Home > Freaks and Geeks > Season 1 « TV Series Page Freaks and Geeks: Season 1 (1999 - 2000) Want to see Episode List Season 1 Freaks and Geeks Critics Consensus Freaks and Geeks lampoons real-life adolescence while affectionately embracing every growing pain along the way with refreshing honesty. 100% TOMATOMETER Critic Ratings: 31 96% Audience Score User Ratings: 218 More Info × Close Submit review Want to see Submit review Super Reviewer Super Reviewer Tap to review this movie Review this tv season Edit Review Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit Continue Super Reviewer Step 2 of 2 How did you get your ticket? Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. You're almost there! Just confirm how you got your ticket. Super Reviewer Rate this season Oof, that was Rotten. Meh, it passed the time. It’s good – I’d recommend it. Awesome! So Fresh: Absolute Must See! What did you think of this tv season? (optional) Submit How did you get your ticket? Submit By opting to have your ticket verified for this movie, you are allowing us to check the email address associated with your Rotten Tomatoes account against an email address associated with a Fandango ticket purchase for the same movie. Episodes 1 Pilot Episode Air date: Sep 25, 1999 In the show's pilot, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) wants to shed her straight-A image, while her nerdy, younger brother Sam (John Daley) tries his luck on the dating scene. Neal: Samm Levine. Daniel: James Franco. Nick: Jason Segel. Bill: Martin Starr. Ken: Seth Rogen. Kim: Busy Philipps. Mr. Weir: Joe Flaherty. Mrs. Weir: Becky Ann Baker. More 2 Beers and Weirs Air date: Oct 2, 1999 Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) reluctantly throws a keg party at her house when her parents go away for the weekend, but the evening takes an interesting turn when Sam, Neal and Bill put themselves in charge of refreshments. Sam: John Daley. Neal: Samm Levine. More 3 Tricks and Treats Air date: Oct 30, 1999 Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardinelli) continues building a tenuous friendship with the Freaks, going so far as to duck out of Halloween candy-giving duties with her mom (Becky Ann Baker) in order to smash pumpkins, bat at mailboxes, and egg trick-or-treaters with her new, would-be vandal buddies. Meanwhile, despite their English teacher's pleas to "grow up," Sam (John Daley) and the rest of the Geeks decide that dressing up and going door-to-door for sweets isn't beneath them after all -- so long as they don't get ahold of any tainted fun-size candy bars, of course. When the fateful eve arrives, however, all of the Weirs find that Halloween isn't what it used to be. More 4 Tests and Breasts Air date: Nov 6, 1999 Determined to help the glassy-eyed Daniel (James Franco) pass his algebra test, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) holds an impromptu study session at her house. Feeling a bit mentorly himself, Daniel decides to give Lindsay's sex-ed-frustrated brother Sam (John Daley) some lessons in the reproductive sciences, courtesy of a porno reel. When Lindsay's tutorial fails to take, however, Daniel resorts to his usual study method -- cheating -- and, fed up with her math teacher, Mr. Kowchevski (Steve Bannos), Lindsay aids and abets his delinqent ways with dire results. Meanwhile, Sam and the Geeks gather to watch their loaner stag film -- and the newfound carnal knowledge leaves each Geek with a wildly different impression of the opposite sex. More 5 I'm with the Band Air date: Nov 13, 1999 Lindsay's "you can do it" Midwestern work ethic proves to be at odds with the Freaks' laid-back approach to rock & roll in this pivotal episode of the short-lived teen saga. Now fully indoctrinated into the Freaks' hang-out/jam sessions in Nick's basement, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) takes it upon herself to offer some constructive criticism, specifically: practice makes perfect, and "Anarchy's Child" makes a better band name than "Creation." Drummer Nick (Jason Segel) is the only one who's receptive to Lindsay's brainstorming; needless to say, ostensible guitarist Daniel (James Franco) and rest of Creation take umbrage to her band-wrecking ideas (dubbing her "Yoko" in the process). When Nick's stern father tells him to stop beating the skins and focus on his studies -- or else -- Lindsay takes pity and further encourages Nick to hone his talent, against all odds. Meanwhile, Sam (John Daley) has problems of his own, now that Coach Fredricks (Tom Wilson) is enforcing mandatory showers for every student after P.E. class. When his various evasive tactics fall through, Sam has to suck in his gut and take that long, cold walk across the locker-room tile