The show Freaks and Geeks may have only remained on the air for eighteen episodes, but it made its mark as one of the most accurate depictions of the trials and tribulations of high school.
The characters on the short-lived show range from popular kids, senseless bullies, and just plain awkward teenagers. The best thing about these fictional people is that no matter their biggest flaws, they all have redeeming qualities that humanize them and ultimately make them relatable to viewers. These characters make the show infinitely rewatchable, twenty-plus years later.
Cindy Sanders
Sam's love interest Cindy Sanders is the popular girl at school. She's a cheerleader and a member of many clubs, including the leader of the Young Republicans at McKinley High.
Sam's infatuation with Cindy quickly evaporates once they start dating. He realizes how unlikable she really is. Her kindness is more put-on than genuine, and she's not at all who Sam thought she was.
Alan White
Alan is the main antagonist of the Geeks and frequently bullies Sam, Neal, and Bill.
While Alan is the Geeks' biggest enemy, he gets somewhat of a redemption arc following Bill's allergic reaction to peanuts that Alan placed in his sandwich. He reveals that he always wanted to be friends with the trio, but felt rejected. It's a bit of an excuse, but it at least gives some insight into Alan's mind.
Daniel Desario
Daniel Desario is an enigma that Lindsay can't seem to distance herself from. She is enamored by his coolness, but it turns out that Daniel isn't such a great guy.
His toxic on-again-off-again relationship with Kim is exhausting to watch, and he is a big proponent of peer pressure. Daniel's home life isn't the happiest, much like that of his friends, but unlike them, he makes little to no effort to be a good person.
Kim Kelly
Kim Kelly is initially incredibly hostile toward Lindsay, feeling threatened by her presence in the Freaks group.
Her treatment of those around her is unkind and she seems to find joy in the tormenting of others. An exploration of her abusive relationship with her parents reveals more about Kim, and once Lindsay has a better understanding of her, she attempts to form a friendship between them. Kim doesn't completely disregard her, and the two end up making an unlikely pair.
Nick Andopolis
Stoner and drummer Nick is the sweetest of the Freaks and pursues a relationship with Lindsay despite her obvious crush on his buddy Daniel.
Nick has a good heart, but his actions often contradict the message he is trying to convey. As a boyfriend, Nick gets overly-attached to Lindsay rather quickly, which leads to their breakup. Nick's lack of direction and questionable interactions with just about everyone makes him less of a great character.
Lindsay Weir
The recent death of her grandmother really upsets former mathlete Lindsay causing her to change things about her life.
But, even though she evolves from the person she once was, Lindsay's heart remains intact. She loves her brother, cares for Millie, and attempts to be a good girlfriend to Nick. Grief pushes her to explore different facets of her personality, and ultimately she makes a lot of mistakes, but ends up growing a lot as a character.
Neal Schweiber
Neal is the most confident of the Geeks and acts braver than his friends when it comes to chasing his comedy dreams and confessing his love for Lindsay.
Neal can be somewhat selfish and entitled, as opposed to his more loving pals. Ultimately, Neal needs the love of his friends when he discovers his father's infidelity and his brother's similar feelings for Lindsay. While his friends provide comfort, Neal provides the laughs, which makes the Geeks a strong force and Neal a great character.
Ken Miller
Ken is a simple soul. He is friends with the Freaks, but not nearly as mean as Kim and Daniel, or as overbearing as Nick.
Ken is unafraid to speak his mind, gets along with the Geeks, and ends up in the healthiest relationship of anyone on the show when he begins dating Amy. His unproblematic behavior and dry humor make him a fun and interesting character to watch develop.
Jeff Rosso
The guitar-playing guidance counselor Mr. Rosso -- or you can call him Jeff -- sees lots of potential in Lindsay.
While he never quite gets through to her, he does impact the confidence of the Geeks, primarily Bill. Jeff's ability to keep it real and genuine want for the kids at McKinley to become the best versions of themselves proves that he is just a good man with a kind heart.
Millie Kentner
Millie might be described by others as a bit of a 'square', but her loyalty to her former best friend Lindsay is truly admirable.
Millie prides herself on her close relationship with God and ability to "get high on life." Millie's biggest strength is that she is always her truest self and doesn't care if others think that person is uncool. She knows who she is making her a strong character.
Bill Haverchuck
Bill has the sweetest soul of any of the characters on the show. His intentions are pure, he loves Dallas, and he just wants to make it out of high school in one piece.
He finds himself at odds with the gym teacher when he begins dating Bill's mom, and his persona leads to him only having a few close friends in Sam and Neal. Regardless, Bill finds comfort in pop culture, foods that don't contain nuts, and his best friends.
Sam Weir
Sam Weir's face says it all: he's the most relatable teen from Freaks and Geeks. He wants high school to be over as quickly as it started, and is over the factions that develop during his time there.
Sam is a supportive brother, obedient son, passionate nerd, and good friend. Sam feels lost at times but always ends up remaining an authentic version of himself. He knows he isn't the coolest guy in town, but as long as he has his friends and his sister, he knows he will be just fine.