The Wonder Years and Home Economics have gotten full-season orders at ABC. Developed by Saladin K. Patterson, The Wonder Years is a “reimagining” of the original Wonder Years series which aired from 1988 to 1993. The new series tells the story of a middle-class Black family living in Montgomery, Alabama during the late 1960s, unfolding from the perspective of the 12-year-old Dean Williams (played by Elisha “EJ” Williams). The cast also includes Dulé Hill, Saycon Sengbloh, Laura Kariuki, Amari O’Neil, Julian Lerner, Milan Ray, and Don Cheadle as the narrator.
The reimagined series premiered to strong ratings, with a total of 6.4 million viewers after delayed viewing numbers were counted. Marking ABC’s strongest comedy debut in two years, THR reports that the network has picked up The Wonder Years for a full season. Home Economics season 2 has also nabbed a full-season pickup at ABC. This means that the two Wednesday comedies now have nine additional episodes, bringing both to the traditional full-season tally of 22.
Home Economics is inspired by the real-life experiences of writer and executive producer Michael Colton, chronicling “the uncomfortable yet heartwarming” relationships of three siblings in very different financial situations: one that’s very rich, one in the middle class, and one that’s just getting by. The series stars That 70’s Show alum Topher Grace, Caitlin McGee, Jimmy Tatro, Karla Souza, and Sasheer Zamata.
Although it debuted earlier this year for a brief seven-episode first season, critics have noted that the sitcom has grown sharper and more seamless as its story has progressed. Now that Home Economics will be sticking around for the remainder of the 2021-2022 TV season, along with The Wonder Years, it has the space to develop even further.
Source: THR