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The Wonder Years

The Wonder Years

Set in 1968-1973, the series tackles the social issues and historic events of that time through the eyes of main character Kevin Arnold. Kevin also deals with typical teenage social issues, including those prompted by his main love interest, Winnie Cooper, as well as typical family troubles. The story is narrated by an older, wiser Kevin, describing what is happening and what he learned from his experiences in an alternately nostalgic and ironic tone.

Genres: Drama, Comedy, Family

Premiered: 1988-01-31

Runtime: 30 mins

Status: Ended

Rating: 7.6/10

Network: ABC

Main Cast

Daniel SternDaniel Stern
as Adult Kevin Arnold
Fred SavageFred Savage
as Kevin Arnold
Alley MillsAlley Mills
as Norma Arnold
Jason HerveyJason Hervey
as Wayne Arnold
Josh SavianoJosh Saviano
as Paul Joseph Pfeiffer
Dan LauriaDan Lauria
as Jack Arnold
Danica McKellarDanica McKellar
as Gwendolyn "Winnie" Cooper
Olivia d'AboOlivia d'Abo
as Karen Arnold

Episode Guide

Season 1

  • Episode 1: Pilot
    Aired: Jan 31, 1988

    Kevin, Winnie and Paul enter middle school.

  • Episode 2: Swingers
    Aired: Mar 22, 1988

    At Brian's funeral, Kevin obsesses over his first kiss with Winnie; Sex education begins being taught at Kevin's schools.

  • Episode 3: My Father's Office
    Aired: Mar 29, 1988

    When Kevin expresses interest in what his dad does at work, his dad takes him into work for the day.

  • Episode 4: Angel
    Aired: Apr 5, 1988

    Karen brings home a new boyfriend's whose views upset Kevin's dad.

  • Episode 5: The Phone Call
    Aired: Apr 12, 1988

    Kevin frets over calling a girl from school.

  • Episode 6: Dance with Me
    Aired: Apr 19, 1988

    Kevin ends up dateless for his first junior high dance as both Lisa and Winnie have dates.

Season 2

  • Episode 1: Heart of Darkness
    Aired: Nov 30, 1988

    Kevin and Paul befriend a bad boy and lie to their parents to spend the night camping with him.

  • Episode 2: Our Miss White
    Aired: Dec 7, 1988

    Kevin develops a crush on his teacher, Miss White while appearing in a play she wrote about the Civil Rights movement.

  • Episode 3: Christmas
    Aired: Dec 14, 1988

    Kevin and Wayne try to convince their father to buy a color TV for Christmas; Kevin tries to find the perfect gift for Winnie.

  • Episode 4: Steady as She Goes
    Aired: Jan 11, 1989

    Kevin asks Becky Slater to go steady in order to get Winnie to notice him.

  • Episode 5: Just Between Me and You and Kirk and Paul and Carla and Becky
    Aired: Jan 18, 1989

    Kevin tries to figure out who Winnie really likes.

  • Episode 6: Pottery Will Get You Nowhere
    Aired: Feb 1, 1989

    Norma begins taking a pottery class and everyone is supportive in the family expect Jack.

  • Episode 7: Coda
    Aired: Feb 8, 1989

    Kevin gets discouraged during his piano lessons when he compares himself to another student.

  • Episode 8: Hiroshima, Mon Frere
    Aired: Feb 15, 1989

    Wayne continues to antagonize Kevin including ruining his science project.

  • Episode 9: Loosiers
    Aired: Feb 28, 1989

    Paul is humiliated during P.E. class.

  • Episode 10: Walk Out
    Aired: Mar 7, 1989

    Kevin ends up elected to the student council who want to stage a walk out in protest of the Vietnam war.

  • Episode 11: Nemesis
    Aired: Mar 14, 1989

    Kevin worries when he realizes that Becky Slater is looking to get even after breaking up with her.

  • Episode 12: Fate
    Aired: Mar 28, 1989

    Kevin crosses path with the school bully.

  • Episode 13: Birthday Boy
    Aired: Apr 11, 1989

    Paul and Kevin prepare to celebrate their thirteenth birthdays.

