Why You Need To Watch Freaks and Geeks if You Somehow Still Haven't
Image Courtesy: NBC
“Man, I hate high school.”
We’ve all heard this iconic quote before. Over time, the show Freaks and Geeks (from which this quote originates) has grown in popularity since its original airtime in 1999—but there are still people who haven’t given it a chance. And really, you need to watch it.
On the surface, Freaks and Geeks seems like your typical high school drama. The title itself doesn’t exactly leave much up to the imagination. Evidently, the show is going to be about nerds and stoners, and with a title so blunt, it might be assumed that the show will play into the stereotypes of these basic high school characters. But that’s where the show excels. While the characters that portray these archetypes still lean into some familiar tropes, each one is much more fleshed out than what meets the eye. The show doesn’t attempt to flip these characters on their heads and change your views on these stereotypes that way but instead looks into providing a backstory and a reason for why these kids act the way they do. It is a highly mature way of portraying high schoolers on television. And it isn’t just the freaks and geeks. The cheerleaders, bullies, and jocks act in ways you wouldn’t expect, yet their actions feel natural and within reason. Many teen shows written by adults don’t attempt to understand the lives of the generation after them, but Freaks and Geeks explores an incredibly nuanced take on both stereotypes.
Image Courtesy: The Kobal Collection
Specifically, the main character, Lindsay Weir, goes between the freaks and the geeks and can’t seem to find her footing in either. Her story is one of a high school identity crisis, trying to decide who you want to be while also attempting to please those around you. The exploration of adults' expectations of children is nuanced and tackles the issue from several viewpoints. The themes explored will resonate with any generation, as they are struggles all kids go through regardless of their generation.
Image Courtesy: NY Post
Not only that, but the show is also hilarious with quippy one-liners and strong back-and-forth interactions between the cast members that are sure to keep your attention. Speaking of the cast, you’re sure to see at least one familiar face while watching Freaks and Geeks, as almost every actor from the main ensemble cast is still working in television today, including Linda Cardellini, Jason Segel, Busy Philipps, and more. It’s no surprise that many of the actors continued to work together in the future as a result of meeting on this show, as their chemistry is clear throughout.
So what are you waiting for? Freaks and Geeks is available on Hulu, and with only 18 episodes, each 45 minutes in length, it’s not something you’ll likely binge in one sitting—but it’s nothing too daunting to keep you from getting started. And yes, there is only one season. There’s more to be discussed regarding the show’s far too-early cancellation, but for now, it’s better to enjoy what we have of the show rather than wonder why this gem wasn’t appreciated in its time. I promise the single season will not take away your enjoyment. Whether you’re a high schooler now, an adult who has put school entirely behind them, or anything in between, the show is still worth checking out.
Strike Out,
Writer: Dana Liberto
Editor: Noelle Knowlton
Tallahassee