The Wonder Years (1988) - Interview With Jason Hervey

The Wonder Years is an American coming-of-age, comedy-drama television series created by Neal Marlens and Carol Black. It ran on ABC from March 15, 1988, until May 12, 1993. The pilot aired on January 31, 1988, following ABC's coverage of Super Bowl XXII.

[@mikegeiler2347]

I related to Wayne on a number of levels. I was both the middle child, but had an older brother just like him. Every character on this show was a perfect representation of what they were.

[@GiantTributes8690]

One of the greatest shows of all time. Obviously, referring to the original series.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

Yes,that terrible remake should never have seen the light of day. It’s not “the wonder years”. It’s just another terrible forced diversity show using the name “the wonder years.” Hollywood is creatively bankrupt. They just keep trying to recycle old show names instead of creating anything worthwhile that’s new

[@upmysuccess90s20]

@@Suddenlyits1960 I agree. Seems like today, everyone wants to reboot/remake everything. We have Fuller House-from Full House, ICarly 2021-from original ICarly, Raven’s Home-from That’s so Raven, Cobra Kai-from the Karate Kid movies. There was almost even a Drake and Josh reboot. Crazy

[@Jonnystinkfoot]

I watched about the last 5 minutes of an episode reboot, never again, can't touch the original wonder years

[@rexdude]

Fun part is the reboot was produced by Fred Savage.

[@thewvnetwork]

@@upmysuccess90s20 The biggest difference from all of those shows you mentioned vs. the new 'Wonder Years' is the original casts reprised their roles. I'd much rather watch a reboot with the original cast than a remake, even if it still is stupid ('Fuller House' was especially horrendous; 'Girl Meets World' wasn't much better, but I still watched them both because it was the original characters/actors!). I feel like "The Wonder Years" could have worked with the original cast doing a movie or even a mini-series, showing Kevin grown up with kids in the 1980s (think 'Stranger Things' without the monsters if they'd have done it right). Personally, I understand the concept of the current reboot, and, it WAS a good sentiment to offer a black version of this show, or at least it was a good idea on paper. And, if they'd used the original signature devices the correct way and just had the family be black and outline how it was DIFFERENT for them vs. the white Arnold family, I think I (and most viewers I would say) would have accepted that a lot better, even if "woke". The actual problem is, it isn't that the new show is about a Black family living through the 1960s, its about a Black family that is WAY TOO WHITE for the 1960s. They should have touched more on the actual lifestyle that a TYPICAL Black family would have had at that time period, dealing with racism, segregation (and people who felt that segregation should still be a thing in places where it had recently ended), and also the unfair treatment they had in getting jobs. There are other social issues they really haven't touched on correctly, including women's rights. There just isn't enough conflict, there is no pushback on anything. Even taking away that the characters are physically Black, the show is about a family where the Mom is the main breadwinner, and the father works as a lesser-paid adjunct college instructor who (in season 2) supposedly wrote music for Marvin Gaye. While I'm not saying there weren't already some women-led families in that time period (especially when the woman is still happily married), it most definitely was NOT a typical arrangement, and is unrelatable to 90% of America, most especially BLACK families who the show is supposed to be most relatable too. Not to mention the farfetchedness of the Marvin Gaye tie-in...especially when they have barely even sampled his actual music. And speaking of, that is another problem...the Motown catalog was mostly comprised of Black artists...they rarely sample any original recordings from the era unlike the original concept...an important device that made the original series what it was. And, the other important device is also not being used correctly--the narration. If one paid close attention, the entire OS was told through Kevin's eyes...there was never a scene of the original show that Fred Savage wasn't in...the parents may have been fighting in the kitchen, but Kevin was sitting in the living room listening to the fighting and reacting to it. In this series, there are tons of scenes that Dean (aka new Kevin) isn't even in, and the narration is also absent. Just last week, we had the two parents attending what turned out to be a swingers party (featuring Dule Hill's costar from "The West Wing", Bradley Whitford). Not only should they never have gone there with what is supposed to be a family show, Dean mostly wouldn't have known anything about that because the parents would never have talked about it in front of him. So...the first person POV has been completely destroyed. This is NOT "The Wonder Years" experience for anyone--not even Dean Williams--by a longshot. And, to be clear, it isn't the casts fault, and it isn't because they are black, it is the poor writing that is at fault. It is plainly clear that the writers never watched the OS to fully get a grasp of the concept. They should have called in Bob Brush as a script consultant. In the end, my real thought is, while the new series is presented to be a Black version of the original series on the outside, its actually a huge misrepresentation and disservice to the Black community because the characters and the situations they are put in are not typical representations of what actually happened. We are not seeing what they actually went through. When developing this show, they should have pulled out the early 1990s series "I'll Fly Away"...I enjoyed it thoroughly, and it was shortlived even though it was well written and acted--they should have remade "The Wonder Years" with the sentiments felt and portrayed in that show, which was WAY more accurate to experiences that really happened to Black families during that time.

