When Weeds hit the small screen in 2005, it was like a breath of skunky fresh air—a suburban widow slinging dime bags to make ends meet? It was bold, hilarious, and completely different from anything else on TV at the time. But Weeds wasn’t just a TV show; it kicked off an entire genre of cannabis-centric storytelling.
Now, with weed more mainstream than ever, there’s a whole crop of shows diving into the world of growing, selling, and using cannabis. Let’s revisit the iconic Weeds TV series and explore the new wave of shows that are lighting up our screens.
“Weeds” TV Show: The OG of Cannabis Comedy-Drama
The Premise
At its heart, Weeds was a dark comedy about Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker), a soccer mom who turns to selling marijuana after her husband dies. What starts as a small-time operation quickly spirals into something much bigger—and much more dangerous.
Nancy’s journey takes her from the suburbs of Agrestic to international drug smuggling, with plenty of wild twists along the way.
Why It Worked
- Bold Storytelling: Weeds didn’t just flirt with taboo—it dove in headfirst, showing the messy, hilarious, and often heartbreaking consequences of living in the cannabis underworld.
- Complex Characters: Nancy wasn’t exactly a hero, but you couldn’t look away. Her moral ambiguity made the show compelling, even when you were screaming at her bad decisions.
- Ahead of Its Time: Premiering well before the wave of legalization, Weeds helped normalize conversations about cannabis and made it feel less like a taboo and more like a quirky part of life.
Iconic Moments
- Nancy casually sparking a joint while her suburban neighbors sip Chardonnay.
- The rise (and fall) of her “MILF Weed” empire.
- Her unforgettable interactions with Doug (Kevin Nealon), the perpetually stoned accountant-slash-partner-in-crime.
The New Wave of Cannabis TV Shows
Weeds may have blazed the trail, but it’s far from the only show tackling the world of cannabis. Here are some modern series putting their own spin on the green industry:
1. Disjointed (Netflix)
If Weeds was about growing and selling weed, Disjointed is about the culture that comes with it. This Netflix sitcom stars Kathy Bates as Ruth, the eccentric owner of a Los Angeles cannabis dispensary.
- Vibe: A stoner comedy with heart and a touch of absurdity.
- Why Watch: It leans into the goofy side of cannabis culture while still touching on serious topics like PTSD and medical marijuana.
2. Growing Belushi (Discovery)
Yes, that Jim Belushi—the Saturday Night Live alum—stars in this reality show about his life as a cannabis farmer in Oregon.
- Vibe: A mix of comedy, heart, and weed-growing know-how.
- Why Watch: It’s equal parts educational and entertaining, with a heavy dose of Belushi charm.
3. High Maintenance (HBO)
This critically acclaimed show follows “The Guy,” a nameless weed deliveryman in New York City, as he navigates the lives (and homes) of his quirky, diverse clientele.
- Vibe: Slice-of-life storytelling with a cannabis twist.
- Why Watch: It’s less about weed and more about the people who use it—funny, poignant, and deeply human.
4. The Green Rush (Vice TV)
A gritty documentary series exploring the cannabis industry’s boom in the wake of legalization.
- Vibe: Real-world drama and insight into the highs and lows of the business.
- Why Watch: It pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make it in the legal weed game.
5. Kings of Kush (Vice TV)
Another reality series, this one following two brothers running a cannabis business in Colorado.
- Vibe: Think Duck Dynasty, but with weed.
- Why Watch: It’s about family, farming, and the hustle of building a cannabis empire.
6. Bong Appétit (Vice TV)
A cannabis cooking show where chefs compete to create gourmet, weed-infused dishes.
- Vibe: Culinary creativity meets cannabis culture.
- Why Watch: It’s not just about getting high—it’s about exploring the artistry of cannabis as an ingredient.
Why Cannabis Makes Great TV
Cannabis is more than just a plant—it’s a world full of characters, culture, and controversy. Shows like Weeds and its successors tap into this richness, using cannabis as a lens to explore:
- Family and Relationships: Like Nancy Botwin’s complicated dynamic with her kids, shows often use weed as a backdrop for exploring deeper issues.
- Entrepreneurship: From mom-and-pop dispensaries to multi-state operations, the cannabis business is ripe with drama and ambition.
- Taboo Breaking: Cannabis TV pushes boundaries, challenging stereotypes and inviting audiences to rethink their assumptions.
Is It Time for a “Weeds” Revival?
There’s been talk of a Weeds reboot, with Mary-Louise Parker reportedly attached to reprise her role. Considering the strides cannabis has made since the show ended in 2012, the timing feels perfect. Imagine Nancy navigating the world of legal weed—or diving headfirst into black-market competition against corporate dispensaries.
Final Thoughts: Weed on Screen
From Weeds to High Maintenance to the growing crop of reality shows, cannabis continues to inspire great TV. Whether it’s used to spark comedy, drive drama, or open up new worlds, the stories keep evolving, just like the culture itself.
So, the next time you’re rolling a joint or munching on an edible, consider queuing up one of these shows. You might just find a new favorite—and maybe a little inspiration for your own green adventures.
And hey, if you haven’t watched Weeds yet… what are you waiting for? It’s a classic for a reason.
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