[Editor’s note: this list was originally published in October 2023. It has since been updated with new entries.]
What’s better than seeing your favorite sitcom characters shed their hum-drum outfits and status quo subplots for the theatrical costumes and hair-raising horror that only comes with Halloween? From “Freaks and Geeks” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to “Parks and Recreation” and “Bob’s Burgers,” the best TV comedies celebrate October 31 with seasonal half-hours that inspire as much festive fun as they do nail-biting fear.
The most memorable Halloween sitcom episodes go beyond tossing pumpkins at the set dressing and instead dig deep to figure out what the annual celebration of things that go bump in the night might really mean to their characters. Stand-out shows find ways to bring specificity to their Halloween renderings, carefully considering everything from the narratively powerful meaning (or dramatically ironic coding!) behind characters’ costumes to the range of All Hallows’ Eve settings that can fit a story best.
A costume party can be...
What’s better than seeing your favorite sitcom characters shed their hum-drum outfits and status quo subplots for the theatrical costumes and hair-raising horror that only comes with Halloween? From “Freaks and Geeks” and “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” to “Parks and Recreation” and “Bob’s Burgers,” the best TV comedies celebrate October 31 with seasonal half-hours that inspire as much festive fun as they do nail-biting fear.
The most memorable Halloween sitcom episodes go beyond tossing pumpkins at the set dressing and instead dig deep to figure out what the annual celebration of things that go bump in the night might really mean to their characters. Stand-out shows find ways to bring specificity to their Halloween renderings, carefully considering everything from the narratively powerful meaning (or dramatically ironic coding!) behind characters’ costumes to the range of All Hallows’ Eve settings that can fit a story best.
A costume party can be...
- 10/31/2024
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Being two of comedy’s most famous talents, Seth Rogen and James Franco had an enduring friendship, which included a long history of riffing off one another and collaborating. Beginning their collaboration with the 1999 show Freaks and Geeks, Rogen and Franco had a friendship spanning over two decades until the duo fell apart in 2018.
James Franco and Seth Rogen in The Interview | image: Columbia Pictures
Despite working together in hit comedies and sharing an unbreakable bond, Seth Rogen and James Franco sparked a rift, after the latter was accused of s*xually inappropriate behavior in an L.A. Times article. After Franco’s s*xual misconduct lawsuit was settled, the allegations seemingly caused him and Rogen to drift apart. Since then, their friendship has never been repaired.
The Beginning of James Franco and Seth Rogen’s Friendship
James Franco and Seth Rogen were both young and newcomers in the industry when...
James Franco and Seth Rogen in The Interview | image: Columbia Pictures
Despite working together in hit comedies and sharing an unbreakable bond, Seth Rogen and James Franco sparked a rift, after the latter was accused of s*xually inappropriate behavior in an L.A. Times article. After Franco’s s*xual misconduct lawsuit was settled, the allegations seemingly caused him and Rogen to drift apart. Since then, their friendship has never been repaired.
The Beginning of James Franco and Seth Rogen’s Friendship
James Franco and Seth Rogen were both young and newcomers in the industry when...
- 10/26/2024
- by Krittika Mukherjee
- FandomWire
Judd Apatow has delivered some of the most commercially successful comedy movies, launching the careers of several popular actors. However, Apatow’s attempt to produce a television comedy in the late 1990s resulted in Freaks and Geeks, a cult classic sitcom that initially failed to find an audience and was canceled too soon.
Judd Apatow produced the comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks (Credit: The Tonight Show | YouTube).
Apatow produced the short-lived series Freaks and Geeks which ran for just one season. Over the years, the series has gained a cult following, raising questions over a possible return with a second season. During an interview, Apatow firmly rejected the possibility of reviving the series after almost two decades, and here is why.
Judd Apatow Shut the Door on Ever Making Freaks and Geeks Season 2
Judd Apatow served as a producer on the period comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks, created by Paul Feig.
Judd Apatow produced the comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks (Credit: The Tonight Show | YouTube).
Apatow produced the short-lived series Freaks and Geeks which ran for just one season. Over the years, the series has gained a cult following, raising questions over a possible return with a second season. During an interview, Apatow firmly rejected the possibility of reviving the series after almost two decades, and here is why.
Judd Apatow Shut the Door on Ever Making Freaks and Geeks Season 2
Judd Apatow served as a producer on the period comedy-drama series Freaks and Geeks, created by Paul Feig.
- 10/25/2024
- by Pratik Handore
- FandomWire
You could pretty much call any adult who sings with puppets to be strange, but Jason Segel has run with it, once being called “weird” and making a career of it. And judging by Forgetting Sarah Marshall, he’s more man than muppet…
Appearing on Today (with Entertainment Weekly), Jason Segel remembered his time working with Judd Apatow initially on Freaks and Geeks, in which he played Rush-loving drummer Andopolis. It was here that Segel – like so many – was taken in by Apatow, who provided the budding actor with advice that would change his course. “It was a bit of an apprenticeship period, where we literally learned how to write a script. And his parting words to me were, ‘Listen, Jace, you’re a weird dude. The only way you’re going to make it is if you write your own material.’ He was right, and it changed my life.
Appearing on Today (with Entertainment Weekly), Jason Segel remembered his time working with Judd Apatow initially on Freaks and Geeks, in which he played Rush-loving drummer Andopolis. It was here that Segel – like so many – was taken in by Apatow, who provided the budding actor with advice that would change his course. “It was a bit of an apprenticeship period, where we literally learned how to write a script. And his parting words to me were, ‘Listen, Jace, you’re a weird dude. The only way you’re going to make it is if you write your own material.’ He was right, and it changed my life.
- 10/22/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Actor Jason Segel has had quite a career of both comedy and drama projects. He can be seen often appearing alongside fellow comic actors Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, Cameron Diaz and others. Well-known roles he had involved television shows like Freaks and Geeks, How I Met Your Mother as well as films like Forgetting Sarah Marshall, The Muppets, Our Friend and more.
Segel’s most recent work can be seen in Shrinking Season 2, which arrived on Apple TV+ Oct. 15 with two episodes. He balances between comedy and drama in the series that follows a therapist recovering from the loss of his wife and helping his colleagues therapize everyone around them.
Read on for a comprehensive list of Jason Segel movies and TV shows.
Related: ‘Shrinking’s Jessica Williams Talks “Stress” Of Reprising Gaby In Season 2 & The Harrison Ford Scene That “Really Bummed” Her Out...
Segel’s most recent work can be seen in Shrinking Season 2, which arrived on Apple TV+ Oct. 15 with two episodes. He balances between comedy and drama in the series that follows a therapist recovering from the loss of his wife and helping his colleagues therapize everyone around them.
Read on for a comprehensive list of Jason Segel movies and TV shows.
Related: ‘Shrinking’s Jessica Williams Talks “Stress” Of Reprising Gaby In Season 2 & The Harrison Ford Scene That “Really Bummed” Her Out...
- 10/16/2024
- by Dessi Gomez
- Deadline Film + TV
Warning: Contains spoilers for Season One of Shrinking
AppleTV+’s Shrinking, which returns for its second season today, has a provocative premise: Would clients actually be better off if their therapists decided not to lead them toward the insights that would improve their lives, but rather just told them straight up what to do?
The show’s seeming position on this is somewhat inconsistent. Most patients are portrayed thriving when their unorthodox therapist Jimmy (Jason Segel) bosses them around. But Season One ends with therapy client Grace (Heidi Gardner) pushing her emotionally abusive husband off a cliff, after telling Jimmy about her fantasy of doing that, to Jimmy’s enthusiastic affirmation; he’s under the impression that she’s being hyperbolic, but still! You might think a connection to the criminal case might lead Jimmy to abandon his new proactivity; you’d be wrong.
