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The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years

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2021–2023Ended3 seasons32 episodes~21 min/epTV-PGMidcredits score: 37th percentile of all shows

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.

Your rating, lists and review

Where to watch

Where can I watch The Wonder Years?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists The Wonder Years streaming on Disney+ and Hulu and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

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Rent / Buy

Buy

Highlights

What stands out about The Wonder Years?

The Wonder Years earns 4 badges, led by Divisive and Split on the acting.

Reception

Is The Wonder Years worth watching?

The Wonder Years' Midcredits score is the 37th percentile of all shows, from 6.3K ratings across 2 sources. 65% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

37th percentile

Better received than 37% of shows

35th percentile among Comedy42nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)36th
Approval (how many liked it)40th

Acclaim

Divisive: Rating-distribution shape vs the catalog

How much people like it

68 /100

36th percentile of all shows

36th percentile among Comedy40th percentile among 2020s

Rating distribution

Big peaks at both ends — people either love this or bounce off it hard.

Approval

How many liked it

65% liked it

40th percentile of all shows

35th percentile among Comedy45th percentile among 2020s
65% rated it 7–1035% rated it 1–6

Reach

How many have seen it

88th percentile

6.1K ratings across platforms

81st percentile among Comedy90th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 5% in 30 days

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the show is a retelling of the same era from a Black family's perspective, but differ on whether that adds value or feels like a pandering reboot.

Fans praised

  • warm and wholesome family dynamics
  • valuable fresh perspective on the 1960s era
  • strong cast chemistry and charming performances

Detractors panned

  • unnecessary and inferior remake of a classic
  • forced political messaging and lack of subtlety
  • poor character engagement and inauthentic feel

What stands out

ActingDivisive78

mostly praised for warmth and charm; detractors call it mediocre or stiff

Emotional impactDivisive72

moving and heartfelt; MLK death scene cited as powerful

CharactersDivisive70

lovable and relatable family vs. unremarkable or grating

HumorDivisive68

genuinely funny with good comedic timing vs. cringe or lacking

DialogueDivisive65

witty and funny vs. forced and preachy

PacingDivisive62

relaxed and engaging rhythm; some find it slow or awkward

Plot and storyDivisive60

solid slice-of-life stories with historical context vs. predictable and agenda-driven

OriginalityDivisive40

fresh perspective and reimagining vs. lazy cash‑grab remake

Preferred by

Women vs men

Preferred by Women

Women scored it 58 points higher than men.

US vs non-US

Preferred by US Viewers

US viewers scored it 18 points higher than non-US viewers.

Episodes

2 seasons

Season 2 · 2023 · 10 episodes

  • S2E1

    One Small Step

    Jun 14, 202322 min
  • S2E2

    Forbidden Fruit

    Jun 14, 202322 min
  • S2E3

    Football Team

    Jun 21, 202322 min
  • S2E4

    Blockbusting

    Jun 28, 202322 min
  • S2E5

    Takeover Spirit

    Jul 5, 202322 min
  • S2E6

    Bill's New Friend

    Jul 26, 202322 min

Watch experience

What is The Wonder Years like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Earnest, light and charged — an even-paced watch that leaves you wistful.

ToneFeelDemandexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

What it feels like

Moods
WarmMelancholicHopeful
Heaviest: throughout
Register
WarmSentimental · 4% of shows
Told as
Frame story · 3% of shows: A story told inside another — someone is recounting it.Case of the week plus an arcNew arc each season
ToneThe series holds its material with warm sincerity, viewing Dean's world through fond, reflective eyes while still acknowledging the era's complexities without undercutting its emotions.
The rideThe show balances warm family moments with a melancholic awareness of the era's struggles, sustaining this mix across the run.
StructureThe show is framed as an adult Dean's nostalgic recollection of his childhood, with the narrator's reflective commentary shaping each episode. This is the central storytelling device across the run.
Episode formatEach episode is self-contained, focusing on a single event or lesson in Dean's life, but the series is threaded with a season-long and series-long coming-of-age arc.
Season formatEach season covers a distinct period in Dean's adolescence, with the same core cast but a new set of life lessons and challenges driving the story forward.

How it leaves you

what you carry away
Wistful · 6% of showsHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe show leaves a gentle longing for a lost time, coupled with a warm belief in the goodness of growing up and the enduring love of family.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all shows
Monster — 18% of shows. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of shows. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 6% of shows. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 2% of shows. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 12% of shows. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 4% of shows. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 7% of shows. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 8% of shows. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 40% of showsPredator — 7% of shows. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 3% of shows. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of shows. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 3% of shows. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of shows. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of shows. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of shows. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of shows. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of shows. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of shows. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — 1% of shows. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of shows. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of shows. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of shows. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of shows. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 2% of shows. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 4% of shows. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of shows. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — under 1% of shows. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of shows. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 1% of shows. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — under 1% of shows. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of shows. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — under 1% of shows. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 2% of shows. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of shows. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of shows. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of shows. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 2% of shows. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of shows. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — under 1% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 1% of shows. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 1% of shows. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 1% of shows. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 1% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 3% of shows. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of shows. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 1% of shows. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of shows. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 6% of shows. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 1% of shows. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).Rebirth
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 18%: Predator 7% · Tyrant 3% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 3% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 6%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 2% · Mission 4% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage under 1%
  • Voyage 2%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 1% · Survival ordeal under 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent under 1%
  • Comedy 12%: Romantic comedy 2% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 2%
  • Tragedy 4%: Hubris 1% · Obsession under 1% · Corruption arc 1% · Doomed love 1% · Crushed by fate 1%
  • Rebirth 7% (this title): Redemption 1% · Healing 3% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 1% (this title)
  • Mystery 8%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 6% · Enigma 1%
  • No archetype 40%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Second chance: A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).

