Married, With Sitcom

Fourteen years after Cory Matthews (Ben Savage) finished meeting the world, Disney Channel is set to debut Girl Meets World, a spin-off centered on Riley (Rowan Blanchard), the daughter of Cory and his wife, Topanga (Danielle Fishel). Savage, now 34, and Fishel, 33, took a break from the set to talk about returning to familiar roles.

What are you working on today?
Ben Savage Well, this episode is Riley’s first date, and it’s sort of the parents — really Cory — terrified that his daughter is going on her first date.

Since neither of you has kids yourself, has working on the show taught you anything about parenting?
Savage Oh, yeah. This is our 20th episode, and I feel like we have become this mini-family. Rowan and Auggie [August Maturo], who plays our son, have become like these children of ours that I feel protective of. I feel like I’ve picked up parental qualities as the show has gone on.

Danielle Fishel Absolutely. And I feel especially protective of the girls.

Who’s the cooler parent?
Savage Me.

Fishel You’re definitely the most fun parent.

Actors who’ve worked together for a long time say it’s like a marriage. Do you ever get on each other’s nerves?
Fishel [Laughs]

Savage Never. But I know Danielle very well. [Laughs] And she knows me very well. We’re two strong personalities, but I think we gel together very well.

Fishel I can look at Ben first thing in the morning [and know] whether he is in a positively shiny, happy mood or whether there are some things on his mind. And he’s the exact same way with me.

Savage [Begins ripping the plastic rings from his six-pack of soda]

Fishel Other than a director, we’re the only two adults on set, and sometimes when you’re two adults and working with seven children…

Savage And really it’s just Danielle who’s the adult.

Fishel It feels like that sometimes, sure.

Savage He says, playing with the Diet Coke thing. Sorry!