Who knew that such a small show that only aired for one season would yield so many famous actors?  Freaks and Geeks aired in 1999 on NBC and was cancelled after twelve episodes.  The rest of the eighteen were aired after the show was put into syndication.

The show centers around high school students Lindsey Weir and her younger brother Sam.  Lindsey was a “mathlete” and a scholar who witnessed her grandmother dying.  The event changes her life and outlook.  Freaks and Geeks goes through the year, showing how Lindsey bonds with her new friends and adapts to her new chosen path. Lindsey leaves her friends to join the “freak” crowd, while Sam stays with his “geek” friends.  Lindsey’s new gang consists of Daniel (James Franco), Ken (Seth Rogan), Kim (Busy Phillips), and Nick (Jason Segal).  Recognize any of those names?

  I sure do!

While the creators of the show shied away from the idea of famous artist cameos, some guest stars were brought in.  For Instance, David Krumholtz came in Neal’s older brother Barry, Shia LaBeouf plays the school mascot that gets hurt, and Jason Schwartzman played a student dealing in fake IDs.  Judd Apatow, the series creator, got desperate towards the end of the short show career and brought in friend Ben Stiller to guest star.  Unfortunately the episode didn’t air until after the show was cancelled.

Even though the show was short lived, it was nominated for two Emmys in 2000 and one in 2001.  It won the Emmy for Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series in 2000.

Freaks and Geeksgained an overnight cult following and I have to admit, I’m one of the many.  I didn’t get to watch the show while it was actually running on television, but on a whim I got it from Netflix.  What an awesome show!  My mom is so much like the mom on Freaks and Geeks and I completely related to Lindsey’s need to fit in, although I was much more like Sam in school.  If you were (or are) a geek like me, you’ll love this show too.