Unfortunately, Freaks and Geeks isn't on Netflix anymore (where to watch)

Sometimes shows are just too ahead of their time and aren't appreciated in the moment. That's exactly what happened in 1999 when Freaks and Geeks began airing on NBC. In spite of its critical acclaim, the series from creator Paul Feig and executive producer Judd Apatow was moved about the schedule and failed to solidify an audience, leading to its cancellation after 18 episodes.

Although its run might have been cut short and the show wasn't given the opportunity to thrive, not unlike a lot of its misunderstood characters. Over the years, Freaks and Geeks has become a cult classic, only becoming more and more beloved as the years as its themes and storytelling prove timeless. It doesn't hurt either that its cast of then-newbies have all gone on to great success.

With many of its stars coming to Netflix, like Linda Cardellini in Bloodline and Dead to Me and Busy Philipps in the new season of Girls5eva, many fans of the teen dramedy are likely wondering whether the series can still be watched on the streamer. Years ago, the series was available on the platform, but as of March 2024, Freaks and Geeks is no longer available to stream on Netflix.

Freaks and Geeks is streaming on Hulu and more

One of the easiest and most accessible ways to watch Freaks and Geeks is on Hulu. The streaming service currently has all 18 episodes of the series readily available to watch. Since Hulu has become available on its own as well as through multiple Disney+ bundles, I would say watching on this particular streamer is the way to go. But if you're not subscribed to Hulu on its own or through any bundles, there for four more ways to easily get your nostalgia fix right away.

All 5 ways to watch Freaks and Geeks online:

• Hulu (or Disney+ Hulu bundle)
• Amazon Prime Video (with subscription)
• Paramount+ (with subscription)
• Pluto TV (free!)
• Apple TV ($2.99 per episode, $24.99 for the series)

If you're looking to stick with Netflix and want to find something similar to add to your watch list, the streamer offers a variety of teen comedy-drama series that are worth your while. Sydney Sweeney stars in the one-and-done 1996-set series Everything Sucks!, and That '90s Show recently served up a new generation of Point Place teens. For a modern take on teen life, check out Atypical, Heartstopper, Never Have I Ever, and more.

Freaks and Geeks plot and cast impact

As for the series itself, the show takes place in Chippewa, Michigan in 1980 and centers on the Weir siblings, Lindsey (Linda Cardellini) and Sam (John Francis Daly). Lindsey finds herself hanging out more with the so-called "freaks" of William McKinley High School and less of the mathletes she typically buddies up with, while freshman Sam and his pals are known as the "geeks."

Side-stepping the modern teen soaps of the time, Freaks and Geeks took a more relatable approach to the coming-of-age genre and showcased teenagers who didn't live in excess and lived average Midwestern American lives. While the series was slightly serialized, a lot of the episodes revolved around specific plots, but those storylines always involved an awkward but impactful situation in friendship, family, relationships, or identity.

The series made stars of Cardellini, Daly, Philipps, Jason Segel, James Franco, Seth Rogen, and more of its main, supporting, and guest stars. Part of the reason the actors continued to breakout in Hollywood in bigger roles had to do with Judd Apatow casting most of them in his movies, such as The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Pineapple Express, and others that he either directed, wrote, and/or produced. But they also just had an inherent talent, especially for comedy, as seen in Freaks and Geeks.