Eli Williams from Boy Meets World was the media arts teacher at John Adams High School and Mr. Turner’s best friend during Season 3. After appearing in 16 episodes during Season 3, Williams disappears entirely from Season 4 onward.
Though Mr. Williams only appeared in one season of Boy Meets World (Season 3), he made a great impression. In fact, Season 3 was one of the best Boy Meets World seasons because of his presence.
Eli introduced elite-level comedy, wit, and energy to the show, presenting a new dynamic for characters like Turner, Shawn, Cory, and Eric.
How was Eli Williams Introduced in Boy Meets World?
Eli is first introduced in Season 3, Episode 1: My Best Friend’s Girl. He lives in the same apartment complex as Jonathon Turner (where Shawn stays). Eli is visiting Turner’s place when Shawn and Cory start an argument over Topanga.
Eli agrees with Cory that Shawn’s decision to ask out Topanga violates the gentleman’s code. He cites an incident when Turner dated his ex-girlfriend even though Eli did not approve of the relationship.
Eli Williams’s Best Boy Meets World Moments
1) Eli Becomes The Media Arts Teacher at John Adams High
Mr. Turner tries to land Eli Williams a job at John Adams High School. Eli previously worked as a producer for a local news station but was fired after running a story on “slumlords.”
The station wanted to focus more on provocative yet trivial stories, such as attractive women walking around the city. Turner convinces Eli to apply for the Media Arts teaching position to be interviewed by principal George Feeny.
Things start off poorly when Eli mistakes Feeny for an egotistical employee and “snakes” his coffee from the machine. He threatens to tell Feeny that he has little mustache-men “power-tripping” all over the hallways.
Once Turner points out that the man he insulted was Feeny himself, Eli appears noticeably anxious. Upon its completion, Mr. Williams calls the interview “a session from hell.”
He is shocked to learn that Feeny is hiring him anyway and that his “fire and fury” reminds George of himself at a younger age.
2) Eli Inspires Cory Matthews’ Video Career
Cory Matthews would develop an interest in video reporting and editing thanks to Eli Williams and his classes. Cory’s affinity for video continues beyond Season 3, where its origin is firmly cemented.
Video reports on Janitor Bud and Shawn’s brother Eddie spark a true passion for Cory. They also land him in some hot water.
For instance, his report on Janitor Bud skipping off to the horse track before work ends prompts Mr. Feeny to fire him. Since everyone loves Janitor Bud, Cory gets a significant amount of criticism for it.
Eli explains that criticism is part of the news business but also apologizes. He says they’re “just kids,” and that’s where he messed up in letting the report run on the student TV station.
3) Eli Inspires Eric Matthews’ Weatherman Career
Eli Williams helps Eric get an internship at WIXB. The job is for John Adams High School students like Eric, who are looking to improve their resumes for college. The internship entails basic tasks like getting coffee for the employees.
Things change, however, when the station’s meteorologist can’t get to work. A massive blizzard prevents them from flying in a replacement. Eric is called upon to do the weather report himself, at which point he finds a true passion for it.
Eric’s ego grows so big that he drops out of high school. Eli asks him to reconsider, but it becomes moot when the station manager fires Eric because he’s no longer a student. Feeny eventually lets Eric back into the school.
Eli Williams FAQs on Boy Meets World
Where Did Eli Williams Live on Boy Meets World?
Eli lives in the same apartment complex as Mr. Turner. He often visits Turner’s place to shoot the breeze and have a couple of beers. Because Shawn lives with Turner, Eli can interact with him and Cory away from school.
Turner encourages him to have these kinds of personal relationships with students. Nobody knows why Eli moved away after Season 3.
Who Does Eli Williams Date on Boy Meets World?
There’s no proof that Eli dated anyone on Boy Meets World, but it is insinuated that he and Turner both lived ‘the single life.” Turner refers to Eli’s college relationship with a foreign exchange student who spoke very little English.
Mr. Williams often rags on Turner about his dating life, including the incident in which his old flame visits from Connecticut.
Who Plays Eli Williams on Boy Meets World?
Alex Désert plays Eli Williams on Boy Meets World. Désert is an accomplished actor who has appeared in television series like The Flash, The Heights, and Becker. He also appeared in several films, including Swingers and High Fidelity.