But, all of that is beside my point,...
AppleTV+’s Shrinking, which returns for its second season today, has a provocative premise: Would clients actually be better off if their therapists decided not to lead them toward the insights that would improve their lives, but rather just told them straight up what to do?
The show’s seeming position on this is somewhat inconsistent. Most patients are portrayed thriving when their unorthodox therapist Jimmy (Jason Segel) bosses them around. But Season One ends with therapy client Grace (Heidi Gardner) pushing her emotionally abusive husband off a cliff, after telling Jimmy about her fantasy of doing that, to Jimmy’s enthusiastic affirmation; he’s under the impression that she’s being hyperbolic, but still! You might think a connection to the criminal case might lead Jimmy to abandon his new proactivity; you’d be wrong.
But, all of that is beside my point,...
- 10/16/2024
- Cracked
He may not be the “world’s best boss,” but Steve Carell brought an undeniable quality to his The Office character Michael Scott.
While reminiscing about his first time directing the NBC mockumentary sitcom, Paul Feig credited Carell with making the show “the giant hit that it is” after the actor put his own touch on the role, a counterpart to Ricky Gervais‘ David Brent in the original UK series.
Although he recalled being offered to develop the US version after Freaks & Geeks ended, Feig turned down the opportunity, noting the original was “an iconic show.” Meanwhile, he said Carell’s performance in the debut season strayed too close to Gervais’ unlikable boss character.
“It’s British humor. British humor is very different. The Brits love tearing down a boor. So, they love when the lead character is an unlikable character because they love poking holes in those guys,...
While reminiscing about his first time directing the NBC mockumentary sitcom, Paul Feig credited Carell with making the show “the giant hit that it is” after the actor put his own touch on the role, a counterpart to Ricky Gervais‘ David Brent in the original UK series.
Although he recalled being offered to develop the US version after Freaks & Geeks ended, Feig turned down the opportunity, noting the original was “an iconic show.” Meanwhile, he said Carell’s performance in the debut season strayed too close to Gervais’ unlikable boss character.
“It’s British humor. British humor is very different. The Brits love tearing down a boor. So, they love when the lead character is an unlikable character because they love poking holes in those guys,...
- 10/10/2024
- by Glenn Garner
- Deadline Film + TV
Paul Feig appeared on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s “Dinner’s on Me” podcast and spoke about the poor reviews from critics for his action-comedy film “Jackpot!,” starring Awkwafina and John Cena.
“Now I can be happy because we’ve been the No. 1 movie worldwide on Amazon for four weeks in a row now, which is fantastic,” director Feig said in the podcast episode, released on Tuesday. “But the critics excoriated us. I mean, took the biggest dump on this movie. All I can figure is like, from the reviews I read, I think they were trying to find a lot of meaning in this premise.”
“Jackpot!,” released on Prime Video in August, currently holds a 31% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in Los Angeles in 2030, the film follows Katie Kim (Awkwafina), who, after winning the lottery, finds herself the target of a deadly competition where people can kill her until...
“Now I can be happy because we’ve been the No. 1 movie worldwide on Amazon for four weeks in a row now, which is fantastic,” director Feig said in the podcast episode, released on Tuesday. “But the critics excoriated us. I mean, took the biggest dump on this movie. All I can figure is like, from the reviews I read, I think they were trying to find a lot of meaning in this premise.”
“Jackpot!,” released on Prime Video in August, currently holds a 31% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in Los Angeles in 2030, the film follows Katie Kim (Awkwafina), who, after winning the lottery, finds herself the target of a deadly competition where people can kill her until...
- 10/9/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
High school sitcoms have always been a mixed bag, largely because the issues kids are dealing with at that age beg for a more nuanced take than the half-hour format can provide. Godawful shows like "Saved by the Bell," "Head of the Class" and "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" are the low standard a high school sitcom has to clear nowadays, so we need to count our blessings when something as wonderful as Mike O'Brien's "A.P. Bio" and the currently airing Brian Jordan Alvarez's "English Teacher" arrives.
Before those two sitcoms, the bar was set reasonably high by Gabe Kaplan's "Welcome Back, Kotter." Based in part on Kaplan's sitcom act, the comedian stars as Gabe Kotter, a former underachiever who returns to his old Bensonhurst Brooklyn neighborhood to teach at the high school that used to seem like a prison to him. He's now in charge of a new batch of knuckleheads,...
Before those two sitcoms, the bar was set reasonably high by Gabe Kaplan's "Welcome Back, Kotter." Based in part on Kaplan's sitcom act, the comedian stars as Gabe Kotter, a former underachiever who returns to his old Bensonhurst Brooklyn neighborhood to teach at the high school that used to seem like a prison to him. He's now in charge of a new batch of knuckleheads,...
- 10/6/2024
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
It’s October now, which means that the temporary haunted house business is in full swing. If you’re not interested in exploring the monster-filled dreamscape of the dude from Fever Pitch, there’s always Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. The popular annual attraction features various spooky mazes inspired by movies and TV shows including A Quiet Place, Insidious and Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, which may or may not end with a scare actor dressed as Dan Aykroyd popping out of a wall and forcing you to buy his vodka.
The event rarely takes inspiration from comedies, but in 2015, Universal unveiled a haunted maze based on a Seth Rogen movie. While one could argue that The Green Hornet is Rogen’s most horrifying work to date, the maze was actually themed around This Is the End.
This Is the End starred Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel as fictional...
The event rarely takes inspiration from comedies, but in 2015, Universal unveiled a haunted maze based on a Seth Rogen movie. While one could argue that The Green Hornet is Rogen’s most horrifying work to date, the maze was actually themed around This Is the End.
This Is the End starred Rogen, James Franco, Danny McBride and Jay Baruchel as fictional...
- 10/3/2024
- Cracked
Happy birthday, Freaks and Geeks! The one-season wonder that launched a truckload of comedy careers just turned 25, inspiring warm fuzzies from the show’s creators and stars.
“Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc,” Paul Feig posted on Instagram along with a treasure trove of throwback photos. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and changed everything for me. Eternally grateful to @juddapatow for taking a chance on my little spec script about growing up in Michigan and making it happen with @dreamworks as well as to our stellar cast, writers, directors and crew for bringing it to life. I truly love you all.”
John Francis Daley, who played Sam before becoming a successful screenwriter, noted the anniversary on Twitter. “Freaks and Geeks is 25 years old today,” he posted. “What do I do to slow down time?!”
Samm Levine, Neal on Freaks and Geeks,...
“Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc,” Paul Feig posted on Instagram along with a treasure trove of throwback photos. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and changed everything for me. Eternally grateful to @juddapatow for taking a chance on my little spec script about growing up in Michigan and making it happen with @dreamworks as well as to our stellar cast, writers, directors and crew for bringing it to life. I truly love you all.”
John Francis Daley, who played Sam before becoming a successful screenwriter, noted the anniversary on Twitter. “Freaks and Geeks is 25 years old today,” he posted. “What do I do to slow down time?!”
Samm Levine, Neal on Freaks and Geeks,...
- 9/26/2024
- Cracked
It may not be the high school reunion we’ve wanted, but Freaks and Geeks creator Paul Feig, producer Judd Apatow, writer/star of the show Seth Rogen and other cast members pay tribute to the nostalgic show that is still viewed as gone too soon by many fans — old and new — as the show would only last one season. The NBC dramedy series was a high school show set in the 80s and featured a cast that would go on to become notable names in future projects, including Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, John Francis Daley, Samm Levine, Martin Starr, and Busy Phillipps.
