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The Wonder Years

(Rated TV-PG, Comedy, Starring Fred Savage, Dan Lauria, Danica McKellar, Where to watch: ION, Syndicated, DVD)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Nostalgic coming-of-age sitcom still charms.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Family arguments and adolescent problems and issues are frequent, but harmony usually prevails in the end. Typical adolescent self-centeredness is highlighted throughout the show. Karen's hippie lifestyle often clashes with her parents' middle-class values. The Arnolds and most of their friends and neighbors are Caucasian and middle class. African-American and Asian characters are occasionally visible, but references to diverse populations are made within the context of the late-'60s/early-'70s setting (eg. African-Americans are referred to as "negroes").
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Occasional pushing and shoving, usually between Kevin and Wayne.
  • Sex:

    The focus is primarily on teenage crushes and includes hugging and kissing. Later episodes include more sexualized content. These references aren't explicit but do include discussion of virginity, pregnancy, and living together without being married. In one specific episode, Kevin touches a girl's breast while making out with her. When two main characters do have sex at the end of the series' run, nothing graphic is visible.
  • Language:

    Wayne calls Kevin "butthead" on a regular basis. Other words include "damn," "hell," and "jackass."
  • Consumerism:

    Brand-name references to products like Pepsi and Fresca. News clips and scenes from popular TV shows of the time, such as I Dream of Jeannie, are visible. Music from the era is also featured, ranging from Motown to classic rock (including the show's theme song, "With a Little Help from My Friends").
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Beer and other alcoholic beverages are occasionally visible, as are cigarette and cigar smoking. In one episode, Kevin gets drunk -- and sick as a result. Later episodes also contain occasional references to marijuana.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Wonder Years

Parents need to know that this hit '80s sitcom series tells the story of main character Kevin Arnold's childhood, beginning with his tween years in the late 1960s. The events are told from both his adult and childhood perspectives, thanks to the show's trademark narration. The series focuses on Kevin's relationships with family, friends, dates, and so on -- many of which are impacted by the tumultuous political, social, and economic factors of the era. While early episodes are mostly pretty tame, later seasons do include some drug references (marijuana) and stronger sexual innuendo/scenarios.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about nostalgia in the media. How accurate do you think TV shows and movies that look back on the past -- particularly the recent past -- are? Do people in general have a tendency to idealize certain parts of history? Families can also talk specifically about life in America during the 1960s and '70s. What was it like growing up in that era? How have events like the Vietnam War and the hippie counterculture movement impacted American life today? Which of today's events do you think will have as lasting an effect on future generations?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Vermont
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    So good, classic!

    It is defintiely okay for kids 8 and older. they themselves are like ten when the show starts. This show is so good and to this day i am still mad that winny and kevin don't end up together. what's up with that? Overall a good wholesome classic

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Total and Complete Awesomeness

    Although it's one of those "old fashioned" just-when-good-TV-was-getting-started type shows, this show is completely and absolutely amazing! The characters are gripping and real, as well as the many humorous revelations of the main character. The Wonder Years follows the life of 13 year old Kevin Arnold as he fights with his older brother, Wayne, the ups and downs of his first love, and growing up as a teenager in the 60's and 70's. Although Kevin's sometimes silly revelations can get annoying, this show still manages to move anyone who watches it.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    I love it!

    I am only 12 but i have been introduced to many movies. tv shows and books of the 80's 70's 60's 50's 40's and I was introduced to the Wonder years when i was about 4 and I watch it when it plays on ion at 10:00 on weeknights I love that show fred savage is cute I love the show it is my favorite!

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