How the show Freaks and Geeks was ahead of its time


The famous television show Freaks and Geeks was first aired on NBC in 1999. Even though it was considered to be ahead of its time, it was cancelled after just 18 episodes. If you have seen any of the episodes, you probably noticed that it was truly special, even though it was less popular than other shows back then, like Friends. But how was the show Freaks and Geeks ahead of its time?

The show became more popular following the rise of the internet

Judd Apatow’s show Freaks and Geeks was watched and appreciated by many young generations for many years. In fact, it became like a cult classic. Both of its creators, Paul Feig and Judd Apatow, have managed to rule the comedy roost in Hollywood for quite some time. Moreover, Freaks and Geeks also launched the acting careers of Jason Segel and James Franco, among others. Each episode was actually meant to feel like an independent film with a ‘70s feel.

How the show Freaks and Geeks was ahead of its time

Considered to be a cult classic of teen comedies

The show was about the lives of the “freaks and geeks” at a Michigan high school during the 1980s. Today, it is considered a masterpiece of its time; it was a funny series that showed the lives of teens in excellent detail. To this day, many young people are attached to the show. The main protagonist Lindsay Weir (played by Linda Cardellini) abandoned her geek status in order to go with the freaks. She hoped to find her identity, but she didn’t quite fit with this group, either.

The freaks established great acting careers

Some of the actors who got their start on the show Freaks and Geeks became major stars on the big screen. The freaks, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Busy Philipps, and Jason Segel were among those who managed to have a successful acting careers after the show ended. Moreover, several guest stars of the show, such as Rashida Jones, Jason Schwartzman, and Shia LaBeouf also became famous following their appearances on the show.

Great soundtrack and amazing visuals

The soundtrack of the show was very distinctive. It featured Janis Joplin, Styx, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, Billy Joel, Santana, Queen, The Moody Blues, Joe Jackson, Kansas, Boston, Mac Davis, The Cars, and many more. The songs went well with the story and gave the show the vibe that helped make it such a success. Moreover, the visual style of Freaks and Geeks was amazing; they deliberately used a restricted palette in order to replicate the typical look of TV shows from the late ‘70s and early ‘80s.

How the show Freaks and Geeks was ahead of its time

Judd Apatow had a successful career after the show

Even though his show Freaks and Geeks was cancelled after just one season, Judd Apatow went on to produce some great blockbuster comedies, such as Anchorman and Bridesmaids.

Freaks and Geeks is a unique comedic drama that has managed to transcend generations. It still continues to capture the hearts of many young people years after its initial premiere because it was so humorous and honest. Though the show depicted the high school experience in the early ’80s, it is one of the most entertaining youth-oriented shows of all time.

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