It's hard to believe that it's been over 20 years since Freaks and Geeks aired its brief few episodes on NBC. Created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, this coming-of-age teen dramedy is considered one of the finest programs to ever get canceled prematurely, but it has grown long legs since. Through its critical success and cult following, this short-lived show helped foster the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, Martin Starr, Busy Philipps, and John Francis Daley. Now that the show is available to stream in full on Hulu, let's take this moment to see how far these stars have come since these humble beginnings.
Here's what the Freaks and Geeks cast is doing now.
John Francis Daley (Sam Weir)
As Sam Weir, the quiet comedy enthusiast who finds his clique with the geeks, John Francis Daley was one of the leads of the show. Afterward, Daley became known for his work in Bones. His other notable acting credits include View from the Top, Waiting ..., The Geena Davis Show, Boston Public, Kitchen Confidential, Dude Bro Party Massacre III, and 5-22-77. Outside of acting, Daley developed a second career as a Hollywood screenwriter, notably penning Horrible Bosses, The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, and Spider-Man: Homecoming. He also wrote and co-directed Vacation (2015), helmed Game Night, and produced Stuber.
Next, John Francis Daley serves as the writer behind Vacation Friends. He's also attached to write and direct a new Dungeons & Dragons movie. Away from acting, he sings and plays keyboards for the band, Dayplayer.
Linda Cardellini (Lindsay Weir)
In the role of Lindsay Weir, a gifted high schooler and Sam's older sister, Linda Cardellini played one half of the lead roles in Freaks and Geeks. Outside of this short-lived series, the actress is best known for her work in the live-action Scooby-Doo movies, as well as ER, Mad Men, Bloodline, Legally Blonde, Brokeback Mountain, A Simple Favor, Avengers: Age of Ultron, the Daddy's Home movies, The Curse of La Llorona, The Founder, Good Burger, Boy Meets World, and Green Book. She can also be heard in Regular Show, Gravity Falls, Scooby Doo! Mystery Incorporated, and Sanjay and Craig.
Currently, Linda Cardellini can be seen in Netflix's Dead to Me, where she also serves as a co-executive producer. She has been Emmy-nominated for this leading role. Most recently, the actress appeared in Capone and several episodes of Disney+'s Muppets Now.
Samm Levine (Neal Schweiber)
In the part of Neal Schweiber, a comedy-loving geek, Samm Leivne played a scene-stealing supporting character on the series. Levine is known for his work in Inglorious Basterds, the Wet Hot American Summer franchise, Not Another Teen Movie, Pulse, Club Dread, Sydney White, I Love You Beth Cooper, Jobs, NCIS, Crunch Time, Another Period, Selfie, Do No Harm, and Drunk History. Outside of acting, Levine served as a sidekick and fill-in host on Kevin Pollak's Chat Show. He also regularly appeared on Collider's Movie Trivia Schmoedown.
Most recently, Samm Levine was seen in No Good Nick, I'd Like To Be Alone Now, and the short film, Summoned. Next, he'll be seen in Adverse, Immortal, and Bonded. Additionally, Levine will be featured in Wags to Riches.
Seth Rogen (Ken Miller)
As Ken Miller, a wise-cracking, extremely sarcastic student at William McKinley High School, Seth Rogen started his career and later found his fame thanks to his early exposure here. His next acting credits include Knocked Up, Undeclared, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Funny People, Steve Jobs, Zack and Miri Make a Porno, 50/50, Neighbors, Long Shot, and The Disaster Artist, plus Superbad and Pineapple Express (both of which he also co-wrote).
Additionally, Seth Rogen lent his voice to the Kung Fu Panda movies, Monsters vs. Aliens, Paul, Shrek the Third, Horton Hears a Who, and The Lion King (2019). Also, he wrote, directed, and starred in This is the End and The Interview. The actor directed for Preacher, Future Man, and Black Sunday, and wrote for The League, The Simpsons, and Da Ali G Show, for which he was Emmy-nominated. Most recently, Rogen starred in An American Pickle. He was also seen in The Boys and heard in Big Mouth. His upcoming credits include Invincible, Pam & Tommy, and Santa Inc.
James Franco (Daniel Desario)
In the role of Daniel Desario, Nick's best friend who's in an unsteady relationship with Kim, James Franco first gained notoriety for his work in Freaks and Geeks. Franco's profile continued to rise thanks to the Spider-Man trilogy, Pineapple Express, Milk, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Spring Breakers, Oz the Great and Powerful, This is the End, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs, Sausage Party, and 127 Hours, the latter for which he was Oscar-nominated. He also won a Golden Globe for his leading role in The Disaster Artist, which he also directed. Additionally, on television, Franco starred in The Deuce and 11.22.63, and appeared on General Hospital, The Mindy Project, and Angie Tribeca. Outside of acting, Franco also authored Palo Alto and Actors Anonymous.
