Judd Apatow Breaks Down His Career, from 'Superbad' to 'Freaks and Geeks' | Vanity Fair

[@mary-gx5cl]

the fact that anchorman, the 40 year old virgin, superbad, knocked up, forgetting sarah marshall and pineapple express were all made by the same guy within a four year period will never not blow me away

[@NLFrenay]

they weren't, some were merely produced by him. Anchorman - Adam McKay The 40-Year-Old Virgin - Judd Apatow Superbad - Greg Mottola Knocked Up - Judd Apatow Forgetting Sarah Marshall - Nick Stoller Pineapple Express - David Gordon Green

[@derekgregg9009]

@@NLFrenaythank you

[@superlativeradiostudios]

Freaks & Geeks is part of the foundation of everything that is good about TV today

[@starlord6433]

Yeah sure like the Wire, the Sopranos, Breaking Bad and True Detective season 1🤔🤔🤔

[@superlativeradiostudios]

Star LORD I’m a huge Sopranos fan.. it was certainly an early benchmark too.. first aired in 1999 .. same year as F&G..

[@shufukillah6772]

Twin Peaks

[@superlativeradiostudios]

That was a bizarre series.. I couldn’t quite get through it all David Lynch’s story telling seems very cryptic though, the production style was indeed ahead of its time for TV

[@shufukillah6772]

@@superlativeradiostudios it's kind of like the progenitor containing all the DNA for the golden age of television

[@BrokenGodEnt]

People call him a hack a lot, but this hack has made some decade defining movies from the 2000s. When you think of comedies from the early 2000s you 100% without a doubt think of some Judd Apatow movies.

[@andrewbowden6982]

Whilst I haven't heard of anything he's done in the past 10 years, those 00's films are classics. Deserves respect

[@rellyWrotethat]

judd apatow a hack ?? where

[@itsyahboy2000]

Exactly!!! People are just salty

[@sleepeasyfriends3149]

Yup just like Weinstein

[@SceneComparisons]

yeah, early 2000 now he makes movis with Amy Schummer and Pete Davidson

[@mymicks21]

So sad Freaks and Geeks didn't last longer it was so good

[@johnny-qc8qf]

it deserved better for sure

[@HiraKuran]

Definitely 😭

[@thespacecatjenkins8539]

Never forget literally how much rejection this guy had to face before he took off. But he kept going. Never give up, friends.

[@Pencilman246]

Anyone else get distracted by the books on his shelf? I wonder why he has so many sticky notes in the Keith Richards autobiography. Also this is pretty great, I think Judd doesn't get much of a chance to talk about his career as often as the actors in his movies do, but he's always been terrific.

[@angelawhittenhall1112]

I was just coming here to comment on all the sticky notes in Keith Richards' book. I love it. It's so quotable.

[@CSmith12345105]

Maybe he's branching out - notes for a possible biopic..?

[@shannond7437]

Likely a lot of goodies in that bio!

[@zacharypayne4080]

Beatles complete scores

[@michaelalvez5880]

This dude is a genius. He has give us so many classics.

[@callumboscoe8685]

Christopher Nolan And Quentin Tarantino are geniuses this guy sucks.

[@codyscards6698]

@@callumboscoe8685 no you suck.

[@callumboscoe8685]

Cody Ruthrauff how? It’s a fact his movies are bad

[@thespacecatjenkins8539]

yet he was rejected a million times

[@justsomedudewithnoneck8329]

@@callumboscoe8685 yea they are but that doesn’t discredit and nvm you get it

[@beingcrazy1250]

This dude deserves a standing ovation for gems like freaks and geeks, 40 year old, etc.

[@cf9844]

I loved Etc!

[@beingcrazy1250]

@@cf9844 we all do!

[@BrannonNaito]

Love how some people just have a sense for future stars. Can’t believe 40 year old virgin was conceived based on Judd walking up to Steve asking if he had any ideas for a movie lol.

