10 Best Shows Like Freaks And Geeks On Netflix Update 03/2024

Shows Like Freaks And Geeks On Netflix

While Freaks and Geeks is a cult favorite, what other shows are there for adolescent drama fans to enjoy?

Freaks and Geeks was a show ahead of its time because it popularized “uncool” and misunderstood teenagers like Sam Weir, the socially impaired Saturday Night Live (SNL) supporter, on the show.

The series has gained a cult following since it was canceled, thanks in part to its availability on Hulu. These days, younger generations are looking for new shows to binge that will bring back the same feelings of being in high school.

There are numerous shows on Netflix, Amazon, and Disney+ that evoke the same feelings as Freaks and Geeks. Awkward moments, high school drama, or a simple coming-of-age story: these shows are all worth watching.

1. Degrassi: The Next Generation  (2001-2015) – Available on Amazon Prime

Degrassi The Next Generation  (2001-2015)

After graduating from middle school, students in Degrassi’s Next Generation face the challenges of high school. For example, in one episode, a group of teenagers discuss their sexuality, while in another they discuss school shootings or pregnancy among other things.

The popularity of this show can be attributed to the relatability of the Degrassi High characters.

It tackled awkward teen moments such as Emma and Sean’s first date, but it also touched on the longing of being an adolescent in high school like Freaks and Geeks did. Degrassi Degrassi, on the other hand, is a teen drama that deals with darker themes than Freaks and Geeks. This show is a must-see for fans of the original Freaks and Geeks series.

2. Boy Meets World (1993-2000) – Available On Disney+

Throughout the course of his adolescence and early adulthood, Cory Matthews has to balance his friendships, romantic relationships, and his studies. In every episode, a valuable lesson is imparted to help Cory better understand his surroundings.

One of those shows that, like Freaks and Geeks, puts a smile on people’s faces because of its sentimentality and awkwardness. Both Cory and Sam have close relationships with their friends, but neither wants to be labeled as a nerd by their classmates. In contrast to Freaks and Geeks, which ended abruptly, viewers can watch Cory grow up and mature from a teenager to a man on the former show.

3. Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006) – Available On Hulu

Malcolm in the Middle (2000-2006)

Despite being placed in a class full of smart kids, Malcolm in the Middle gives viewers an inside look at the dysfunctional but endearing Cleavers family.

There is a coming-of-age story in Freaks and Geeks and Malcolm in the Middle about Malcolm and Sam, two brilliant students who have so much more to offer than just their academic abilities. Fans who watch Freaks and Geeks for the laughs will enjoy the mishaps Malcolm and his family get into, even though the show has a more serious tone overall.

4. Daria (1997-2002) – Available On Amazon Prime Video

Many high school students can identify with Daria, the witty, sarcastic student who doesn’t give a damn what other people think of her. Throughout the series, she goes about her life according to her own rules while still attending high school.

Daria doesn’t deal with heavy topics, but it’s a lot like Freaks and Geeks in terms of hilarity. There’s so much to love about Daria, from her struggles with her parents to her ability to use witticisms to put the “popular” kids in their place.

5. 90210 (2008-2013) – Available On Pluto TV

90210 (2008-2013)

Typical teen melodrama can be found in 90210. It focuses on Annie and Dixon as they relocate from Kansas to Beverly Hills, California, for a new chapter in their lives. Arriving in a foreign country, they’re faced with a slew of problems, including culture shock, drug abuse, and even blackmail.

The drama in this show is a little stronger, but the themes of adolescence and finding one’s way through life are still present. There are two new kids in town: Annie auditions for the school play and Dixon falls for Ethan, the popular student. Due to the series being less glamorized, fans of Freaks and Geeks will be able to identify more with it.

6. Euphoria (2019 -) – Available On HBO Max

It’s the story of Rue, a 17-year-old drug addict fresh out of rehab who has no plans to put her life back on track. It also focuses on Rue’s friends and their struggles as they try to get through high school.

As a result of dealing with abuse and relationship issues, Euphoria is a darker take on Freaks and Geeks.

But, like Freaks and Geeks, this show tackles these issues in a real and organic way, which makes it a must-see. As Rue tries to get her life back on track, viewers will see how each character deals with their mental health and what it’s like for them.

7. Pen15 (2019 -) – Available on Hulu

Pen15 (2019 -)

In Pen15, millennials are taken on a trip down memory lane. Maya and Anna, best friends in middle school in the year 2000, are the focus of the show. While trying to figure out who they are, they also have to deal with first crushes and the desire to blend in with the popular crowd.

Pen15 is a fantastic show, in part because of the emotionally raw storyline between Maya and Anna. The series, like Freaks and Geeks, has many awkward but amusing moments that bring back fond memories for fans. From Maya’s practice at making out in front of the mirror to Anna’s attempt to dance with her crush and being turned down.

8. 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020) – Available on Netflix

It follows Clay Jensen, a high school student who must discover why one of his classmates, Hanna Baker, commits suicide. With 13 tapes in front of him, Clay is trying to make sense of what happened to her during high school.

This is a more serious show than Freaks and Geeks, which has a more lighthearted tone. The show delves into a wide range of issues affecting teenagers, including some so touchy that a disclaimer was required before the first episode could air. Despite the change in tone, fans will enjoy following Clay and his classmates as they navigate high school.

9. Glee (2009 – 2015) – Available on Netflix

Glee (2009 - 2015)

Will Schuester, a teacher, oversees the Glee Club, a group of students who enjoy singing and performing who join together. the overachiever Rachel Berry to the jock Finn Hudson are all featured in Glee.

Glee would be the name of the musical adaptation of Freaks and Geeks. Every high schooler has to deal with the dynamics of the school’s social climate. Santana and Quinn are two cheerleaders who aspire to be the queen bees, and the original Glee Club members who are despised by the popular kids.

10. Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997 -2003) – Available on Hulu

Buffy Buffy the Vampire Slayer follows Buffy Summers, the chosen one tasked with guarding those around her from evil. She’s juggling all of this on top of school and her social life. Coming out to friends, substance abuse, and the loss of loved ones are just a few of the subjects addressed in the show

Buffy The Vampire Slayer and Freaks and Geeks have more differences than similarities, but fans of both shows will appreciate the fact that they share a connection to the original Scooby-Doo. Buffy, Xander, and Willow are all “geeks” on a mission to discover who they really are and what they want out of life. When Xander and Willow meet, he has a crush on the popular girl, who is also shy.