10 Best TV Pilots Ever

9. Freaks And Geeks - Pilot

Freaks and Geeks Pilot
NBC

Freaks and Geeks not only launched the careers of Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, and many others, but it also stands as one of the most authentic - and hilarious - high school series ever created.

That's true right from the word go, with Pilot focusing not on the football players and cheerleaders, but the outsiders of the school (after a great moment of parody to start off with). Exploring both of its titular groups, the series shows us its beating heart right from the off, and expertly distinguishes each one of its characters.

None of them feel like tropes, but instead real portrayals of what teenagers are actually like, and it's one that holds up even now. Funny, warm, and completely fresh, Freaks and Geeks' ending may have come WAY too soon, but at least it had a perfect beginning.

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Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.