Most recently, James Franco starred in Zeroville, which he also directed. He was also heard in Arctic Dogs. Next, he'll be seen in Kill the Czar and The Long Home, which he also directed. But, after a series of allegations were made against him, Franco has kept a low profile.
Jason Segel (Nick Andopolis)
Playing the part of Nick Andopolis, one of the Freaks who's often protective of Lindsay, Jason Segel found his early breakout role in this show. Following his time in this series, Segel starred in CBS's long-running How I Met Your Mother. The actor also wrote and starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, 2011's The Muppets, The Five-Year Engagement, and Sex Tape. His other notable film credits include I Love You Man, Jeff Who Lives At Home, Bad Teacher, Knocked Up, This is 40, Can't Hardly Wait, This is the End, and The End of the Tour. Additionally, he worked with Judd Apatow on the similarly short-lived series, Undeclared.
Most recently, Jason Segel was seen in Our Friend. He also created, wrote, directed, and starred in AMC's anthology series, Dispatches from Elsewhere. Segel made an appearance in Quibi's Home Movie: The Princess Bride. Next, Segel will star in The Sky Is Everywhere. Outside of acting, Segel has co-authored several novels, including the Nightmares! series and the Last Reality series, with Kirsten Miller.
Martin Starr (Bill Haverchuck)
As Bill Haverchuck, one of the freshman geeks, Martin Starr had his first brush with fame through his supporting turn in Freaks and Geeks. Following his time in this series, Starr, well, starred in Starz's Party Down. He also played a lead role in HBO's Silicon Valley. His other notable credits include Knocked Up, Adventureland, The Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Spider-Man: Far From Home, Superbad, This is the End, NTSF: SD: SUV::, Burning Love, Life in Pieces, Veronica Mars, Dead Snow 2: Red vs. Dead, Honey Boy, and Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
Most recently, Martin Starr guest-starred in truTV's Tacoma FD. Next, he'll be seen in Samaritan, Spider-Man 3, and the short film, Milford.
Busy Philipps (Kim Kelly)
In the role of Kim Kelly, Lindsay Weir's best friend, Busy Philipps played a prominent supporting character in Freaks and Geeks. Outside of this show, Philipps is known for her work in Dawson's Creek, Cougar Town, ER, Love Inc., White Chicks, He's Just Not That Into You, The Gift (2015), The Smokers, Home Room, Made of Honor, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Vice Principals, and I Feel Pretty. Additionally, from 2018 through 2019, Philipps hosted E!'s late-night talk show, Busy Tonight.
Most recently, Busy Philipps appeared in an episode of Search Party. Next, Philipps stars in Peacock's Girls5Eva. Outside of acting, the actress released her memoir, This Will Only Hurt A Little, in 2018.
Becky Ann Baker (Jean Weir)
Playing the part of Jean Weir, Lindsay and Sam's mother, Becky Ann Baker played a pivotal maternal character in Freaks and Geeks. Away from this Fox series, Baker is best known for her Emmy-nominated performance in HBO's Girls. Her other notable credits include Blue Steel, Lorenzo's Oil, Men in Black, Jacob's Ladder, In & Out, Spider-Man 3, Nights in Rodanthe, The End of the Tour, Table 19, Hope Springs, A Simple Plan, Stay, The Good Wife, The Blacklist, Big Little Lies, Younger, and Brockmire.
Most recently, Becky Ann Baker was seen in The Half of It. She also made appearances in Social Distance, Little America, Manhunt, Council of Dads, Little Voice, and Katy Keene. Next, Baker will be seen in Holler, which premiered at TIFF, and Starbright. Additionally, outside of acting, Baker produced the short film, Pizza Party, last year.
Joe Flaherty (Harold Weir)
As Harold Weir, Jean's husband and Lindsay and Sam's father, Joe Flaherty played a paternal character in Freaks and Geeks. Most notably, away from this role, the actor-comedian is known for his work on SCTV and Happy Gilmore. He also appeared in 1941, Johnny Dangerously, Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird, Innerspace, Back to the Future Part II, Stuart Saves His Family, Detroit Rock City, That '70s Show, Who's Harry Crumb?, Slackers, National Security, Club Paradise, Heavy Metal, and Stripes.
Most recently, Joe Flaherty appeared in Call Me Fitz, and the short film, Nightlife. He also wrote an episode Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated. He doesn't have any upcoming credits at this time.
You can stream Freaks and Geeks on Hulu here.
