Watch Atlanta
- TV-MA
- 2016
- 4 Seasons
-
8.6 (80,054)
Atlanta is a critically acclaimed dramedy television series created by Donald Glover for the FX channel. The show premiered in September of 2016 and ran for three seasons, concluding in 2022. The show tells the story of Earnest "Earn" Marks, a college dropout who returns to his hometown of Atlanta, Georgia, in order to make a better life for himself and his young daughter. Along the way, he reconnects with his cousin Alfred, who is a rising rapper in the local music scene, and begins to navigate the complicated world of the entertainment industry. At its core, Atlanta is a show about the struggles and triumphs of being a Black person in America. The show explores themes of poverty, race, identity, and the pursuit of the American Dream through the eyes of its complex and deeply human characters. The show is also known for its surreal and often absurdist tone, which blends real-world issues with elements of magical realism and satire. At the center of the show is Earnest Marks, played by Donald Glover himself. Earn is an intelligent and reserved young man who is determined to make something of himself after a series of setbacks in his life. He is the de facto manager for his cousin Alfred, who goes by the stage name Paper Boi. Despite their differences in personality and life goals, Earn and Alfred share a deep bond of family and loyalty that drives much of the show's conflict and drama. Alfred, played by Brian Tyree Henry, is a charismatic and talented rapper who is trying to break into the music industry. He is tough and streetwise, but also vulnerable and sensitive in his own way. Over the course of the show, Alfred wrestles with the pressures of fame, the dangers of the street life, and his own personal demons. LaKeith Stanfield plays Darius, Alfred's eccentric friend and fellow hustler. Darius is a quirky and philosophical character who often speaks in riddles and obscure phrases. He is an expert in a wide range of subjects, from conspiracy theories to antique guns, and his witty and offbeat remarks provide much of the show's comic relief. Other notable characters in the show include Van, Earn's on-again, off-again girlfriend and the mother of his daughter, and Tracy, a young man from the streets who becomes entangled with Alfred's crew. One of the most impressive aspects of Atlanta is its groundbreaking use of music and visual style. The show's soundtrack is a mix of classic hip-hop and contemporary trap music, reflecting the vibrant and diverse music scene of Atlanta. The show's cinematography is also innovative and striking, with inventive camera angles and a dreamlike quality that amplifies the show's surreal tone. Overall, Atlanta is a gripping and thought-provoking show that tackles some of the most urgent issues facing America today. With its stellar writing, strong performances, and bold visual style, it is a true masterpiece of contemporary television.
