Freaks & Geeks - [TV-Series 1999-2000]

I only vaguely remember this series from the turn of the millennium, so I rented it from NetFlix as I remember it being pretty good at the time; what little I saw of it.

Set in the early 80's, this is probably one of the most realistic depictions of High School and the lives of suburban teenagers I've seen. At least how *I* remember High School, because it was the same time period I was in that hell.

The title represents two groups of students: The "Freaks" include the burn-outs, rockers, pot-heads, and basically the less academically-minded students. The "Geeks" of course represent the nerds, dorks, marching band members, and the like. Other groups in the show include the jocks & cheerleaders.

The short (too short!) 18-episode series is basically about a "good" girl (top student, "mathlete", etc) who starts running with the Freaks to the dismay of her Geek little brother and family. It's also about her little brother's geek peers and their trials and tribulations, especially in gym class.

What attracted me most to this series was that I belonged to both of these groups in High School to a great extent, at the same time period, listened to the same music (GREAT soundtrack!!), and basically did the same types of things. I "knew" all the characters in the series in real life!

Anyone who went to High School in the late 70's / early 80's would probably love this show, created by actor/director/writer/comedian Paul Feig, author of Kick Me : Adventures in Adolescence and Superstud : Or How I Became a 24-Year-Old Virgin. (F&G seems to be somewhat autobiographical, and I can surely relate, so I'm going to try to get those books.)

This series will make you laugh your ass off one moment, and choking back tears the next.

Now I need to buy the DVD set to own this worthy gem, and listen to the commentaries the next time I watch what has became one of my new favorite series. What a shame the network never renewed this most brilliant show!

This is definitely recommended for those around my age as you'll get all the timely references chocked in this series. Those younger may miss a few of those, but, the characters themselves I'd imagine to be timeless. (Tho what struck me was the absence of anyone of color in this series, set in a Detroit suburb.)

Any other fans here?

Gee Geoff, when I saw the title of this topic, I thought that you had finally lost it with us and were making a post about the members of this board! :p


Don Cardi

How mean Don Cardi....

Anyway j-geoff, I saw the TV series on DVD months ago from a pal that lent it to me.

Its not a bad TV show, but I just didn't care for it. Not saying it was bad, hell it was pretty good and promising. Of course, I'm almost virtually like this with most TV shows or movies that involve an American high school. Really, its a good season of TV that unfortunately was ignored when it was on, and now is a respectful Cult TV show on DVD, with a very right-ful cult audience.

Glad you dug it geoff, and oh ya, glad I don't have to cover it for RRA LOVES TV now.

I loved this show and was bummed to hear it was being cancelled. I remember hearing Howard Stern lobbying to get it renewed. He really liked it. For awhile one of the cable companies was running the few made episodes over and over. I'd buy the DVD but I've seen each episode atleast twice already.

I remember liking this show. I should pick it up.

It may be worth it for these DVD Features:

• Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo)
• All 18 episodes on 6 DVDs including the director's cut of the pilot with never-before-seen footage
• Deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, and outtakes
• 29 (!!) audio commentaries by the actors, writers, directors, network executives, parents of cast members, and obsessive fans
• 28-page booklet with an essay by "Freaks and Geeks" creator Paul Feig and a Q&A with producer/writer Judd Apatow
• Number of discs: 6

The creator himself said finally these were available in something better than "that crappy VHS format"

The way you relate to that show, JG, is exactly how I felt about "The Wonder Years".

Junior High in the early 60's.....

"The Wonder Years" was awesome, too

The Wonder Years kicks major ass.

The Wonder Years was amazing.

It's a tragedy it's not on DVD though (music licensing), I'd buy it in a second.

Plus, I haven't seen an episode in at least 5 or 6 years, but I still remember them vividly...

Chill out my friend, it was just a joke.


The Wonder Years. That was a really good show. It's funny, no matter what generation you were born in, it didn't matter because the stories could apply to anyone from any generation. How strange was the brother?


Don Cardi

I own the DVD, and it is a great show that is a close dipiction of High School back when I went.

The other movie that hits real close to home is Dazed and Confused.

Anyone ever see the series "Undeclared" by Judd Apatow, the same Executive Producer as F&G? I added it to my NetFlix queue to check out... seems another 1-season series.

Hi, Geoff. Yes, I am reviving a 5-year-old thread. I mentioned in the Ladies' Thread that I got hooked on the show, but didn't think to do a general search until now...

I watched all 18 episodes a few weeks ago when I realized I could find them online, and I fell in love. Like you said, it had me both laughing and in tears. I know this sounds silly, but it had an impact on me like no other show that I can remember. I can't even figure out just what it was, because it's not that I related to the era as you did, but it was so full of emotion and nostalgia, and each character's experiences inspire you to think about your own.

When it was over, I missed it terribly...I wanted to watch more! It's a shame that it was only 18 episodes - although I think it could be one of those things that's great in part because it wasn't overdone. Anyway, I heard "Ripple" on the Sirius music station a couple of nights after finishing the series, and I started crying...so yeah.

And Bill is the BEST. He's absolutely hilarious.

Glad you loved it, Gigi! I still haven't purchased it, but will... (can't believe it's been 5 years since I rented it, and, Undeclared (you need to watch that next!))

Bill was great. And if you watch Bones, you might recognize "Sweets" ...and of course some of the other actors went on to many other things as well.

I didn't realize that "Undeclared" was a TV series... That was a movie title, too, wasn't it? But I see it has Seth Rogen and Jason Segel, and with Apatow doing it, it should have some of the same charm!

I had to look up "Sweets" because I've never watched Bones, and look at the photo I came across!

Linda Cardellini went on to dye her hair blonde and star as a nurse in ER. She was also Velma in the Scooby-Doo movies with Freddie Prinze, Jr. She is very attractive.

Agreed - she'd probably be considered "hotter" now, but I think she was really pretty in a girl-next-door kind of way on Freaks and Geeks.

They have some short clips on YouTube which are just great!

Or should I say "just alright"?

OMG, "Sweets" is REALLY young in this! lol

You mean "Sam" is much older in Bones...

IFC is showing the Freaks and Geeks episodes, and one is about to come on at 11 PM (Eastern). They're on the third episode this week, and they're on Fridays at 11, with encores on Mondays at 11.

They do these silly "pop-up" comments on the screen, but they also have live chat on their web site with other fans.

http://www.ifc.com/freaks-and-geeks/episodes/tricks-and-treats.php

Two great photo collections...

Photos: The Exclusive Freaks and Geeks Reunion

Photos: Unseen Images from the Set of Freaks and Geeks

And two great articles...

An Oral History of Freaks and Geeks (well worth the read, though you might end up crying... )

What Would’ve Happened to Every Character in Freaks and Geeks’ Lost Second Season

sucks it went off the air so soon. good show

I first saw it last year and really enjoyed it. Recognisable and funny. Very underrated as I had never heard of the series before last year. I'd recommend to everybody.