[@karenlm9062]

It's awesome Apatow knows his lane. He does it with perfection. He brings a unique type of comedy like no one can. He's like the John Hughes of the 2000s. You know, even without a title of a movie, whether a movie is an Apatow or not.

[@lydiagagne6740]

“ Michael Cera is the greatest in the world”

[@jordybordy007]

Why do they edit this out of chronological order? Drives me nuts.

[@jwolfson21]

The whole thing was in chronological order except for the two sequels they talked about.

[@chasef89]

Because This is 40 is a sequel to Knocked Up, and and Get Him to the Greek is a sequel to Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

[@madjimjaspers7603]

Freaks and Geeks 1:38 Anchorman 4:18 40 Year Old Virgin 5:28 Superbad 7:38 Knocked Up 9:18 This Is 40 10:58 Forgetting Sarah Marshall 13:38 Get Him to the Greek 14:58 Pineapple Express 16:08 Funny People 17:28 Bridesmaids 20:08 TrainWreck 23:08

[@dannyphantom9964]

Mad Jim Jaspers you’re a god

[@delasoul8476]

He just skipped Undeclared? I may be the only person who ever saw it

[@matthewbuttery8529]

I didn't realize what a big fan I was on Judd Apatow until now. That was just a list of my favorite comedies!

[@13strong]

I'd love to see a series like this about how people first came up in their industry. Like, what did Apatow do between High School and Larry Sanders?

[@hhoch9503]

He did standup and got into USC for screenwriting - a program which he quit in his junior (?) year. He moved in with Adam Sandler and got into actually writing and producing through Garry Shandling in the 90s.

[@13strong]

@@hhoch9503 Thanks. Good to know.

[@yocomet]

13strong he used to interview comedians as a kid

[@str8kronic]

He sucked off Harvey weinstein

[@lpphillyfan]

He also co created the Ben Stiller Show.

[@bullishbearwhisperer4503]

Never laughed harder than when watching one of his comedies. His movies are the best antidepressants ever manufactured. His wife is hilarious too. Love them!

[@wacokid30]

That’s why Bridesmaids is so good and considered a classic. The main focus wasn’t about making an all female led comedy movie but instead it focused on comedy first. That movie being such a big hit proves most people are cool with female leads in movies they just don’t want that to be the sole reason for seeing the film. Just write good stories with interesting characters and people will enjoy it.

[@bulldogfront666]

Why isn’t Love mentioned? That’s one of his greatest achievements.

[@abrahamcb]

I've noticed that it's constantly slept on. I wouldn't say it's underrated, since people who have watched it know that it is excellent. It is under appreciated & under watched.

[@eveniecev]

:( forreal

[@eveniecev]

Jay Dee caca pee pee poo poo. 😄😄😁😁😆😆😆

[@JV-sc2wr]

thank god for judd believing in these actors that are literally the foundation of everything i love about comedy

[@cap4137]

I feel like undeclared doesn’t get the recognition it deserves... it’s not even covered on here

[@Pencilman246]

I agree. He mentions it a ton but they don't have him talk about it at length, yet they have him talk about North Hollywood?

[@gustavocards1552]

@@Pencilman246 I agree with you if it wasn't for Undeclared we wouldn't have gotten Jay Baruchel, which I read that around that time period he was about to leave acting to go to film school. Also the show gave us some recurring players for some of Apatow/Rogen's movies like Carla Gallo, David Krumholtz, etc. Another thing since they discussed about the North Hollywood pilot, I was kinda surprise that they didn't put his other pilots like "Sick In The Head" another pilot he did with Poehler & that was made around the same year as Freaks And Geeks, had that pilot been picked he would of not worked on Freaks. Also VERY SURPRISING they didn't put The Cable Guy in there since he wrote that movie, was a producer on it and met his future wife there lmao.

[@codyscards6698]

Such a great show.

