The Best (and Worst) Pop Cult High Schools

With ''Gossip Girl'' back, we look at the high schools we're glad we didn't attend (hello, Sunnydale) and the ones we wish we did (Hogwarts, here we come!)

By EW Staff Updated April 18, 2008 at 08:00 PM EDT

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Credit: Everett Collection

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Credit: Andrew Eccles; Patrick Harbron

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Credit: Chris Haston

THE JUDD APATOW COLLECTION

Before his string of box office hits, Judd Apatow had a string of critically acclaimed but tragically low-rated TV comedies. From the pop culture parodies of The Ben Stiller Show (1992) to the maladjusted high schoolers of Freaks and Geeks (Above, 1999-2000) and the maladjusted college freshmen of Undeclared (2001-02), the comedy king perfected his hilariously (and sometimes painfully) realistic portrayal of misfit-and-geekdom with cult TV hits before striking gold on the silver screen.

Read the reviews:
The Ben Stiller Show

Freaks and Geeks

Undeclared

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Credit: Rock 'N' Roll High School: Everett Collection

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Credit: Steve Yedlin

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Credit: C. Kaelson; Greg Schwartz

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"Hot Lunch" Jam, Fame (1980)

Credit: Courtesy Everett Collection

How does the student body at the New York High School of Performing Arts spend their lunch break? By spontaneously breaking out into an awesome dance and song number. Thanks, Fame, for making our high school years seem even lamer. Why couldn't Irene Cara have been in our class?

WATCH IT!

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The Best (and Worst) Pop Cult High Schools

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"Hot Lunch" Jam, Fame (1980)

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