History of The Wonder Years in Timeline

The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age comedy television series set in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show follows Kevin Arnold, played by Fred Savage, as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence in suburban America. The series explores themes of family, friendship, and first love, all set against the backdrop of a changing social and political landscape.

1968: The Wonder Years Introduces Winnie and Explores Loss

In the pilot episode of "The Wonder Years," set in 1968, the audience is introduced to Winnie Cooper, a significant character in Kevin's life. The episode also deals with the impact of the Vietnam War, as Winnie's older brother, Brian, is killed in action.

1969: A Summer Kiss Sparks Change

During their 1969 summer vacation, Kevin and Winnie share a significant second kiss, marking a turning point in their relationship after a period of dating other people.

January 31, 1988: The Wonder Years Premieres

On January 31, 1988, the American coming-of-age comedy television series "The Wonder Years" premiered on ABC, right after the network's coverage of Super Bowl XXII.

1988: The Wonder Years Soundtrack Released

Adding to its cultural impact, "The Wonder Years" released its official soundtrack in 1988. Featuring Joe Cocker's memorable cover of The Beatles' "With a Little Help from My Friends" as the theme song, the soundtrack, released by Atlantic/WEA, captured the essence of the show's nostalgic vibe.

1988: The Wonder Years Wins Emmy for Outstanding Comedy Series

After only six episodes, "The Wonder Years" made a big splash in 1988 by winning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series. This was a remarkable achievement for a new show.

1989: Peabody Award Recognizes The Wonder Years

In 1989, "The Wonder Years" received further critical acclaim when it was honored with a Peabody Award. The award committee praised the show for its innovative approach to storytelling and its expansion of the sitcom genre, recognizing its impact on television.

1989: The Wonder Years Begins Airing in Australia

The Wonder Years began airing in Australia in 1989 on Network Ten.

1990: "The Wonder Years - Growing up in the Sixties" Book Release

In 1990, Pioneer Books published "The Wonder Years - Growing up in the Sixties" by Edward Gross. The book offered insights into the show's creation, featured interviews, and provided a detailed episode guide up to the fourth season.

September 1992: The Wonder Years Enters Syndication

In September 1992, The Wonder Years began airing in syndication.

May 12, 1993: The Wonder Years Airs Its Final Episode

May 12, 1993 marked the end of an era as "The Wonder Years" aired its final episode, concluding its six-season run on ABC.

May 1993: The Wonder Years Airs Final Episode

The final episode of The Wonder Years aired in May 1993. The show's ending was met with mixed reviews, with some fans feeling disappointed.

1994: Music from 'The Wonder Years' Box Set Released

A few years after the show's finale, in 1994, Laserlight Digital released "Music from 'The Wonder Years'," a five-disc compilation box set. It featured a mix of popular oldies from the show and original songs composed by W.G. Snuffy Walden, offering fans a nostalgic musical journey through the era.

1995: The Wonder Years Ends First Run on Network Ten

The Wonder Years ended its initial run on Network Ten in Australia in 1995.

September 1997: The Wonder Years Ends Syndicated Run

In September 1997, The Wonder Years ended its run in syndication.

October 13, 1997: The Wonder Years Begins Reruns on Nick at Nite

Reruns of The Wonder Years began airing on Nick at Nite on October 13, 1997.

1997: My Father's Office Episode Ranked Among TV Guide's 100 Greatest

"My Father's Office," an episode of "The Wonder Years," secured its place in television history in 1997 when TV Guide included it in their list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time, ranking it at number 29. This recognition highlighted the episode's enduring popularity and cultural impact.

1997: "My Father's Office" Ranked on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes

In 1997, the episode "My Father's Office" was ranked number 29 on TV Guide's list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.

1997: First Episodes of The Wonder Years Released on VHS

In 1997, the first four episodes of The Wonder Years were released on VHS by Anchor Bay.

2000: First Episodes of The Wonder Years Released on DVD

The first two volumes of The Wonder Years, which were previously released on VHS, were released on DVD in 2000.

January 21, 2001: The Wonder Years Ends Run on Nick at Nite

The Wonder Years finished its run on Nick at Nite on January 21, 2001.

January 22, 2001: The Wonder Years Begins Airing on The New TNN

On January 22, 2001, reruns of The Wonder Years started airing on The New TNN.

September 28, 2001: The Wonder Years Finishes Airing on The New TNN

The Wonder Years finished its run on The New TNN on September 28, 2001.

November 12, 2001: The Wonder Years Starts on ABC Family

The Wonder Years began airing on ABC Family on November 12, 2001.

October 2, 2004: The Wonder Years Ends Run on ABC Family

The Wonder Years finished its run on ABC Family on October 2, 2004.

April 2, 2007: The Wonder Years Begins Airing on Ion Television

On April 2, 2007, The Wonder Years started airing on Ion Television.

October 4, 2007: The Wonder Years Ends Run on Ion Television

The Wonder Years finished airing on Ion Television on October 4, 2007.