Deadline now reports that the show’s creator, producer and stars are looking back and celebrating its impact as it turns 25. Feig shared some throwback pictures on Instagram with the caption, “Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc. It was one...
Deadline now reports that the show’s creator, producer and stars are looking back and celebrating its impact as it turns 25. Feig shared some throwback pictures on Instagram with the caption, “Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc. It was one...
- 9/26/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Twenty-five years after its debut, the cast and creators of the short-lived NBC series “Freaks and Geeks” are reflecting on the show’s enduring impact. While the series only aired for one season from 1999-2000, it helped launch the careers of many stars and creators. “Freaks and Geeks” also established itself as a cult favorite among fans for its raw depiction of teenage life.
Set in 1980s suburban Detroit, “Freaks and Geeks” followed high school siblings Lindsay and Sam Weir as Lindsay navigates the school’s different social circles. The show was created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow.
On social media, Feig remembered the experience as one of the most rewarding of his life that changed his career path. He is grateful to Apatow, DreamWorks, and all involved for bringing his script about growing up in Michigan to the screen.
Many of the young actors went on to lasting fame,...
Set in 1980s suburban Detroit, “Freaks and Geeks” followed high school siblings Lindsay and Sam Weir as Lindsay navigates the school’s different social circles. The show was created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow.
On social media, Feig remembered the experience as one of the most rewarding of his life that changed his career path. He is grateful to Apatow, DreamWorks, and all involved for bringing his script about growing up in Michigan to the screen.
Many of the young actors went on to lasting fame,...
- 9/26/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely
Although it lasted only one season, Freaks and Geeks continues to hold a special place in viewers hearts 25 years later.
On Wednesday, series creator Paul Feig and EP Judd Apatow celebrated the milestone anniversary of his breakout ’80s-set high school series, which aired 1999 to 2000 on NBC, along with stars Seth Rogen, Martin Starr and Samm Levine.
“Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc,” wrote Feig with throwback photos from the set. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and changed everything for me. Eternally grateful to @juddapatow for taking a chance on my little spec script about growing up in Michigan and making it happen with @dreamworks as well as to our stellar cast, writers, directors and crew for bringing it to life. I truly love you all.”
Apatow wrote, “Happy 25th anniversary Freaks and Geeks!” Starr called his time on the show the “happiest I’ve ever been,...
On Wednesday, series creator Paul Feig and EP Judd Apatow celebrated the milestone anniversary of his breakout ’80s-set high school series, which aired 1999 to 2000 on NBC, along with stars Seth Rogen, Martin Starr and Samm Levine.
“Freaks & Geeks premiered 25 years ago today on @nbc,” wrote Feig with throwback photos from the set. “It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and changed everything for me. Eternally grateful to @juddapatow for taking a chance on my little spec script about growing up in Michigan and making it happen with @dreamworks as well as to our stellar cast, writers, directors and crew for bringing it to life. I truly love you all.”
Apatow wrote, “Happy 25th anniversary Freaks and Geeks!” Starr called his time on the show the “happiest I’ve ever been,...
- 9/26/2024
- by Glenn Garner
- Deadline Film + TV
Maybe the real treasure were the freaks and geeks we met along the way.
NBC’s Freaks and Geeks premiered 25 years ago today. To mark the anniversary, some of the cult-favorite series’ stars and executive producer Judd Apatow posted both posed and behind-the-scenes photos of the William McKinley High Schoolers in their element.
More from TVLineHoda Kotb to Exit NBC's Today - Watch Her Emotional AnnouncementChicago P.D. Season 12 Kicks Off With a Deadly Twist - Grade the Premiere!Chicago Fire Boss Talks Stella's Family Reveal, Violet and Carver's 'Torturous' Future, and Mouch/Herrmann 'Drama'
“Some days I can...
NBC’s Freaks and Geeks premiered 25 years ago today. To mark the anniversary, some of the cult-favorite series’ stars and executive producer Judd Apatow posted both posed and behind-the-scenes photos of the William McKinley High Schoolers in their element.
More from TVLineHoda Kotb to Exit NBC's Today - Watch Her Emotional AnnouncementChicago P.D. Season 12 Kicks Off With a Deadly Twist - Grade the Premiere!Chicago Fire Boss Talks Stella's Family Reveal, Violet and Carver's 'Torturous' Future, and Mouch/Herrmann 'Drama'
“Some days I can...
- 9/25/2024
- by Kimberly Roots
- TVLine.com
To mark the 25th anniversary of Freaks and Geeks, the beloved NBC comedy about high school outcasts in the suburbs of Michigan, cast members Seth Rogen and Samm Levine, along with the show’s creator Paul Feig, reflected on the show’s lasting impact.
“This show changed my life in many ways, I’m still close friends with many of the people involved. They’re like family in a lot of ways,” said Rogen in a social media post shared on Wednesday. “It’s rare to get to be a...
“This show changed my life in many ways, I’m still close friends with many of the people involved. They’re like family in a lot of ways,” said Rogen in a social media post shared on Wednesday. “It’s rare to get to be a...
- 9/25/2024
- by Kalia Richardson
- Rollingstone.com
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
What’s the old saying? The best things in life are free. Well, in 2024, it may be tough to find something high quality that’s free, but in the case of these streaming services, they really are free (for at least a limited time).
At a Glance: The Best Streaming Services with Free Trials
Editors’ Pick: DirecTV Stream Best for Originals: Hulu Best for Sports: Fubo Best for...
What’s the old saying? The best things in life are free. Well, in 2024, it may be tough to find something high quality that’s free, but in the case of these streaming services, they really are free (for at least a limited time).
At a Glance: The Best Streaming Services with Free Trials
Editors’ Pick: DirecTV Stream Best for Originals: Hulu Best for Sports: Fubo Best for...
- 9/18/2024
- by Rudie Obias
- Rollingstone.com
The 75th Primetime Emmy Awards may be over, but complaining about the Emmy Awards is only just beginning.
It’s not uncommon for awards ceremonies’ In Memoriam segments, which honor deceased members of the industry, to tick off viewers. Such as how this year’s Oscars ceremony controversially lumped together a bunch of illegible names in the final moments of the In Memoriam, and also featured a “distracting” interpretive dance number.
Last night’s Emmys’ In Memoriam paid homage to late TV stars like Bob Newhart, Richard Simmons and Shannen Doherty, but it also omitted some major names. Some were confused as to why Matthew Perry didn’t appear, forgetting that this was actually the second Emmy ceremony of the year. Perry was honored during the delayed 74th Emmys, which aired back in January.
But the Emmys are now taking heat for leaving out some notable figures, including Erica Ash,...
It’s not uncommon for awards ceremonies’ In Memoriam segments, which honor deceased members of the industry, to tick off viewers. Such as how this year’s Oscars ceremony controversially lumped together a bunch of illegible names in the final moments of the In Memoriam, and also featured a “distracting” interpretive dance number.
Last night’s Emmys’ In Memoriam paid homage to late TV stars like Bob Newhart, Richard Simmons and Shannen Doherty, but it also omitted some major names. Some were confused as to why Matthew Perry didn’t appear, forgetting that this was actually the second Emmy ceremony of the year. Perry was honored during the delayed 74th Emmys, which aired back in January.
But the Emmys are now taking heat for leaving out some notable figures, including Erica Ash,...
- 9/16/2024
- Cracked
The “In Memoriam” segment of the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday paid tribute to a host of small-screen stars who have died in the past year, but users on social media were quick to point out the notable names that did not make the montage.
The poignant segment saw rapper Jelly Roll say a few words before performing his 2024 song “I Am Not Okay” as a montage of late stars was shown inside the Peacock Theater and on television. Among those included in the segment were Donald Sutherland, James Earl Jones, Martin Mull, Richard Lewis, Richard Simmons, Shannen Doherty, Gena Rowlands, Chance Perdomo and Carl Weathers.
