Los Angeles, USA — Thirty years after its debut, Boy Meets World remains a beloved staple of ’90s television, celebrated for its coming-of-age storytelling and iconic characters. But as the show’s original cast reflects on its legacy through their Pod Meets World podcast, they’re also sharing candid critiques about what could have been. Will Friedle, who played Eric Matthews, recently revealed what he would have changed about the series—and his assessment of Maitland Ward’s Rachel character may surprise longtime fans.

Friedle’s comments, made during a recent Pod Meets World Q&A, suggest the writers underdeveloped Rachel’s role, reducing her to little more than a “sex object” in a love triangle between Jack Hunter (Matthew Lawrence) and Eric. “What is she? Sexy. That’s all they gave her, she’s sexy,” Friedle said. “She stands between two guys, who were going to fight over her, and that’s it.”

Friedle’s remarks come as the cast—including Danielle Fishel (Topanga) and Rider Strong (Shawn)—tour the country promoting their podcast, which has become a platform for both nostalgia and behind-the-scenes revelations. While the actors remain fond of the show, they’ve openly discussed storylines they believe could have been handled better, from Topanga’s weight loss arc to Shawn’s angst following his father’s death in Season 6.

For Friedle, the issue wasn’t Maitland Ward’s performance—he praised her acting—but the lack of substance given to Rachel’s character. “It’s no knock on Maitland’s acting,” he clarified. “They just never gave the character anything.” This critique aligns with broader discussions about gender representation in ’90s television, where female characters were often sidelined or reduced to plot devices.

Why Friedle’s Critique of Rachel Stands Out

Friedle’s assessment of Rachel is particularly striking because it highlights a recurring theme in the later seasons of Boy Meets World: the introduction of new characters—like Jack and Rachel—who often served as catalysts for conflict rather than fully realized individuals. While Jack Hunter became a fan favorite, Rachel’s role was largely confined to creating tension between Eric and Jack, ultimately leading to Eric moving out of the Matthews household.

Friedle expressed regret that Rachel never had meaningful interactions with the female characters, particularly Topanga and Angela. “I would have enjoyed seeing Rachel interact more with Angela and Topanga,” he said. “The show largely focused on the male characters and their relationships. Eric rarely had serious storylines, so when he did, it hit deeper.”

This sentiment reflects a broader pattern in the series, where male characters like Shawn, Cory, and Eric were given more developmental arcs than their female counterparts. Even in Girl Meets World, Eric’s character remained largely unchanged, with Friedle noting that his lack of a romantic relationship was a missed opportunity.

What the Cast Wants to See Changed

The Pod Meets World cast has been vocal about other storylines they believe could have been improved. Danielle Fishel, for instance, has criticized the handling of Topanga’s weight loss storyline, calling it unrealistic and harmful. Rider Strong, meanwhile, would have preferred to see Mr. Turner (Will Friedle’s father character) return in Season 6 to help Shawn process his grief following his father’s death.

Friedle himself has been the most outspoken about Eric’s underutilized potential. He pointed to Eric’s alter ego, “Plays with Squirrels,” as a moment where the character was given depth—but only briefly. “In Season 6, they kind of just let Eric out to dry by himself,” Friedle said. “Yes, it was funny, but I would have given him some sort of a love interest that lasted.”

His suggestion? Introduce a new character—a girlfriend or boyfriend—who could have given Eric a more substantial storyline. “Maybe people are gonna think this is harsh,” Friedle admitted. “Maybe the Rachel character doesn’t ever come onto the show and you bring on a girl, an actual girl or guy for Eric, that is somebody that is a regular on the series that you see him try to develop his own kind of relationship with.”

How Rachel’s Character Fits Into the Show’s Later Seasons

Rachel McGuire, played by Maitland Ward, was introduced in Season 5 as part of a new dynamic for Eric and Jack. Her arrival disrupted the long-standing friendship between Eric and Jason (Jason Marsden), Eric’s childhood best friend, and led to a love triangle that ultimately drove Eric to move out. While Rachel was written as an outsider—initially unpopular with the core group—her role was largely confined to romantic conflict.

Friedle acknowledged that Rachel’s character was never fully developed beyond her role in the love triangle. “She was primarily used to create conflict between Jack and Eric,” he explained. “There was never a real sense of who she was beyond that.” This aligns with criticisms of female characters in sitcoms of the era, who were often written as obstacles or prizes rather than fully realized individuals.

Ward herself has been a guest on Pod Meets World, where she and Fishel have addressed past tensions, including an alleged decades-old drama. However, Friedle’s comments focus solely on the writing rather than Ward’s performance, emphasizing that the issue was structural rather than personal.

What Fans and Critics Say About the Show’s Later Seasons

While Boy Meets World is widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling and relatable characters, its later seasons have faced criticism for introducing new characters who didn’t resonate as deeply as the original trio. Rachel’s character, in particular, has been a point of discussion among fans, with many noting that her role felt underdeveloped compared to other characters.

Critics have also highlighted the shift in tone during the show’s final seasons, where the focus increasingly turned to humor and melodrama rather than the more grounded, emotional storytelling of earlier episodes. Friedle’s comments reflect this sentiment, as he expressed frustration that Eric’s character was reduced to comic relief rather than given the depth he believed he deserved.

Despite these critiques, the cast remains united in their love for the show. “We still have nothing but love for the comedy and our characters,” Friedle said. “But there were definitely things we would have done differently if we could go back.”

Where to Watch and What’s Next for the Cast

Boy Meets World is available to stream on Disney+, allowing fans to revisit the series and form their own opinions on the later seasons. The cast’s Pod Meets World podcast continues to tour, with upcoming episodes expected to delve deeper into the show’s production history and behind-the-scenes stories.

For fans eager to hear more from Friedle, Fishel, and Strong, the podcast remains the primary platform for their discussions. While they’ve addressed past controversies and storylines, they’ve also emphasized the positive aspects of their time on the show, including the friendships they formed and the memories they created.