The Wonder Years
The Wonder Years
Now Showing

The Wonder Years

"Return to wonder."

7.0
Yr 2021
Rt 21m
Status Canceled
Your Verdict
Unrated

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Series Brief

Overview

A coming of age story set in the late 1960s that takes a nostalgic look at a black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama through the point-of-view of imaginative 12 year-old Dean. With the wisdom of his adult years, Dean’s hopeful and humorous recollections show how his family found their “wonder years” in a turbulent time. Inspired by the classic series of the same name.

Critical Reception

What critics are saying

Score 86 /100

Critical reception for the 2021 reimagining of The Wonder Years was overwhelmingly positive, with critics widely citing it as an example of how television reboots should be done. By shifting the perspective to a Black middle-class family in 1960s Montgomery, Alabama, reviewers felt the series effectively honored the warm, nostalgic spirit of the original while carving out its own meaningful narrative territory.

Reviewers consistently praised the show's balance of lighthearted charm and social context. Critics highlighted the endearing performances, particularly noting that the young cast brought an authentic, sweet innocence to the screen. Rather than leaning heavily into despair or overt preachiness, the comedy grounded its exploration of a turbulent era in sharp humor, relatable family dynamics, and genuine heart.

“Happily, The Wonder Years (Disney+) 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.”

“"The Wonder Years" finds magic for a new generation with charming sitcom reboot.”

“The cast is excellent, and Williams perfect as the wide-eyed idealist who sees those Americas with all the innocence and wonder that you hope he always will”

Transmission Paths

Where to Watch

Disney Plus
US • CA • UK
Featured Players

Cast

Credited 75
Regulars 9
Longest run 32 eps
Show 67 more
Charity Jordan as Vivian Long 10 episodes Chris Whitley as Warren Harper 1 episode Barbara Hawkins-Scott as Mrs. Hodges 5 episodes Jah'Mir Poteat as Michael Simms 3 episodes Sami Bray as Future Karen 4 episodes Bethany DeZelle as White Mom 1 episode Myron Parker Wright as Kwame 3 episodes Courtney Ianna Smith as Lisa Jones 1 episode Terrence J. Smith as Allen 1 episode Bill Kelly as Coach Wright 3 episodes Kristen Wharton as Guidance Counselor Mackin 1 episode Melanie Jeffcoat as Mrs. Anderson 4 episodes James Arthur Sims as Pastor 1 episode Andrew Tull as Hampton 15 episodes Jaylin Webb as Young Bruce 2 episodes Pilot Bunch as Mike 1 episode Michael Kendall Kaplan as Brett 2 episodes Timeca M. Seretti as Lydia Clemmons (as Timeca Seretti) 2 episodes Bill Winkler as Principal Cartwright 3 episodes Caleb Williams as Young Dean (as Caleb 'CJ' Williams) 3 episodes Allen Maldonado as Coach Long 16 episodes Ric Reitz as Mr. Davidson 4 episodes Boon McKenzie as Washboard 4 episodes Alex Patterson as Brian 'Bum' Lee 4 episodes Neal Ghant as Julian 4 episodes Alexander Parkinson as Max 2 episodes Dustin Lewis as James 1 episode Carly Nykanen as Jennifer 2 episodes Liz McGeever as Sheryl 2 episodes Suzanne Jordan Roush as White Lunch Lady 1 episode Kim Winter Mako as White Mother 1 episode Philip Dido as George 1 episode Milan Marsh as Charlene 4 episodes Caleb Black as Norman 11 episodes Frank Oakley III as Pastor Reliford 1 episode Kaysi J. Bradley as Tammy (as Kaysi Bradley) 1 episode Madison Alsobrook as Margaret 1 episode Scott Deal as Mr. Brooks 2 episodes Alonzo Ward as Deacon Loren 1 episode Anthony C. Jenkins as Piano Player 1 episode Jordyn Gilliam as Lisa 1 episode Akiley Love as Sharon 1 episode Mikayla Rousseau as Cute Girl 1 episode Richard Gant as Granddaddy Clisby 6 episodes Nakia Dillard as Theo 3 episodes L. Warren Young as Bray 3 episodes Ian Lyons as Mr. Wright 1 episode Brooke Jaye Taylor as Ms. Stevens 1 episode Spence Moore II as Bruce Williams 8 episodes Brantley Black as Mr. Johnson 1 episode Renae Geerlings as Mrs. Johnson 1 episode James Healy Jr. as Mr. Richards 1 episode Mark Helms as Mr. Carlson 1 episode Bayley Wolff as Mark 1 episode Ellie Clark as Linda 1 episode Adam Vernier as Owen Dunhill 1 episode Alec Michael Adams as Herb 1 episode Kevin Wayne Walker as Wallace 1 episode Ashley Rios as Dorothy Payton 1 episode Kendrick Cross as Dave Payton 1 episode Rick Evans as Planetarium Narrator 1 episode Brian Kurlander as Duke 2 episodes McKenzie Jordan as Young Kim 4 episodes Chinua Baraka Payne as Broderick 4 episodes Phoebe Robinson as Jackie 2 episodes Patti LaBelle as Mother Williams 2 episodes Jonathan Slocumb as Pastor Singleton 3 episodes
Signal Match

Similarity

Where The Wonder Years overlaps with other shows, and exactly what they have in common.

Keyword Cloud

Keywords

alabama remake coming of age 1960s
Technical Sheet

Details

First Aired
September 22, 2021
Status
Canceled
Episode Runtime
21 minutes
Origin
US
TMDB Votes
212