Tip of the week: Freaks and Geeks

This is a series about high school. But not just the typical series.. It's not about the popular kids. Nope, this series focuses on other kids in high school. It's 1980/ 1981 and it's all about Lindsey and her brother Sam. Lindsey is high school mathlete who decides to hang out with other people at school: The "freaks". He brother is a freshman and he and his "geeky" friends try to survive the first year of high school. 

I started to watch this series on Netflix not so long ago. I actually thought this was something new and not a series that aired in 1999. (Though I wish I had seen this was I was in high school!). I recognized a lot of actors. And I was amazing by the cast. So many actors that are quite well known. I wondered why to chose to do that. (It is a great cast though!). But it's the contrary: This series already aired in 1999 and it was actually the launch of the careers of many young actors. I know them know, but mainly for their work after this series. 

I really like the actors and actresses in Freaks and Geeks! The characters are really likable and relatable. I bet you'll know some of the actors. Lindsay is played by Linda Cardellini and John Francis Daley plays the role of her brother Sam. I mainly know a lot of Lindsey's friends, the "Freaks". Her group of friends consists of Daniel (James Franco), Ken (Seth Rogen), Kim (Busy Philipps) and Nick (Jason Segel). I've seen all of them in some other movies/ series as well. 

James Franco: Spiderman (Harry Osborn), Pineapple Express (Saul Silver)

Seth Rogen: Bad Neighbors (Mac Radner), the 40 Year Old Vigin (Cal), Knockd up (Ben)

Busy Philipps: Dawson's Creek (Audrey Liddell), He's Just Not That Into You (Kelli Ann)

Jason Segel: Knocked up (Jason), Bad Teacher (Russel)

And of course there's more. 

I also really liked Lindsey and Sam's parents. They were played by Becky Ann Baker and Joe Flaherty. I think Becky Ann is the best. I really love her in this series. She plays an amazing mom! I don't recognize her from anything else. But I will definitely watch some more movies or series she plays in. You might know her for Man In Black (Mrs. Redgick), Spider Man 3 (Mrs Stacy) or A Simple Plan (Nancy Chambers). I'm sure I've seen Joe Flaherty before! I've just been wondering the whole time for what. I looked it up and it's Ploice Academy: The Series! Of course!!! Oh how cool is that! Now I want to write about Police Academy as well :).  

I 'invented' this question myself and I always find it very hard to answer haha. It's hard to decide which people will or will not like it. 

It's a comedy/ drama series. I'm generally not a lover of comedy. But I do love the jokes in this series. I find it very fun to watch. It's all about these kids who are discovering who they are. They try out things, make friends, have a crush, argue with their parents. I think this series does a great job in portraying high school life from another angle. The jokes are spot on. And the manage to look beyond stereo types (Even though the title is freaks and geeks hahaha). It's interesting and funny with a great cast. 

There was only 1 season (1999-2000)

I had so much fun watching this series! I really recommend it. Like I said before in this article, it's not the usual high school series. I really like the characters and the way the show deals with stereotypes (look beyond your first impression). It's just great. You learn that there's always more to it. People are not just one thing. The jokes are awesome. I think Lindsey and Sam's parents are absolutely great. Without them the show wouldn't be the same. Their dad is so funny, I always have to laugh when he's in a scene. And their mom is just awesome. She's a real example. She should play every good mom on TV haha. I love her. It's just one season (I can't understand why they cancelled the show). But so much happens in this on season! (Spoilers ahead as from here!) I love the moment where the 'geeks' visit a sci-fi convention. And a more popular boy also wants to join. But he just feels like he can't.. Not being the person he is at school. Even though he really wants to. It's such an example of how they are all struggling with who they are. And I also love the moment that Sam realizes that the cheerleader girl he has a huge crush on, actually has nothing in common with him. But that on the other hand, one of his friends, does find a common ground with one of the cheerleaders. They both didn't even want to talk to each other. But end of learning about each other's perspective. Th movie is packed with lessons and scenes like this. And no, it doesn't feel  too much. Not for me. I love the subtlety and the characters. It's just fun!  

Imdb: 8,9

Mine: 9

Who's your favorite? What's your favorite series? Have been addicted to a series? What series (or genres) would you like to see in our "Series Tip of the Week"?