to the communal shower room. More 6 Carded and Discarded Air date: Jan 10, 2000 The Geeks' outlook on life brightens when a new girl, Maureen (Kayla Elwell), joins their class. Maureen is everything Sam (John Daley), Neal (Samm Levine), and Bill (Martin Starr) look for in a young woman: she's smart, pretty, and, best of all, she likes to shoot off model rockets and make toilet jokes. As the Geeks fight over which one of them should ask her out on a real date, they realize that it won't be long before they lose someone as cool as Maureen to the popular kids -- and they try their best to stop her from crossing over to the other side. Meanwhile, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) further ingratiates herself with the Freaks by offering to buy the whole group fake IDs so that they can go see the local band Feedback at a bar. Underage drinking proves to be more of a challenge than Lindsay once thought, however, when she has to go through two separate, increasingly sketchier counterfeiters (Rushmore's Jason Schwartzman and Slums of Beverly Hills' Kevin Corrigan) in order to be legit. Originally aired out of order between episodes five and six, "Carded and Discarded" marked Freaks and Geeks' return after its November 1999-January 2000 hiatus. More 7 Girlfriends and Boyfriends Air date: Jan 17, 2000 As Lindsay and Nick's romance intensifies, she begins feeling pressured to have sex; Sam gets dating tips from an unlikely source. Cindy: Natasha Melnick. Gordon: Jerry Messing. Millie: Sarah Hagan. More 8 We've Got Spirit Air date: Jan 24, 2000 Still reeling from a singularly creepy/embarrassing bonding moment, Lindsay (Linda Cardinelli) decides it's time to break up with the chronically stoned, oddly obsessive Nick (Jason Segel). When the other Freaks get wind of her plan, they beg her not to break his heart -- but Lindsay's investigation of Nick's previous breakup only encourages her to cut the cord. But Kim (Busy Phillips), Daniel (James Franco), and Ken (Seth Rogan) have problems of their own: a rival school's drive-by water-ballooning has them hell bent on retribution, and uncharacteristically supportive of their own McKinley High basketball team. Meanwhile, in yet another effort to win the favors of perky cheerleader Cindy Sanders (Natasha Melnick), Sam (John Daley) decides to audition for the recently vacated position of McKinley High team mascot, The Fighting Norseman. The bizarre Norseman head proves too big for him to fill, however, and as game day approaches, Sam begins to take out his nervousness on his buddies as well as Cindy. More 9 Diary Air date: Jan 31, 2000 The bane of the Geeks' existence, gym class, serves as a focus for this episode of Freaks and Geeks, directed by former Thirtysomething star Ken Olin. Tired of being picked last for the class baseball teams by the jocks, Haverchuck (Martin Starr) takes matters into his own hands by swiping a faculty phone list and harrassing Coach Fredricks (Tom Wilson) at home. Meanwhile, inspired by reading On the Road in English class, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) takes up the art of hitchhiking with pal Kim (Busy Phillips) -- and on the first try, she happens to hitch a ride with a friend of her father's. When they get wind of Lindsay's rebellious behavior, Mr. and Mrs. Weir sit down for a dinner chat with Kim's mother, Cookie (Ann Dowd), who implores them to read their daughter's diary so that they'll know what she's really up to. More 10 Looks and Books Air date: Feb 7, 2000 After she smashes up her father's car, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) extricates herself from the Freak clique, deciding that she's better off with her former best friend, Millie (Sarah Hagen), and the rest of the prim and proper Mathletes. As Lindsay buries herself in her studies, obsessively prepping for the group's imminent math-off with a rival high school, the remaining Freaks begin questioning their own life ambitions -- however minimal they may be. Meanwhile, Sam (John Daley) and the Geeks, after careful analysis of high school dating patterns, come to the conclusion that feathered hair and polyester clothes are the way to a young woman's heart. But when Sam follows through on Joe Jackson's missive to "look sharp," he finds out he's in for a long, long day at McKinley High. More Show More Episodes Freaks and Geeks: Season 1 Photos View All Photos (26) Tv Season Info High school students cope with life at a Michigan high school in 1980. Stories focused on sophomore Lindsay, who discards her straight-A image to hang with the burnout crowd and her freshman brother Sam, who's tormented by bullies but gets moral support from his nerdy pals. Genre: Comedy Network: NBC Premiere Date: Sep 25, 1999 