{About|the 2021 American television series|the series it was inspired by|The Wonder Years}}
{{Use American English|date=September 2021}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox television
| image = The Wonder Years (2021 TV series) logo.svg
| genre = {{Plainlist|
- Comedy{{Cite web |title=Film and TV Projects Going Into Production – The Wonder Years |url=https://www.varietyinsight.com/production_restart_full_view.php?track_id=191107 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518174615/https://www.varietyinsight.com/production_restart_full_view.php?track_id=191107 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Variety Insight}}
- Coming-of-age story}}
| creator = Saladin K. Patterson
| inspired_by = {{Based on|The Wonder Years|Neal Marlens|Carol Black}}
| starring = {{plainlist|
- Elisha "EJ" Williams
- Dulé Hill
- Saycon Sengbloh
- Laura Kariuki
- Amari O'Neil
- Julian Lerner
- Milan Ray
}}
| narrated = Don Cheadle
| country = United States
| language = English
| num_seasons = 2
| num_episodes = 32
| executive_producer = {{Plainlist|
- Saladin K. Patterson
- Lee Daniels
- Marc Velez
- Fred Savage (Season 1)
}}
| camera = Single-camera
| runtime =
| company = {{Plainlist|
- Lee Daniels Entertainment
- Matthew 6:33
- The Crest Lamp Company (season 1)
- 20th Television
}}
| network = ABC
| first_aired = {{Start date|2021|9|22}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2023|8|16}}
| related = The Wonder Years
}}
The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age comedy television series developed by Saladin K. Patterson that aired from September 22, 2021, to August 16, 2023, on ABC. Inspired by the 1988 series of the same title, it stars Elisha "EJ" Williams as Dean Williams, and follows his life as he grows up in Montgomery, Alabama, in the late 1960s. Don Cheadle lends his voice as the narrator for the series as the adult counterpart of Dean. In May 2022, the series was renewed for a second season, which premiered on June 14, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1086657/abc-2023-premiere-dates-judge-steve-harvey-the-wonder-years/|title=ABC Sets Summer 2023 Premiere Dates, Including 'Jeopardy! Masters' & 'The Bachelorette'|date=March 24, 2023|accessdate=March 24, 2023|last=Rouse|first=Isaac|work=TV Insider}} In September 2023, the series was cancelled after two seasons.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/09/the-wonder-years-canceled-abc-2-seasons-1235526068/|title='The Wonder Years' Canceled By ABC After 2 Seasons|publisher=Deadline|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=September 15, 2023|access-date=September 15, 2023}}
Premise
The Wonder Years is set in the late 1960s and takes a look at the Williams family, Black middle-class residents of Montgomery, Alabama, through the point of view of imaginative 12-year-old Dean.{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=May 18, 2021 |title=ABC New Series Teasers: 'Queens', 'The Wonder Years', 'Abbott Elementary', 'Maggie' – Watch |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/abc-new-series-trailers-queens-the-wonder-years-abbott-elementary-maggie-1234758906/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518160240/https://deadline.com/2021/05/abc-new-series-trailers-queens-the-wonder-years-abbott-elementary-maggie-1234758906/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
Cast
=Main=
- Elisha "EJ" Williams as Dean Williams
- Don Cheadle narrates as an older Dean
- Dulé Hill as Bill Williams, Dean's father
- Saycon Sengbloh as Lillian Williams, Dean's mother
- Laura Kariuki as Kim Williams, Dean's sister
- Amari O'Neil as Cory Long, Dean's friend
- Julian Lerner as Brad Hitman, Dean's friend
- Milan Ray as Keisa Clemmons, Dean's friend on whom he has a secret crush
=Recurring=
- Caleb Black as Norman
- Allen Maldonado as Coach Long, Dean's baseball coach and Lillian's co-worker
- Charity Jordan as Vivian Long, Coach Long's wife
- Milan Marsh as Charlene
- Andrew Tull as Hampton
- Sami Bray as Future Karen
- Spence Moore II as Bruce Williams, Dean's older brother
=Guest=
- Richard Gant as Grandaddy Clisby
- Malcolm-Jamal Warner as Melvin Williams, Dean's uncle
- Patti LaBelle as Shirley Williams, Dean's grandmother
- Josh Rhett Noble as Jim Fleming
- Gregory Zarian as Herb Hitman
Episodes
{{Series overview
| color1 = #2A54A9
| link1 = #Season 1 (2021–22)
| episodes1 = 22
| start1 = {{Start date|2021|9|22}}
| end1 = {{End date|2022|5|18}}
| color2 = #FF5F5F
| link2 = #Season 2 (2023)
| episodes2 = 10
| start2 = {{Start date|2023|6|14}}
| end2 = {{End date|2023|8|16}}
}}
=Season 1 (2021–22)=
{{Episode table |background=#2A54A9 |overall=5 |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |prodcode= |country=U.S. |viewers= |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Pilot
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Saladin K. Patterson
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|9|22}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT01
|Viewers = 3.23{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=September 23, 2021 |title=TV Ratings: 'Wonder Years' Scores Decent Start for ABC |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-22-2021-1235019640/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210923222909/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-22-2021-1235019640/ |archive-date=September 23, 2021 |access-date=September 23, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
|ShortSummary = Dean organizes the first integrated baseball game between his team and his friend Brad's team. The Williams family and their friends deal with the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and Dean gets his heart broken.
