The List: #26 Undeclared

#26
Number of Seasons: 1
Years Active: 2001 - 2002
Network: FOX

I wish that I had already done a post series on Freaks and Geeks before doing this list, since I would prefer to talk about that show before Undeclared, since Undeclared is sort of an unofficial spin-off to F&G. It's too bad that this series will forever be in the shadow of its predecessor, since this is a great show in and of itself. Undeclared is about college life, and how it is kind of the reward for surviving high school (in the words of the creators). Sure there is some drama, but since this is a half-hour comedy, the focus is on bringing the funny.

One thing that makes this series stand out is the natural way the characters speak. The actors, who are mostly unknowns (the only regular cast member who is remotely recognizable today to the average person is Seth Rogen, who was still up-and-coming when this show aired), were hired for their ability to improvise. I'm not clear on the specifics, but the scripts were loosely written to make a clear goal for the stories, but allowed for near total improvisation of the dialogue.

There were times when it seems like the show relies on stereotypes (evil fraternities, annoying roommates, good girls going bad), but it is forgivable because the actors and writers have so much fun playing around with these situations. Amid the stereotypes was reality; there were plenty of times watching this when I thought, "Hey, that happened to me my freshman year in college!" From this show and Freaks and Geeks, as well as some (not all) of the films to come from this group of writers and actors, its clear that this group deserved more respect than they received on television.

Up next: #25...