Freaks And Geeks Theme Song
Comedy Theme Song Archive

Freaks And Geeks Theme Song – Bad Reputation

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Song TitleBad Reputation
Performed ByJoan Jett
ComposerJoan Jett, Ritchie Cordell, Kenny Laguna, Marty Kupersmith
Premiere DateSeptember 25, 1999 (USA)
Final Episode DateOctober 17, 2000
Total Episodes18 (1 Season)
Original NetworkNBC
GenrePeriod Teen Drama / Comedy-Drama

Freaks and Geeks Theme Song Lyrics

I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation You’re living in the past, it’s a new generation A girl can do what she wants to do and that’s what I’m gonna do An’ I don’t give a damn ’bout my bad reputation Oh no, not me Oh no, not me I don’t give a damn ’bout my reputation I’ve never been afraid of any deviation An’ I don’t really care if ya think I’m strange I ain’t gonna change An’ I’m never gonna care ’bout my bad reputation

Behind the Music: Meaning & Story

The Freaks and Geeks theme song is the iconic punk anthem “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett. Released in 1980, the song perfectly encapsulates the rebellious spirit and social defiance that defines the show’s characters. The opening credits—featuring the cast awkwardly posing for school photos while the song blares—is widely considered one of the best title sequences in television history.

Created by Paul Feig and executive produced by Judd Apatow, the series is set in the 1980–1981 school year at the fictional William McKinley High School. It follows Lindsay Weir and her younger brother Sam as they navigate the two primary social circles of the school: the “Freaks” (rebellious, burnout types) and the “Geeks” (intellectual but socially ostracized kids). Joan Jett’s lyrics about not caring about “deviation” or being “strange” mirror Lindsay’s own journey of shedding her “mathlete” image to find herself.

Despite being canceled after only 18 episodes, Freaks and Geeks launched the careers of an extraordinary number of stars, including Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jason Segel, Linda Cardellini, and Busy Philipps. Its commitment to a realistic, often painful, and humorous portrayal of adolescence has earned it a permanent spot on lists of the greatest television shows ever made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Freaks and Geeks canceled?
The show suffered from erratic scheduling by NBC and a lack of support from network executives who didn’t understand the show’s awkward, realistic tone. It was canceled before all 18 episodes had even aired.
What makes the show’s soundtrack so special?
The show used a massive amount of licensed music from the era (Van Halen, Rush, Billy Joel, Led Zeppelin). In fact, the high cost of music licensing rights delayed the show’s DVD release for years until a deal could be reached to keep the original songs.
Where did the title come from?
The title refers to the two social subcultures at the high school. Creator Paul Feig wanted to explore the lives of the kids who weren’t the “popular” ones, focusing instead on those at the margins of the social hierarchy.
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Editorial Note: Content for Freaks and Geeks has been verified by the ThemeSong.info Editorial Team. The use of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation” and the show’s 1999–2000 broadcast history have been cross-referenced with NBC production archives and official soundtrack records.