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Honorable Mention: “Freaks and Geeks” (2000)
Though the show was not a commercial success and lasted just one season in 2000, actors Seth Rogen, James Franco and Jason Segel are now household names, but arguably the more impressive roster sheet of the short-lived series is its directors and writers. Do a quick IMDB search of the following names: Paul Fieg, Jake Kasdan, Bryan Gordon, Ken Kwapis, Lesli Linka Glatter, Mike White, Jeff Judah, Bob Nickman, Gabe Sachs and Patty Lin. Without these talented writers and directors using the critical acclaim of “Freaks and Geeks” as a springboard to other projects, “The Office” might not have lasted in the US, Jack Black would be without “School of Rock” and “Nacho Libre;” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” “Arrested Development,” “Mad Men” and about a dozen other top shows would be missing key writers and directors. Then there’s Judd Apatow. After directing three episodes of “Freaks and Geeks” and writing five, Apatow, using many of his “Freaks” co-workers, unleashed an onslaught on big screen comedy domination with such blockbuster hits as “The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up,” “Talladega Nights,” “Superbad,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and “Pineapple Express.” It can be argued that no show shaped comedy in the 2000s more than “Freaks and Geeks,” though due to its premature cancellation, only by association. — David McMahon
Britney Spears is hoping that before 2009 ends, her boyfriend Jason Trawick will pop the question, or so says In Touch Weekly.