They say the older the wine gets, the better it tastes. This rings very true in the case of the old hit TV series The Wonder Years. A slice-of-life take on a family in the ‘60s US, this show strikes a chord from episode one. An adult Kevin Arnold narrates the story of his childhood, as his 12-year-old self sees, observes and inflects on his family, consisting of his businessman father Jack Arnold, homemaker mother Norma, big bull brother Wayne and a hippie older sister Karen. Remember it’s a time when America is going through major social changes. And that is reflected through the characters’ dispositions.

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The show was an instant success probably because no other show was ever attempted in that format before. The fact that it picked up several Emmys speaks volumes of its production quality. The comedy-drama is sans recorded laughter — a novel concept at that time in the television scenario. It piques your curiosity as Kevin tells the story, with heart-wrenching warmth and honesty, about the complex lives of his family members. At some point, you know there’s a little bit of Kevin in all of us. He watches his sister stray and rebel — a hippie attribute in those days, his dad’s heart break, his mom’s desires stunted under her smiling, happy countenance. Kevin himself grew taller by several inches eventually, so the series had to be stopped. But his summing up is apt: “Growing up happens in a heartbeat. One day you’re in diapers, the next day you’re gone. But the memories of childhood stay with you for the long haul.”

A family bonder in more ways than one, the show drives home relevant messages about dealing with your family life, without being preachy at all. Evoking nostalgia apart, the show entertains in good measure too.