|LineColor = #2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Green Eyed Monster
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Mary Fitzgerald
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|9|29}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT02
|Viewers = 2.69{{Cite web |last=Porter |first=Rick |date=September 30, 2021 |title=TV Ratings: 'Masked Singer' Edges 'Survivor' for Demo Lead |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-29-2021-1235023552/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006163712/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-wednesday-sept-29-2021-1235023552/ |archive-date=October 6, 2021 |access-date=October 14, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = #2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = The Club
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Max Searle
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|10|6}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT03
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = The Workplace
|DirectedBy = Shiri Appleby
|WrittenBy = Meredith Dawson & Kendra Cole
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|10|13}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT05
|ShortSummary = Dean spends the day at his mother's office, as Lillian is an accounting executive with a master's degree. Dean finds new appreciation for how hard his mother works, despite the fact that her co-workers generally do not respect it. At the end of the episode, she is promoted over Coach Long, who also works in the office.
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = The Lock In
|DirectedBy = Molly McGlynn
|WrittenBy = Amberia Allen
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|10|20}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT06
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Be Prepared
|DirectedBy = Numa Perrier & Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Bob Daily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|10|27}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT07
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = Independence Day
|DirectedBy = Robert Townsend
|WrittenBy = Jacque Edmonds Cofer
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|3}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT04
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Science Fair
|DirectedBy = Matthew A. Cherry
|WrittenBy = Yamin Segal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|11|17}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT08
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Home for Christmas
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Bob Daily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2021|12|1}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT09
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = Lads and Ladies and Us
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Jacque Edmonds Cofer
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|1|5}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT11
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 11
|EpisodeNumber2 = 11
|Title = Brad Mitzvah
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Yael Galena
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|1|12}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT10
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 12
|EpisodeNumber2 = 12
|Title = I'm With the Band
|DirectedBy = Victor Nelli Jr.
|WrittenBy = Jordan Black
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|1|19}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT12
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 13
|EpisodeNumber2 = 13
|Title = The Valentine's Day Dance
|DirectedBy = Victor Nelli Jr.
|WrittenBy = Brett Melnick
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|2|2}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT13
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 14
|EpisodeNumber2 = 14
|Title = Country Dean
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Bob Daily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|2|23}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT14
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 15
|EpisodeNumber2 = 15
|Title = Black Teacher
|DirectedBy = Fred Savage
|WrittenBy = Amberia Allen
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|3|2}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT15
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 16
|EpisodeNumber2 = 16
|Title = The Sleepover
|DirectedBy = Shiri Appleby
|WrittenBy = Jordan Black
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|3|16}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT16
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 17
|EpisodeNumber2 = 17
|Title = Jobs and Hangouts
|DirectedBy = Aisha Tyler
|WrittenBy = Jacque Edmonds Cofer
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|3|23}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT17
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 18
|EpisodeNumber2 = 18
|Title = Goose Grease
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Yael Galena
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|4|6}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT18
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 19
|EpisodeNumber2 = 19
|Title = Love & War
|DirectedBy = Numa Perrier
|WrittenBy = Kendra Cole
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|4|13}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT19
|Viewers = 2.01{{Cite web |last=Mitch Metcalf |date=April 13, 2022 |title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Wednesday 4.13.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals |url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-4-13-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html |access-date=April 13, 2022 |website=Showbuzz Daily}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 20
|EpisodeNumber2 = 20
|Title = Bill's New Gig
|DirectedBy = David Robert Jones
|WrittenBy = Dioverd Danny Batista
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|4|20}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT20
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 21
|EpisodeNumber2 = 21
|Title = Where No Dean Has Been Before
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Bo Zenga
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|5|11}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT21
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 22
|EpisodeNumber2 = 22
|Title = Love, Dean
|DirectedBy = Saladin K. Patterson
|WrittenBy = Yamin Segal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2022|5|18}}
|ProdCode = 1EDT22
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = 2A54A9
}}
}}
=Season 2 (2023)=
{{Episode table |background=#FF5F5F |overall=5 |season= |title= |director= |writer= |airdate= |prodcode= |country=U.S. |viewers= |episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 23
