The News

Fred emailed me last night to share the news! ❤
I can't wait to see what he & @leedanielsent create. I have no doubt it will both honor the original show & do justice to the realities of growing up black in 1960's. #TheWonderYears #TheWonderYearsReboothttps://t.co/mio5tQDo9C pic.twitter.com/fsHxFN9zbw

— Danica McKellar (@danicamckellar) July 8, 2020

According to Deadline, ABC has handed a pilot production commitment to The Wonder Years, a new iteration of the network's 1980s family comedy-drama. It comes from 'Dave' executive producer Saladin K. Patterson, Empire co-creator Lee Daniels, original series co-creator Neal Marlens as a consultant, the original series' breakout star Fred Savage and 20th Century Fox TV.

This time around, it will take on an entirely different concept. USA Today described the synopsis as:

"How a Black middle-class family in Montgomery, Alabama, in the turbulent late 1960s, the same era as the original series, made sure it was 'The Wonder Years' for them, too."

What The Original Series Was All About

It’s about time they try to tell a realistic story of a black child growing up during the 60’s & 70’s. I hope it sheds light on our current society - from civil rights through the Vietnam war- and now Black Lives Matter - hope this show makes a difference. #TheWonderYears pic.twitter.com/3BwWeUKhgS

— Dan Lauria (@realdanlauria) July 9, 2020

The Wonder Years ran from 1988 to 1993 on ABC. It followed the Arnolds, a suburban white family, with an adult Kevin (voiced by Daniel Stern), narrating events from 20 years in the past, covering the period from 1968 to 1973. The show centered around Kevin from ages 12 to 17, and also featured his parents, Jack (Dan Lauria) and Norma (Alley Mills), his brother Wayne (Jason Hervey) and his sister Karen (Olivia d'Abo).

Joe Cocker's rendition of "With a Little Help from My Friends" was the memorable series theme song.

What's Next For This Promising Program?

Nearly 30 years since it wrapped its six-season run, ABC is teaming with 'Empire' co-creator Lee Daniels for a reboot of #TheWonderYears https://t.co/MVV7fEs16e

— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 9, 2020

According to Deadline, The Wonder Years has a pilot production commitment. If the pilot script is approved for pilot production by ABC, the sign-off would also trigger the opening of a mini writers room in preparation for a possible series pickup.

Deadline also revealed that Savage will direct the potential pilot. He and Patterson will executive produce the half-hour project with Lee Daniels Entertainment's Daniels and Marc Velez.

ABC has not received a series commitment, and no casting details have been announced.