Undeclared
Undeclared may have only lasted for 17 episodes, but still stands out as one of the most complete comedic properties to come from the head of Judd Apatow.
The spiritual successor to the phenomenal Freaks and Geeks, but more about that over here, this was Apatow’s second stab at TV comedy and unfortunately proved to be just as short lived even though it was arguably a much easier show to grab on to.
Coming two years after Freaks and Geeks, Apatow hoped that his new show would strike a chord, even making it a much more network-friendly half hour long. Alas, despite absolute critical acclaim, the show was cancelled after only 17 episodes; with Fox citing low ratings as the shows Achilles heel.
While most university based comedies are all fraternity parties and zany mix-ups, Undeclared got the very heart of the university experience, the people. There it was able to craft together a band of characters that were nothing like the brash stereotypes of the time and showed us unconfident and insecure yet open to new experiences. In many ways, it’s one of the truest interpretations of university life put onto screen.
Undeclared, just like Freaks and Geeks was jam-packed full of talent. Jay Baruchel has never been better as the gangly and awkward Steve, while Seth Rogen continued to refine himself as his acerbic fiend Ron and Carla Gallo has the perfect levels of nervous energy in the shape of Lizzie.
Add in guest appearances from Ben Stiller, Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell and Amy Poehler and you have all the right elements for comedy gold.
It was the show’s writing that was always the show’s absolute crown jewel, with Apatow and his team created a show that could switch dramatic gears quickly and seamlessly, transitioning between broad comedy to a touching father-son moment with consummate ease.
While it might not be as tender and emotional as Freaks and Geeks, Undeclared hoists it’s flag to the comedy flag with even greater results, with the show’s raft of characters delivering more laughs per episode than Freaks, despite its shorter length.
Touching, heart-felt and absolutely hilarious, Undeclared was simply ahead of its time and is arguably one of the finest sitcoms of the last decade of American TV. Don’t let it go unnoticed.
FemaleFirst Cameron Smith
Tagged in Adam Sandler Amy Poehler Ben Stiller Judd Apatow Will Ferrell TV Seth Rogen Jay Baruchel Hidden Gems