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = One Small Step
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Saladin K. Patterson
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|14}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT01
|Viewers = 2.09{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-6-14-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 6.14.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|author=Mitch Metcalf|date=June 15, 2023|access-date=June 15, 2023}}
|ShortSummary =
|LineColor = #FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 24
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Forbidden Fruit
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Bob Daily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|14}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT02
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 25
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Football Team
|DirectedBy = Stacey Muhammad
|WrittenBy = Amberia Allen
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|21}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT03
|Viewers = 1.90{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-6-21-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 6.21.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|author=Mitch Salem|date=June 23, 2023|access-date=June 23, 2023}}
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 26
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Blockbusting
|DirectedBy = Nefertite Nguvu
|WrittenBy = Jacque Edmonds Cofer
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|6|28}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT05
|Viewers = 1.84{{cite web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-wednesday-6-28-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=Wednesday 6.28.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals|work=Showbuzz Daily|author=Mitch Salem|date=June 29, 2023|access-date=June 29, 2023}}
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 27
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Takeover Spirit
|DirectedBy = Melissa Kosar
|WrittenBy = Jordan Black
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|7|5}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT04
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 28
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Bill's New Friend
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Max Searle
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|7|26}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT06
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 29
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = A Star is Born
|DirectedBy = Lisa C. Satriano
|WrittenBy = Melanie Boysaw
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|8|2}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT07
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 30
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Like A Boss
|DirectedBy = Michael Schultz
|WrittenBy = Tom Young
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|8|9}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT08
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 31
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Happy Birthday Clisby
|DirectedBy = Katie Locke O'Brien
|WrittenBy = Kendra Cole
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|8|16}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT09
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 32
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = The Happiest Place on Earth
|DirectedBy = Ken Whittingham
|WrittenBy = Yael Galena
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2023|8|16}}
|ProdCode = 2EDT10
|LineColor = FF5F5F
}}
}}
Production
File:Don Cheadle - 2018.jpg is the show's narrator]]
The Wonder Years was announced on July 8, 2020, when ABC gave the project a pilot order with Fred Savage, the star of the original series, attached to direct and executive produce.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=July 8, 2020 |title='The Wonder Years' Reboot With Black Family In Works At ABC From Saladin K. Patterson, Lee Daniels & Fred Savage |url=https://deadline.com/2020/07/the-wonder-years-reboot-abc-black-family-lee-daniels-saladin-k-patterson-fred-savage-1202979955/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515115244/https://deadline.com/2020/07/the-wonder-years-reboot-abc-black-family-lee-daniels-saladin-k-patterson-fred-savage-1202979955/ |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In January 2021, the pilot was confirmed, with production taking place in Atlanta, Georgia.{{Cite web |last=Otterson |first=Joe |date=January 29, 2021 |title='Wonder Years' Reboot Among Three ABC Comedy Pilot Orders |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/wonder-years-reboot-abc-pilot-1234896055/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324230301/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/wonder-years-reboot-abc-pilot-1234896055/ |archive-date=March 24, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Variety}}{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=January 29, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years' Reboot Scores ABC Pilot Order Along With Regina Hicks' Sorority Comedy & 'Maggie' From 'Life In Pieces' Team |url=https://deadline.com/2021/01/the-wonder-years-abc-pilot-order-regina-hicks-sorority-comedy-maggie-life-in-pieces-1234683748/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325203632/https://deadline.com/2021/01/the-wonder-years-abc-pilot-order-regina-hicks-sorority-comedy-maggie-life-in-pieces-1234683748/ |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In March 2021, Saycon Sengbloh,{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 4, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Saycon Sengbloh To Star In ABC Reboot Pilot |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-saycon-sengbloh-cast-abc-reboot-pilot-1234706213/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321180950/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-saycon-sengbloh-cast-abc-reboot-pilot-1234706213/ |archive-date=March 21, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Elisha "EJ" Williams,{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=March 15, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Elisha 'EJ' Williams To Play The New Kevin Arnold In ABC Reboot Pilot |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-elisha-ej-williams-play-new-kevin-arnold-abc-reboot-pilot-1234714677/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325203643/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-elisha-ej-williams-play-new-kevin-arnold-abc-reboot-pilot-1234714677/ |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Dulé Hill, Laura Kariuki,{{Cite web |last=Petski |first=Denise |date=March 18, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Dulé Hill To Star In ABC Reboot Pilot; Laura Kariuki Also Cast |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-dule-hill-abc-reboot-pilot-laura-kariuki-cast-1234717661/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325203624/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-dule-hill-abc-reboot-pilot-laura-kariuki-cast-1234717661/ |archive-date=March 25, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Milan Ray, Julian Lerner, and Amari O'Neil joined the cast,{{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=March 24, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Milan Ray, Julian Lerner & Amari O'Neil Join Cast Of ABC Reboot Pilot |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-milan-ray-julian-lerner-amari-oneil-join-cast-of-abc-reboot-pilot-1234721137/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210502011131/https://deadline.com/2021/03/the-wonder-years-milan-ray-julian-lerner-amari-oneil-join-cast-of-abc-reboot-pilot-1234721137/ |archive-date=May 2, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} with Don Cheadle announced to serve as the show's narrator.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=March 26, 2021 |title=Don Cheadle Set As Narrator Of ABC's 'The Wonder Years' Reboot |url=https://deadline.com/2021/03/don-cheadle-narrator-the-wonder-years-reboot-abc-1234722585/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426123736/https://deadline.com/2021/03/don-cheadle-narrator-the-wonder-years-reboot-abc-1234722585/ |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} On May 14, 2021, The Wonder Years was given a series order.{{Cite web |last=Goldberg |first=Lesley |date=May 14, 2021 |title='Wonder Years,' 'Queens' Among Four ABC Series Orders |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wonder-years-queens-maggie-abbott-elementary-abc-series-orders-1234953624/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518160215/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/wonder-years-queens-maggie-abbott-elementary-abc-series-orders-1234953624/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{Cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |last2=White |first2=Peter |date=May 14, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years', 'Queens', 'Maggie' & 'Abbott Elementary' Picked Up To Series At ABC |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-wonder-years-queens-maggie-abbott-elementary-picked-up-to-series-abc-1234756301/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514232019/https://deadline.com/2021/05/the-wonder-years-queens-maggie-abbott-elementary-picked-up-to-series-abc-1234756301/ |archive-date=May 14, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In July, Allen Maldonado was cast in a recurring role.{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=July 29, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Allen Maldonado Joins Cast Of ABC Revival As Recurring |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/the-wonder-years-allen-maldonado-cast-abc-revival-1234802367/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729191129/https://deadline.com/2021/07/the-wonder-years-allen-maldonado-cast-abc-revival-1234802367/ |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |access-date=July 29, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
At a Television Critics Association panel discussion in August 2021, crew members revealed that the series would tackle major events from 1968, including the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. When asked about casting Maldonado, whose character at the time was speculated to be Afro-Latino like Maldonado, writer and executive producer Saladin K. Patterson said they "wanted to represent the diaspora of Blackness for sure. And some of that is in appearance and looks but some of it is just in the background and those individual stories that come from those mixes of cultures. He certainly fits into that tableau that we want to set."{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=August 26, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years': Dulé Hill And E.J. Williams Talk Challenge Of Reenacting Painful Moments From History |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/wonder-years-reboot-original-stars-conners-home-economics-goldbergs-casting-1234822524/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210826214053/https://deadline.com/2021/08/wonder-years-reboot-original-stars-conners-home-economics-goldbergs-casting-1234822524/ |archive-date=August 26, 2021 |access-date=August 26, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} The first season was originally given a 9-episode order. On October 26, 2021, the first season was expanded to a full season of 22 episodes.{{Cite web |last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=October 26, 2021 |title='The Wonder Years' And 'Home Economics' Get Full Season Orders From ABC |url=https://deadline.com/2021/10/the-wonder-years-home-economics-full-season-orders-abc-1234862678/ |access-date=October 26, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In November 2021, it was reported Richard Gant and Spence Moore II would also star.{{Cite web |last=Hatchett |first=Keisha |date=November 2, 2021 |title=The Wonder Years Adds Richard Gant as Gramps, All American{{'}}s Spence Moore II as Dean's Vietnam Vet Brother |url=https://tvline.com/2021/11/02/the-wonder-years-reboot-cast-richard-gant-spence-moore-ii-abc/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=TVLine}}
=Firing of Savage=
In May 2022, Savage was fired from his roles as executive producer and director after allegations of inappropriate conduct, including "verbal outbursts and inappropriate behavior".{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 6, 2022 |title=Fred Savage Fired As The Wonder Years EP/Director Following Investigation Into Inappropriate Conduct |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/fred-savage-fired-as-the-wonder-years-ep-director-following-investigation-into-inappropriate-conduct-1235018451/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} Seven days later, ABC renewed the series for a second season,{{Cite web |last=Del Rosario |first=Alexandra |date=May 13, 2022 |title=The Wonder Years Renewed For Season 2 At ABC |url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/the-wonder-years-renewed-season-2-abc-1234984489/ |access-date=May 13, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} which premiered on June 14, 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1086657/abc-2023-premiere-dates-judge-steve-harvey-the-wonder-years/|title=ABC Sets Summer 2023 Premiere Dates, Including 'Jeopardy! Masters' & 'The Bachelorette'|date=March 24, 2023|accessdate=March 24, 2023|last=Rouse|first=Isaac|work=TV Insider}} On September 15, 2023, ABC cancelled the series after two seasons.