  • Episode 14: Brightwing
    Aired: Apr 18, 1989

    Kevin is recruited by Karen to help run errands and ends up skipping school with her to hang at the rock.

  • Episode 15: Square Dance
    Aired: May 2, 1989

    Kevin gets paired up with the strangest girl in 7th grade during the P.E. unit on square dancing.

  • Episode 16: Whose Woods Are These?
    Aired: May 9, 1989

    Kevin, Winnie and Paul try to save Harper's Woods.

  • Episode 17: How I'm Spending My Summer Vacation
    Aired: May 16, 1989

    Kevin's plans for a fun summer are dashed when Paul announces his family is leaving for the summer and he writes a long heartfelt message in Winnie's yearbook.

Season 3

  • Episode 1: Summer Song
    Aired: Oct 3, 1989

    The Arnold's along with Paul head to Ocean City for a vacation.

  • Episode 2: Math Class
    Aired: Oct 10, 1989

    Kevin struggles in his math class.

  • Episode 3: Wayne on Wheels
    Aired: Oct 24, 1989

    Wayne gets his driver's license.

  • Episode 4: Mom Wars
    Aired: Oct 31, 1989

    Norma is overly concerned when Kevin begins playing football after school with friends.

  • Episode 5: On the Spot
    Aired: Nov 7, 1989

    Kevin tries out for the school play in order to get out of gym class.

  • Episode 6: Odd Man Out
    Aired: Nov 14, 1989

    Kevin and Paul get into an argument and the two befriend other boys.

  • Episode 7: The Family Car
    Aired: Nov 21, 1989

    Jack reluctantly agrees to shop for a new car.

  • Episode 8: The Pimple
    Aired: Nov 28, 1989

    Kevin gets his first pimple just as a family friend with a pretty daughter is coming to visit.

  • Episode 9: Math Class Squared
    Aired: Dec 12, 1989

    Kevin discovers that his classmates are cheating in math.

  • Episode 10: Rock 'n Roll
    Aired: Jan 2, 1990

    Kevin meets a new kid at school and starts a band with him.

  • Episode 11: Don't You Know Anything About Women?
    Aired: Jan 16, 1990

    Kevin wants to ask Susan Fisher to the school dance but can't work up the nerve so he goes with his lab partner, Linda.

  • Episode 12: The Powers That Be
    Aired: Jan 23, 1990

    Grandpa Arnold arrives in town and tensions arise between him and Jack.

  • Episode 13: She, My Friend and I
    Aired: Feb 6, 1990

    Paul is dumped by Carla Healy and expresses interest in dating Winnie.

  • Episode 14: The St. Valentine's Day Massacre
    Aired: Feb 13, 1990

    Kevin's valentine ends up in the wrong hands.

  • Episode 15: The Tree House
    Aired: Feb 20, 1990

    Kevin and Jack build a tree house together giving them a bird's eye view of an attractive neighbor.

  • Episode 16: The Glee Club
    Aired: Feb 27, 1990

    The 8th Grade Boys Glee Club can't seem to carry a tune, but a new teacher named Miss Haycock is determined to rectify that.

  • Episode 17: Night Out
    Aired: Mar 13, 1990

    Newly coupled Kevin and Winnie are pressured into attending a notorious make-out party. While at the party, it seems just like any other 8th grade party ... until the lights get turned off.

  • Episode 18: Faith
    Aired: Mar 27, 1989

    Kevin has to write an obituary for a school assignment; Jack faces tax season while Norma worries when she loses the receipts for the year.

  • Episode 19: The Unnatural
    Aired: Apr 17, 1990

    Kevin is perplexed when he is encouraged to try out for the baseball team and keeps making the cut when he isn't as good as some of the other players.

  • Episode 20: Goodbye
    Aired: Apr 24, 1990

    Kevin is trying to improve his grade in math, but is dealt a blow when his teacher suddenly passes away.

  • Episode 21: Cocoa and Sympathy
    Aired: May 1, 1990

    Kevin feels slighted when Paul begins spending time with Kevin's mother.

  • Episode 22: Daddy's Little Girl
    Aired: May 8, 1990

    As Karen's 18th birthday approaches and she is pushing the boundaries.

