 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Wonder Years
- Syndicated, The Hub
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Nostalgic coming-of-age sitcom still charms.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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.
What's the story?
Set in the late 1960s and early '70s, THE WONDER YEARS offers a funny, nostalgic look at a boy coming of age during of one of the most tumultuous times in American history. Narrated in voice-over by adult baby boomer Kevin Arnold (Daniel Stern), the show is structured as a flashback to Kevin's day-to-day life from 1968, when he's 11, until his junior year of high school in 1973. His story is told from his point of view both as an adolescent (as portrayed by Fred Savage) and as an adult. Kevin's youth is spent in middle-class suburban America with his family, including his Korean War veteran dad Jack (Dan Lauria), homemaker mom Norma (Alley Mills), hippie older sister Karen (Olivia d'Abo), and annoying older brother Wayne (Jason Hervey). Along with best friend Paul Pfeiffer (Josh Saviano) and girl-next-door Winnie Cooper (Danica McKellar), Kevin faces the trials and tribulations of growing up -- including braving a first kiss, starting (and surviving) high school, and getting a driver's license.
Is it any good?
Overall, the series is lighthearted, but it also contains its fair share of both thoughtful and dramatic moments, which usually present themselves when the events in Kevin's life are touched by the social, political, and economic upheavals of the era. Conflicts between Mr. Arnold and Kevin's older sister Karen are frequent, as the elder Arnold's traditional middle class values collide with Karen's hippie counterculture ideals. This tension -- in addition to concerns about the draft, losing neighborhood children in Vietnam, and putting a man on the moon -- create the backdrop for a world that Kevin and his friends must try to make sense of while growing into adulthood.
What 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?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Successful, Wonderful, All-Age Material
I love the Wonder Years, I watch it every day. But Kevin's dad Jack uses d***, he**, and d*** it a lot. It is sweet and teaches you many valuable lessons, and sometimes makes you cry. In one episode during Jack's Christmas party, he only served alcohol and wine. At the end, they caught an old friend smoking Marijuana in the basement in secret. It is a favorite of mine. Sometimes Wayne talks about sex, and Hobson talks about "men look at women", how his dad looks at dirty magazines. Wayne is a bad role model, and Jack is too, but Kevin, Winnie, Paul, Norma and Karen are good.
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AGE
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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AGE
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
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AGE
The Wonder Years Is A Wonderous Time!
I'm 12 years old much like the central character, Kevin Arnold. I understand and can relate to his life. The show is filled with messages such as; stay true to your friends, respect your family, and try your best in school. If you're from the ages of 12-15, I recommend The Wonder Years for you.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2011
AGE
Good show.
OK my sister loves this show. It does have mild mild
sex and drinking and language("d-mn", "h--l"). "Kevin" had sex with a girl later on. And "Wayne" cusses and drinks.
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AGE
O.K.
I like The Wonder Years. It is a good show. It has some sexual references, and a lot of perversion. Some illegal drinking, one man is smoking Marijuana in an episode. And they use the d word h word and a word. Wayne is a terrible and stupid brother who constantly tortures Kevin, and beats him in many ways. And Kevin's relationship with his dad sends out a rather sad message. I think this show is pretty cool though.
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AGE
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.
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AGE
great but for teens
The wonder years is a great show but it is mainly about going steady and teen crushes so I think it is better for 13 and up for language and the topics and that it follows a teenagers life
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Networks: | Syndicated, The Hub |
| Cast: | Dan Lauria, Danica McKellar, Fred Savage |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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