Release
In the U.S., the series aired from September 22, 2021, to August 16, 2023, on ABC.{{Cite web |last=Andreeva |first=Nellie |date=May 18, 2021 |title=ABC 2021–22 Schedule: 'Big Sky' On Thursday & Comedy Block In Fall, 'Black-Ish' Farewell In Midseason |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/abc-2021-22-schedule-big-sky-move-thursday-blackish-final-season-wonder-years-goldbergs-80s-comedies-1234758907/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518160220/https://deadline.com/2021/05/abc-2021-22-schedule-big-sky-move-thursday-blackish-final-season-wonder-years-goldbergs-80s-comedies-1234758907/ |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=July 15, 2021 |title=ABC Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Wonder Years' & 'Queens' Join 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Good Doctor', 'Bachelorette', 'Goldbergs' & More |url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/abc-2021-fall-premiere-dates-greys-anatomy-good-doctor-bachelorette-goldbergs-wonder-years-1234793381/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715160826/https://deadline.com/2021/07/abc-2021-fall-premiere-dates-greys-anatomy-good-doctor-bachelorette-goldbergs-wonder-years-1234793381/ |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} In Canada, the series aired on CTV.{{Cite press release |title=The Wonder Years, The Big Leap, and The Cleaning Lady Lead New CTV Series for 2021/22 Season |date=June 3, 2021 |publisher=Bell Media |url=https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/the-wonder-years-the-big-leap-and-the-cleaning-lady-lead-new-ctv-series-for-2021-22-season/ |access-date=July 16, 2021 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210603192152/https://www.bellmedia.ca/the-lede/press/the-wonder-years-the-big-leap-and-the-cleaning-lady-lead-new-ctv-series-for-2021-22-season/ |archive-date=June 3, 2021 |website=The Lede}} The series premiered as an original series in selected countries on Disney+ via Star on June 1.{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2021 |title=Disney+ stellt kommende Inhalte für Star vor |url=https://stadt-bremerhaven.de/disney-stellt-kommende-inhalte-fuer-star-vor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210604163308/https://stadt-bremerhaven.de/disney-stellt-kommende-inhalte-fuer-star-vor/ |archive-date=June 4, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021 |website=Cashys Blog}}{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Roger |date=June 4, 2021 |title=Disney Confirms More New & Exclusive Shows Coming To Star On Disney+ |url=https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-confirms-more-new-exclusive-shows-coming-to-star-on-disney/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606123750/https://whatsondisneyplus.com/disney-confirms-more-new-exclusive-shows-coming-to-star-on-disney/ |archive-date=June 6, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021 |website=What's on Disney Plus}} In Latin America, the series debuted on Disney+ as a Disney+ exclusive.{{Cite web |date=July 15, 2021 |title=Anos Incríveis (The Wonder Years, 2021–) estreia no Disney+ em 20 de abril. |url=https://twitter.com/heli5m/status/1509194251103399936 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715222225/https://www.disneylapresspack.com/star-plus/post/8904 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |access-date=July 16, 2021}} On November 8, 2021, Hollywood Records made the show's theme song available to stream and download. The song is written by Roahn Hylton and Jacob Yoffee and features vocals by Scotty Granger.{{Cite web |date=November 8, 2021 |title=Theme Song from ABC's 'The Wonder Years' Reboot Released |url=https://filmmusicreporter.com/2021/11/08/theme-song-from-abcs-the-wonder-years-reboot-released/ |access-date=November 16, 2021 |website=Film Music Reporter}} The first season of The Wonder Years was added to Disney+ on June 15, 2022. The second season of The Wonder Years was added to Disney+ on August 17, 2023.