Cast Linda Cardellini as Lindsay Weir John Francis Daley as Sam Weir Samm Levine as Neal Martin Starr as Bill James Franco as Daniel Jason Segel as Nick Busy Philipps as Kim Seth Rogen as Ken Joe Flaherty as Mr. Weir Becky Ann Baker as Mrs. Weir Samaire Armstrong as Laurie Rashida Jones as Karen Scarfoli Ben Stiller as Secret Service Agent Walter C. Bassett as Dog Sarah Hagan as Millie Jerry Messing as Gordon Crisp Natasha Melnick as Cindy Sanders Sam McMurray as Dr. Schweiber Riley Smith as Todd Dave Allen as Mr. Rosso Chauncey Leopardi as Alan Steve Bannos as Mr. Kowchevski Thomas F. Wilson as Mr. Fredricks Ann Dowd as Cookie Kelly Jessica Campbell as Amy Andrews Olivia Hack as Erin Ben Stiller as Secret Service Agent Molly Maguire as Carey David Krumholtz as Barry Schweiber Lizzy Caplan as Sara Kevin Corrigan as Toby Lea Sheppard as Harris Joanna Garcia as Vicki Shawnee Free Jones as Jenna Shia LaBeouf as Herbert Tava Smiley as Carol Mark Allan Staubach as Mark David Bowe as Salesman Kayla Ewell as Maureen Ben Foster as Eli Show More Cast News & Interviews for Freaks and Geeks: Season 1 Video: Paul Feig Reflects on Creating Freaks and Geeks Definitive Seth Rogen Performances View All Freaks and Geeks: Season 1 News Episodes 1 Pilot Episode Air date: Sep 25, 1999 In the show's pilot, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) wants to shed her straight-A image, while her nerdy, younger brother Sam (John Daley) tries his luck on the dating scene. Neal: Samm Levine. Daniel: James Franco. Nick: Jason Segel. Bill: Martin Starr. Ken: Seth Rogen. Kim: Busy Philipps. Mr. Weir: Joe Flaherty. Mrs. Weir: Becky Ann Baker. More 2 Beers and Weirs Air date: Oct 2, 1999 Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) reluctantly throws a keg party at her house when her parents go away for the weekend, but the evening takes an interesting turn when Sam, Neal and Bill put themselves in charge of refreshments. Sam: John Daley. Neal: Samm Levine. More 3 Tricks and Treats Air date: Oct 30, 1999 Lindsay Weir (Linda Cardinelli) continues building a tenuous friendship with the Freaks, going so far as to duck out of Halloween candy-giving duties with her mom (Becky Ann Baker) in order to smash pumpkins, bat at mailboxes, and egg trick-or-treaters with her new, would-be vandal buddies. Meanwhile, despite their English teacher's pleas to "grow up," Sam (John Daley) and the rest of the Geeks decide that dressing up and going door-to-door for sweets isn't beneath them after all -- so long as they don't get ahold of any tainted fun-size candy bars, of course. When the fateful eve arrives, however, all of the Weirs find that Halloween isn't what it used to be. More 4 Tests and Breasts Air date: Nov 6, 1999 Determined to help the glassy-eyed Daniel (James Franco) pass his algebra test, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) holds an impromptu study session at her house. Feeling a bit mentorly himself, Daniel decides to give Lindsay's sex-ed-frustrated brother Sam (John Daley) some lessons in the reproductive sciences, courtesy of a porno reel. When Lindsay's tutorial fails to take, however, Daniel resorts to his usual study method -- cheating -- and, fed up with her math teacher, Mr. Kowchevski (Steve Bannos), Lindsay aids and abets his delinqent ways with dire results. Meanwhile, Sam and the Geeks gather to watch their loaner stag film -- and the newfound carnal knowledge leaves each Geek with a wildly different impression of the opposite sex. More 5 I'm with the Band Air date: Nov 13, 1999 Lindsay's "you can do it" Midwestern work ethic proves to be at odds with the Freaks' laid-back approach to rock & roll in this pivotal episode of the short-lived teen saga. Now fully indoctrinated into the Freaks' hang-out/jam sessions in Nick's basement, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) takes it upon herself to offer some constructive criticism, specifically: practice makes perfect, and "Anarchy's Child" makes a better band name than "Creation." Drummer Nick (Jason Segel) is the only one who's receptive to Lindsay's brainstorming; needless to say, ostensible guitarist Daniel (James Franco) and rest of Creation take umbrage to her band-wrecking ideas (dubbing her "Yoko" in the process). When Nick's stern father tells him to stop beating the skins and focus on his studies -- or else -- Lindsay takes pity and further encourages Nick to hone his talent, against all odds. Meanwhile, Sam (John Daley) has problems of his own, now that Coach Fredricks (Tom Wilson) is enforcing mandatory showers for every student after P.E. class. When his various evasive tactics fall through, Sam has to suck in his gut and take that long, cold walk across the locker-room tile to the communal