The Wonder Years is gearing up for a comeback but the family at the center of the rebooted series will look very different from the original show that became a fan favorite during its original run.
ABC has handed out a pilot commitment for a reboot of The Wonder Years that will feature a middle-class Black family in Montgomery, Alabama in the turbulent late-1960s — the same era as the original series. The concept is based on Saladin K. Patterson’s experiences growing up in Montgomery during that time period and he’s part of the trio that plans on bringing this reboot to life. Also on board, as executive producers are Lee Daniels and Fred Savage, who starred as the lead of the ensemble family dramedy as Kevin Arnold.
The Wonder Years has a pilot production commitment. If the pilot script is approved for pilot production by ABC, the signoff also would trigger the opening of a mini writer’s room in preparation for a possible series pickup. Savage will also direct the potential pilot as he has become more of a director on various television series while acting occasionally over the years after the show wrapped up its run in 1993. Neal Marlens, who co-created the original series with Carol Black, will be a consultant. 20th TV, which owns the rights to the 1988-93 series, is the studio. Part of Disney TV Studios, 20th TV has overall deals with Daniels, Patterson, and Savage.
Could this be why ABC passed on the much-hyped thirtysomething sequel series which seemed like a sure thing for a series pickup? It’s possible that ABC knew they had this waiting in the wings and not only is it a reboot of a beloved series that is still very popular today but it also allows the network to shine a light on an African American family during a time when inclusion is very much at the forefront in the entertainment industry. Being the home of black-ish and mixed-ish, ABC is becoming the network that has stepped up its presence in terms of showcasing people of color. The only way I see this not moving forward is if the finished product on the pilot just isn’t up to par.
Thirtysomething and The Wonder Years aired on ABC at the same time in the late 1980s-early 1990s. In fact, the two won the Emmy Award for outstanding drama and comedy series, respectively, for their first seasons in 1988. The original show ran on the network for six seasons and the coming-of-age dramedy took place from 1968-73 and was narrated by Daniel Stern as an adult version of Kevin Arnold, played by Savage, a teenager in a middle-class suburban family who recalled growing up during the turbulent social times. Dan Lauria co-starred as his father Jack, Alley Mills as his mother Norma, Jason Hervey as his brother Wayne, Olivia d’Abo as his sister Karen, Josh Saviano as his best friend Paul Pfeiffer, and Danica McKellar as his girlfriend Winnie Cooper.
