The Wonder Years

About The Wonder Years

"The Wonder Years" (2021) is a coming-of-age comedy-drama television series that is a premiere reboot of the original series that ran from 1988 to 1993. The series is set in Montgomery, Alabama in the late 1960s, focusing on a black middle-class family through the eyes of 12-year-old Dean Williams, as he navigates the societal and political changes of the era.

Making / Production

The 2021 remake of "The Wonder Years" was greenlit by ABC as a half-hour single camera series. Teams from 20th Television and Lee Daniels Entertainment worked together in the production. Fred Savage from the original show serves as the director for the pilot episode and as an executive producer for the series.

Actors

• Don Cheadle voices the adult Dean Williams, narrating his memories with grace and humor.
• Elisha Williams plays the younger Dean, delivering a delightful performance that showcases his character's ingenuity and charm.
• Dulé Hill embodies the role of Dean's father, Bill Williams, perfectly portraying the struggles and responsibilities of a middle-class black man in the 60s.
• Saycon Sengbloh plays Lillian Williams, Dean's mother, with a poignant expression of strength and compassion.
• Laura Kariuki plays Kim Williams, Dean's older sister, reflecting the spirit of teenage rebellion against societal norms.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The creators of the 2021 reboot decided to set the show in the same time period as the original for its historical and societal context.
• Don Cheadle, who serves as the narrator, is also one of the executive producers of the show.
• The series seeks to provide a fresh perspective on the late 60s by exploring it through the lens of a black middle-class family in the South.

Quotes

• "Everything you think you know about the world gets turned upside down." - Dean Williams
• "We were a regular, everyday family. Just trying to make it." - Dean Williams

Music / Soundtrack

• "With a Little Help From My Friends" - The theme song from the original series is covered in a more soulful and reggae-influenced style, reflecting the series' newer context.
• "Stand By Me" - This classic song is featured in the series, rendering an authentic 60s vibe.
• "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)" - Another iconic 60s hit that adds depth to the series' narrative.