[@jewelzb1402]

I loved Wayne Arnold and nobody could have played the role any better at all!! ❤❤❤❤

[@Suddenlyits1960]

I’ve heard him say that on several occasions,that he got hell from people who were fans of the show for his portrayal of Wayne Arnold. Strangers would come up to him and make comments like “you were so mean and nasty to your little brother”. In reality he seems like a very nice person. I liked the episodes where his character developed and he showed decency and heart. When he was kind to Kevin,When he took over his Dads bussiness. The Wonder Years was such a great show. Hard to believe it’s been almost 40 years now.

[@georgiasmith64]

(thankfully I had a bigger bother more like Wally Cleaver)

[@geoffpoole483]

That's the sign of good acting, when people think the character is real.

[@arteyangelify]

Saludos desde Peru para usted, por su amable opinion. Es interesante el drama de la serie, ¿ ojala grabaran o La temporada 7. Saludos pars usted en Estados Unidos.

[@blakenapier3125]

@@arteyangelify He worked with WCW

[@willswalkingwest7267]

The episode where he tried to enlist and got turned down was Emmy worthy.

[@orangesharpy]

"I am always ready! I have been ready since first call! I am ready! Roll!" -Kevin Morton

[@dmoney668]

Brilliant actor . My brother and I still quote him

[@Suddenlyits1960]

Little did they know later that the music rights would create a huge problem when they went to release it on DVD. So many shows had this problem. Quantum Leap was another.

[@Caperhere]

WKRP

[@arteyangelify]

Hasta hoy en la actualidad. Pero fue un todo exito en mi pais Perú. Solo aparecio em netflix

[@jeshkam]

Somehow Miami Vice never faced same issues.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

Dan Lauria is very passionate about theatre. I can understand his comments,but they would have made me nervous if I were Jason too. I would argue though that television acting is just as legitimate and important a craft (depending on the material) as television because it has the ability to reach a far wider audience than any stage show can and it has permanence. unlike a stage show which once it’s over can never be seen again,his work on “The Wonder Years” will live forever and seen by generations to come and continue to touch lives. It will be remembered fondly. I think Dans work on the Wonder Years was truly Stellar. The entire cast was incredible. I remember seeing it when it came out. Hard to believe that’s 34 years ago now.

[@geoffpoole483]

Stage acting requires actors to get it right, there are no multiple takes. For the vast majority of actors they have to take every role they're offered because they're not in a position to dictate terms.

[@blakenapier3125]

@@geoffpoole483 Jason Hervey is very nice

[@shanehester5317]

he played a great big brother.i think he was very right about the music.

[@StradTrumpeter]

Butthead is one of my favorite television characters of all time.

[@kendallrivers1119]

Are you talking about Wayne or Butthead of Beavis and Butthead?

[@StradTrumpeter]

@@kendallrivers1119 Why would I be talking about anyone other than Wayne in the context of this video?

[@thewkovacs316]

dan really lived the part of being a good dad

[@petevaldezbc1]

Enjoying being mean vs being mean is the equivalent of liking vs disliking the character...Wayne nailed it!

[@blkacdevl2517]

Thank you Wonder Years for such a great story.

[@ImdaSnackGuy]

He played my big brother spot on.

[@jordiortega4436]

Phenomenal.

[@thickerconstrictor9037]

So I had a tryout with TNA wrestling in 2012 and in wrestling if you are a wrestler you don't Mark out for the stars that are there like you don't go up acting like a superfan because you will embarrass yourself and get kicked out of the locker room. So I meant Ric flair hulk Hogan Eric bischoff Bruce prichard Rob Van dam Kurt Angle excetera excetera and just shut their hand and introduce myself but when I saw Jason Hervey I ran up and was like oh man The Wonder years was amazing I'm a huge fan and back to the Future was an amazing movie and I know you just had a small role in it but I love your work. And he's like all thanks man I really appreciate that. And at the end of the day when I was walking out he actually flagged me down and said hey Nick nice to meet you! And I was like holy shit he remembered my name haha

[@kendallrivers1119]

Wayne was the anti Wally Cleaver! 😂 two iconic tv big brothers.