Reception
=Critical response=
{{Rotten Tomatoes prose|96|7.7|24|Sweetly nostalgic without sacrificing substance, The Wonder Years captures the magic of the original while adding necessary nuance and context to its tale of Black life in America.}}{{cite Rotten Tomatoes|title=The Wonder Years|id=the_wonder_years_2021|type=tv|season=1|access-date=January 18, 2022}}{{cbignore}} Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned a score of 75 out of 100 based on 18 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{cite Metacritic|id=the-wonder-years-2021|season=1|type=tv|title=The Wonder Years|access-date=January 18, 2022}}{{cbignore}}
The pilot episode was given to critics to review the series ahead of its premiere. In a review for Variety, Daniel D'Addario said that while parts of the 22-minute pilot felt "rushed", its focus on the time period made "its characters' relationships feel vivid and real against the backdrop of changing times." In his final points, D'Addario gave positive feedback to the cast and said "the pilot's final insight is nicely communicated."{{Cite web |last=D'Addario |first=Daniel |date=September 15, 2021 |title=New 'Wonder Years' Depicts '60s Turbulence, as Told by Don Cheadle: TV Review |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/wonder-years-don-cheadle-abc-tv-review-1235064438/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915205636/https://variety.com/2021/tv/reviews/wonder-years-don-cheadle-abc-tv-review-1235064438/ |archive-date=September 15, 2021 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |website=Variety}} The Hollywood Reporter{{'s}} Angie Han had similar comments, writing, "the series manages to invoke nostalgia for bygone days while also remaining relatively clear-eyed about the challenges of that period ... and it accomplishes this while delivering the cozy appeal of the best family sitcoms."{{Cite web |last=Han |first=Angie |date=September 15, 2021 |title=ABC's 'The Wonder Years': TV Review |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-wonder-years-tv-review-1235010987/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916030422/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-wonder-years-tv-review-1235010987/ |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} Jen Chaney of Vulture stated The Wonder Years succeeds both at honoring its source material and providing something on its own, stating the series is one of the few reboots that is handled with "care, intelligence, and clear intention," writing, "This is what a smart reboot does: It builds upon what came before and honors the legacy of the original while doing something new and different. It seeks to illuminate and not just re-create. It proves that sometimes something worthwhile can be shaped out of the familiar, as long as the process is in the right hands. And The Wonder Years is certainly in some good ones."{{Cite web |last=Chaney |first=Jen |date=January 13, 2022 |title=The Wonder Years Is Exactly What a Good Reboot Should Be |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/the-wonder-years-reboot-review.html |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}
Rebecca Nicholson of The Guardian gave the series a grade of 4 out of 5 stars and found it to be a charming and funny reboot, praising the humor and the characters, writing, "Happily, The Wonder Years has been done with care and innovation, and taps into the nostalgic appeal of the original late 80s/early 90s sitcom, while carving out a new path."{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2021 |title=The Wonder Years review – all reboots should be this smart |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2021/dec/22/the-wonder-years-review-all-reboots-should-be-this-smart |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=the Guardian |language=en}} Joyce Slaton of Common Sense Media rated the series 4 out of 5, praised the depiction of positive messages and role models, citing integrity and dignity, and applauded the diverse representations across the characters.