Boy Meets World was a staple program in American homes throughout most of the ’90s, and for good reason; it remains an amazing piece of childhood nostalgia. It introduced audiences to a small boy, Cory Matthews, and took them on his entire journey into adulthood. Along for the ride is Shawn Hunter, Cory’s best friend with a knack for getting into trouble, high school sweetheart, Topanga Lawrence, and his wise academic mentor, Mr. Feeny. The show managed to keep audiences reeled in by offering something new each season, whether it be a supporting character or some major life event affecting Cory and company. Here is every season of Boy Meets World, ranked.
7 Season 7
While season seven of Boy Meets World tackles some serious issues, it doesn’t quite match the momentum of the season directly before it, with its most memorable moment being Cory and Topanga’s wedding in the beginning of episode one. Nevertheless, it manages to keep audiences engaged throughout each episode, addressing topics such pregnancy, leaving one’s hometown for the first time, and sexual harassment in a college setting.
While many fans were devastated that their favorite show ended after this season, it was time for the sake of maintaining the show’s elite status among ’90s television. As the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.
6 Season 2
The season starts with audiences wondering about Minkus’ whereabouts, as he’s written off the show with no explanation. Fortunately, the season further develops another iconic character, making her a series regular by the end of the season, Topanga. As Cory and Topanga’s friendship is explored, with Cory softening his approach towards her, other relationships shift dynamics as well.
Mr. Feeny becomes the principal of John Adams High School, feeling forced to tone down his nurturing demeanor towards Cory. Mr. Turner is introduced as an unofficial replacement for Mr. Feeny, intriguing Cory and Shawn with his edgy teaching methods. Shawn’s whole life takes a chaotic turn when his family walks out on him, forcing him to live with the Matthews and, for the first time during their friendship, notices the class difference between him and Cory.
5 Season 5
Season five really hones in the idea that high school inevitably comes to an end, and the relationships formed during it will be tested with the transition into adulthood. The season starts off with Cory trying to find Eric a new roommate, only for the match to be none other than Shawn’s estranged half-brother, Jack.
While the dynamic between Shawn and Jack is explored throughout the entire season, it soon takes a backseat to Cory and Shawn’s friendship troubles, with their college choices causing a momentary drift between them. In an episode that crosses over with another popular 90s television show, Sabrina the Teenage Witch; the group is transported to the 1940s due to Sabrina Spellman’s bewitching abilities. Season five is the perfect mix of fun and drama.
4 Season 1
Many fans are probably wondering why season 1 isn’t ranked higher, and for good reason; it’s an excellent introduction to a show that would redefine ’90s television. Audiences meet Cory Matthews, a young boy with a thirst to be daring and break the rules, all with the assistance of the trouble-making Shaw Hunter. Shawn Hunter is the retrospective to the Matthews’ traditional family values, living in a trailer park with his own family.
Nevertheless, season one never raises the stakes past Cory getting detention for a forgettable act of unruliness, but it does introduce two unforgettable characters, Topanga and Minkus
3 Season 3
The season that turns Cory from a vivacious youngster into a confused teenager, season three explores Cory and Topanga’s romance in depth and how it propels other characters to examine their own approach to love. Cory says the L-word to Topanga for the first time, Shawn and Eric feel that they will be held to Cory’s emotional standards, and Eric starts to take the idea of college seriously. The episode ends with Eric accepting that adults must take accountability regardless of what life throws their way.
2 Season 4
Season four is arguably one of the show’s best seasons. This season navigates the show’s core: the transition from preadolescence to adolescence and the rollercoaster it can prove to so many teenagers, along with illustrating the economic struggles of middle-class suburban families. Some key moments include Topanga chopping off some of her iconic, long locks, only to realize that even she cares about outer beauty to a degree.
Shawn’s mother returns home to try and reconcile with Shawn and Chet, and Alan quits his job, throwing the Matthews into a chaotic moment of uncertainty about their family’s stability. One of the season’s darkest episodes includes Shawn having a classmate sleep over at his place, with Cory suspecting the pair is taking their friendship to the next level, only for Shawn to reveal that the girl is being abused by her father. Season four is not for the faint of heart, forgoing Boy Meets World’s general lightheartedness to explore the daunting reality of growing up.
1 Season 6
Several defining events occur this season for Boy Meets World’s titular couple, Cory and Topanga. The season starts off on a tumultuous note when Cory and Topanga are worried about their relationship after high school, with Topanga deciding to propose on the day of graduation; the first episode ends with a cliffhanger of them at the altar. Topanga can’t bring herself to go through with the ceremony, so they both drive back home and resolve to get married properly.
But this attempt at marriage is only the beginning of the drama for the season; other events include Cory, Shawn, Topanga, and Eric navigating their time at college, Cory and Topanga breaking up briefly, getting back together, and in a tear-jerking episode, Shawn and Jack’s father passing away. The season ends with Cory and Topanga finally tying the knot.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
