The Wonder Years (2021)

:

Season 1
  • Network: ABC
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 22, 2021
Season #: 2, 1
Metascore
75

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 0 out of 18

Critic Reviews

  1. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Stephen Robinson
    Sep 23, 2021
    50
    The new Wonder Years might’ve aired comfortably in 1968, alongside Julia. That’s not progress, either politically or creatively.
  2. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: John Anderson
    Sep 21, 2021
    40
    [The original] was more sweet than outright hilarious, one of the few things the two shows have in common. The old show was escapist, sure, the new one is not, but the inevitable question is why a network remakes a show in a way that largely ignores the charms of the original. ... Whether the new “Wonder Years” is a show for our times—or any—will have everything to do with whether it continues to be so utterly predictable.

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Best TV Season of 2021

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
4.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 14 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 14
  3. Negative: 8 out of 14
  1. snorkiss
    Oct 6, 2021
    1
    They say imitation is the best form of flattery but this is just lazy, and a little bit sad. Why not come up with another original showThey say imitation is the best form of flattery but this is just lazy, and a little bit sad. Why not come up with another original show starring African Americans instead of this shameless knockoff - 1 star… Full Review »
  2. perci
    Sep 24, 2021
    8
    The original Wonder Years is still my favourite TV show of all time, over thirty years on. Technically there have been better shows, but itThe original Wonder Years is still my favourite TV show of all time, over thirty years on. Technically there have been better shows, but it still wins for me, so this had a lot to live up to. I apprehensively watched the first episode, hoping it wouldn't ruin the memories I had. One episode isn't enough to know for sure, but I feel this is on the right track. As a white, privileged male, I'm not the right person to comment on whether it accurately depicts the struggles of black families in the time period in which it is set, but at the very least it is a conversation starter about the issues of the time and those that are still remaining today. It could be argued that every TV show seems to be needing to highlight these issues and this can feel like a constant education rather than entertainment, but it is far better than sweeping the issues under the rug. The good news is that they are clearly trying to keep the same tone, the same heart and the same values that the original Wonder Years captured so perfectly. The little nods to the original show (the final scene on the swings), is great for the diehards like myself and I'm looking forward to seeing how the show develops. So my advice, is ignore the zeros, who seem to be offended by the show for their own personal reasons and give it a try. I'm not saying it is perfect, but I'm very glad it exists.… Full Review »
  3. Ededed
    Nov 1, 2021
    0
    Nothing to wonder about. Reboots are generally a bad idea as they hardly ever meet the expectations of the audience.

    Try an original idea    Nothing to wonder about. Reboots are generally a bad idea as they hardly ever meet the expectations of the audience.

    Try an original idea next time… oh wait, Hollywood hasn’t had a good original idea for years. Reboots just admit their lack of originality at the outset.    … Full Review »
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