‘Boy Meets World’ Praised for Resurfaced Gay Joke Handling with Sensitivity
Los Angeles, CA – July 31, 2025 – A recently rediscovered clip from the 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World has sparked widespread praise on social media for its surprisingly progressive handling of a gay joke, showcasing a moment of sensitivity rare for its era. The episode, originally aired in 1997 during the show’s fifth season, has fans and critics alike applauding the series for its nuanced approach to addressing homophobia.
In the episode titled “No Guts, No Cory,” a character makes a lighthearted joke implying another’s sexual orientation. Rather than leaning into stereotypes or using the moment for cheap laughs, the show pivots to a brief but meaningful exchange where Cory Matthews (played by Ben Savage) challenges the insensitivity, encouraging respect and understanding. The scene, lasting under a minute, delivers a subtle yet powerful message about acceptance.
Fans on X have lauded the clip, with one user posting, “This was 1997, and Boy Meets World was out here teaching kids to call out casual homophobia. Ahead of its time.” Another wrote, “The way they handled this without making it preachy is why this show still holds up.” The resurfaced moment has racked up thousands of likes and shares, igniting discussions about how Boy Meets World tackled social issues with care.
Cultural critic Dr. Emily Harper noted, “For a family sitcom in the ‘90s, this was bold. It didn’t just dodge harmful tropes—it actively pushed back against them, which was uncommon when gay representation was often played for laughs.” The episode aired during a time when LGBTQ+ characters were rarely depicted positively on network television, making the scene’s empathetic tone particularly noteworthy.
The show’s creators have yet to comment on the viral clip, but cast members, including Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter), have previously spoken about the series’ commitment to addressing real-world issues. In a 2023 podcast, Strong recalled how the writers aimed to balance humor with lessons that resonated with younger audiences.
As the clip continues to circulate, it serves as a reminder of Boy Meets World’s legacy as a show that blended comedy with heart, tackling topics from bullying to family dynamics with a rare sincerity. Fans are now rewatching the series, available on streaming platforms, to rediscover other moments of quiet progressivism.