Since its invention, families have enjoyed gathering around their television sets together to watch their favorite shows. When my mom was a kid, that meant tuning into things like The Lawrence Welk Show and The Andy Griffith Show with her siblings and parents. By the time I came around, our family made sure to never miss an episode of this super nostalgia-filled classic.
Premiering in 1988, The Wonder Years was an instant hit with its idyllic portrayal of American life in the late-1960s. It was like a new version of Happy Days, but with a focus on a more tumultuous time in our culture's history. Set on the heels of the Vietnam war, the Arnold family represented the spectrum of attitudes toward their suburban life. Starring Fred Savage as young Kevin Arnold, he was surrounded by his bully older brother, hippie older sister, stoic father, housewife mother, and two best friends, Paul and Winnie.
The opening credits introduce each of them in the old Super 8-camera style. While the characters enjoy a backyard barbecue and a game of touch football, Joe Cocker's cover of The Beatles hit "With a Little Help from My Friends" sets the tone with his raspy vocals. The choice of song not only ties together the past and present, it's also instantly recognizable. I still think of Kevin and Winnie's adorable first kiss every time I hear it come on the radio!
Take a trip down memory lane and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
