27 Years Ago Today, Boy Meets World’s Most Devastating Episode Premiered (But the Series Had a Twist Up Its Sleeve)

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For many years, sitcoms were a television staple, but the 1990s really marked a turning point for the genre. While shows like I Love Lucy and The Honeymooners defined sitcoms in the 1950s, each decade saw the format evolve with new, memorable series. The 1970s brought us Sanford and Son and All in the Family, the 1980s gave us Cheers and The Golden Girls, and the 1990s introduced Friends, Seinfeld, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. There were so many great sitcoms from each of these decades – especially the 90s – that you might be frustrated if your personal favorite wasn’t listed!

Boy Meets World, a hugely popular sitcom from the 1990s, was unique because it appealed to a younger audience and allowed viewers to watch its characters mature over time. The show, starring Ben Savage, started by focusing on Cory Matthews and his life in Philadelphia, but quickly evolved into a series that explored the growth and changes of all its characters over seven seasons, showing how they navigated major life events. While generally a light and funny show, an episode that aired 27 years ago really surprised and moved viewers with its unexpected turn.

Boy Meets World Stunned Fans With Shocking Death

A new episode of Boy Meets World aired on January 22, 1999, that significantly changed the show’s relationships. Called “We’ll Have a Good Time Then,” the episode starts with Shawn and Cory going to the college student union, where they learn that Shawn’s dad, Chet (Blake Clark), is back in town and intends to stay for good. Jack (Matthew Lawrence) is thrilled, as he never really got to know his father, but Shawn is skeptical, remembering Chet’s pattern of appearing and then disappearing for years. This makes sense considering Chet had only been in eight episodes up to this point, with his last appearance being over fifteen months prior in the second episode of Season 5.

Shawn openly expresses his anger towards Chet, leading to a dramatic scene where his father collapses from what appears to be a heart attack in Jack’s apartment. This Boy Meets World episode stands out from the rest of the series due to its serious tone. While it starts with some humor, it quickly becomes heavy and emotional, even when the story shifts away from Shawn. Overall, it’s a somber episode that forces Shawn to confront the fact that he’s repeating his father’s mistakes – pushing people away and struggling with commitment. This realization is particularly impactful for Shawn, coming soon after his breakup with Angela, and leads to a significant moment of self-awareness.

This episode features a reunion with most of the original cast of Boy Meets World. They all come together after hearing about Chet’s illness to support Jack and Shawn. The episode also hints at Shawn’s deepest worries, as Chet tells Alan Matthews he wants him to take care of the boys before he leaves – revealing his plan to head to Las Vegas after being discharged from the hospital.

It was incredibly powerful to watch Shawn finally break down and tell his brother everything – all the pain he carried from growing up without a father. He finally confronted Chet, and in a really moving moment, confessed he loved him and needed him. Just when it felt like things were turning a corner, Chet handed Shawn a birthday gift. But before Shawn could even open it, Chet suddenly clutched his chest and asked him to call for help. The gift turned out to be a photo of the three of them, taken earlier, but the joy was immediately shattered by the heartbreaking realization that Chet had passed away. It was such a raw and emotional end to the episode.

Shawn’s Dad Still Made Appearances in the Series After He Died

Chet’s death is a pivotal moment for Shawn, significantly shaping his development throughout the rest of the series and making it a truly memorable event. The episode is notably different from others, with very few jokes and a generally somber tone. Only a couple of other moments in Boy Meets World have a similar impact – Mr. Turner’s motorcycle accident and the series finale, where the characters head off in different directions.

Despite the shock of Chet Hunter’s death on Boy Meets World, the show had a surprising twist. Blake Clark, who played Chet, appeared in three more episodes even after his character died. Just two episodes after Chet’s passing, he appeared to Shawn in a vision while Shawn was driving Chet’s trailer, reassuring him that he’d always be there. While it might seem like the show was introducing a supernatural element, it was actually a clever way of showing how we continue to feel the presence of loved ones who have passed away. These appearances of Chet were only visible to Shawn, representing the enduring power of memory and grief.

Chet was absent for several months, finally reappearing in a Season 7 episode when Shawn visited his father’s grave. As a ghost, Chet revealed a difficult truth: Shawn’s biological mother was a stripper who abandoned him after birth, and his family had a history of unreliable people. Chet urged Shawn to use this knowledge to cherish the important relationships in his life. Chet made one final appearance as a ghost in the series finale, watching over his sons before disappearing, though a brief moment – where he pinched Rachel’s rear – hasn’t been viewed favorably since.

It’s strange, but Chet Hunter didn’t truly leave the story even after his death in Season 6 of Boy Meets World. He reappeared in an episode of the sequel series, Girl Meets World, appearing to Shawn in a vision to offer guidance. While fitting within the larger ‘Meets World’ universe – and similar to other moments throughout the show – it was still an unexpected choice. This all began 27 years ago with an episode that dramatically changed the show’s usual format and surprised viewers.

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2026-01-22 19:47