There was general confusion online in some quarters due to the omission of Friends star Matthew Perry, who died Oct. 28, 2023 at 54. Perry’s absence was explained by the Television Academy paying a special tribute to the actor at the 74th edition of the Emmys held in January,...
The poignant segment saw rapper Jelly Roll say a few words before performing his 2024 song “I Am Not Okay” as a montage of late stars was shown inside the Peacock Theater and on television. Among those included in the segment were Donald Sutherland, James Earl Jones, Martin Mull, Richard Lewis, Richard Simmons, Shannen Doherty, Gena Rowlands, Chance Perdomo and Carl Weathers.
There was general confusion online in some quarters due to the omission of Friends star Matthew Perry, who died Oct. 28, 2023 at 54. Perry’s absence was explained by the Television Academy paying a special tribute to the actor at the 74th edition of the Emmys held in January,...
- 9/16/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you’re in the mood for a classic comedy, Prime Video is a great place to stream. You can get started with a 30-day Free trial, and there’s a lot to love.
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
Classic Comedy TV on Prime Video
Add More Comedy with Prime Video Channels
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
For the purposes of this list, we’ll consider “classic comedies” as titles that came out at least 20 years ago.
Death Becomes Her The Big Lebowski Dr. Strangelove Heathers Swingers Galaxy Quest Fargo Billy Madison An American Werewolf in London Sweet Home Alabama Election Army of Darkness Overboard Dirty Rotten Scoundrels American Graffiti Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Bowfinger Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood CB4 Roxanne Sprung Duck Soup Wallace & Gromit: The...
30-Day Free Trial $8.99+ / month amazon.com
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
Classic Comedy TV on Prime Video
Add More Comedy with Prime Video Channels
Classic Comedy Movies on Prime Video
For the purposes of this list, we’ll consider “classic comedies” as titles that came out at least 20 years ago.
Death Becomes Her The Big Lebowski Dr. Strangelove Heathers Swingers Galaxy Quest Fargo Billy Madison An American Werewolf in London Sweet Home Alabama Election Army of Darkness Overboard Dirty Rotten Scoundrels American Graffiti Planes, Trains, and Automobiles Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein Bowfinger Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood CB4 Roxanne Sprung Duck Soup Wallace & Gromit: The...
- 9/12/2024
- by Ben Bowman
- The Streamable
Begun, the Cola Wars have: Judd Apatow to direct Coke vs Pepsi movie with Steven Spielberg producing
Deadline reports that Judd Apatow has been tapped to direct Cola Wars for Sony, who shelled out $1 million in April for the pitch. The film is based on the true story of “Pepsi’s attempt to challenge Coca-Cola’s century-long reign as the world’s top cola” in the mid-1980s. Steven Spielberg is also on board and will produce the project through his Amblin Entertainment production company.
The Cola Wars brought us many memorable events, including the disastrous launch of New Coke and the Pepsi commercial that left Michael Jackson with severe burns. The film is billed as “the ultimate underdog tale of history’s most iconic second-place contender (Pepsi) vying for the No. 1 spot (Coca-Cola).” Jason Shuman (Acapulco) and Ben Queen (Cars 2) are penning the script for the project, and while it’s still in the early stages, it could be a fun flick.
Related Seth Rogen...
The Cola Wars brought us many memorable events, including the disastrous launch of New Coke and the Pepsi commercial that left Michael Jackson with severe burns. The film is billed as “the ultimate underdog tale of history’s most iconic second-place contender (Pepsi) vying for the No. 1 spot (Coca-Cola).” Jason Shuman (Acapulco) and Ben Queen (Cars 2) are penning the script for the project, and while it’s still in the early stages, it could be a fun flick.
Related Seth Rogen...
- 9/11/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
John Francis Daley may not be a household name per se, but he and his writing/directing partner Jonathan Goldstein have cultivated a small fandom who get excited by just seeing their credits in a trailer or poster. They co-wrote "Horrible Bosses" and the fantastic "Spider-Man: Homecoming," directed one of the best comedies of the past decade in "Game Night," and recently helmed the fantastically underrated fantasy adventure "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves." As an actor, he's also been a part of two beloved and hugely popular TV shows, as Sam on "Freaks and Geeks" and in his role as the nerdy and youthful criminal profiler Dr. Lance Sweets on "Bones."
Sweets was a key member of the "Bones" family for 138 of the 246 episodes of the series, even as Daley kickstarted his screenwriting career. Once Daley and Goldstein also made the jump to directing with the 2015 remake of "Vacation,...
Sweets was a key member of the "Bones" family for 138 of the 246 episodes of the series, even as Daley kickstarted his screenwriting career. Once Daley and Goldstein also made the jump to directing with the 2015 remake of "Vacation,...
- 9/1/2024
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film
One of the most aggravating aspects of becoming invested in a TV show is when networks cancel it too soon. There are many shows that haven’t made it past one season, as they struggle to establish a strong fanbase. For the most part, these cancelled series plummet into the TV wasteland of forgotten shows. But a few live on as cult series, or in the memory of fans still bitter over an early cancellation.
There are several reasons a network cancels a show, but the main one is ratings – especially in the days when the Neilsen ratings determined the fate of a series. Before cable and streaming, the “Big Three” networks of ABC, CBS and NBC fought for viewership, and wouldn’t hesitate to axe a show that didn’t perform well. Unfortunately, some shows like “The Tick” didn’t receive the support they deserved from network executives, either...
There are several reasons a network cancels a show, but the main one is ratings – especially in the days when the Neilsen ratings determined the fate of a series. Before cable and streaming, the “Big Three” networks of ABC, CBS and NBC fought for viewership, and wouldn’t hesitate to axe a show that didn’t perform well. Unfortunately, some shows like “The Tick” didn’t receive the support they deserved from network executives, either...
- 8/31/2024
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
That ’90s Show is one of the only spin-off comedy series that is actually good. Created by Bonnie Turner, Terry Turner, Lindsey Turner, and Gregg Mettler, the Netflix series serves as a sequel show to the popular period teen comedy series That ’70s Show. It is set in the 90s and it follows the story of Leia Forman, the daughter of Eric Forman and Donna Pinciotti as she visits her grandparents in Point Place, Wisconsin, and makes a group of friends there. That ’90s Show stars Debra Jo Rupp, Kurtwood Smith, Callie Haverda, Ashley Aufderheide, Mace Coronel, Reyn Doi, Sam Morelos, Maxwell Acee Donovan, and Laura Prepon. So, if you loved the 90s vibes, classic Red and Kitty Forman energy, and heartfelt friends moments in That ’90s Show here are some similar shows you should check out next.
That ’70s Show (Peacock & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
That ’70 Show...
That ’70s Show (Peacock & Rent on Prime Video) Credit – Fox
That ’70 Show...
- 8/23/2024
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Over the course of her career, casting director Allison Jones has cast a staggering array of iconic comedies, from feature films like “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” and “Bridesmaids” to television series like “Freaks and Geeks,” “The Office,” and “Parks and Recreation.” Yet Jones says that HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” for which she is currently nominated for an Emmy, is the only project whose approach to the audition process feels truly conducive to comedy.
“It’s the only comedy audition situation that is actually natural for the actors,” Jones told IndieWire. “Standing in a room with a reader and a bunch of people sitting around staring at you is so antithetical to what you should have for comedy.” On “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” every audition follows essentially the same methodology the filmmakers use when they’re shooting; there’s no script, just a situation within which the actors are expected to improvise...
