Freaks and Geeks/Tear Jerker

Tear Jerkers in  include:


 * Pick an episode. This was the most painful, aching example of growing up I've ever seen on television. "Carded and Discarded," "Kim Kelly Is My Friend," and "The Garage Door" are particularly painful examples. The bit when Neil told his mother that he didn't want to tell her what was bothering him because "he didn't want to ruin her life" was a real killer because it was so damn TRUE.
 * "Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers" has not one but two such plots. In the first, Bill (a character usually played for comic relief) has to come to terms with his mother's new sweetheart, who happens to be his gym teacher and a leading cause of his isolation. In the second, Millie (a character usually played for comic relief) breaks down after her beloved dog is run over (unbeknownst to her, by Kim and Lindsay -- the latter being her best friend). Fortunately for viewers' souls, the second halves of both plots pay dividends of the hilarious and heartwarming varieties.