The Wonder Years is a brilliant coming-of-age comedy-drama series. Inspired by a series of the same name, the ABC series is set in the 1960s and tells the story of the Williams family narrated by an adult Dean Williams. The Wonder Years premiered its first in 2021 and has been renewed for a second season. So, while you wait for the upcoming season to come out here are some shows you could watch meanwhile.
The Wonder Years (Hulu)
Synopsis: Set in the extraordinary years of the late 60’s, “The Wonder Years” looks back through the eyes of Kevin, the youngest of three children in the Arnold family, on the joys and tribulations of growing up in a typical suburban household.
Everybody Hates Chris (Hulu, Peacock, & Paramount+)
Synopsis: Inspired by Chris Rock’s outrageous experiences growing up in 1980s Brooklyn, this heartwarming series captures the legendary comedian’s painfully funny teenage years. Experience all the hilarity as Chris struggles to fit in at high school while also supervising his younger siblings for his hard-working parents.
Son of a Critch (CBC Television)
Synopsis: Based on the award-winning, best-selling memoir from Mark Critch (This Hour Has 22 Minutes) and created by Critch and Tim McAuliffe (This Hour Has 22 Minutes, The Office (U.S), Last Man on Earth, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon), Son of a Critch is the hilarious and very real story of a young Mark coming of age in St. John’s, Newfoundland. It’s a heartfelt window into the life of a child – much older inside than his young years – using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world.
The Goldbergs (Hulu)
Synopsis: Before there were parenting blogs, trophies for showing up, and peanut allergies, there was a simpler time called the ’80s. For geeky 11-year old Adam (Sean Giambrone) these were his wonder years and he faced them armed with a video camera to capture all the crazy. The Goldbergs are a loving family like any other, just with a lot more yelling.
Saved by the Bell (Hulu & Peacock)
Synopsis: In the reimagining of the beloved series, when California governor Zack Morris gets into hot water for closing too many underfunded high schools, he proposes they send the affected students to the most well-funded schools in the state – including Bayside High. The influx of new students gives the privileged Bayside kids (who never have a problem that can’t be solved in twenty-two minutes) a much-needed dose of reality. Elizabeth Berkley Lauren and Mario Lopez star in the new SAVED BY THE BELL series, reprising their roles as Jessie Spano and A.C. Slater. John Michael Higgins also stars as Principal Toddman alongside the new class featuring Belmont Cameli, Dexter Darden, Mitchell Hoog, Alycia Pascual-Peña, Josie Totah and Haskiri Velazquez.
Growing Pains (Rent on Prime Video)
Synopsis: Join the fun as a typical, upwardly mobile family rediscovers the comic pains of parenthood when mom Maggie Seaver returns to work as a journalist and dad Jason Seaver moves his psychiatric practice into their home to be with the children in this warmhearted comedy.
Also Read: Shows Like ‘Freaks and Geeks’ To Watch If You Miss the Series
Freaks and Geeks (Hulu & Paramount+)
Synopsis: Growing up circa 1980, a misfit high-school student and his pals are probably destined to become new media millionaires, but right now they’re stuck in school, where all the girls are a foot taller and bullies terrorize the gym class. Meanwhile, his older sister is flirting with the dope-smoking bad boys, cutting classes and questioning the point of getting good grades.
Growing Up Fisher
Synopsis: It’s not every family that’s brought closer together by divorce, but then again, the Fishers are anything but typical. Take Mel Fisher (J.K. Simmons, “The Closer,” “Law & Order”), for example. He’s chopping down trees, showing his daughter how to drive, and playing football with his son… except that Mel’s blind. Then there’s Joyce (Jenna Elfman, “Dharma & Greg,” “1600 Penn”), who is your typical teenager – really into fashion, busy with school – but the problem is she’s Mom. That makes it difficult for her actual teenage daughter, Katie (Ava Deluca-Verley, “Southland”), whose advice (and clothes) Joyce is always seeking. At the center of all this is Henry (Eli Baker), the Fishers’ 11-year-old son. Having always been his dad’s eyes and wingman, Henry is less than thrilled when his job is outsourced to Mel’s new guide dog, Elvis. While the boy is at first reluctant to accept the changes that Elvis brings, adult Henry (voiceover by Jason Bateman, “Arrested Development,” “Identity Thief”) realizes upon reflection that his parents’ split finally allowed the Fishers to become one happy (divorced) family.
Also Read: Shows Like ‘Fresh Off the Boat’ To Watch If You Miss the Series
Fresh Off the Boat (Hulu)
Synopsis: It’s the ’90s and 12 year old, hip-hop loving Eddie just moved to suburban Orlando from DC’s Chinatown with his parents. It’s culture shock for his immigrant family in this comedy about pursuing the American Dream.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Hulu & HBO Max)
Synopsis: Will’s mom sends him away from his rough Philadelphia neighborhood to live with wealthy Uncle Phil and Aunt Vivian in Bel-Air. Will often has fun at the expense of stuck-up cousins Carlton and Hilary.
