Characters like Daniel Desario and Lindsay Weir give Freaks and Geeks its namesake. The series captures the high school experience in the context of its distinct time. The personalities audiences meet are faced with several challenges, and the way they handle these struggles highlights their likability.
Some characters put forth an arrogant attitude, with others are pleasant to almost everyone they encounter. Some of the personalities present relatable quotes in Freaks and Geeks, making viewers connect with them. The way the main characters tackle issues and present their demeanor make them more or less likable.
Kim Kelly
Kim is one of the main personalities in the older group of teens in Freaks and Geeks. Although she eventually warms up to Lindsay, she is nasty to her upon their first introduction. She lets her insecurity get the best of her and lashes out at Lindsay when she's done nothing wrong.
She is also mean to Lindsay's brother Sam and bullies him despite his weakness as a younger student. Her relationship with Daniel brings out her vindictiveness. She says he should be careful, considering all the "dirt [she] has on him." Although she has kinder moments by the end of the series, she isn't the nicest personality in the main group.
Neal Schweiber
Neal is Sam's friend, and one of the personalities in the younger group of teens, presumably the "geeks." He shows less likable behavior than his pals when he acts out in class, meddling with his teacher before being sent to the principal's office in a transparent attempt to look cool.
He showcases affable qualities, like when he helps Lindsay shut down her house party by placing an anonymous call to the police. He has a good heart, but often presents an air of arrogance. He sometimes boasts about himself, and his need to weigh in on any situation makes him less easy-going than his peers.
Daniel Desario
Daniel is Kim's and-and-off boyfriend and Lindsay's friend. He is an underachiever. He acts kindly toward Lindsay, although his actions could be interpreted as manipulative. Daniel's relationship with Kim brings out his toxic behavior, using others to get a rise out of her.
Daniel is generally laid back and doesn't have too many moments of maleficence. However, he rarely does things for others and seems to float along absent-mindedly as he seeks out selfish pursuits. He and Kim don't treat each other well, and the two constantly bicker.
Ken Miller
Ken is one of the less boisterous personalities in the older group of kids, and some call Ken the logistician of Freaks and Geeks. He doesn't appear malicious but proves to show some unlikable behavior. He is sarcastic and generally has a grumpy attitude when friends come around.
Ken smashes Nick's guitar when he is annoyed by his playing. He has a hard time thinking for himself during his relationship with Amy, leading him to hurt her. However, he doesn't seem to take pleasure in the pain of others and tries to do the right thing.
Nick Andopolis
Nick is funny, and perhaps one of the reasons some fans think Freaks and Geeks deserves a second season. He is an aspiring drummer, burnout, and has a brief romance with Lindsay. Nick sometimes presents unaffable behavior, like when he joins in with Daniel and Ken's flippant remarks to others, like when Linsay asks if they are going to the homecoming dance.
However, he seems to care about Lindsay's happiness when they develop a relationship together. He shows he appreciates her, like when he compliments her suggestions for band names.
Sam Weir
Sam is the protagonist in the group of geeks. As such, he is one of the more developed characters in the series. Audiences see that he cares for others in scenes like when he and Lindsay talk about her relationship with Nick.
Sam proves to be kind to the people in his life. He gives Cindy a necklace. When Neal learns about his father's affair, Sam tries to comfort him. Although he has the bad moments of any growing teen, he appears to always strive for good.
Bill Haverchuck
Bill is perhaps the quietest of the younger group. Some fans say he is one of the best characters in Freaks and Geeks. Bill rarely shows nasty behavior and is generally pleasant toward others around him.
Bill's good qualities come out when his mother begins dating his gym teacher. The relationship makes him uncomfortable, but he tries his best to put up with it in order to make his mom happy.
Lindsay Weir
Lindsay is one of the main protagonists in Freaks and Geeks. She rarely takes action against others and is compassionate to the people in her life. She shows her awareness of the feelings of others in her hesitance to break up with Nick and her telling her mom she wants to hand out candy with her on Halloween.
She is not without weaknesses, and sometimes hurts others like Millie Kentner. These actions appear unintentional. She is apologetic and almost always looks out for the well-being of others.