[@GlennDavey]

It is doomed to always remain.... undeclared

[@gabzpot]

I love this show.

[@veesvoyages]

What an amazing career Judd has had! He's a genius and created so many brilliant classics and the most quotable films! Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Anchorman, Knocked Up and Superbad are some of my all time favourite films

[@Liz.1014]

WHY isn't anybody talking about North Hollywood?? I mean that cast is 100% PURE COMEDY ROYALTY directed by the best comedy director that's a comedy GOLD right there so sad the studio slept on it they should reunite and reshoot it I'd watch 10/10

[@patrickmahomessarm7466]

It was just a pilot and never got picked up that's why.

[@Carloszavalalol]

Kevin heart ain't funny

[@madjimjaspers7603]

OKAY I WANNA SEE THE MOUNTAINSIDE ANCHORMAN SURVIVAL FILM!!!! GIVE US THE FERRELL CUT!!!! LIKE APATOW SAID DO IT!!

[@travisbrucelee]

That should be Anchorman 3

[@Neat0_o]

I rewatched knocked up recently after years of not seeing it and I remember back then not getting the movie but now I feel like it’s one of his best movies if not one of the best films that year. It was so touching funny and thoughtful. Love jud

[@WarHoover]

Wow, never heard Judd Apatow talk before. I could listen to him discuss movies all day. Forgetting Sarah Marshall is way, way up there on my favorite comedy list.

[@maxmax9691]

Ohhhhh, they got em all, Love that this is 30 minutes.......thank you Vanity Fair......you bring us what we want

[@ellaobrien3425]

Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping was a gem

[@filmreviewer117]

He has helped make some of the funniest comedies of the last two decades, that really do stand up.

[@Caroline-yb4ps]

Omg I had no idea he has directed this many hit movies and shows. I’ve seen twelve of them.... TWELVE

[@moeron13]

Basically the last 20 years of good, successful comedy has had Judds hand on it. He’s a legend

[@bfkc111]

Average to below average, unfunny comedies, which in the best of cases he has almost no influence in.

[@moeron13]

BFKC there is no world in which Freaks And Geeks, 40 Year Old Virgin, Bridesmaids, Knocked Up, Cable Guy, Superbad arent influential. the influence is almost so overwhelming that denying it makes me think you are either 6 years old, a troll or someone who thinks Sgt Peppers had no influence. Just because you don’t like the top grossing and top reviewed comedies over the last couple decades doesn’t mean they’re not influential.

[@marleneg7794]

'This Is 40' is the most accurate description of the turning 40 EVER

[@estopesto2647]

Judd movies made my teen and young adult years . This has made me so nostalgic and I need to to watch them all haha

[@jobberforlife]

Why skip over Undeclared and Love? Would three more minutes of content have killed you?

[@rickyj3034]

how this mans faces isn't posted all over the internet is crazy... we could spend 6 hours just talking about his projects.. one of the best in the bizz

[@Phoebegrace056]

This guy is seriously a genius. He’s made so many of my favorite movies!

[@lucaftf]

The King of Staten Island is amazing

[@CarlosSanchez-ie9du]

I agree

[@estebansaucedo761]

It was a very good movie, Apatow really knows how to mix comedy AND drama and get away with it.

[@LeaFsinger74]

Seth Rogan IS Judd Apatow.. same mannerisms, same speech inflections. Crazy!

[@bluy6]

I forgot those are the two most definitive qualities to every person!

[@Cinemabuff97]

Judd Apatow is way funnier than Seth Rogen

[@bfkc111]

These are the most extremely different people which probably ever existed. Idiot. Brain-fried...

[@bfkc111]

@@Cinemabuff97 Judd Apatow is the definition of unfunny and relies 100% on people like Seth Rogen to make movies that are the slightest funny. Did you lose part of your brain?

[@JoaquinPhoenix-s3k]

Judd Apatow is actually a very nice guy, don't listen to what people tell you on Twitter.