2009: Pilot Episode Climbs the Ranks of TV Guide's Greatest

In 2009, TV Guide revised their list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time, and "The Wonder Years" saw its pilot episode climb to the 43rd spot, further solidifying the show's legacy as a television classic.

2009: Pilot Episode Ranked on TV Guide's 100 Greatest Episodes

In 2009, the pilot episode of The Wonder Years was ranked number 43 on TV Guide's revised list of the 100 Greatest Episodes of All Time.

September 2010: The Wonder Years Begins Airing on CTS Ontario

The Wonder Years began airing in Canada on CTS Ontario in September 2010.

October 11, 2010: The Wonder Years Begins Airing on The Hub

On October 11, 2010, The Wonder Years began airing on The Hub.

March 30, 2011: Netflix Announces Addition of The Wonder Years

Netflix announced on March 30, 2011, that they would be adding The Wonder Years to their instant streaming service.

April 2, 2011: Other 20th Century Fox Shows Added to Netflix

Three other 20th Century Fox shows were added to Netflix's streaming service on April 2, 2011. The Wonder Years remained unavailable.

September 2, 2011: The Wonder Years Ends Run on CTS Ontario

The Wonder Years finished its run on CTS Ontario on September 2, 2011.

September 26, 2011: Amazon Announces Addition of The Wonder Years

On September 26, 2011, Amazon announced that it would be adding The Wonder Years to its Prime streaming service.

October 1, 2011: The Wonder Years Added to Netflix

On October 1, 2011, 114 episodes of The Wonder Years were added to Netflix's streaming service.

October 6, 2011: The Wonder Years Added to Amazon Prime

All 115 episodes of The Wonder Years were added to Amazon Prime on October 6, 2011.

March 31, 2012: The Wonder Years Begins Airing on ABC1

On March 31, 2012, The Wonder Years began airing in Australia on ABC1.

August 31, 2012: The Wonder Years Ends Run on The Hub

The Wonder Years finished airing on The Hub on August 31, 2012.

February 11, 2014: StarVista/Time Life Announces DVD Release of Complete Series

StarVista/Time Life announced the upcoming DVD release of the complete series of The Wonder Years on February 11, 2014.

September 30, 2014: Complete Series DVD Released to Mail Order Customers

On September 30, 2014, the complete series DVD set was released to those who ordered it through mail order from Time Life/Star Vista.

October 7, 2014: Season One Released on DVD

The first season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on October 7, 2014.

October 10, 2014: Complete Series DVD Officially Released

The complete series of The Wonder Years was officially released on DVD on October 10, 2014.

2014: Time Life Releases New Soundtrack

In 2014, Time Life released a new soundtrack for the show to accompany deluxe versions of its complete series DVD set. The CD is not available for separate purchase.

2014: Cast Reunites in Los Angeles

In 2014, the cast of The Wonder Years reunited in Los Angeles. This was the first time the key cast members had been together in 16 years.

February 3, 2015: Season Two Released on DVD

The second season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on February 3, 2015.

May 26, 2015: Season Three Released on DVD

The third season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on May 26, 2015.

October 6, 2015: Complete Series DVD Released to General Retailers

The complete series of The Wonder Years was released on DVD at general retailers on October 6, 2015.

January 12, 2016: Season Four Released on DVD

The fourth season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on January 12, 2016.

May 9, 2016: The Wonder Years- The Deluxe Edition Released in UK

On May 9, 2016, Fabulous Films released a deluxe edition of The Wonder Years on DVD in the UK.

May 24, 2016: Season Five Released on DVD

The fifth season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on May 24, 2016.

September 27, 2016: Season Six Released on DVD

The sixth and final season of The Wonder Years was released on DVD on September 27, 2016.

2016: Rolling Stone Crowns The Wonder Years a Top 100 Show

Rolling Stone magazine affirmed "The Wonder Years"' place in television history in 2016 when they included it in their list of the 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time, ranking it at number 63.

2016: Rolling Stone Includes The Wonder Years on Greatest TV Shows List

Rolling Stone ranked The Wonder Years number 63 on its list of 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time in 2016.

2017: The Wonder Years Opening Sequence Earns Recognition

In 2017, James Charisma of Paste Magazine recognized the iconic opening sequence of "The Wonder Years," ranking it number 14 on a list of the 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time. This highlighted the sequence's memorable music and nostalgic visuals.

2017: Opening Sequence Ranked by Paste

In 2017, James Charisma of Paste ranked The Wonder Years opening sequence number 14 on a list of the 75 Best TV Title Sequences of All Time.

January 2018: Alley Mills Discusses Show Cancellation

In January 2018, Alley Mills revealed that a sexual harassment lawsuit against two of the show's actors was a significant factor in the show's cancellation.

July 8, 2020: "The Wonder Years" Reboot Announced

On July 8, 2020, ABC revealed its plans to reboot "The Wonder Years" with Lee Daniels, Saladin Patterson, and Fred Savage as executive producers. Fred Savage was also set to direct the pilot episode.