Jason Segel and James Franco's Surprising Roles in "Freaks and Geeks"
Source: Jason Segel Reveals How Both He and James Franco Landed Roles in “Freaks and Geeks” Despite Initially Competing Against Each Other (2025-09-25)
Jason Segel and James Franco both landed roles in the cult classic series "Freaks and Geeks," despite initially competing against each other for parts. Segel revealed that he auditioned for the show and was cast as Nick, while Franco also auditioned and was cast as Daniel Desario. Their casting stories highlight the unpredictable nature of acting careers and how chance can lead to unexpected opportunities. Segel shared that he and Franco became friends during the filming, and their experience on the show helped launch their careers. Both actors have spoken about how "Freaks and Geeks" was a pivotal moment for them, even though it was canceled after just one season. Their journey underscores the show's lasting impact and the serendipitous paths that can lead to success in Hollywood.