It’s no secret growing up is often confusing and frustrating, but what better way to spend those awkward years between Barney and Desperate Housewives than with our dear friends Cory Matthews (Ben Savage), Topanga Lawrence (Danielle Fishel), Shawn Hunter (Rider Strong) and, of course, Mr. Feeny (William Daniels)?
Boy Meets World was one of the defining shows of our generation. The half-hour comedy was so much more than the average youth sitcom. The series followed a group of average kids in Philadelphia as they found their way through life, and brought pre-teens and teens running to their television screens throughout the ’90s. You might think my nostalgia would weaken as Boy Meets World quickly fades into my seemingly distant childhood past, but in a world dominated by shows like Hannah Montana and Gossip Girl, it seems more important than ever to remember the wholesome ABC hit.
These characters were our role models – and what fantastic idols they were! To be like Cory is to be a caring, sweet and gentle person. And all little girls should aspire to be Topanga – an intelligent, driven and loving character. The more rebellious could relate to Shawn, whose rough upbringing often put him in morally compromising situations.
But it was the relatability of not just the characters but also the storylines which truly drew me to the series. The show was down-to-earth. The first season began with Cory, Shawn and Topanga as sixth graders, just as they were starting to understand what it means to grow up.
In this season they deal with problems any other budding teenager would face. Do I have romantic feelings for girls? How do I get along with my parents and my siblings? How do I help my best friend deal with a difficult homelife?
As the six remaining seasons passed by, we watched Cory and Topanga’s budding young romance grow into a mature relationship and Shawn work to find success – and himself – in a tough world. The love and relationships which they shared were heart-warming, and every problem the characters faced taught a valuable life lesson. Characters like Mr. Feeny, the high school principal and the Matthews’ next-door neighbor, offered priceless advice which every viewer should take to heart.
The show ended in 2000 on a high note, with the old crew still together and ready to face the adult world head-on. Even after the show’s finale, I enjoyed watching the re-runs broadcast on ABC Family and MTV2, reliving the characters’ transformations from pre-pubescent kids to bashful teenagers and all the way to blossoming adults.
Despite the many problems these teenagers encountered, they managed to pull through with endearing wit and enduring friendship. Each episode had a new experience, and a new lesson to learn. Boy Meets World was a joyful example of the type of show every kid should be watching.
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