7% of shows fit this archetype

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeAs a case-plus-arc hybrid, the typical episode follows Dean navigating the challenges and small triumphs of boyhood in 1960s Alabama, with a loose sense of personal growth and self-discovery across the series. The arc leans toward a rebirth pattern of a young life being opened to new understanding.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 31% of showsSelf — 27% of showsPower — 7% of showsMorality — 11% of showsSurvival — 9% of showsSociety — 10% of showsIdeas — 5% of showsRomantic love — 10% of showsMarriage — 2% of showsFamily bonds — 22% of showsParenthood — 1% of showsFriendship — 18% of showsLoyalty — 7% of showsIdentity — 20% of showsComing of age — 9% of showsAging — under 1% of showsSelf-worth — 7% of showsAmbition — 14% of showsPurpose — 16% of showsMemory — 3% of showsObsession — 2% of shows. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 5% of showsCorruption — 3% of showsGreed — 2% of showsClass — 4% of showsOppression — 2% of showsFreedom — 4% of showsJustice — 14% of showsDuty — 2% of showsRevenge — 1% of showsGuilt — 1% of showsRedemption — 3% of shows. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — under 1% of showsSacrifice — 2% of showsBetrayal — 3% of showsDeception — 6% of showsSurvival — 12% of showsWar — 1% of showsViolence — 2% of showsMortality — 2% of showsGrief — 4% of showsTrauma — 5% of showsMental illness — under 1% of showsAddiction — under 1% of showsIllness and disability — under 1% of showsCommunity — 25% of shows. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 3% of showsPrejudice — 2% of showsDisplacement — 1% of showsFaith — 1% of showsTradition vs change — 3% of showsFame — 5% of showsLegacy — 3% of showsFate — 1% of showsFree will — under 1% of showsTruth — 6% of showsHope — 4% of showsNature — 3% of showsArt — 2% of showsTechnology — 1% of showsSelfComingof age
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 31%: Romantic love 10% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 22% (this title) · Parenthood 1% · Friendship 18% (this title) · Loyalty 7%
  • Self 27% (this title): Identity 20% · Coming of age 9% (this title) · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 14% · Purpose 16% · Memory 3% · Obsession 2%
  • Power 7%: Power 5% · Corruption 3% · Greed 2% · Class 4% · Oppression 2% · Freedom 4%
  • Morality 11%: Justice 14% · Duty 2% · Revenge 1% · Guilt 1% · Redemption 3% · Forgiveness under 1% · Sacrifice 2% · Betrayal 3% · Deception 6%
  • Survival 9%: Survival 12% · War 1% · Violence 2% · Mortality 2% · Grief 4% · Trauma 5% · Mental illness under 1% · Addiction under 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 10%: Community 25% · Isolation 3% · Prejudice 2% · Displacement 1% · Faith 1% · Tradition vs change 3% · Fame 5% · Legacy 3%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 6% · Hope 4% · Nature 3% · Art 2% · Technology 1%

Self

Coming of age · 9% of showsFamily bondsFriendship
Observes its theme: Presents its theme neutrally, declining to judge.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeDean's journey through adolescence is shaped by his family's love, the challenges of growing up Black in the segregated South, and the bonds with his friends and brother.
StanceThe series observes Dean's childhood with affection and honesty, focusing on personal and domestic experiences.

The world

Late 20th centurySuburbanDomesticRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · hybrid
SettingDean Williams' boyhood in late-1960s Montgomery, Alabama

Content guide

Is The Wonder Years okay for kids?

TV-PG

The Wonder Years is rated TV-PG. As of August 29, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at minimal (10/100), sexual content at mild (24/100), language at mild (17/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (27/100) and frightening material at minimal (13/100). Its violence, language, drug and alcohol content and frightening material have too few votes to rank.

Ratings in 16 other countries
  • CanadaG
  • AustraliaPG
  • Germany12
  • France12
  • Ireland12
  • South Korea12
  • Brazil14
  • Austria6
  • MexicoAA
  • MYP13
  • PhilippinesPG
  • Poland12
  • ROAP
  • SingaporeNC16
  • Spain12
  • Türkiye13+
Overall
Mild · all five categories
not ranked
Violence & Gore
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (7 votes)
Sex & Nudity
Mild · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for a TV-PG show
heavier than 37%
Profanity
Mild
too few votes to rank (4 votes)
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
too few votes to rank (5 votes)
Frightening / Intense
None / Minimal
too few votes to rank (5 votes)

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Too few votes to rank this title overall (32 votes across 5 categories; ranking needs 10 in at least three).

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other shows that have them.

What content warnings does The Wonder Years have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in The Wonder Years?

Cast

1 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Elisha Williams
as Dean Williams
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Dulé Hill
as Bill Williams
Veteran: 15 or more years in, with as much work as the typical long-career actor.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Saycon Sengbloh
as Lillian Williams
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Laura Kariuki
as Kim Williams
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Amari O'Neil
as Cory Long
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Julian Lerner
as Brad Hitman
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Milan Elizabeth Ray
as Keisa Clemmons
Newcomer: A standing when this show came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Don Cheadle
as Narrator
Established: A standing when this show came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Allen Maldonado
as Coach Long
Andrew Tull
as Hampton

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What are shows like The Wonder Years?

TMDB's suggestions for shows like The Wonder Years include Hey Arnold! (1996), iCarly (2021) and The Wonder Years (1988).

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