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When I’m feeling blue about the borderline offensive cancellation of Freaks and Geeks or Undeclared, which is often by the by, I think about the potential Apatow butterfly effect. Would we still have The 40-Year-Old Virgin if Undeclared lasted for five seasons? Does Knocked Up still happen? And if so, is Seth Rogen still the star? It’s easy to bemoan the loss of a few of our favorite programs, but instead, let’s focus on the positives by taking a look at all the Apatow programs currently streaming.
While some Apatow favorites are easy to find, others are more difficult to stream. Sure, Love’s available to binge on Netflix, but the 1994 animated cult classic The Critic — which Apatow worked on as both a writer and producer — isn’t currently offered on any of the major streaming sites. However, if intrepid fans of the Jon Lovitz comedy perform some rudimentary online sleuthing, they could probably find some high-quality episodes.
From iconic sitcoms to an innovative sketch series, Apatow has helped shape the zeitgeist by creating captivating TV for — prepare to feel old — over two decades. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new arrival to the Apatow-Verse, here’s where you can find every Judd Apatow TV series available to stream!
'The Ben Stiller Show' (1992)
FOX’s The Ben Stiller Show is the first of many “Wait, WHAT?” television cancellations involving Judd Apatow.
Created by Apatow and Ben Stiller, the bevy of talent on this short-lived sketch series is truly staggering. Not only do you have Andy Dick, Janeane Garofalo, and Bob Odenkirk in front of the camera, but you also have comedy mavens David Cross and Dino Stamatopoulos on the writing staff. Episodes of The Ben Stiller Show used to be available on CW Seed, but for now, your best bet is to purchase them on Amazon Video or Vudu.
After the show’s tragic cancellation, it would go on to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing in a Variety or Music Program.
'The Larry Sanders Show' (1993)
What exactly are the parameters for a Nobel Peace Prize? I ask because HBO GO introducing a new generation to the comedic brilliance of The Larry Sanders Show deserves, at the very least, a nomination.
From “Hey now” to “No flipping,” Garry Shandling’s brilliant satire centering on the behind the scenes mayhem at a late-night talk show influenced a number of modern comedies like 30 Rock, Arrested Development, and The Office.
Working as both a producer and writer, Apatow has said that the late Garry Shandling taught him “everything he knows.”
Best Bet: HBO GO
'Freaks And Geeks' (1999)
A heartfelt series that went out of its way to accurately depict the whirlwind of anxiety that storms through our lives during adolescence, Paul Feig’s Freaks and Geeks was simply too good for television. I think NBC cancelled the series after only one season because it didn’t want to make other television shows jealous. I mean, it’s a theory in progress, but it’s the only rational explanation that makes sense.
Starring… ugh, pretty much every single comedic actor and actress you love, Apatow served as an executive producer and would go on to work with many of his Freaks and Geeks from the cast in future projects.
Best Bet: Netflix
'Undeclared' (2001)
Few college programs handled the terrifying transition between high school and college with as much humor and heart as Undeclared.
In a different world, Undeclared could have been a long-running series; a staple of the FOX network. Unfortunate scheduling — the series premiered just two weeks after the September 11 attacks — and FOX’s decision to air many episodes out of order (which is rarely ever a good idea), made it difficult for the endearing series to find an audience.
Best Bet: Google Play
'Girls' (2012)
After an 11 year TV absence, Apatow made his triumphant small screen return when he teamed with a young scribe named Lena Dunham to create the dramedy Girls. 11 years! Where were you, Apatow?! Oh, you were writing 40-Year-Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and a host of iconic comedy films?
Fair enough.
Entering its sixth and final season, HBO’s Girls shows no signs of creative fatigue.
Best Bet: HBO GO
'Love' (2016)
A candid look into the vexing intricacies of relationships, Judd Apatow’s Netflix Original Love toes the line between cringe-worthy and romance.
Starring Gillian Jacobs and Paul Rust as two Californians trying to get their shit together (a common Apatow theme), Decider’s own Kayla Cobb named the series of one of the most underrated TV shows of 2016.
Season 2 of Love will be available to stream on Netflix beginning March 10.
Best Bet: Netflix
'Crashing' (2017)
Twenty-five years after The Ben Stiller Show, Apatow teamed with Pete Holmes to gift us our latest streaming obsession: Crashing.
Loosely based on Holmes’ life, the terrific new series follows a comedian who’s relegated to sleeping on various comedian’s couches after discovering his wife’s infidelity. Like many Apatow projects, Holmes portrays an underdog with heart as he pursues a career in stand-up comedy.
At its core, Crashing is an aspirational series about how devastation can lead to inspiration and the relatable adversity that accompanies the pursuit of an artistic endeavor. It’s fun, fresh, and vintage Apatow.
Best Bet: HBO GO