“It’s the only comedy audition situation that is actually natural for the actors,” Jones told IndieWire. “Standing in a room with a reader and a bunch of people sitting around staring at you is so antithetical to what you should have for comedy.” On “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” every audition follows essentially the same methodology the filmmakers use when they’re shooting; there’s no script, just a situation within which the actors are expected to improvise...
- 8/19/2024
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
Freaks and Geeks brought ‘90s teens some of the most relatable lines on television (bangers like “I don’t need another friend. I’ve got two”) as well as helped launch the careers of budding comedy legends Busy Phillips, Jason Segel and Seth Rogen, to name just a few.
Other famous Freaks and Geeks alums include — take a deep breath — Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Martin Starr, James Franco, Sarah Hagan, Samm Levine, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Rashida Jones, David Krumholtz, Lizzy Caplan, Shia Labeouf, Ben Stiller, Leslie Mann, Mike White, Jason Schwartzman, Ann Dowd and Shaun Weiss.
Now exhale!
Too bad the 1999 show with a nearly-perfect script and cast was slashed by NBC after only a single season, but its tragic cancellation earned it cult classic status. Freaks and Geeks, created by Paul Feig and exec-produced by Judd Apatow, has been on numerous lists of the greatest shows of all time.
Other famous Freaks and Geeks alums include — take a deep breath — Linda Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Martin Starr, James Franco, Sarah Hagan, Samm Levine, JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Rashida Jones, David Krumholtz, Lizzy Caplan, Shia Labeouf, Ben Stiller, Leslie Mann, Mike White, Jason Schwartzman, Ann Dowd and Shaun Weiss.
Now exhale!
Too bad the 1999 show with a nearly-perfect script and cast was slashed by NBC after only a single season, but its tragic cancellation earned it cult classic status. Freaks and Geeks, created by Paul Feig and exec-produced by Judd Apatow, has been on numerous lists of the greatest shows of all time.
- 8/16/2024
- Cracked
Amazon Prime Video’s new action-comedy “Jackpot!” is stuffed with pop culture references, movie homages and fun Easter eggs for industry insiders. It’s also packed with brand mentions, from Airbnb to El Pollo Loco to Shinola, and that’s by design, according to producer-director Paul Feig.
Feig, the seasoned multihyphenate behind “Bridesmaids,” 2016’s “Ghostbusters” and “The Heat,” explained that such cultural specificity is important to grounding characters in the real world. That can be particularly important in farcical vehicles like “Jackpot!,” which is set five years in the future in Los Angeles.
Speaking Wednesday as part of the Amazon Ads Immersion Day event in Culver City, Feig pointed to the old days of 1970s and ‘80s TV when brand names on consumer products were often clumsily obscured with masking tape. Much has changed since then.
“You want movies and TV to look like the world around you. And so...
Feig, the seasoned multihyphenate behind “Bridesmaids,” 2016’s “Ghostbusters” and “The Heat,” explained that such cultural specificity is important to grounding characters in the real world. That can be particularly important in farcical vehicles like “Jackpot!,” which is set five years in the future in Los Angeles.
Speaking Wednesday as part of the Amazon Ads Immersion Day event in Culver City, Feig pointed to the old days of 1970s and ‘80s TV when brand names on consumer products were often clumsily obscured with masking tape. Much has changed since then.
“You want movies and TV to look like the world around you. And so...
- 8/15/2024
- by William Earl
- Variety Film + TV
One of the most aggravating aspects of becoming invested in a TV show is when networks cancel it too soon. There are many shows that haven’t made it past one season, as they struggle to establish a strong fanbase. For the most part, these cancelled series plummet into the TV wasteland of forgotten shows. But a few live on as cult series, or in the memory of fans still bitter over an early cancellation.
There are several reasons a network cancels a show, but the main one is ratings – especially in the days when the Neilsen ratings determined the fate of a series. Before cable and streaming, the “Big Three” networks of ABC, CBS and NBC fought for viewership, and wouldn’t hesitate to axe a show that didn’t perform well. Unfortunately, some shows like “The Tick” didn’t receive the support they deserved from network executives, either...
There are several reasons a network cancels a show, but the main one is ratings – especially in the days when the Neilsen ratings determined the fate of a series. Before cable and streaming, the “Big Three” networks of ABC, CBS and NBC fought for viewership, and wouldn’t hesitate to axe a show that didn’t perform well. Unfortunately, some shows like “The Tick” didn’t receive the support they deserved from network executives, either...
- 8/15/2024
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
The ceiling’s pretty low on the action comedy category — a genre whose biggest hits tend to pepper anemic shootouts with wisecracks from former “Saturday Night Live” stars. With Prime Video entry “Jackpot!,” director Paul Feig switches up the formula, crafting stunt-intensive set-pieces where the action itself makes you laugh. That could mean anything from Awkwafina hiding out among the wax figures of a tacky Hollywood museum to the sight of ex-wrestler John Cena taking on a room of black belts with the “Crazy Rich Asians” breakout strapped to his back.
Why are people trying to kill Awkwafina? “Jackpot!” asks audiences to buy in to a clever but often illogical premise about a radical rule change to the California lottery. In the year 2030, the winning ticket comes with a price: The money’s only yours to keep if you can stay alive till sundown. In the meantime, winners must navigate...
Why are people trying to kill Awkwafina? “Jackpot!” asks audiences to buy in to a clever but often illogical premise about a radical rule change to the California lottery. In the year 2030, the winning ticket comes with a price: The money’s only yours to keep if you can stay alive till sundown. In the meantime, winners must navigate...
- 8/15/2024
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Renowned comedy director Paul Feig is back in the game with his new Amazon MGM Studios film Jackpot, which may be his most action-driven movie.
Many should recognize Feig’s name, as he’s been a director and producer on extremely popular projects such as Freaks & Geeks, Bridesmaids, and Ghostbusters.
Now he’s back with Jackpot, a story set in a dystopian alternate future where one lucky scratch-off winner can be legally killed by the residents of Los Angeles and their winnings stolen before the sun goes down. The film stars some big talent, including Awkwafina, John Cena, and Simu Liu.
Read full article on The Direct.
Many should recognize Feig’s name, as he’s been a director and producer on extremely popular projects such as Freaks & Geeks, Bridesmaids, and Ghostbusters.
Now he’s back with Jackpot, a story set in a dystopian alternate future where one lucky scratch-off winner can be legally killed by the residents of Los Angeles and their winnings stolen before the sun goes down. The film stars some big talent, including Awkwafina, John Cena, and Simu Liu.
Read full article on The Direct.
- 8/12/2024
- by Russ Milheim
- The Direct
Donald Glover is saying goodbye to his Childish Gambino moniker on the road — and tapping into his earliest hits on the road. The musician launched his New World Tour on Sunday in Oklahoma City, where he played songs from his new album Bando Stone & the New World and incorporated songs he hasn’t touched in nearly a decade into his setlist.
Gambino played nearly the entirety of Bando Stone, opening his set with “H3@Rt$ W3RE M3@Nt T0 F7¥,” “Got to Be,” and “In the Night.” (He...
Gambino played nearly the entirety of Bando Stone, opening his set with “H3@Rt$ W3RE M3@Nt T0 F7¥,” “Got to Be,” and “In the Night.” (He...
- 8/12/2024
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
Paul Feig, the acclaimed writer-director-producer of film and TV comedies, will be honored with the Vanguard Award at the 16th annual Burbank International Film Festival, the fest’s organizers announced Monday.
Feig, 61, will be celebrated during the fest’s awards gala at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center — a year after Burbank native Tim Burton was honored there — on Sept. 29. Prior to the presentation of the award, attendees will be treated to an hourlong career-retrospective interview with the Freaks and Geeks creator and Bridesmaids, Spy and Ghostbusters director, which will be moderated by yours truly and recorded for subsequent airing on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast.
