the wonder years
I didn't watch a lot of TV growing up. My parents are probably the only remaining souls in Salt Lake City that are still limited to just five channels. This should explain why my knowledge of pop culture trivia is as sorry as it is. To their credit, I do like to read.
There are just a few shows that stand out from my younger days: The Cosby Show, Family Ties, and on past-bedtime occasion, Johnny Carson. These are the programs we would sit around and watch as a happy family from time to time.
But The Wonder Years was the best. Even Dad liked to tune in, and that's saying something. Character Kevin was just a few years older than me in the story, and Narrator Kevin was probably just a little younger than my dad. In this way, The Wonder Years helped me to get to know my parents better. For 30 minutes, our two worlds collided: my awkward and adolescent present playing out in their '60s-era past.
Tonight, I'm sitting in my office and from the TV in the other room I hear that familiar reinterpretation of "With a Little Help From My Friends." Soon and sure enough, Kevin's unmistakable grown-up voice chimes in. I think, "Could it be?
It could. Am I the only one who didn't know that The Wonder Years is on channel 16 at 9 p.m. (a station called Ion)? I grabbed a peach and curled up on the couch for a whole hour, that's two episodes, of excellent nostalgic-meets-ironic storytelling. In the first one, Kevin was pining for Winnie and bought her an oversized (and by "oversized" I mean "huge") teddy bear as the "perfect gift." In the second one, they were eating Chinese takeout together on a park bench by the end of the show.
It was so awesome.
14 comments:
Oh my gosh, I sure hope I have that channel! I love The Wonder Years, and for a period desperately wished my name was Winnie Cooper.
ali, I love this post :)
I was also a kid who grew up with no cable television (spent most my time outside). and up until recently (seriously, like 2 months ago) I hadn't seen the infamous "wonder years"-- David was wondering what planet I had come from. So we sat and watched a couple episodes and I really enjoyed it!
thanks for sharing, I love your writing.
Oh, The Wonder Years. You're right, that was a show people of any age could relate to-not to mention it was really cleaver and unique.
Too bad most TV these days is useless garbage. Outside of The Office, 30 Rock and Scrubs, my TV viewing is all reruns.
Who knows, maybe I'm just becoming one of those "Out-of-touch," adults and I just don't get it anymore.
Good find!
Ooh, I loved The Wonder Years so much. I'm pretty sure I've seen every single episode. Thanks for the rerun heads-up!
Dude, I've been wondering when this series was going to be released on DVD and why its not in syndication anymore. I guess my prayers have been answered.
Now if I could just see some 'Adventures of Pete and Pete'.
I love(d) this show too! Brings back the feeling of being a kid.
Ali, I'm with ya on the cable thing. Consequently, I'm pretty good at Dr. Mario (I'm sure some of your skills can be credited to the fact of no cable too).
But never missed The Wonder Years.
Ali ~ I just found out about the Wonder Years on Ion, too. And, I also watched the Chinese take out episode last night. YAY!
I love that picture of Winnie and Kevin!
ha! same deal for us. my brothers and i would actually pool our allotted weekly 1/2 hour tv time to watch the wonder years and the cosby show. they were family events...miss that.
Love this post! I've always thought Wonder Years was like a longer, more tender version of "The Christmas Story" with Ralphie and his Red Rider BB gun.
For some reason the adult narrator combined with the hilarious kid =funny/sad. Which is the best kind of story there is.
I love Winnie Cooper. My favorite was their tension and then finally they kissed!! Great Post.
Its 2012 n now I get to know wat the wonder years is! I downloaded 2 seasons in a day! I must say! I really really lov it! Never ever gonna delete this series! Lovely story!
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