Atlanta is such an incredible and must see show! Donald Glover is just an amazing talent who seems to do no wrong and who leads an all-around amazing cast! Donald Glover plays a character named Earn who's cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) is an up and coming rapper named Paperboy on Atlanta. Earn takes over as his manger as he grinds to make Paperboy one of the top hip-hop artists in the world. Those two along with their friend Darius (the underrated LaKeith Stanfield) get in all sorts of events. He also has a girlfriend Van (Zazie Beetz) who they have a child together. Some people didn't like season 3 as much because every other episode wa it's own story that didn't involve the stars of the show. It also took them away from Atlanta and over to Europe so it doesn't have the same feel. Even though it's not as good as the first two season I still liked it. I really can't say anymore about this phenomenal show except to go watch it!
199 Reviews
A slice of life and surreal brilliance
jamesbettinson18 February 2019
There is a lot about this program that I shouldn't relate to. I don't live in America, I'm not black, I'm gaining a few years on the cast. But through impeccable writing, casting and acting Atlanta draws me in to a world that finds a strange yet utterly compelling way to tell a story. The comedy and tragedy mix as happens in real life. The often brutal reality of being young and black and poor in America fuses seamlessly with more existential themes of growth (personal and professional), family, race, power dynamics, legacy and much more. This work is beautiful in both a comedic and dramatic sense.
Is there anything that Donald Glover can't do?
Supermanfan-1327 July 2020
Atlanta is an incredible must see show! Donald Glover is such an amazing talent who seems to do no wrong and who leads an all-around amazing cast! I really can't say enough about this phenomenal show except to go watch it!
Cant get enough...
nicegirlinla-456901 October 2016
The dialogue, the script, the chemistry of the characters. Amazing. The dynamic of the characters is broad. I feel invested. I actually feel like it's true life. I'm from Baltimore and it reminds me of conversations with friends when I was younger. Darius is seriously my favorite character... everything about the guy. I'm still laughing about the gun shop scene. (dont think that's considered a spoiler)
That was my review but they are making me fill more space. Just know that this is my FIRST review.. I think they deserve it.
Not many words here but I rave about this show to everyone.
Here's my 10th line.
That was my review but they are making me fill more space. Just know that this is my FIRST review.. I think they deserve it.
Not many words here but I rave about this show to everyone.
Here's my 10th line.
Georgia On My Mind.
southdavid10 March 2023
Having reached the conclusion of the fourth and final season, I'm in a position to review "Atlanta" Donald Glover's inspired, eccentric, brilliant ... sitcom (I guess). Though starting with a relatively straight forward narrative, the shows use of bottle episodes, diversions and flights of fancy make for a truly memorable experience.
Earnest Marks (Donald Glover) drops out of Princeton and returns home to Atlanta. His cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) has been earning some local acclaim rapping under the name "Paper Boi". Though initially wary of his help, Earn slowly earns Paper Boi's trust and eventually becomes his manager. Together with their friend Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Earn's sometime girlfriend Vanessa (Zazie Beetz) they struggle to negotiate the hip-hop scene, America, and the World.
What I liked about "Atlanta" might be something that other people disliked about it; in that it's not really interested in what might have been its own central story. If you want to follow their rise to stardom, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. You can tell that Paper Boi becomes a celebrity, but again more based on where they are and what they're doing, rather than seeing each stage of his star rising. The first season is perhaps more dedicated to that story than any of the other three are, but it very quickly starts to tell stories more about the African American experience, rather than specifically about these characters, indeed there are several episodes across the run where they don't feature at all.
The third season sees them leave Atlanta for a tour of Europe and has some interesting faces appearing in the show, from an English point of view, including Sean Gilder and Aaron Heffernan. It's the strange ideas that take it over the top for me, concepts such as shopping malls you can't escape from, looping dream sequences and elseworld history.
Though it's often an authentic exploration of relatively deep issues such as racism, it's repeatedly and genuinely funny with it and I'd absolutely recommend it.
Earnest Marks (Donald Glover) drops out of Princeton and returns home to Atlanta. His cousin Alfred (Brian Tyree Henry) has been earning some local acclaim rapping under the name "Paper Boi". Though initially wary of his help, Earn slowly earns Paper Boi's trust and eventually becomes his manager. Together with their friend Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Earn's sometime girlfriend Vanessa (Zazie Beetz) they struggle to negotiate the hip-hop scene, America, and the World.
What I liked about "Atlanta" might be something that other people disliked about it; in that it's not really interested in what might have been its own central story. If you want to follow their rise to stardom, then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. You can tell that Paper Boi becomes a celebrity, but again more based on where they are and what they're doing, rather than seeing each stage of his star rising. The first season is perhaps more dedicated to that story than any of the other three are, but it very quickly starts to tell stories more about the African American experience, rather than specifically about these characters, indeed there are several episodes across the run where they don't feature at all.
