**Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong reflect on their cringeworthy ‘Boy Meets World’ kiss**
Former “Boy Meets World” stars Danielle Fishel and Rider Strong, known for their iconic roles as Topanga and Shawn, recently revisited a particularly awkward episode from the beloved series. The duo, now co-hosts of the podcast “Pod Meets World,” shared their thoughts on the cringe-inducing kiss scene that left both fans and actors feeling uncomfortable.
During the rewatch podcast episode dated March 27, Fishel, Strong, and fellow co-star Will Friedle, who portrayed Eric, delved into the infamous season 6 episode titled “Hogs & Kisses.” The episode revolves around Topanga and Shawn sharing a kiss for promotional purposes, sparking confusion and discomfort among the characters.
Expressing her candid opinion, Fishel, now 43, labelled the episode as “maybe the worst episode of television” she has ever witnessed. She criticised the lack of coherence in the storyline, deeming it nonsensical, stupid, and unfunny. According to Fishel, the only saving grace was Ben Savage’s portrayal of Corey in the episode.
The kiss between Topanga and Shawn seemingly came out of nowhere, leaving viewers and the actors perplexed. Fishel, in particular, recounted that this episode marked the turning point for her, where she felt detached from the show. Strong, on the other hand, admitted to not even remembering filming the scene until Fishel brought it up during the podcast.
Amidst shared laughter and disbelief, Friedle chimed in, labelling the kiss as one of the worst TV kisses he had ever witnessed. The spontaneity of the smooch, as the hosts highlighted, further added to the awkwardness, with no prior rehearsal taking place. Fishel jokingly recalled not recalling any preparations for the scene, emphasising the surprise factor.
Despite the awkwardness and criticism surrounding the kiss, Strong added a different perspective, hinting at the subtle nuances and complexities that intertwine friendships and romantic undertones within the realm of “Boy Meets World.” He posited the idea that perhaps there is a profound study to be undertaken on the symbolism and impact of intimate moments within the series.
In conclusion, Fishel and Strong’s reflections on the ‘Boy Meets World’ kiss shed light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics of filming iconic TV moments. Their insightful commentary serves as a reminder of the complexities of portraying relationships on screen and the lasting impact of such pivotal moments on both actors and viewers alike.