Back in 2002, the US TV-show „TVography“ produced a documentary about „The Wonder Years“, called „The Wonder Years – Coming of Age“. Lots of actors, screenwriters and producers who worked on „The Wonder Years“ were invited and have been interviewed.
In 1987 the series, which should elate millions of viewers, came to life through the producers Neal Marlens and Carol Black. „The Wonder Years“ had not been intended to become a comedy-series like „The Cosby Show“ or „Family Ties“. The producers wanted to create something new which hasn't already been on TV. One tried to connect the worldwide, political events of the 60s and 70s with the life of a completely normal boy, growing up during those years.
When the script to the first episode was finished, a fitting TV-station to produce the series had been searched for. After quite a lot denials the producers of the series managed to discover an acceptor for „The Wonder Years“ - the US TV station „ABC“. Back there the boss of „ABC“ had been enthused that much by the series, that he did everything to present „The Wonder Years“ to a wider audience. But at first there were the actors to find. Fred Savage (aged 11 back then), who worked in smaller productions before, got the part of Kevin. The other actors for the parts of Norma, Jack, Wayne, Karen, Paul and Winnie had been found soon. The producers didn't attach great importance to educated, professional actors, to them it was more important to the producers to make the parts as realistic as possible, which finally succeeded.
On January 31, 1989, the first episode aired in the USA and got quite good ratings by the audience. A „higlight“ of the first episode was the kiss between Kevin and Winnie at the end of episode one. This scene had been shot six times, as it was the first kiss for Fred and Danica which excited both of them pretty much. Furthermore their parents and many other people behind the camera were around, which didn't make it easier for the young actors.
After the first episode had been that popular, „ABC“ ordered five more. In the middle of 1989 the second season was shot, but with different producers. Neal Marlens and Carol Black who started everything left their project behind for private reasons. Sonn both were replaced by the well-known producer Bob Brush.
For the creators of this series, it always had been a challenge, for it was not that easy to work with twelve year old kids which could, for legal reasons, only be available for filming a few hours per day. Another problem can be found in the physical development of the children: Josh Saviano, playing Paul Pfeiffer, gained much height in teh space of a few months, which irritated some viewers. Also, the voices of Paul and Kevin began to change by and by.