shower room. More 6 Carded and Discarded Air date: Jan 10, 2000 The Geeks' outlook on life brightens when a new girl, Maureen (Kayla Elwell), joins their class. Maureen is everything Sam (John Daley), Neal (Samm Levine), and Bill (Martin Starr) look for in a young woman: she's smart, pretty, and, best of all, she likes to shoot off model rockets and make toilet jokes. As the Geeks fight over which one of them should ask her out on a real date, they realize that it won't be long before they lose someone as cool as Maureen to the popular kids -- and they try their best to stop her from crossing over to the other side. Meanwhile, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) further ingratiates herself with the Freaks by offering to buy the whole group fake IDs so that they can go see the local band Feedback at a bar. Underage drinking proves to be more of a challenge than Lindsay once thought, however, when she has to go through two separate, increasingly sketchier counterfeiters (Rushmore's Jason Schwartzman and Slums of Beverly Hills' Kevin Corrigan) in order to be legit. Originally aired out of order between episodes five and six, "Carded and Discarded" marked Freaks and Geeks' return after its November 1999-January 2000 hiatus. More 7 Girlfriends and Boyfriends Air date: Jan 17, 2000 As Lindsay and Nick's romance intensifies, she begins feeling pressured to have sex; Sam gets dating tips from an unlikely source. Cindy: Natasha Melnick. Gordon: Jerry Messing. Millie: Sarah Hagan. More 8 We've Got Spirit Air date: Jan 24, 2000 Still reeling from a singularly creepy/embarrassing bonding moment, Lindsay (Linda Cardinelli) decides it's time to break up with the chronically stoned, oddly obsessive Nick (Jason Segel). When the other Freaks get wind of her plan, they beg her not to break his heart -- but Lindsay's investigation of Nick's previous breakup only encourages her to cut the cord. But Kim (Busy Phillips), Daniel (James Franco), and Ken (Seth Rogan) have problems of their own: a rival school's drive-by water-ballooning has them hell bent on retribution, and uncharacteristically supportive of their own McKinley High basketball team. Meanwhile, in yet another effort to win the favors of perky cheerleader Cindy Sanders (Natasha Melnick), Sam (John Daley) decides to audition for the recently vacated position of McKinley High team mascot, The Fighting Norseman. The bizarre Norseman head proves too big for him to fill, however, and as game day approaches, Sam begins to take out his nervousness on his buddies as well as Cindy. More 9 Diary Air date: Jan 31, 2000 The bane of the Geeks' existence, gym class, serves as a focus for this episode of Freaks and Geeks, directed by former Thirtysomething star Ken Olin. Tired of being picked last for the class baseball teams by the jocks, Haverchuck (Martin Starr) takes matters into his own hands by swiping a faculty phone list and harrassing Coach Fredricks (Tom Wilson) at home. Meanwhile, inspired by reading On the Road in English class, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) takes up the art of hitchhiking with pal Kim (Busy Phillips) -- and on the first try, she happens to hitch a ride with a friend of her father's. When they get wind of Lindsay's rebellious behavior, Mr. and Mrs. Weir sit down for a dinner chat with Kim's mother, Cookie (Ann Dowd), who implores them to read their daughter's diary so that they'll know what she's really up to. More 10 Looks and Books Air date: Feb 7, 2000 After she smashes up her father's car, Lindsay (Linda Cardellini) extricates herself from the Freak clique, deciding that she's better off with her former best friend, Millie (Sarah Hagen), and the rest of the prim and proper Mathletes. As Lindsay buries herself in her studies, obsessively prepping for the group's imminent math-off with a rival high school, the remaining Freaks begin questioning their own life ambitions -- however minimal they may be. Meanwhile, Sam (John Daley) and the Geeks, after careful analysis of high school dating patterns, come to the conclusion that feathered hair and polyester clothes are the way to a young woman's heart. But when Sam follows through on Joe Jackson's missive to "look sharp," he finds out he's in for a long, long day at McKinley High. More Show More Episodes Critic Reviews for Freaks and Geeks Season 1 All Critics (31) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (31) | Rotten (0) It's worth watching just to see baby versions of people like James Franco, Jason Siegel, Seth Rogan, Busy Phillips, and others, but it's also a genuine take on high school and the constant need to feel like you belong. Jun 29, 2018 | Full Review… Carli Velocci TheWrap Top Critic Paul Feig have fashioned a dramatic