[@alinats4802]

"you can just get someone pregnant and that's enough for a movie." and we went "wait a second" Geniuses

[@emmalinekent9876]

Alina Ts this KILLED me

[@lewis123646]

Right! And then the next day, the script, casting, and filming were done. Knocked Up grossed like 7x its budget. Geniuses indeed.

[@strausbaughsegarra4988]

This man has some thoughts on Keith Richard's autobiography...

[@hide_and_go_sikh]

I think Judd Apatow is a really smart dude who knows what's going on around here. We need more directors like him making movies.

[@turtleboypurp]

Most of my late teen years and 20s laughs are completely because of this guys' movies. thank you sir.

[@Thegangsta00711]

He didn’t make the movies he directed them guys! He’s a great director and I’m glad he’s helped shape comedy movies in the 2000’s! Respect!

[@joshyybarker5564]

You need to do more of those slow zoom videos 😭❤️❤️❤️

[@brookecasey2404]

What a talented man! I am a big big fan of Leslie’s which is what brought me here! Some of these movies I’d happily admit are my favourite!!! How have I not seen Pineapple Express and get him to the Greek! I know what I’m doing today! 🤣

[@thabangmorufane538]

The part about his mom's illness was so deep

[@madisonsierras]

I thoroughly enjoy that these are long episodes!

[@starrydreamerxo]

This man has made literally all my favorite movies. What a genius

[@chelseashurmantine8153]

I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE YESSSSS

[@mikecolts21]

Thank you Jubb and your team for bringing joy to the world through VFX 🙌🏾

[@martinwhipkey9343]

Wow- I'm liking the "Tim Allen from the Santa Clause" look he's sporting during the lockdown!

[@LindsayGillisWrites]

Big Judd Apatow fan here! Love this guy! Bridesmaids is my favorite. 😁

[@emilyhippenstiel9174]

I wish they hadn't skipped past "Love!" That show was so underrated.

[@TarotbyTheIntuitiveTeaCup]

Kind of want to be best friends with Judd Apatow... what a delightful man. haha

[@ianmaclellan7623]

I thank Judd Apatow for getting Superbad to finally be made

[@shonaschneider1800]

This was wonderful. I loved it. And Mindy is right! No wonder you are exhausted.

[@tylerharris1443]

never occurred to me until now just how many talented comedians and actors their start with Mr Apatow not just one of the best writer/directors of indie comedies, but truly a cultural icon as well

[@faunaflage]

This man has some thoughts on Keith Richard's autobiography...

[@grayonthewater]

It must be for his next movie

[@benjigault9043]

Its a great read.... im convinced hes actually superhuman

[@Piojo2276]

Lmao

[@JoeHuman]

This man. This family. Their contributions are countless and revered.. by me, at least.

[@waywardmind]

"But it was really hard to figure out who was as good as Michael Cera. Michael Cera is the greatest in the world." Uh huh.

[@junayedalam6383]

Judd Apatow and the stuff that he made is all these past years are priceless without him, we would not get these brilliant tv-shows or these movies or these Actors those careers that he has made single-handedly.

[@anac.4280]

Me waiting for him to talk about Love: 👁👄👁 Very underrated show!!

[@rufarojunior]

He’s my hero and inspiration in my life

[@RckrGrl2010]

I hope one day to be a part of one of his projects ❤️

[@Brendonmakesmesmile]

How did i not know Freaks & Geeks was a Judd project! Normally I’m not a huge fan of his but i lived for that show

[@emmanuelbravo157]

Judd Apatow is a living legend

[@bfkc111]

Of average to below average, unfunny, boring movies. What a legend.

[@wesproductions648]

For anyone thinking that he made Superbad, Bridesmaids, Anchorman, etc. He only produced those movies, the only movies hes directed are The 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, Trainwreck, This is 40, Funny People, and The King of Staten Island

[@KarlieStarrSings]

Superbad will always be a staple to my high school movie viewing experience!

