It has been 32 years since The Wonder Years aired its final episode on May 12, 1993. To honor the anniversary, Danica McKellar, who played Winnie Cooper, posted some personal photos from the last day of filming.
In an Instagram post, McKellar reflected on how much the show meant to her. She shared memories from that emotional final day and thanked her fans who have loved the show for decades. “From myself and Winnie Cooper, thank you to everyone who watched through the years,” she wrote.
‘The Wonder Years’ chose a more realistic path for its ending
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McKellar shared photos that let fans glimpse the goodbyes behind the scenes. In one picture, she is seen with co-stars Fred Savage and Josh Saviano, arms wrapped around each other. Another photo shows the whole team gathered around a cake, smiling as they mark the end of a major chapter.
The final episode was filmed at a time when it was still not clear if the show would continue. Producers had to keep the ending open. Though fans hoped Kevin and Winnie would end up together, the show chose a more realistic path. “Sometimes life doesn’t turn out the way we expect,” said executive producer Bob Brush. “And that’s okay.”
‘The Wonder Years’ cast still maintains a strong relationship
The Wonder Years resonated with fans because it portrayed growing up in such a real way. It received 28 Emmy nominations and won four, including Best Comedy Series in 1988. Fred Savage, who was just 13 at the time, became the youngest actor nominated for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy.
Even after the show ended, the relationship between the cast remained strong. McKellar recently celebrated her 50th birthday, and Jason Hervey who played her brother-in-law was there to celebrate with her. It is clear the friendships formed during those years are still going strong.