{{Cite web |title=The Wonder Years (2021) TV Review {{!}} Common Sense Media |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/the-wonder-years-2021 |access-date=July 21, 2022 |website=www.commonsensemedia.org |language=en}} Dave Nemetz of TVLine gave the pilot episode a "B," praising The Wonder Years for its vintage soundtrack, comedic tone, and focus on minorities for a story set in the 1960s. Nemetz summarized the series as "a decent enough remake, but one that lacks the groundbreaking verve of the original and pulls its punches a bit."{{Cite web |last=Nemetz |first=Dave |date=September 15, 2021 |title=The Wonder Years Review: ABC Reboot Takes Us on a Nice, Safe Nostalgia Trip |url=https://tvline.com/2021/09/15/the-wonder-years-review-abc-reboot-dule-hill/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210916030421/https://tvline.com/2021/09/15/the-wonder-years-review-abc-reboot-dule-hill/ |archive-date=September 16, 2021 |access-date=September 16, 2021 |website=TVLine}}
=Ratings=
==Overall==
{{Television season ratings
| hide_viewers = y
| hide_rank = y
| hide_18_49_rank = y
| hide_18_49_rating = y
| link1 = #Season 1 (2021–22)
| timeslot1 = Wednesday 8:30 p.m. {{small|(1–17, 19–22)}}
Wednesday 9:00 p.m. {{small|(18)}}
| episodes1 = 22
| start1 = {{Start date|2021|09|22}}
| end1 = {{End date|2022|05|18}}
| season1 = 2021–22
| link2 = #Season 2 (2023)
| timeslot2 = Wednesday 9:00 p.m. {{small|(1, 3–9)}}
Wednesday 9:30 p.m. {{small|(2, 10)}}
| episodes2 = 10
| start2 = {{Start date|2023|06|14}}
| end2 = {{End date|2023|08|16}}
| season2 = 2022–23
}}
==Season 1==
{{Television episode ratings
| noshare = y
| refs_col = y
| title1 = Pilot
| date1 = September 22, 2021
| rs1 = 0.7
| viewers1 = 3.23
| dvr1 = n/a
| dvrv1 = n/a
| total1 = 1.8
| totalv1 = 6.40
| ref1 = {{Cite web |last=Zorrilla |first=Mónica Marie |date=October 13, 2021 |title=TV Ratings: Primetime Premiere Week Numbers Can Give Insight on Future Performance |url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/people-news/tv-ratings-primetime-premiere-week-numbers-performance-ncis-hawaii-fbi-international-1235087631/ |access-date=November 10, 2021 |website=Variety}}
| title2 = Green Eyed Monster
| date2 = September 29, 2021
| rs2 = 0.5
| viewers2 = 2.69
| dvr2 = n/a
| dvrv2 = n/a
| total2 = n/a
| totalv2 = n/a
| title3 = The Club
| date3 = October 6, 2021
| rs3 = 0.5
| viewers3 = 2.45
| dvr3 = n/a
| dvrv3 = n/a
| total3 = n/a
| totalv3 = n/a
| title4 = The Workplace
| date4 = October 13, 2021
| rs4 = 0.5
| viewers4 = 2.72
| dvr4 = 0.1
| dvrv4 = 0.68
| total4 = 0.7
| totalv4 = 3.40
| title5 = The Lock In
| date5 = October 20, 2021
| rs5 = 0.4
| viewers5 = 2.08
| dvr5 = 0.2
| dvrv5 = 0.68
| total5 = 0.6
| totalv5 = 2.76
| title6 = Be Prepared
| date6 = October 27, 2021
| rs6 = 0.4
| viewers6 = 2.57
| dvr6 = n/a
| dvrv6 = n/a
| total6 = n/a
| totalv6 = n/a
| title7 = Independence Day
| date7 = November 3, 2021
| rs7 = 0.4
| viewers7 = 2.23
| dvr7 = n/a
| dvrv7 = n/a
| total7 = n/a
| totalv7 = n/a
| title8 = Science Fair
| date8 = November 17, 2021
| rs8 = 0.4
| viewers8 = 2.47
| dvr8 = 0.1
| dvrv8 = 0.63
| total8 = 0.6
| totalv8 = 3.09
| title9 = Home for Christmas
| date9 = December 3, 2021
| rs9 = 0.3
| viewers9 = 2.18
| dvr9 = 0.1
| dvrv9 = 0.62
| total9 = 0.4
| totalv9 = 2.79
| title10 = Lads and Ladies and Us
| date10 = January 5, 2022
| rs10 = 0.4
| viewers10 = 2.41
| dvr10 = n/a
| dvrv10 = n/a
| total10 = n/a
| totalv10 = n/a
| title11 = Brad Mitzvah
| date11 = January 12, 2022
| rs11 = 0.5
| viewers11 = 2.54
| dvr11 = n/a
| dvrv11 = n/a
| total11 = n/a
| totalv11 = n/a
| title12 = I'm With the Band
| date12 = January 19, 2022
| rs12 = 0.4
| viewers12 = 2.14
| dvr12 = n/a
| dvrv12 = n/a
| total12 = n/a
| totalv12 = n/a
| title13 = The Valentine's Day Dance
| date13 = February 2, 2022
| rs13 = 0.4