“I’ve lived in Burbank for over 30 years and couldn’t love this city more, so to be honored by Biff means more to me than I can ever express,” Feig said in a statement. “Burbank truly is the media capital of the world, so...
Feig, 61, will be celebrated during the fest’s awards gala at the Burbank Marriott Convention Center — a year after Burbank native Tim Burton was honored there — on Sept. 29. Prior to the presentation of the award, attendees will be treated to an hourlong career-retrospective interview with the Freaks and Geeks creator and Bridesmaids, Spy and Ghostbusters director, which will be moderated by yours truly and recorded for subsequent airing on THR’s Awards Chatter podcast.
“I’ve lived in Burbank for over 30 years and couldn’t love this city more, so to be honored by Biff means more to me than I can ever express,” Feig said in a statement. “Burbank truly is the media capital of the world, so...
- 8/5/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Most people have had to live with someone after leaving home, and if you’re lucky, that person is a drama-free friend. If you’re unlucky… well, you might just find yourself on Netflix’s Worst Roommate Ever series. That unscripted series is set to become a feature film, as Paul Feig has been tapped to direct a Worst Roommate Ever movie for Blumhouse.
The movie revolves around a “newly single woman finding a seemingly perfect gentleman to sublet the spare room in her dream home, only to learn his deceit goes beyond a phony name and application. She has unwittingly invited a serial squatter into her home, and he won’t leave without a fight.”
“Worst Roommate Ever resonates so much because as the internet has connected so many of us, it also makes it easier than ever to lie about who you are. But then the story is...
The movie revolves around a “newly single woman finding a seemingly perfect gentleman to sublet the spare room in her dream home, only to learn his deceit goes beyond a phony name and application. She has unwittingly invited a serial squatter into her home, and he won’t leave without a fight.”
“Worst Roommate Ever resonates so much because as the internet has connected so many of us, it also makes it easier than ever to lie about who you are. But then the story is...
- 7/24/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Paul Feig has tickled the funny bone several times as the director of “Bridesmaids,” “The Heat,” and “Freaks and Geeks,” but funnily enough, his latest film will instead have him for the first time tackling the horror genre.
Feig is set to direct an untitled thriller for Blumhouse about a really bad roommate, and the film will draw from the same source material that inspired the Netflix true crime docuseries “Worst Roommate Ever.” This is actually the first time Blumhouse is producing both an unscripted series and a scripted thriller based on the same source material.
The film will be an original story written by Stephen Susco (“Unfriended: Dark Web”), but it is inspired by William Brennan’s New Yorker article that served as the basis for “Worst Roommate Ever,” which was also produced by Blumhouse. The film will follows a newly single woman who sublets a room in her...
Feig is set to direct an untitled thriller for Blumhouse about a really bad roommate, and the film will draw from the same source material that inspired the Netflix true crime docuseries “Worst Roommate Ever.” This is actually the first time Blumhouse is producing both an unscripted series and a scripted thriller based on the same source material.
The film will be an original story written by Stephen Susco (“Unfriended: Dark Web”), but it is inspired by William Brennan’s New Yorker article that served as the basis for “Worst Roommate Ever,” which was also produced by Blumhouse. The film will follows a newly single woman who sublets a room in her...
- 7/24/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Mel Brooks’ life and career will be chronicled in a two-part documentary set up at HBO Documentary Films, with Judd Apatow and Michael Bonfiglio. The project is already in production.
Per the official logline, the project will offer “an expansive yet intimate look at one of comedy’s most hilarious and influential minds, whose work has had audiences around the world laughing for more than 70 years.”
The documentary will be edited by Joe Beshenkovsky, reuniting him with Apatow and Bonfiglio, as the three were also behind the HBO documentary “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Kevin Salter serves as executive producer.
“I went into comedy because of my love for Mel Brooks,” Apatow said in a statement. “This project is the dream of a lifetime.”
Among the best known films Brooks wrote and directed during his 70-year career are “The Twelve Chairs” (1970), “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “Young Frankenstein” (1974), “Silent Movie” (1976), “History of the World...
Per the official logline, the project will offer “an expansive yet intimate look at one of comedy’s most hilarious and influential minds, whose work has had audiences around the world laughing for more than 70 years.”
The documentary will be edited by Joe Beshenkovsky, reuniting him with Apatow and Bonfiglio, as the three were also behind the HBO documentary “George Carlin’s American Dream.” Kevin Salter serves as executive producer.
“I went into comedy because of my love for Mel Brooks,” Apatow said in a statement. “This project is the dream of a lifetime.”
Among the best known films Brooks wrote and directed during his 70-year career are “The Twelve Chairs” (1970), “Blazing Saddles” (1974), “Young Frankenstein” (1974), “Silent Movie” (1976), “History of the World...
- 7/24/2024
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Jason Segel was just 18 when he landed the gig in Judd Apatow’s Freaks and Geeks. He revealed that he didn’t go to college to film the show. When it was canceled, Judd Apatow tried his best to help him out. However, the period after the 1999 series was a dark time for the actor and he almost considered quitting the industry during this depressed state.
Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini in Freaks and Geeks | NBC
However, it was the CBS series, How I Met Your Mother, which saved him from descending into madness. The show ran from 2005 to 2014, giving him a day job when he was struggling. During this time, he also landed some film roles, including Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, that further heightened his career prospects.
How I Met Your Mother Brought Jason Segel Out Of His ‘Cave of Depression’ Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan in...
Jason Segel and Linda Cardellini in Freaks and Geeks | NBC
However, it was the CBS series, How I Met Your Mother, which saved him from descending into madness. The show ran from 2005 to 2014, giving him a day job when he was struggling. During this time, he also landed some film roles, including Knocked Up and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, that further heightened his career prospects.
How I Met Your Mother Brought Jason Segel Out Of His ‘Cave of Depression’ Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan in...
- 7/17/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
Joan Jett may not give a damn about her reputation but the cast of Freaks and Geeks better fully realize that of the short-lived cult series. And by and large, they do. Really, how can anyone deny the impact that the Paul Feig-created and Judd Apatow-produced dramedy had on the careers of Linda Cardellini, James Franco, Seth Rogen, Jason Segel, John Francis Daley, Samm Levine, Martin Starr, and Busy Phillipps? Yeah, it was that stacked of a cast before we even knew it.
One who continues to be reminded of just how impactful Freaks and Geeks was is Seth Rogen, who played “freak” stoner Ken. As he told Entertainment Tonight, “I still am good friends with a lot of the people that were on the show. People kept watching it — I meet teenagers all the time who come up to me and say they love the show.” You...
One who continues to be reminded of just how impactful Freaks and Geeks was is Seth Rogen, who played “freak” stoner Ken. As he told Entertainment Tonight, “I still am good friends with a lot of the people that were on the show. People kept watching it — I meet teenagers all the time who come up to me and say they love the show.” You...
- 7/14/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Jason Segel played the role of Nick Andopolis in Paul Reig’s short-run dramedy Freaks and Geeks. NBC canceled the series after airing 12 out of its 18 episodes citing low viewership. The series went on to receive cult status as one of the greatest TV shows of all time. Segel revealed in an interview that he knew the series would be canceled at a particular moment during its filming.
A promotional poster from Freaks and Geeks | NBC
Judd Apatow served as an executive producer on the series and did not take the cancellation of the series very well. He went on to cast actors in several of his projects, especially Segel and Seth Rogen, until they became popular names in the industry.
