The Apatow Report

Judd Apatow’s diary on the demise of his series “Freaks and Geeks” was both bittersweet and infuriating, and sadly indicative of how networks handle shows that dare to be original (“How I Got Kicked Out of High School,” April 23).

In the past, innovative broadcast fare such as “Max Headroom,” “Sledgehammer,” “My So-Called Life,” “Profit” and “EZ Streets” were all met with unparalleled critical acclaim, then mercilessly bounced around their schedules or quickly dropped after a few airings. As a result, the TV landscape gets spread with more “Suddenly Susan,” “Two Guys and a Girl,” “Titus” and all the other current examples of prime-time compost.

Thankfully, Tony Soprano and his gang are airing on the right station. They would be no match for the ultimate ruthless hit man who leaves many grieving: a network programmer.

JOEL SPRINGER

North Hollywood

*

I caught my first episode of “Freaks and Geeks” about a month ago, and I experienced that rare feeling of actually getting into a television show. Unlike “That ‘70s Show,” it revealed a genuine understanding for the time capsule it displayed. The look, the vibe and the lingo were all dead on, and I recommended it to friends.

I even kept the following Monday open so I could be sure to watch it again, something I haven’t done in years. But it wasn’t aired on that Monday, or the next one, or the next one. Now I find out that it’s gone the way of anything authentic on TV. Oblivion, man.

Oh well, bring on the next installment of “Who Wants to Be a Greedy Zillionaire.”

ARNO KEKS

El Monte

*

When “Freaks and Geeks” first aired, I had great expectations and watched it when and wherever it was on. Then they aired the Halloween episode and lost me forever.

One of the story lines depicted the school’s misunderstood toughs riding around the town with baseball bat in hand, smashing pumpkins and knocking mailboxes off their posts. This was supposed to be good fun. Living in a rural area where this happens all too frequently, I wasn’t laughing. I kept waiting for the local authorities to arrest these teens and to inform them of the error of their ways. It didn’t happen.

NBC VP Garth Ancier did the parents of America as well as members of rural communities across this country a service when he phoned Apatow to tell him “Freaks and Geeks” was canceled. Apatow was hospitalized for having a slipped disc? We all experienced sore backs while reattaching our mailboxes to their posts. Apatow definitely earned his.

KEITH L. HALL

Hesperia

*

I went to public high school in Oregon from 1980-84. My husband went to high school roughly the same years in Michigan. I read the reviews at the beginning of the season and was excited to check this show out. I’m a mother, an excellent consumer, college educated: This show was gonna make me remember the awkward fun times. I saw it once and could never find it when I was looking for it.

I enjoy Apatow’s work and I swear if he does another show I will get TiVo.

SUSAN KOVINSKY

Valley Village

*

After reading Apatow’s piece, I think it’s clear neither NBC’s Garth Ancier nor Fox’s Doug Herzog will be inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame any time soon.

“Freaks and Geeks” was a gentle show, and I enjoyed seeing its offbeat faces much more than all the picture-perfect kids and adults on the WB every night.

What a shame we’ll never see Apatow’s series that was rejected by Fox. Based on their awful comedies like “The Family Guy,” “The PJs” and “Mad TV,” any comedy rejected by Fox is probably odds-on brilliant.

RIA COYNE

Los Angeles

*

I hope Apatow doesn’t consider the cancellation a total loss. He created a magical, achingly realistic, poignant and hilarious show. The faithful who watched it undoubtedly cherished its excellence. And yet, it still feels like a wonderful book has been snatched out of my hands, just when I got to the best part.

DANA BOBEK

Valencia