| viewers13 = 2.36
| dvr13 = n/a
| dvrv13 = n/a
| total13 = n/a
| totalv13 = n/a
| title14 = Country Dean
| date14 = February 23, 2022
| rs14 = 0.4
| viewers14 = 2.24
| dvr14 = n/a
| dvrv14 = n/a
| total14 = n/a
| totalv14 = n/a
| title15 = Black Teacher
| date15 = March 2, 2022
| rs15 = 0.3
| viewers15 = 2.25
| dvr15 = n/a
| dvrv15 = n/a
| total15 = n/a
| totalv15 = n/a
| title16 = The Sleepover
| date16 = March 16, 2022
| rs16 = 0.3
| viewers16 = 1.99
| dvr16 = n/a
| dvrv16 = n/a
| total16 = n/a
| totalv16 = n/a
| title17 = Jobs and Hangouts
| date17 = March 23, 2022
| rs17 = 0.3
| viewers17 = 2.04
| dvr17 = n/a
| dvrv17 = n/a
| total17 = n/a
| totalv17 = n/a
| title18 = Goose Grease
| date18 = April 6, 2022
| rs18 = 0.3
| viewers18 = 1.97
| dvr18 = n/a
| dvrv18 = n/a
| total18 = n/a
| totalv18 = n/a
| title19 = Love & War
| date19 = April 13, 2022
| rs19 = 0.3
| viewers19 = 2.01
| dvr19 = n/a
| dvrv19 = n/a
| total19 = n/a
| totalv19 = n/a
| title20 = Bill's New Gig
| date20 = April 20, 2022
| rs20 = 0.3
| viewers20 = 1.88
| dvr20 = n/a
| dvrv20 = n/a
| total20 = n/a
| totalv20 = n/a
| title21 = Where No Dean Has Been Before
| date21 = May 11, 2022
| rs21 = 0.3
| viewers21 = 1.84
| dvr21 = n/a
| dvrv21 = n/a
| total21 = n/a
| totalv21 = n/a
| title22 = Love, Dean
| date22 = May 18, 2022
| rs22 = 0.3
| viewers22 = 2.05
| dvr22 = n/a
| dvrv22 = n/a
| total22 = n/a
| totalv22 = n/a
}}
==Season 2==
{{Television episode ratings
| noshare = y
| refs_col = y
| title1 = One Small Step
| date1 = June 14, 2023
| rs1 = 0.2
| viewers1 = 2.09
| dvr1 = n/a
| dvrv1 = n/a
| total1 = n/a
| totalv1 = n/a
| title2 = Forbidden Fruit
| date2 = June 14, 2023
| rs2 = 0.2
| viewers2 = 1.80
| dvr2 = n/a
| dvrv2 = n/a
| total2 = n/a
| totalv2 = n/a
| title3 = Football Team
| date3 = June 21, 2023
| rs3 = 0.3
| viewers3 = 1.90
| dvr3 = n/a
| dvrv3 = n/a
| total3 = n/a
| totalv3 = n/a
| title4 = Blockbusting
| date4 = June 28, 2023
| rs4 = 0.2
| viewers4 = 1.84
| dvr4 = n/a
| dvrv4 = n/a
| total4 = n/a
| totalv4 = n/a
| title5 = Takeover Spirit
| date5 = July 5, 2023
| rs5 = 0.2
| viewers5 = 1.93
| dvr5 = n/a
| dvrv5 = n/a
| total5 = n/a
| totalv5 = n/a
| title6 = Bill's New Friend
| date6 = July 26, 2023
| rs6 = 0.2
| viewers6 = 1.71
| dvr6 = n/a
| dvrv6 = n/a
| total6 = n/a
| totalv6 = n/a
| title7 = A Star is Born
| date7 = August 2, 2023
| rs7 = 0.2
| viewers7 = 1.60
| dvr7 = n/a
| dvrv7 = n/a
| total7 = n/a
| totalv7 = n/a
| title8 = Like A Boss
| date8 = August 9, 2023
| rs8 = 0.2
| viewers8 = 1.58
| dvr8 = n/a
| dvrv8 = n/a
| total8 = n/a
| totalv8 = n/a
| title9 = Happy Birthday Clisby
| date9 = August 16, 2023
| rs9 = 0.1
| viewers9 = 1.87
| dvr9 = n/a
| dvrv9 = n/a
| total9 = n/a
| totalv9 = n/a
| title10 = The Happiest Place on Earth
| date10 = August 16, 2023
| rs10 = 0.1
| viewers10 = 1.49
| dvr10 = n/a
| dvrv10 = n/a
| total10 = n/a
| totalv10 = n/a
}}
=Accolades=
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{Official website}}
- {{IMDb title}}
{{The Wonder Years (TV series)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wonder Years (2021 TV series), The}}
Category:2020s American black sitcoms
Category:2020s American comedy-drama television series
Category:2020s American single-camera sitcoms
Category:2020s American teen sitcoms
Category:2021 American television series debuts
Category:2023 American television series endings
Category:American Broadcasting Company comedy-dramas
Category:American Broadcasting Company sitcoms
Category:American English-language television shows
Category:Coming-of-age television shows
Category:Mass media portrayals of the middle class
Category:Middle school television series
Category:Peabody Award–winning television programs
Category:Period family drama television series
Category:Television series about children
Category:Television series about families
Category:Television series by 20th Century Fox Television
Category:American television series reboots