Freaks and Geeks Review: The Best Teen Show Cancelled Too Soon
9/10 — Freaks and Geeks (1999)
Pros
- Honest, funny writing
- Excellent young cast
- Great period soundtrack
Cons
- Only one season
Set in 1980-81 in suburban Michigan, the series follows Lindsay Weir, a good student who falls in with the ‘freaks’, and her younger brother Sam, who’s among the ‘geeks’. NBC cancelled it after eighteen episodes.
What works
The writing is honest and funny, and the cast is a who’s who of future stars, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen and Jason Segel. It treats teenagers as real people, and the soundtrack is a delight.
Where it falters
Its short run means storylines are cut off, and the NBC scheduling led to a rocky run.
Verdict
A funny, tender and truthful gem.
