Rider Strong Opens Up About Distant Relationship With 'Boy Meets World' Co-Star Ben Savage

Rider Strong is shedding light on the true nature of his relationship with Ben Savage, his co-star on the beloved ABC series Boy Meets World.

In remarks featured in the documentary Doc Meets World, which debuted at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, Strong explained that the two actors were "never close," despite their on-screen chemistry as best friends.

"Ben refused to do the [rewatch] podcast ['Pod Meets World'], but we still communicated with him, still on friendly terms, we thought," Strong revealed. "But he unfollowed us on Instagram and blocked our phone numbers. I feel sorry that he's missing out on the experience that Danielle [Fishel] and Will [Friedle] and I are having."

The sitcom, which aired for seven seasons between 1993 and 2000, featured Strong as Shawn Hunter and Savage as Corey Matthews. The show later spawned the spinoff Girl Meets World.

While Strong and Savage maintained professional distance, Strong noted that they still shared a strong working relationship during their time on set. "He and I formed a mind meld as performers and trusted one another," Strong said.

According to Strong, Savage initially remained in contact with him and his Pod Meets World co-hosts Fishel and Friedle. However, when invited to join as a cohost, Savage declined, reportedly telling them he didn't believe the project represented "a worthwhile creative endeavor or way to connect with fans."

"I flat-out told him, 'Wow, I'm really going to miss you doing this; I think you're making a mistake. I really wish you would consider it,'" Strong shared in the documentary. "And he said, 'I promise you it's just not for me.'"

Following that conversation, Savage ceased communication with his former castmates around 2020. Friedle included several unanswered text messages in the documentary spanning several years, illustrating the breakdown in their connection.

The documentary also featured Fishel discussing her own journey on the series and her decision to step back from acting after the show concluded.