Boy Meets World - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: Disney Channel Cast: Rider Strong, Ben Savage, Danielle Fishel
Genre: Comedy
Available on: 
DVDDownload
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this series now runs in syndication, so what was once the story of a young boy in junior high has in later seasons become about a young man in college. Consequently, later seasons deal with more adult issues, including sex, partying, a childhood crush that blossoms into adult love, and a best friend who comes from an unstable home life. Family relationships remain in the forefront, with parents questioning and supporting at all the necessary moments. Both tweens and teens can gain insight from the realistic issues.
Families can talk about how their own kids might relate to some of the isses Cory faces. Cory's parents empower their son to make decisions and think through situations -- is this something your parents do? Is Cory typical/average? Why do his parents give him so much trust?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Jill Hipps
BOY MEETS WORLD is for the average tween audience. Playing off of The Wonder Years, Boy Meets World centers around Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) and his issues, theories, and relationships as he comes of age from junior high through college. His childhood sweetheart, Topanga (Danielle Fishel), and best friend, Shawn (Rider Strong), along with Cory's parents (William Russ, Betsy Randle) and older brother (Will Friedle), create a balance in this boy's world.
Since this is a situation comedy, each episode sets Cory up with a problem to deal with. He often seeks guidance from his neighbor and school teacher, Mr. Feeney (William Daniels), who manages to give advice that relates back to what Cory has been studying in class. With the comparison of homework to real life circumstances, Feeney articulates what all parents wish they could say when kids ask "When am I ever going to use this in real life?"
Cory and Topanga deal with a range of issues including sex, Topanga's family moving away, jealousy, and proving to their families that they don't want to date other people. Later in the series, the couple marries while still in college.
Main characters are admirable for tween boys and girls. Topanga is an intelligent, strong-willed young lady, dedicated to her school work, friends, and Cory while still maintaining an independent personality. Cory is creative, thoughtful, and insightful, and his world consists of discovering the strength of relationships with family and friends.
Overall, the show allows kids to explore realistic situations from the safety of their couches. Parents may gain insight into the confusion or concerns of their own kids while enjoying a look at what this boy's world is made up of.
Tween fans might also enjoy more recent series like Lizzie McGuire and Hannah Montana.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentAs Cory and Topanga's relationship continues, sexual discussions take place, but still in a family-friendly format. |
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Social BehaviorCory consistently seeks advice from his parents and teacher/neighbor. |
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