The 90s were the golden age of children’s television. From Rugrats and Hey Arnold! to Saved by the Bell and Full House, there were countless shows that left an indelible mark on the minds of kids all over the world. But no show captured the hearts of an entire generation quite like Boy Meets World. In this article, we’ll explore the legacy of this beloved TV show and why it continues to be relevant, decades after its original run.
What Was Boy Meets World About?
Boy Meets World was a coming-of-age sitcom that aired from 1993 to 2000 on ABC. The show follows the life of teenager Cory Matthews, played by Ben Savage, as he navigates the ups and downs of adolescence with the help of his family and friends. Along the way, he faces a variety of challenges, from puberty and first love to academic struggles and parental conflict.
At its heart, Boy Meets World was a show about growing up and the importance of family, friendship, and self-discovery. It tackled serious issues with sensitivity and humor, earning a devoted following of fans who looked up to Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and the whole gang as role models.
Why Does Boy Meets World Continue to Resonate?
Even though Boy Meets World ended more than two decades ago, it remains a beloved cultural touchstone for many. Here are just a few reasons why:
The Characters
The cast of Boy Meets World was unforgettable. From the lovable goofiness of Cory and Shawn to the heartwarming wisdom of Mr. Feeny, each character had a distinct personality and charm that made them feel like real people. Fans of the show felt like they knew them personally, and some even credit Boy Meets World with helping them through difficult times in their own lives.
The Themes
Boy Meets World tackled serious topics like bullying, racism, and drugs without ever talking down to its audience. The show’s dedication to addressing these issues head-on made it a beacon of hope for many kids who felt like they didn’t have anyone to turn to. Even today, as conversations around mental health, identity, and consent become ever more urgent, Boy Meets World’s messages of acceptance and self-worth remain as important as ever.
The Nostalgia
For those who grew up watching Boy Meets World, the show is like a time capsule of a simpler, more innocent era. Its iconic opening sequence – featuring Cory and Topanga holding hands in front of the Philadelphia skyline – is etched into the memories of millions. Watching an episode of the show today is like reconnecting with an old friend, reminding us of the joy and wonder of childhood.
What Happened to the Cast of Boy Meets World?
Over the years, the cast of Boy Meets World has gone on to achieve great success in Hollywood and beyond. Here’s a brief look at what some of your favorite characters are up to today:
Ben Savage (Cory Matthews)
Since Boy Meets World, Ben Savage has continued to act in a variety of TV shows and movies. He also served as executive producer on the show’s spinoff, Girl Meets World, which aired on Disney Channel from 2014 to 2017.
Danielle Fishel (Topanga Lawrence)
Danielle Fishel has stayed busy since her days as Topanga, appearing in a number of TV shows and films. She also wrote a memoir called Normally, This Would Be Cause for Concern: Tales of Calamity and Unrelenting Awkwardness, and is a frequent host and contributor across a variety of media platforms.
Will Friedle (Eric Matthews)
Will Friedle has had a successful career in voice acting since his time on Boy Meets World, providing the voice for iconic characters like Bumblebee in Transformers: Robots in Disguise and Deadpool in Ultimate Spider-Man. He also makes regular appearances on screen, most recently in the Netflix series Alexa & Katie.
The Lasting Influence of Boy Meets World
It’s clear that Boy Meets World has left an indelible mark on popular culture. But its influence goes even deeper than that. Here are just a few ways in which the show continues to inspire and motivate people today:
The Fan Community
Boy Meets World has an active and passionate fanbase, filled with people who are dedicated to preserving the legacy of the show. From online forums to fan conventions, these fans have created a community that celebrates the show’s values and messages.
The Spinoff
Girl Meets World, the spinoff of Boy Meets World that ran for three seasons on Disney Channel, kept the spirit of the show alive for a new generation of viewers. While it may not have achieved quite the same level of popularity as its predecessor, Girl Meets World still introduced countless kids to the world of Cory, Topanga, and their friends.
The Memes
Boy Meets World is a goldmine of meme-able moments and quotes, from “Feeny! Fee-hee-heenay!” to “Life’s tough, get a helmet.” Its enduring popularity on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram ensure that it will continue to be a part of the cultural conversation for years to come.
The Legacy of Boy Meets World: A Conclusion
Looking back on Boy Meets World, it’s easy to see why the show has had such a lasting impact. Its combination of humor, heart, and commentary on the challenges facing young people struck a chord with audiences of all ages, and its characters have become icons of a simpler, happier time.
But perhaps the biggest testament to the legacy of Boy Meets World is the fact that it continues to be beloved by new generations of viewers. With its themes of loyalty, compassion, and self-discovery, the show speaks to universal experiences that will always be relevant. And as long as there are kids who feel lost or alone, there will be a place in their hearts for Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and the rest of the Boy Meets World gang.
So let’s raise a glass to Mr. Feeny, turn up the volume on the Boy Meets World theme song, and celebrate the power of great kids’ TV shows to inspire and uplift us all.
PS: If you haven’t watched Boy Meets World yet, stop everything and go watch it now! You won’t regret it.