[@Daniel_Antonio_Arellano782]

I was in 7th grade in that same time the Wonder Years were based on.I can now identify with Kevin Arnold and Jack Arnold later on in life. Almost eerily so.

[@juanjulioromancampos9814]

El era un malo tan divertido, después se vuelve más noble su personaje.

[@mikeg3281]

by listening to him speak, you can tell this is a pretty smart guy

[@kifacorea]

A credit to good acting. Wayne was so unlikable but Jason seems fine.

[@tam9856]

😂 Right??? Wayne was such an asshole that it’s a relief the actual person is decent. Great acting!

[@hokahey7236]

Another credit to his acting is that, regardless of how obnoxious Wayne could be, there were some moments in the episodes when he could genuinely make you feel pity for the character and even like him at times.

[@SN2903]

@@hokahey7236 I always liked Wayne and felt he was misunderstood at times. Kevin wasn't always the nicest guy even though overall he was he had a lot of not very good moments.

[@maximusprime3459]

He's racist.

[@deannaroberson1451]

@@tam9856 Wayne was the big brother I loved to hate.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

“Wayne on Wheels” was also a good episode. I wonder what happened to that Dodge Polara wagon.

[@shanehester5317]

that was probly the best one.

[@Suddenlyits1960]

Definitely one of the best “Wayne” episodes,,but there were so many others that were far more outstanding. “Faith”, “The ties that bind”,”Grandpa’s car”,”Pottery will get you nowhere”, “the hardware store”, “daddy’s little girl”,”private butthead”,”The Family car”,”the powers that be”,”the fishing trip”. This was really a fine show. It had heart and something to say. I didn’t like the ending though and what they did to Jack. I did like the fact that Wayne’s character developed and he became a kind,responsible man. He wanted to be a father and take care of that woman’s child but she used him,and he took over his fathers furniture business. I think Dan and Alley really never get the credit they deserve though for all they brought to their roles as Jack and Norma Arnold. Their contribution to the feel and heart of the show was immeasurable.

[@blakenapier3125]

They would love to have their heyday back Including bringing Film Color Camera

[@bunnybubs757]

What year is this interview?

[@jenniferhansen3622]

I would like to know too.

[@loveforeignaccents]

LOL, he seems the exact same.

[@tonylin9639]

They don't age. What a great show.

[@loveforeignaccents]

@@tonylin9639 I loved it!!

[@canopyfields]

It's butt head!! 😂😂😛

[@hokahey7236]

Great interview but he must have said "you know" about a thousand times 🤣 He's still very articulate and thoughtful.

[@purple292000]

Glad Wayne didn't pass the military physical.

[@maximusprime3459]

I heard he and Fred Savage were hell to deal with behind the cameras

[@24Ops]

Why was it never explained why he was mean?

[@Subypowa]

i mean... he wasnt really mean he was just being an annoying brother. but later on you can tell Wayne had a big heart.

[@NOMADcourier85]

​@Subypowa him taking over the business from Jack at the end of the series I always thought was a nice but subtle touch for his character. I sure hope he hired on Wort as his right hand man 😆

[@jessicamolzinho4632]

Eu tenho certeza absoluta que acabou por causa desse besta ai👆podem observar que ele era o tal, falava sacanagem no filme ,o assédio partiu desse cara ai que fazia o irmão do Kevin esse cara nao me desse ranço 🙄

[@arteyangelify]

Que fea opinion. Ain xontar una prueba de alguien. Yo no acusaria si no tengo las pruebas correspondientes. Es cono si hablaran de usted, sin tener pruebas, " imagino fue una trampa de una.mujer.usado por un envidioso" ; La jueza declaro inocente. En 1993 no existia internet, menos me entere del problema. Solamente mi mama usaba un televisor panasonic a colores. Y en pantalla 4:3. De 18 pulgadas. Yo tenia 9 años. Nunca odie a nadie no es bueno. ¡DIOS LE.AMA!; JUAN 3:16

[@blakenapier3125]

Get rid of The Wonder Years Black Version from existence

[@user-xr1xs1zy2z]

Scrot = Scrotum

[@helenfong3339]

I couldn't stand Wayne!!!

[@jenniferhansen3622]

That means he's a great actor and played the part well. 😊