comedy that perhaps gets it a tad too right. Freaks and Geeks carries a sheen of bleakness, of sadness and depression that strives to equate the lives of middle teens with those of infantrymen on the front lines. Oct 10, 2017 | Full Review… Ray Richmond Variety Top Critic At the very least ... this is a rare hour of TV with big possibilities. Jan 23, 2018 | Full Review… Howard Rosenberg Los Angeles Times Top Critic ''Freaks and Geeks'' can't escape its sense of borrowed wonder. But at least it has some. May 22, 2018 | Full Review… Caryn James New York Times Top Critic During its short but perfectly formed run, it forced its audience to laugh through the awkwardness of adolescence. Oct 23, 2018 | Full Review… Chris Taylor Daily Telegraph (UK) Top Critic Freaks and Geeks is tapping into something primal: adolescents' hunger to begin to understand themselves and their world. Freaks and Geeks is too honest to offer answers. But it affirms the value and the universality of asking the questions. Oct 10, 2017 | Full Review… Eric Mink New York Daily News Top Critic This show only produced 18 episodes, but it's been lauded and beloved for 16 years since its unceremonious axing. Oct 10, 2017 | Full Review… Kyle Anderson Nerdist Watching the show often feels like an out-of-body experience, as if one were watching oneself navigate through high school. This is exactly what makes the show so timeless. Oct 10, 2017 | Rating: 10/10 | Full Review… Matthew Fay PopMatters Freaks and Geeks is that wonderful rarity among television series, a show that simultaneously lampoons reality and embraces it. Oct 10, 2017 | Full Review… John Levesque Seattle Post-Intelligencer The young actors are natural and convincing, and the high school characters manage to be funny without too much Dawson's Creek glibness. Oct 10, 2017 | Full Review… Terry Kelleher People Magazine Freaks reminds us that we're often closest to our true selves when we're alone and not performing for our peers, particularly during our painfully self-conscious teen years. Aug 7, 2018 | Full Review… Ben Lindbergh The Ringer The show deals with situations that we can all relate to. It is a very rare thing to see a television show with such love for its characters and its world - a true gem. Oct 10, 2017 | Rating: 10/10 | Full Review… Filip Vukcevic IGN Movies View All Critic Reviews (31) Audience Reviews for Freaks and Geeks: Season 1 Dec 18, 2019 MY ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE SHOW Xivono C Dec 15, 2019 This is in my opinion is a really ahead of it's time show. Really underground gem of a t.v. show based on teenagers in high school in the 70's. This show was the start of some of today's famous actors that kind of got there start here on this show. Love, love, love this show so funny. Alexsis D Dec 14, 2019 Greatest coming of age show in our lifetime. It was a shame that it ended when it did. I could really relate to this show. At least it ended on a good note that did not leave the audience feeling as though there was a cliffhanger. Joe D Aug 15, 2019 Shows perspective from all kinds of views. The first I watched this I was hooked since the first 5 minutes. I am so very disappointed that there is not more seasons. I can definitely recommend binging this :)) Magnus A Aug 09, 2018 An underrated masterpiece Sarper Y Jun 29, 2018 This show was everything I wanted. It was funny, dramatic, but managed to replicate what high school was really like. The actors and actresses DID a phenomenal job to make the characters match what most of us witnessed in high school. You have your freaks and your geeks, but also have people trying to find out WHo they are. Jacob C Mar 06, 2018 It's really cool, it talks about problems that occur in adolescence so clearly and real. I really love this series because of the style because, it has a vintage half-footprint and it attracted me a lot. The acting of the actors is very good, I really recommend this series to everyone. I'm waiting for second season to this day. 2D. Dec 07, 2017 Fuck you Seth Rogen, and that's why. mohammed S Dec 01, 2017 One of the best tv shows of all time, despite only lasting one season. Luke D Oct 06, 2017 Its really a shame that this show only got to see one season. Since the creators originally left room for more, the show lacks closure. However, for what it is, it is a very funny show with likable characters and a lot of people who are famous today. Its a tad bit repetitive but since it is only one season, it is well worth your time. Yash B See all Audience reviews News & Features 150 Erotic Movies Ranked worst to best! 2019's Most Anticipated 63 movies coming up this year 200 Essential Movies Chosen by RT staff! 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