  • Episode 23: Moving
    Aired: May 16, 1990

    Kevin worries that this parents are going to sell the house but soon discovers that the Cooper's are moving.

Season 4

  • Episode 1: Growing Up
    Aired: Sep 19, 1990

    The family attends Jack's work picnic and learn Jack was passed over for a promotion.

  • Episode 2: Ninth Grade Man
    Aired: Sep 26, 1990

    Kevin has a miserable first day of high school.

  • Episode 3: The Journey
    Aired: Oct 3, 1990

    Kevin and his friends attempt to crash a 10th grade girls slumber party.

  • Episode 4: The Cost of Living
    Aired: Oct 10, 1990

    Looking to make extra money, Kevin takes a job as a caddy at a golf course.

  • Episode 5: It's a Mad, Mad, Madeline World
    Aired: Oct 24, 1990

    Kevin is partnered up with Madeline for a school project but while at her house, Kevin loses his ID bracelet that Winnie gave him.

  • Episode 6: Little Debbie
    Aired: Nov 7, 1990

    Kevin reluctantly agrees to escort Paul's little sister to her dance.

  • Episode 7: The Ties That Bind
    Aired: Nov 14, 1990

    After expenses mount in the Arnold household, Jack asks for a raise at work which he gets plus a promotion that will interfere with him making it to Thanksgiving dinner.

  • Episode 8: The Sixth Man
    Aired: Nov 28, 1990

    One thing has always been a certain, Kevin would beat Paul in basketball. When Paul tries out for the school basketball team, his skills improve leaving Kevin behind.

  • Episode 9: A Very Cutlip Christmas
    Aired: Dec 12, 1990

    Kevin accidentally discovers that Coach Cutlip is working as Santa Claus at the mall.

  • Episode 10: The Candidate
    Aired: Jan 9, 1991

    Paul nominated Kevin for student council President pitting him against Becky Slater.

  • Episode 11: Heartbreak
    Aired: Jan 23, 1991

    Kevin is excited when a joint field trip is announced with Winnie's school but things end in heartbreak.

  • Episode 12: Denial
    Aired: Jan 30, 1991

    Kevin convinces Paul to throw a party and invite Winnie in an attempt to get her back.

  • Episode 13: Who's Aunt Rose?
    Aired: Feb 6, 1991

    Grandpa Arnold arrives in town and convinces the family to attend the funeral of a distance relative.

  • Episode 14: Courage
    Aired: Feb 13, 1991

    Kevin puts off going back to the dentist to have a cavity filled because he doesn't want to chicken out in front of the dental hygienist he has a crush on.

  • Episode 15: Buster
    Aired: Feb 27, 1991

    The family dog, Buster, has been acting strange and a visit to the vet reveals Buster should be fixed.

  • Episode 16: Road Trip
    Aired: Mar 6, 1991

    Kevin and his father are forced together on a road trip to buy a new suit for Kevin.

  • Episode 17: When Worlds Collide
    Aired: Mar 20, 1991

    Kevin is left embarrassed when his mother takes a job in the office at school.

  • Episode 18: Separate Rooms
    Aired: Apr 3, 1991

    After Karen announces she won't be coming home for summer break, Kevin and Wayne fight over who should move and who should stay in there room.

  • Episode 19: The Yearbook
    Aired: Apr 10, 1991

    Kevin is recruited to be on the yearbook staff and make up quotes about people. Kevin has second thoughts when he gets to know one of the students.

  • Episode 20: The Accident
    Aired: Apr 24, 1991

    Kevin sees Winnie for the first time since right after they broke up.

  • Episode 21: The House That Jack Built
    Aired: May 1, 1991

    Karen decides to move into a house that needs fixing up, when Jack insists on helping with the repairs they arrive to find that Karen's roommate is her boyfriend.

  • Episode 22: Graduation
    Aired: May 8, 1991

    Kevin is upset to learn that Paul will be attending a prep school when they enter high school next year.

  • Episode 23: The Wonder Years
    Aired: May 15, 1991

    A highlight episode of the last three years.

Season 5

  • Episode 1: The Lake
    Aired: Oct 2, 1991

    The Arnolds and the Pfeiffers vacation at a lake house where Kevin meets a girl.

