10 Must-Watch TV Shows That Celebrate Nerds and Geeks

Today, being labeled as a “nerd” or a “geek” is something to be worn with honor, rather than an insult. However, this wasn’t always the case, as being considered nerdy meant being excluded from popular groups in the past. Nowadays, nerds are the ones leading mainstream media and influencing cultural movements.

Growing up, many of us didn’t often see relatable and respectful representations of nerds on screen. Instead, they were used as plot devices, subjected to mean-spirited jokes and pranks. Shows like “The Big Bang Theory” helped change society’s perspective and prejudices about nerds. However, it wasn’t the first or only TV show to provide a glimpse into the unique worlds and minds of geeks. Here are 10 such shows that focus on nerds, for nerds, and often created by nerds: they’re funny, heartwarming, hopeful, and endlessly entertaining:

* The IT Crowd
* Silicon Valley
* Community
* Scrubs (specifically the “nerd” characters)
* Freaks and Geeks
* Stranger Things
* Supernatural (specifically the character Sam Winchester)
* Arrested Development (specifically the character Michael Bluth)
* The Office (U.S.) (specifically the character Jim Halpert)
* Rick and Morty

1) Community

As a devoted film enthusiast, I can’t help but sing the praises of Dan Harmon’s groundbreaking creation, “Community.” This sitcom stands alone in its unique narrative, following a motley crew of individuals from diverse ages and backgrounds as they navigate their way through community college. The group is led by Jeff, a disbarred lawyer with a fake law degree, who’s trying to earn his stripes legitimately. There’s a social activist, a nerd, a religious single mother, a football jock, an overachiever, and a bigot, all bound together in a study group that spends more time causing chaos than studying.

The storyline is a delightful blend of humor, heartbreak, and utter pandemonium as the group embarks on adventures far from academic pursuits, often to boost their college’s reputation under the watchful eye of their Dean. “Community” is a series that doesn’t shy away from challenging conventional genres, storytelling norms, or tropes, instead flipping them on their heads in an experimental, self-critical, and parodic manner.

Despite being canceled by NBC after a few seasons, it has managed to cultivate a devoted cult following. To me, “Community” feels like a show crafted for and by misfits, featuring a cast of characters who never quite fit in themselves. It’s a must-watch for any self-proclaimed nerd or geek who’s ever felt like they didn’t quite belong.

2) The Big Bang Theory

Originating from Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the American sitcom The Big Bang Theory follows a tight-knit quartet of intellectually gifted characters: Sheldon, Leonard, Howard, and Raj, for an impressive 12 seasons. This show is brimming with clever in-jokes, geeky humor, and merchandise that any fan would love. The series is a delight to watch as it unfolds these four amusing and identifiable characters navigating their social awkwardness. Although they are brilliant scientists, they often grapple with deciphering the intricacies of human interaction. However, their bumbling efforts at courtship endear them to three extraordinary women. Over time, these friends develop as characters, deal with relationship challenges, and receive recognition in their professional pursuits. The overall journey is touching and inspiring, encouraging all geeks and nerds to cherish friendships and embrace themselves just as they are.

3) Young Sheldon

In a span of seven seasons and 141 episodes, “Young Sheldon” is a comedic series that follows the younger years of the character Sheldon Cooper, who is well-known from “The Big Bang Theory.” Initially, Sheldon can come across as irritating, relentless, obsessive, and overly critical towards his friends. However, it’s delightful to observe this bothersome yet irresistibly charming neurodivergent and geeky child evolve into the man we recognize. The show delves into his family dynamics and his attempts to find his place in society as he matures. Characters like his mom, dad, and especially Meemaw with her wit, have captured viewers’ hearts and even more.

4) Freaks and Geeks

Originally airing in the early 2000s, the short-lived dramedy Freaks and Geeks (comprising just 18 episodes) was prematurely canceled by its network. However, it now enjoys a dedicated cult following, serving as a springboard for several notable comedians’ careers. The series revolves around two distinct groups: a bunch of brainy freshmen and a clique of rebellious burnouts. The story primarily focuses on the Weir siblings as they grapple with life, love, and philosophy during their adolescent years. Lindsay (Linda Cardellini), once a mathlete, starts to question the significance of academic success. Sam (John Francis Daley) and his gang of intellectuals (including Samm Levine, Seth Rogen, and Jason Segel) face bullying and socialization challenges. Meanwhile, Lindsay finds herself associating with an unconventional band of “freaks.” Essentially, it’s a portrayal of teenage life and maturation during the 80s, as experienced by society’s outcasts.