[@jacob2971]

This guy shaped comedy in the 2000. he's a genius !

[@dr.kikipsychnp5731]

Freaks and Geeks is my favorite!!!!!!❤

[@emilyEXECUTIONER]

Hey says ‘sitting there’ with Seth, but all I hear is ‘getting stoned’ with Seth 🤣😂

[@elliemae5526]

i had no idea so many of my favourite movies involved Judd?!! i'm amazed! he basically made my childhood and j had no clue lol

[@patrickstapleton381]

I really like his book collection.

[@SilverCali11]

Loved this so much.

[@bloggerdynamics9190]

These are all of my favorite movies. Judd is my hero

[@EmmaWismyhero]

Aw I’m sad Love didn’t get any credit here, I adore it

[@litchick2715]

Vanity fair is doing so many career breakdowns now a days

[@christinewalker2562]

Quarantine!

[@onixtv4034]

The King of Staten Island is his masterpiece

[@DJSPENCERHUE]

I really wanted to hear about Undeclared :(

[@michaelcooperwoti]

So did i .I met jay baruchel and he autographed my Undeclared box set !

[@adamhaycock7982]

Wow, that north Hollywood show sounded epic

[@anthonyrosenthal3674]

I know that it had way less box office success, but Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping deserved to be covered way more than Trainwrecked

[@TheAestheticDM]

YES! More directors!

[@sebp400]

I love his movies so much, that's almost all I've been watching in these strange times... they're like comfort food but classic comedies.

[@BatmanPops]

I Love his work👍🏽

[@lumo]

I think I'm a way bigger fan of Judd Apatow The Person than I am of most of his movies. He comes across as a righteous dude. And can you imagine what TV shows would look like today if it weren't for Freaks & Geeks? Sheesh.

[@cf9844]

Self-rightous*

[@daturagirl]

TV shows would still look the same with or without Freaks and Geeks. Prior to Freaks, we had My So Called Life, which is just as good. Freaks wasn’t the only great coming-of-age shows, you know.

[@itsyahboy2000]

JUDD + SETH + EVAN = greatness favorite movies such feel good movies ima be watching them forever

[@spencerpool6879]

Freaks and Geeks was the absolute best! worst call ever cancelling that one I also very much want to see the original version of Anchorman

[@lornadryden5650]

Thank you Judd for making us smile

[@rfish2]

Where was the big sick?! I love all Judds movies!!

[@raluvibes]

Maud is walking on your footsteps of Genius! ❤️

[@danifaja87]

Judd and I have the same pillows- that turquoise hippie/boho/bedazzled one to the right. $13 for two on Amazon. They are *not* comfortable and the jewels fall off left and right. They're also on the stinky side and impossible to wash.

[@LazyParasyte]

Judd has always been one of my favorite directors and I remember when I was younger I didn’t really care for Funny People but now that I’m older I understand the movie more but still not one of my favorites 😂

[@amyred9652]

He’s such a legend

[@sheroukyoussef7896]

One of my favorite directors.

[@julieroccia6344]

Yes, Mindy is so smart. Love her

[@gabzpot]

Knocked Up is one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@renegadeuvfunk]

When did this guy turn into a tugboat captain?

[@FTNChicken]

Quarantine brings out the inner tugboat captain in all of us

[@monkeyspoon8255]

🗣All aboard !

[@jebushwplainview9453]

He’s fond of me lobster... 🦞

[@FTNChicken]

He has the same uncomfortable sequin pillow I have. My mind is kind of blown

[@edkozak1797]

How the heck can you do an Apatow career break-down and not mention Heavyweights???? Easily his best film.

[@petrinasmith6853]

The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling is a great documentary! Its on HBO. Please watch it if you haven't seen it.

[@michshellabell4587]

Walk Hard is an amazing comedy! If you haven't seen it yet you must, it's extremely funny