WITH AN EYE ON . . . : Boy (Ben Savage) meets sitcom ‘World’ in ABC look at a teen in progress

In the clever opening credits of ABC’s “Boy Meets World,” 13-year-old star Ben Savage observes the animated whirlwind of the world around him, readily fending off flying objects. In daily life, it’s impossible for Savage to fend off questions about following in the footsteps of older brother Fred, now 18, who starred in ABC’s long-running “The Wonder Years.”

“Boy Meets World” was conceived as a project for the younger Savage, who impressed producers with his turns in television, features and, last year, as a boy with the soul of a killer in ABC’s “event” series “Wild Palms.”

“Boy Meets World” producer Michael Jacobs acknowledges that a comparison between brothers Ben and Fred would seem inevitable. But their two series, though both centered on coming-of-age adolescents, have obvious differences.

The often-poignant “Wonder Years,” set in the late ‘60s, offered an adult Kevin’s voice-over reflections on growing up, spoken by Daniel Stern. The contemporary sitcom “Boy Meets World” presents outgoing 12-year-old Cory’s very verbal and often snide observations, which sometimes work against him.

“Cory and I are pretty much alike,” says Ben, who resembles a pint-sized Albert Brooks. “Sometimes I talk out in class like he does, but he has a lot more courage than I do. He’ll say something even if it ends up being really bad. I couldn’t do that or wouldn’t because I would get in trouble.”

Tutored three hours a day while on the “Boy” set, Savage attends school in Los Angeles every other week. Education is given top priority at the Savage home, where he can’t be interrupted, even during breaks or lunch, for TV-related activities.

“Ben’s family insists on a full workload and rightfully so,” adds William Daniels, who plays teacher Mr. Feeney on “Boy Meets World.” “Education is very important to the family.”

Ben has been tutored on the set while appearing in the film “Little Monsters,” guesting on big bro’s “The Wonder Years,” and other TV shows, including “She Woke Up,” “A Family for Joe” and “Dear John.” He’s appeared in the films “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and the recent Martin Short release “Clifford,” which Ben points out was made two years ago.

The young actor, a tennis fanatic, wants to continue in comedy and would love to be a writer. And what better preparation than good books? A voracious reader, Ben has recently devoured “Inherit the Wind” and “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

Says Ben: “You know, Cory is just meeting the world every week and so am I.”

Co-workers think that Ben Savage meets the world very nicely, thank you. “He’s just wonderful,” Jacobs says with admiration. “You can see how he really is in his relationship with cast members and what he presents to the audience. His eyes sparkle and he has this great sincere smile.”

Daniels concurs. “I’m inordinately fond of him, and I know that sounds corny when I’ve said it before, but it’s true. He’s a very talented boy, too. He’ll go as far as he wants.”

“It’s been hard for Ben to stand the scrutiny of the bright light of his older brother, but he can do anything and probably will,” Jacobs says. “He’s held the strenuous task of leading a cast and being a TV star. I just hope the show is around when Ben gets the keys to his car and he can drive into any future he wants.”

“Boy Meets World” airs Fridays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.