Freaks and Geeks (1999)
The cult coming-of-age classic that launched careers and broke hearts — one brutally honest high school hallway at a time.
Freaks and Geeks - Series Information
- Original Title: Freaks and Geeks
- First Air Year: 1999
- Last Air Year: 2000
- Created by: Paul Feig
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Drama, Comedy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode: 44 minutes
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 18
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 25, 1999 (United States - TV-14), September 25, 1999 (United Kingdom - 12), September 25, 1999 (Germany - 12), September 25, 1999 (Australia - M), September 25, 1999 (Mexico - B-15), September 25, 1999 (Spain - 13)
- Networks: NBC, Fox Family
- Production Companies: Apatow Productions, DreamWorks Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
- Alternative Titles: 怪胎与书呆 (中国), Instituto McKinley (ES), פריקים וגיקים (IL), Диваки та навіжені (UA)
Freaks and Geeks - Plot
High school mathlete Lindsay Weir rebels and begins hanging out with a crowd of burnouts (the "freaks"), while her brother Sam Weir navigates a different part of the social universe with his nerdy friends (the "geeks").
Freaks and Geeks - Trailer
Step back into the hallways of McKinley High with the official trailer:
What high school was like for the rest of us.
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Freaks and Geeks - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Paul Feig
Main Cast
- John Francis Daley
- Linda Cardellini
- James Franco
- Samm Levine
- Martin Starr
- Jason Segel
- Seth Rogen
- Busy Philipps
- Joe Flaherty
- Becky Ann Baker
Writers
- Judd Apatow
- Paul Feig
- Mike White
- Jeff Judah
- Patty Lin
Executive Producers
- Judd Apatow
Freaks and Geeks - FAQs
Why was Freaks and Geeks cancelled after one season?
NBC cancelled Freaks and Geeks in 2000 due to low ratings, despite critical acclaim. The network moved it around the schedule repeatedly, hurting its audience. Fans launched a campaign to save it, but the show ended after 18 episodes, with three airing on Fox Family after NBC dropped it.
Where can you stream Freaks and Geeks today?
Freaks and Geeks is available to stream on Paramount Plus (including Premium, Essential, and Apple TV Channel tiers) and Amazon Prime Video. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Fandango At Home, and watched for free on Kanopy.
Is Freaks and Geeks based on a true story?
Yes, Freaks and Geeks is largely autobiographical. Creator Paul Feig drew heavily from his own awkward high school experiences in suburban Michigan during the early 1980s. Executive producer Judd Apatow also contributed personal memories, giving the series its distinctive emotional authenticity and specificity.
Who are the main actors in Freaks and Geeks?
The main cast includes Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir, John Francis Daley as Sam Weir, James Franco as Daniel Desario, Jason Segel as Nick Andopolis, Seth Rogen as Ken Miller, Busy Philipps as Kim Kelly, Martin Starr as Bill Haverchuck, Samm Levine as Neal Schweiber, Joe Flaherty, and Becky Ann Baker.
What is Freaks and Geeks about?
Set in a Michigan high school in 1980, Freaks and Geeks follows Lindsay Weir, a straight-A student who drifts toward the school's burnout crowd, and her younger brother Sam, who navigates adolescence with his nerdy friends. The show is celebrated for its honest, empathetic portrayal of teenage life.
Did Freaks and Geeks win any awards?
Yes. Freaks and Geeks won the Humanitas Prize and the Peabody Award, and received Emmy nominations. Despite its short run, it earned widespread critical recognition and is frequently cited on best-TV-series-ever lists, cementing its reputation as one of the finest one-season shows in television history.
How many episodes does Freaks and Geeks have?
Freaks and Geeks ran for one season comprising 18 episodes. NBC originally ordered the series but cancelled it before all episodes aired. Three remaining episodes were subsequently broadcast on Fox Family, completing the full run of this single, celebrated season.
Who created Freaks and Geeks?
Freaks and Geeks was created by Paul Feig, who later directed Bridesmaids and Spy. The series was executive produced by Judd Apatow, who went on to produce and direct numerous acclaimed comedies. The writing staff also included Mike White and Jon Kasdan, several of whom became major Hollywood figures.
More About Freaks and Geeks
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