Jason Segel Got Wind of Freaks and Geeks Cancellation When He Observed One Thing On Set Linda Cardellini and Jason Segel in a still from Freaks and Geeks | NBC
Paul Reig’s teen comedy-drama,...
A promotional poster from Freaks and Geeks | NBC
Judd Apatow served as an executive producer on the series and did not take the cancellation of the series very well. He went on to cast actors in several of his projects, especially Segel and Seth Rogen, until they became popular names in the industry.
Jason Segel Got Wind of Freaks and Geeks Cancellation When He Observed One Thing On Set Linda Cardellini and Jason Segel in a still from Freaks and Geeks | NBC
Paul Reig’s teen comedy-drama,...
- 7/7/2024
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire
There have been countless movies, series, and, animated shows about the struggles of a high school student. However, Judd Apatow’s classic 1999 series Freaks And Geeks still remains one of the best portrayals of high school.
Freaks and Geeks. Source: NBC
From bullies to nerds, from dating to teenage drama, Freaks and Geeks covered it all but only ran for 18 episodes throughout its one season before the production stopped completely.
Judd Apatow Talked About Freaks and Geeks Season 2
It was the year 1999 when Lina Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Martin Starr, Jason Segel, and more, starred in an iconic series titled Freaks and Geeks. The story follows a misfit high-school student and his friends and the troubles they get into.
Judd Apatow | Image by Canadian Film Centre, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The series received incredible ratings and reviews upon release but only ran for 1 season (18 episodes to be...
Freaks and Geeks. Source: NBC
From bullies to nerds, from dating to teenage drama, Freaks and Geeks covered it all but only ran for 18 episodes throughout its one season before the production stopped completely.
Judd Apatow Talked About Freaks and Geeks Season 2
It was the year 1999 when Lina Cardellini, John Francis Daley, Martin Starr, Jason Segel, and more, starred in an iconic series titled Freaks and Geeks. The story follows a misfit high-school student and his friends and the troubles they get into.
Judd Apatow | Image by Canadian Film Centre, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The series received incredible ratings and reviews upon release but only ran for 1 season (18 episodes to be...
- 7/7/2024
- by Visarg Acharya
- FandomWire
In “Flipside,” documentary filmmaker Chris Wilcha grapples with personal regrets and middle age through the lens of the documentary projects he started but never finished. The 96-minute doc, which premiered last year at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, looks at those abandoned ideas including one about television writer David Milch and his connection to jazz photographer Herman Leonard; a passion project on the New Jersey record store where Wilcha worked as a teenager and a look at radio host Ira Glass’ attempts to make a musical.
Writer/director Judd Apatow executive produced “Flipside.” Apatow met Wilcha in 2009 when he hired him to make a behind-the-scenes movie about the making of “Funny People.” Wilcha moved his family of four from New York to Los Angeles to work on the project with the idea that he would become a successful documentary filmmaker. But when that career didn’t take off, Wilcha began a lucrative career making commercials.
Writer/director Judd Apatow executive produced “Flipside.” Apatow met Wilcha in 2009 when he hired him to make a behind-the-scenes movie about the making of “Funny People.” Wilcha moved his family of four from New York to Los Angeles to work on the project with the idea that he would become a successful documentary filmmaker. But when that career didn’t take off, Wilcha began a lucrative career making commercials.
- 5/31/2024
- by Addie Morfoot
- Variety Film + TV
Thriller might just be our favorite genre for one simple reason: almost any concept becomes that much better and more interesting once you throw in some underlying tension. It’s not easy to pull off, but nothing stimulates a talented person as much as major obstacles… Which is likely the reason why this sensational crime thriller was made by a man primarily known for his work in comedy, of all things.
A Simple Favor Is All You Need to Do
Paul Feig is famous for his work on comedy movies and TV shows, including creating Freaks and Geeks and several episodes of The Office. Not the type of person you’d expect to tap into thrillers successfully, right? Wrong: his amazing 2018’s film A Simple Favor proves it to all naysayers. If there are any. Are there?
A Simple Favor follows a single mom with a blog who befriends a...
A Simple Favor Is All You Need to Do
Paul Feig is famous for his work on comedy movies and TV shows, including creating Freaks and Geeks and several episodes of The Office. Not the type of person you’d expect to tap into thrillers successfully, right? Wrong: his amazing 2018’s film A Simple Favor proves it to all naysayers. If there are any. Are there?
A Simple Favor follows a single mom with a blog who befriends a...
- 5/29/2024
- by dean-black@startefacts.com (Dean Black)
- STartefacts.com
Exclusive: WME has signed Judd Apatow, the prolific hyphenate responsible for a ton of comedy box office and the launch of many stars and filmmakers in that space.
As Deadline exclusively revealed, Apatow ended a 30-year relationship with UTA, and took meetings with the other majors before deciding his next chapter will be with WME. It’s a coup for the agency, which recently signed Kevin Hart and Ben Stiller.
Apatow remains managed by Mosaic’s Jimmy Miller and lawyered by Ziffrin Brittenham. Apatow’s successes in the comedy space range from Freaks and Geeks and the HBO series Girls to films like Talladega Nights, The 40-Year Old Virgin, Trainwreck, the Anchorman films, Bridesmaids, Step Brothers, Superbad, Knocked Up, Begin Again, Funny People, The Big Sick, The King of Staten Island, Bros, Pineapple Express and so many others. Among the star careers empowered by Apatow include Seth Rogen, Lena Dunham,...
As Deadline exclusively revealed, Apatow ended a 30-year relationship with UTA, and took meetings with the other majors before deciding his next chapter will be with WME. It’s a coup for the agency, which recently signed Kevin Hart and Ben Stiller.
Apatow remains managed by Mosaic’s Jimmy Miller and lawyered by Ziffrin Brittenham. Apatow’s successes in the comedy space range from Freaks and Geeks and the HBO series Girls to films like Talladega Nights, The 40-Year Old Virgin, Trainwreck, the Anchorman films, Bridesmaids, Step Brothers, Superbad, Knocked Up, Begin Again, Funny People, The Big Sick, The King of Staten Island, Bros, Pineapple Express and so many others. Among the star careers empowered by Apatow include Seth Rogen, Lena Dunham,...
- 5/23/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Seth Rogen has gotten into TV in a big way: As star and EP of Apple TV+’s “Platonic,” exec producer of Prime Video’s “The Boys” franchise, animated series like “Invincible” and “Sausage Party: Foodtopia,” and his upcoming Hollywood satire “The Studio,” also for Apple. But he’s still bullish on film as well. “I think people still like movies,” he tells Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast. “Last year, lots of movies did very well. I think if movies were going go away, they would have a long time ago.”
Rogen is passionate about this point. “Paintings are still around. People still go to museums! There’s things flashier or more ‘interesting’ than then oil on canvas, but people still flock from all over the world, enough to keep museums open. Not a ton of people have to like movies to keep movies going. It’s always been a...
Rogen is passionate about this point. “Paintings are still around. People still go to museums! There’s things flashier or more ‘interesting’ than then oil on canvas, but people still flock from all over the world, enough to keep museums open. Not a ton of people have to like movies to keep movies going. It’s always been a...
- 5/21/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Writer-director-producer Judd Apatow has left UTA, ending one of the most tenured relationships with a major filmmaker and a major agency.
Apatow spent 30 years at the agency, 20 of them with David Kramer, and he remains managed by Mosaic’s Jimmy Miller and lawyered by Ziffrin Brittenham. These long relationships often come to a close, usually when the client wants to shake things up at a moment when it is hard, particularly in the comedy space. It was amicable, and I hear he’ll be meeting with CAA and WME.