  • Episode 2: Day One
    Aired: Oct 9, 1991

    Kevin's first day of high school doesn't go as he hoped.

  • Episode 3: The Hardware Store
    Aired: Oct 16, 1991

    Kevin is fed up with dealing with his boss at the hardware store and takes a job at the mall.

  • Episode 4: Frank and Denise
    Aired: Oct 23, 1991

    Kevin helps a couple get back together.

  • Episode 5: Full Moon Rising
    Aired: Oct 30, 1991

    Kevin makes friends with Ricky who is the first to get his license.

  • Episode 6: Triangle
    Aired: Nov 6, 1991

    The family is surprised when Wayne begins dating a nice girl named Sandy. Trouble rises when Sandy shows an interest in Kevin.

  • Episode 7: Soccer
    Aired: Nov 20, 1991

    After failing to make the football team, Kevin ends up on the soccer team only to discover they are a bunch of nerds and a disinterested coach.

  • Episode 8: Dinner Out
    Aired: Dec 4, 1991

    Norma tries to repair Jack and Karen's estranged relationship.

  • Episode 9: Christmas Party
    Aired: Dec 11, 1991

    Despite their hectic schedules, Norma and Jack insist upon throwing their annual Christmas Party.

  • Episode 10: Pfeiffer's Choice
    Aired: Dec 18, 1991

    When the Pfeiffer's investment in property pays off the divide grows between them and the Arnolds.

  • Episode 11: Road Test
    Aired: Jan 8, 1992

    Kevin appears to be a natural at driving until it comes to parallel parking.

  • Episode 12: Grandpa's Car
    Aired: Jan 15, 1992

    Grandpa Arnold refuses to listen to the families concerns when he has trouble driving.

  • Episode 13: Kodachrome
    Aired: Jan 29, 1992

    Kevin enjoys his English teacher's unorthodox teaching style but the school board does not.

  • Episode 14: Private Butthead
    Aired: Feb 5, 1992

    Wayne surprises his family by joining the Army instead of retaking the SAT's.

  • Episode 15: Of Mastodons and Men
    Aired: Feb 12, 1992

    As things get serious with Kevin's new girlfriend, he begins to have second thoughts.

  • Episode 16: Double Double Date
    Aired: Feb 26, 1992

    Kevin and Winnie set each other up on dates for the Spring Formal.

  • Episode 17: Hero
    Aired: Mar 11, 1992

    Kevin idolizes a star on the school basketball team.

  • Episode 18: Lunch Stories
    Aired: Mar 18, 1992

    The trials and tribulations of lunch period at McKinley High.

  • Episode 19: Carnal Knowledge
    Aired: Mar 25, 1992

    Kevin and his friends attempt to sneak into an R rated movie.

  • Episode 20: The Lost Weekend
    Aired: Apr 8, 1992

    With his parents out out of town, Kevin invites some guys over for a night of poker but it soon turns into an all out party.

  • Episode 21: Stormy Weather
    Aired: Apr 22, 1992

    After a fight with her boyfriend, Karen shows back up at home in the middle of the night.

  • Episode 22: The Wedding
    Aired: Apr 29, 1992

    Karen and Michael opt for a small backyard wedding over a church wedding.

  • Episode 23: Back to the Lake
    Aired: May 6, 1992

    Kevin is disappointed as all his friends land summer jobs.  Kevin and Paul head up to revisit the lake.

  • Episode 24: Broken Hearts and Burgers
    Aired: May 13, 1992

    A misunderstanding leads Winnie to give Kevin the cold shoulder.

Season 6

  • Episode 1: Homecoming
    Aired: Sep 23, 1992

    Kevin and his friends attempt to steal a mascot for a rival high school; Wayne's friend, Wart, returns from a tour in Vietnam.

  • Episode 2: Fishing
    Aired: Sep 30, 1992

    The Arnold men head out on their triennial fishing trip.

  • Episode 3: Scenes from a Wedding
    Aired: Oct 7, 1992

    The Arnolds attend the wedding of Jack's bosses daughter where Kevin attempts to impress a girl and Wayne realizes that he dated the bride.

  • Episode 4: Sex and Economics
    Aired: Oct 14, 1992

    Kevin takes on a job painting a teacher's house.