5) Atypical

As a supporter, I’d rephrase it like this: Being neurodivergent often goes hand in hand with being quite geeky, and that’s certainly true for Sam Gardner, a “high-functioning” autistic teenager who has a special fondness for penguins. The coming-of-age series, Atypical, beautifully portrays this transformation in its characters, with the Gardner family grappling significantly as Sam matures and seeks more independence. This shift in focus away from Sam causes them to reconsider their own roles in life. Meanwhile, Sam is determined to expand his horizons and find a girlfriend, which puts a strain on his family that threatens to break it apart. The relationships between Sam and his family members are particularly well-written, but the show also delves into the individual dreams and desires of each family member.

6) Sherlock

In simpler terms, Sherlock Holmes can be seen as an individual with distinct neurodivergent traits. He’s known for his peculiar thought processes, vast store of odd facts, discomfort with social interactions, and the presence of a more outgoing best friend, Dr. John Watson, who helps him navigate society. The BBC series “Sherlock” excellently portrays this unique, fascinating character. It provides glimpses into the mental workspace of a genius detective filled with relatable quirks. The show suggests that Sherlock may have struggled to connect with peers during his childhood and possibly experienced bullying. Prior to Watson’s arrival, understanding or even attempting to relate to him would have been challenging for most people. Despite Sherlock’s many idiosyncrasies, the series is also highly engaging, particularly appealing to those who enjoy solving mysteries and delving deep into intriguing puzzles.

7) King of the Nerds

Drawing inspiration from the “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, “King of the Nerds” is an American reality television series that ran for three seasons. Each episode showcased the intellect, skill, and pop-culture savvy of the contestants as they engaged in a variety of brainy challenges. Initially, the competitors worked together on teams, but later in the competition, they faced off against each other. The winner of this competition was awarded $100,000 and crowned the ultimate nerd king. The show is fun to watch, and the contestants are likable, ordinary kids who bond over their shared love for all things nerdy during the competition.

8) The Guild

Introduced in 2007, “The Guild” is a humorous series that revolves around a band of socially awkward video game enthusiasts who all belong to the same guild called “Knights of Good”, within an MMORPG (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game). Felicia Day, the creator of this show, portrays Cyd Sherman, also known as Codex, a priestess in the fantasy guild. Her predicament unfolds when another guild member, Zaboo, the warlock, suspects her feelings for him based on their characters’ interactions. Intriguingly, he shows up at her door, catching her off guard. Spanning six seasons, this show delves into the lives of these online gaming enthusiasts who prefer solitude, a scenario that resonates with many individuals who grew up gaming, regardless of whether they were MMORPG aficionados or not.

9) Stranger Things

It’s astonishing to think that over nine years have passed since the initial airing of this supernatural action-drama series. The viewers essentially witnessed the maturation of the primary cast members as characters on screen. Despite the time elapsed since its premiere, the show continues to garner significant attention from fans globally. The narrative kicks off in the ’80s, featuring a group of socially awkward teenagers and their Dungeons & Dragons game. As it turns out, the mythical creatures they encounter are not just figments of their imagination but real entities causing chaos in the small town of Indiana. Will this improbable band of heroes manage to overcome the terrifying forces of evil? Or will the town and its valiant residents ultimately succumb to darkness, disappearing forever?

10) The IT Crowd

A comedy series titled “The IT Crowd“, penned and helmed by Graham Linehan, centers around two IT specialists, Roy and Moss, situated in the IT office beneath a corporate building. One unexpected day, they acquire a new manager, Jen, who’s devoid of any tech understanding. Despite her ambition and ordinary demeanor, she is oblivious to the world outside their subterranean domain. Roy shows some social skills, but his romantic pursuits often turn into awkward fiascos. Moss, in contrast, embodies the quintessential nerd – socially inept, uncomfortable in gatherings, incapable of conversing with women, and bewildered when compelled to socialize. The dialogue may be sharp, but it’s Moss’ witty remarks that make the show uproariously funny.

2025-05-19 04:40