With fans still mourning the loss of a second season, Freaks And Geeks is a show that continues to be well-loved decades after its initial release. It still manages to touch the hearts of viewers who watch it for the first time, no matter how young or old they may be. There is something timeless about it.
And yet, there are some things about the show that haven't aged quite so well. Because it was released at the turn of the century, and its setting is the late '70s, there are a few plot points that are incredibly dated by today's standards. Here are some examples of both sides of the show.
Timeless: Awkward Growth Spurts
Although some cast members had already outgrown their teen years, the main characters actually looked like they were in high school - for better and for worse. In particular, the main Geek trio - Sam, Neil, and Bill - still looked quite young, as they hadn't yet gone through growth spurts.
This made them feel more than a little insecure about themselves, which is something many people have felt in high school. Some kids grow up fast, while others take a little longer. That's just how growing up is, and Freaks And Geeks wasn't shy in showing how awkward that made students feel, which in turn makes many newer fans feel connected to the Geeks right away.
Dated: Negativity Towards "Nerds"
The Geeks are really into things like Dungeons and Dragons, going to Comic-Con, and participating in the AV Club. Back in the day, these things were considered "nerdy" and often resulted in the boys getting bullied just for their interests.
But times have really changed since then. A lot of "nerdy" things are essential parts of pop-culture, and engaging with them is seen as normal, if not trendy. If the Geeks grew up today, rather than in the '80s, they probably would have felt more accepted for their passions, and wouldn't have gotten picked on for discussing things like their Game Of Thrones houses.
Timeless: Outgrowing Old Friends
One of the most heart-wrenching arcs of the show is watching Lindsay's childhood friend, Millie, try to reconnect with her to little avail. While Lindsay does make an effort, it's clear that Millie is more interested in their friendship than Lindsay, and that is a sad aspect of growing up that the show depicts beautifully.
In many cases, friends drift apart simply because they outgrow one another, and it's not always because of major circumstances. Lindsay still cares about Millie - she's just exploring other sides of life, which is what teenagers are wont to do.
Dated: Much Less Pressure
Although high schools have always, of course, encouraged their students to learn and succeed in life, there is a vast difference in pressure between the schools of today, and the schools of McKinley High's era. The Freaks (and even some Geeks!) often ditch class with little repercussions, and while they're derided for it, there isn't much evidence to show that they suffer the consequences otherwise.
Meanwhile, high schoolers of today are feeling more stressed out than ever, and it's all because there is an increasing pressure on students to go to "good" colleges and get "good" jobs. The easygoing lifestyle of the '80s is a thing of the past, and it's all a teen can hope for to at least have some fun memories of their school days.
Timeless: Awkward First Loves
Dating is only easy for people like Samantha Jones, from Sex And The City. Suffice it to say, teenagers usually have no idea what they're doing when it comes to relationships, and Lindsay's unease while dating Nick is a perfect example of this.
Like many young girls who are inexperienced with romance, Lindsay doesn't want to hurt Nick's feelings, but she isn't quite sure if she's ready to be with him. The awkward way they dance around each other is something many people can identify with when reflecting on their first loves.
Dated: Offensiveness
While Freaks and Geeks was more tactful than some other shows of its era, that doesn't say too much, considering the early 2000s weren't exactly the most inclusive or sensitive years for entertainment. Furthermore, the '80s were far worse, so the show's setting paved the way for some less-than-savory plotlines and discussions.
From Sam getting called slurs, to Ken struggling to accept his girlfriend being intersex, there are many things about this show that have aged poorly. Today's world is making much more of an attempt to be tolerant of all peoples, so the nastier sides of the '80s ought to remain in the past.
Timeless: Breaking Down Barriers
High school is riddled with social conventions that don't often translate into the "real world," especially the ones that keep people tightly wound within their groups. But as teenagers get older, they often start to realize that these conventions are holding them back, and therefore find more happiness as they branch out into the world.
This happens quite a few times in Freaks and Geeks, daring to display an earnest part of growing up that many teen-focused shows don't portray. In this regard, one of the most powerful storylines is when Daniel - the quintessential Freak - befriending the Geeks. He goes to the wise, yet strange Harris for advice, starts looking out for Sam, and even gets a D&D moral alignment!
Dated: "Style" Of Bullying
Unfortunately, there have always been mean people in the world who pick on those they don't like, and although attempts have been made to lessen schoolwide bullying, bullies continue to exist. However, the bullies of the '80s seem to be a thing of the past.
Viewers see all kinds of people pick on Sam and his friends, ranging from defacing their lockers to getting violent. These kinds of physical confrontations seem to have been common experiences in the '80s. But the teen bullies of today tend to stay online, cyberbullying their targets and even stalking them via social media. It's just as insidious, although vastly different, and requiring more modern solutions.
Timeless: High School Is Rough
Whether they enjoyed high school or loathed it, most people can agree that those years weren't the most pleasant. From all the rampant insecurities people feel, to the unrelenting rules and obligations of school, there is something to be said about the "best years of your life" not being so great after all.
And Freaks and Geeks covers the whole spectrum of adolescent malaise, head to toe! Lindsay struggles to find a place where she belongs, Sam struggles with bullies, Kim and Daniel have horrible home lives, Nick's father is threatening to send him to the army, and even Cindy struggles with moodiness - the point being, whether Freak, Geek, or somewhere in between, high school can be rough.
Dated: Everything About The 80s
Although this might seem a bit obvious, it can really be startling to notice the specific differences between a modern school and McKinley. There were no cell phones, no laptops, and no digital cameras - their most advanced piece of technology is the projector that the AV Club wheels around from classroom to classroom.
And even beyond that, the way students pass the time is very indicative of the show's era. The Geeks are frequently roaming around because the only video game available is an Atari with Pong on it, and the Freaks take pleasure in smashing mailboxes, making fun of disco-goers, and spending a Friday or two at the Laserdome.