But this is a moment to tip the hat at how the agency helped Apatow build his brand, and how Apatow’s prolific successes were a major part of building UTA. There aren’t many tenured relationships that led to as much success as Apatow has had and how many careers he has launched in that time. That goes from...
Apatow spent 30 years at the agency, 20 of them with David Kramer, and he remains managed by Mosaic’s Jimmy Miller and lawyered by Ziffrin Brittenham. These long relationships often come to a close, usually when the client wants to shake things up at a moment when it is hard, particularly in the comedy space. It was amicable, and I hear he’ll be meeting with CAA and WME.
But this is a moment to tip the hat at how the agency helped Apatow build his brand, and how Apatow’s prolific successes were a major part of building UTA. There aren’t many tenured relationships that led to as much success as Apatow has had and how many careers he has launched in that time. That goes from...
- 5/16/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Babes Poster Photo: Neon If you don’t use it, you lose it, and Hollywood has been using The 40-Year-Old Virgin poster for nearly 20 years. You know the one: Steve Carell in front of a glowing orange sun with his eyes staring off in the distance like he’s having...
- 5/15/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
The 40-Year-Old Virgin and its progenyImage: The A.V. Club
If you don’t use it, you lose it, and Hollywood has been using The 40-Year-Old Virgin poster for nearly 20 years. You know the one: Steve Carell in front of a glowing orange sun with his eyes staring off in...
If you don’t use it, you lose it, and Hollywood has been using The 40-Year-Old Virgin poster for nearly 20 years. You know the one: Steve Carell in front of a glowing orange sun with his eyes staring off in...
- 5/15/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com
In this edition of THR Frontrunners, Girls5Eva creator and showrunner Meredith Scardino and stars Renée Elise Goldsberry, Sara Bareilles, Busy Phillips and Paula Pell joined The Hollywood Reporter‘s Tyler Coates for a conversation about the third season of the Netflix comedy series at a live event hosted by the San Vincente Bungalows in Los Angeles.
“It was heavenly,” said Pell about the streamer picking up the series — the first two seasons of which aired on Peacock — for its third season. “It’s like art imitating life: Our characters have second chances.”
Scardino added that a lot of the comedy, which follows the exploits of a turn-of-the-millennium girl group who are thrust back into the spotlight decades later when a Gen-z rapper samples their pop hit, is sparked from the four stars’ incredible bond both on- and off-camera. “They have a joke that I have weekly meetings with their therapists,...
“It was heavenly,” said Pell about the streamer picking up the series — the first two seasons of which aired on Peacock — for its third season. “It’s like art imitating life: Our characters have second chances.”
Scardino added that a lot of the comedy, which follows the exploits of a turn-of-the-millennium girl group who are thrust back into the spotlight decades later when a Gen-z rapper samples their pop hit, is sparked from the four stars’ incredible bond both on- and off-camera. “They have a joke that I have weekly meetings with their therapists,...
- 5/14/2024
- by Tyler Coates
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: Veteran manager Leonard Torgan, formerly of Cohn Torgan management, has joined forces with Brett Carducci as a partner in his new shingle, Aligned Entertainment Group, which will both manage and produce projects alongside clients.
Joining Leonard at Aligned are longtime clients Russell Hornsby (Bmf), Ash Zukerman (Succession), Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris), Samm Levine (Freaks and Geeks), David Rogers (Abbott Elementary), Kenric Green (The Walking Dead) and Hamish Michael (One More Shot), among others. They’re now part of a roster which also includes the likes of Ken Jeong, Omar J. Dorsey (Bookie) and Danielle Pinnock (Ghosts).
In addition to Torgan and Carducci, who founded the prior iteration of Aligned in 2009, others participating in the new venture include managers Frank Gonzales and Nikki Daurio.
Serving as a Partner at Cohn Torgan Management for the last 12 years, Torgan previously worked at The Collective and Leverage Management,...
Joining Leonard at Aligned are longtime clients Russell Hornsby (Bmf), Ash Zukerman (Succession), Tequan Richmond (Everybody Hates Chris), Samm Levine (Freaks and Geeks), David Rogers (Abbott Elementary), Kenric Green (The Walking Dead) and Hamish Michael (One More Shot), among others. They’re now part of a roster which also includes the likes of Ken Jeong, Omar J. Dorsey (Bookie) and Danielle Pinnock (Ghosts).
In addition to Torgan and Carducci, who founded the prior iteration of Aligned in 2009, others participating in the new venture include managers Frank Gonzales and Nikki Daurio.
Serving as a Partner at Cohn Torgan Management for the last 12 years, Torgan previously worked at The Collective and Leverage Management,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Entertainment Weekly is taking a look at the upcoming summer movies in their latest issue. One film that the publication is previewing comes from Spy and Bridesmaids director, Paul Feig. His latest action comedy is titled Jackpot, which stars John Cena, Awkwafina and Simu Liu. Jackpot will be hitting Prime Video on August 15 and EW has the first look photos from the film.
The synopsis according to Entertainment Weekly reads,
“The film follows new Los Angeles transplant Katie (Awkwafina), who accidentally finds herself with a winning lottery ticket that makes her a target in the Grand Lottery, a new contest in an economically challenged California that allows others to seize the ticket (and its prize) if they kill the winner by sundown.
When Katie joins forces with Noel (John Cena), an amateur jackpot protector, they try to survive the day, facing off against random adversaries and Louis Lewis (Simu Liu...
The synopsis according to Entertainment Weekly reads,
“The film follows new Los Angeles transplant Katie (Awkwafina), who accidentally finds herself with a winning lottery ticket that makes her a target in the Grand Lottery, a new contest in an economically challenged California that allows others to seize the ticket (and its prize) if they kill the winner by sundown.
When Katie joins forces with Noel (John Cena), an amateur jackpot protector, they try to survive the day, facing off against random adversaries and Louis Lewis (Simu Liu...
- 5/3/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
The 2024 Tribeca Festival has revealed its lineup of talks and reunions with filmmakers including Martin Scorsese, Robert De Niro, Judd Apatow, Kieran Culkin and more.
The premiere of HBO’s “Wise Guy David Chase and the Sopranos,” a documentary directed by Alex Gibney, will take place to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Sopranos.” There will also be a reunion with creator David Chase, executive producer Terence Winter and cast members Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Aida Turturro, Annabella Sciorra, Robert Iler, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Drea De Matteo, Steve Schirripa, Michele Chase, Kathrine Narducci, and Dominic Chianese.
In addition, “Mean Streets” celebrates its 50th anniversary and will include a conversation with Scorsese and De Niro. Steven Spielberg will recognize his theatrical debut, “The Sugarland Express,” and Kevin Bacon will honor “Footloose’s” 40th anniversary.
There will also be conversations with Apatow, Andy Cohen, Laverne Cox, Culkin, Michael Stipe, Kerry Washington, Gus Van Sant,...
The premiere of HBO’s “Wise Guy David Chase and the Sopranos,” a documentary directed by Alex Gibney, will take place to celebrate the 25th anniversary of “The Sopranos.” There will also be a reunion with creator David Chase, executive producer Terence Winter and cast members Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, Aida Turturro, Annabella Sciorra, Robert Iler, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Drea De Matteo, Steve Schirripa, Michele Chase, Kathrine Narducci, and Dominic Chianese.
In addition, “Mean Streets” celebrates its 50th anniversary and will include a conversation with Scorsese and De Niro. Steven Spielberg will recognize his theatrical debut, “The Sugarland Express,” and Kevin Bacon will honor “Footloose’s” 40th anniversary.
There will also be conversations with Apatow, Andy Cohen, Laverne Cox, Culkin, Michael Stipe, Kerry Washington, Gus Van Sant,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Lexi Carson
- Variety Film + TV
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