  • Episode 5: Politics as Usual
    Aired: Oct 21, 1992

    Kevin is jealous when Winnie begins spending her time with a champaign worker for George McGovern. 

  • Episode 6: White Lies
    Aired: Oct 28, 1992

    With his parents away on a trip, Kevin invites Winnie over.

  • Episode 7: Wayne and Bonnie
    Aired: Nov 11, 1992

    Kevin tries to reconcile with Winnie; Wayne dates an older woman.

  • Episode 8: Kevin Delivers
    Aired: Nov 25, 1992

    Kevin rushes to make his date with Winnie while working his shift at the Chinese restaurant. 

  • Episode 9: The Test
    Aired: Dec 2, 1992

    Kevin and his friends worry about the upcoming SAT's.  Jack considers leaving his job and buying a furniture store.

  • Episode 10: Let Nothing You Dismay
    Aired: Dec 16, 1992

    Jack is left scrambling when his partner backs out of the loan; Kevin struggles to make enough money to pay Winnie a Christmas gift.

  • Episode 11: New Years
    Aired: Jan 6, 1993

    Kevin hopes to attend a party at a ski lodge with his friends but Wayne and his girlfriend invite the family out to dinner.

  • Episode 12: Alice in Autoland
    Aired: Jan 13, 1993

    Kevin hopes to get a good deal on a car from Alice Pedermier's father.

  • Episode 13: Ladies and Gentlemen... The Rolling Stones
    Aired: Jan 27, 1993

    After hearing a rumor that The Rolling Stones are going to be performing at a local dive bar, Kevin and his friends set out on a mission to find them.

  • Episode 14: Unpacking
    Aired: Feb 3, 1993

    Kevin learns more about his friend, Jeff.

  • Episode 15: Hulk Arnold
    Aired: Feb 10, 1993

    Kevin decides to join the wrestling team after showing promise during P.E. class.

  • Episode 16: Nose
    Aired: Feb 24, 1993

    Kevin's friend, Ricky, falls for a new girl with a big nose.

  • Episode 17: Eclipse
    Aired: Mar 3, 1993

    While on a class field trip, Kevin and Winnie get into a fight while Chuck gets left behind in a restroom.

  • Episode 18: Poker
    Aired: Mar 24, 1993

    The guys poker night brings several revelations.

  • Episode 19: The Little Women
    Aired: Mar 31, 1993

    Norma decides to get a full time job.  SAT scores come in for Kevin and his friends.

  • Episode 20: Reunion
    Aired: Apr 28, 1993

    The Arnolds travel back to where Norma grew up so she had can attend her high school reunion.

  • Episode 21: Summer (1)
    Aired: May 12, 1993

    Winnie takes a summer job as a life guard at a hotel resort, while Kevin considers a cross-country trip with his friends, an idea that Jack soon quashes knowing that Chuck and Jeff is cross-country without Chuck's Own Parents and Jeff's Mother's permission. Frustrated, Kevin then quits his job at Jack's factory and drives to the resort to see Winnie. Kevin then takes a job as a waiter to be near Winnie, but is then disappointed when he and Winnie are so busy they have no time for each other. Kevin gambles his gas money playing poker with the resort's house band and manages to win big; but later, when he finds Winnie to tell her of his good fortune, he becomes shocked to see Winnie kissing a co-worker. Part one of the two-part series finale.

  • Episode 22: Independence Day (2)
    Aired: May 12, 1993

    Kevin, furious with Winnie over her infidelity, plays another poker game, this time losing all his money and his car. He then punches the guy Winnie kissed, quits his job and hitchhikes home because he is now without a car. Winnie is fired from her job because of Kevin's tirade; and she, too, hitches a ride back home, and Kevin happens to be picked up by the same couple. Winnie tells Kevin her side of what happened; but their argument becomes so heated that they are both dropped off at the side of the road. Soon after a thunderstorm occurs and they find refuge in an old barn where they decide they don't want to lose their childhood relationship. The next day they make it back home just in time for the Independence Day parade, and the present-day adult Kevin reveals the fates of himself, his family, and his friends from that day onward. Part two (conclusion) of the two-part series finale.