Cory Matthews and Topanga Lawrence, familiar from Boy Meets World, captured the imagination of 90s teens for seven seasons. Now a new generation discovers them in Girl Meets World, a spin-off set a decade later that follows Riley Matthews, Cory and Topanga’s daughter.
The series airs on Family Channel and invites viewers to come along as Riley navigates adolescence with her best friend Maya and a circle of friends—Lucas and Farkle—while Cory and Topanga provide steady guidance as they balance family life and teaching roles.
In discussions about the show, Rowan Blanchard, who plays Riley, and Ben Savage, who returns as Cory, shared insights about the new series and why Friday nights are a great time to tune in.
With Boy Meets World’s long legacy in mind, the cast acknowledged the pressure to honor the past while delivering a fresh chapter for today’s audience. The challenge, they explained, is not to recreate what came before but to honor its spirit while letting new stories unfold.
Rowan described Riley as a quirky, intelligent young woman who values family loyalty. She noted that Riley, by design, represents a character many viewers can learn from or see themselves in, making the show relatable to a broad audience.
Ben reflected on Cory’s evolution. The character remains affectionate and humorous, yet now parents two kids and teaches, focusing on setting a positive example. He added that Cory now lives in New York, a small but meaningful shift that marks growth while keeping the core essence intact.
Ben recalled the initial hesitations about stepping back into an older version of the character. After those early days on set, the experience became genuinely enjoyable, offering a new lens through which to view a familiar figure—father, mentor, and friend.
Rowan spoke about the joy of working with a cast of friends. She emphasized that the on-screen spark comes from real-life bonds; between pilots and series, the team made a point to stay close, which translates to the warmth audiences feel on screen.
She even teased lighthearted pranks, joking about playful moments behind the scenes that helped the group stay grounded and connected amid filming demands.
The show’s renewal for a second season sparked excitement about continuing storylines. Fans may hope to see ongoing threads such as the Shawn and Maya relationship, a special bond that holds a unique place for longtime supporters of the original series.
Ben suggested that the writers tailor episodes to reflect the characters’ growth as they age, making the storytelling feel fresh while remaining anchored in familiar themes. The ride, he said, is a fun, ongoing journey with surprises along the way.
When asked for a message to Canadian fans, the actors offered heartfelt thanks and expressed that they hope the new show resonates as strongly there as it does elsewhere. The warmth from viewers who grew up with Boy Meets World and now share it with their own kids is meaningful to the cast.
Fans were invited to tune in on Family Channel every Friday at 7 PM, with a planned Friday night marathon featuring an all-new episode and behind-the-scenes moments leading up to the premiere slot. The cast promised a night of fun that celebrates the connection between generations of viewers.