The third season sees them leave Atlanta for a tour of Europe and has some interesting faces appearing in the show, from an English point of view, including Sean Gilder and Aaron Heffernan. It's the strange ideas that take it over the top for me, concepts such as shopping malls you can't escape from, looping dream sequences and elseworld history.
Though it's often an authentic exploration of relatively deep issues such as racism, it's repeatedly and genuinely funny with it and I'd absolutely recommend it.
THIS Show...
Bubb_Merica15 July 2020
This show was the first in years where I planned to watch it when it aired despite me setting the DVR to record it. The same way people geeked out on Game of Thrones, this show just struck my funny bone with the obvious situational humor and subded dark tones intertwined in it all.
The basis of the show is about a upcoming rapper set in modern day Atlanta and his cousin who wants to be his manager. But what makes the show great is how the story is told. The storyline works like a drama but the perspective works like a comedy. This is much like the movie and show Parenthood; the storyline is not really a comedy but misery loving company can be funny. Atlanta works out the same way with the plot filtered through the lens of dark humor seen in Married with Children and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The show is well acted, well written, surprising, engaging, and most important it is funny.
Donald Glover is a Genius...
chrisdmeads7 June 2020
A TV Show unlike anything that is out there right now, Atlanta is captivating, hilarious, and down-to-earth. Donald Glover has created a scintillating show.
desnat-1457019 September 2016
Atlanta, created and written by the multi-talented Donald Glover presents an intriguing, dynamic chemistry between an enigmatic Earn Marks (Donald Glover) and the stern, hostile, hood-driven city of Atlanta. A college drop out, Earn Marks seems to be living life at the bottom of a pit; a broke father, estranged by his parents and engaged with an absurd relationship with a girlfriend who mothers his daughter (unclear) - everything seems bleak. However, when news breaks out that his cousin Alfred 'Paper Boi' Miles (Brian Tyree Henry) is now the new hot rapper on the block, Earn drops everything he is doing to pursue the job of being Paper Boi's manager.
Even after having watched 3 episodes of the TV show, I still find it tough to pinpoint exactly what genre this absurdly riveting series falls under. While it pushes towards the drama section, the show is ridden with comedic bits. From the cinematography, to the acting, to the script, so far I have nothing but praise for Atlanta. Moreover, I cannot understate the rounded quality of the characters, to which I cannot end this short review of Atlanta without mentioning Darius (Keith Stanfield).
The eccentric nature of Darius is precisely exemplified by the first meeting between Earn and Darius in Episode One (The Big Bang): Darius holding a plate of cookies, wearing a cooking robe and a bandanna, with a knife ready to attack in case of an intruder. Even though he is consistently under the influence of cannabis, from time to time, Darius exudes of intellectual and spiritual wisdom. As in Episode Two (Streets on Lock) when speaking about the violent altercation of the previous night, Darius explains "As humans we are always close to destruction, life is (selfish) but a series of close calls I mean how would you know if you were alive, unless you are willing to die."
The TV Show Atlanta is an avant-garde in the African-American film industry and seems to be following the same footsteps of top quality shows like Power and How to Get Away With Murder. Donald Glover has created a grabbing story which only begs for more.
Even after having watched 3 episodes of the TV show, I still find it tough to pinpoint exactly what genre this absurdly riveting series falls under. While it pushes towards the drama section, the show is ridden with comedic bits. From the cinematography, to the acting, to the script, so far I have nothing but praise for Atlanta. Moreover, I cannot understate the rounded quality of the characters, to which I cannot end this short review of Atlanta without mentioning Darius (Keith Stanfield).
The eccentric nature of Darius is precisely exemplified by the first meeting between Earn and Darius in Episode One (The Big Bang): Darius holding a plate of cookies, wearing a cooking robe and a bandanna, with a knife ready to attack in case of an intruder. Even though he is consistently under the influence of cannabis, from time to time, Darius exudes of intellectual and spiritual wisdom. As in Episode Two (Streets on Lock) when speaking about the violent altercation of the previous night, Darius explains "As humans we are always close to destruction, life is (selfish) but a series of close calls I mean how would you know if you were alive, unless you are willing to die."
The TV Show Atlanta is an avant-garde in the African-American film industry and seems to be following the same footsteps of top quality shows like Power and How to Get Away With Murder. Donald Glover has created a grabbing story which only begs for more.
Hilarious
nnbutler-6992824 February 2018
Very promising, great acting.
TheUglyCasanova7 September 2016
As a long time fan of Glover from Community, his stand up comedy, and even to his rapping (Childish Gambino), I was of course excited to see this show.
As a pale white guy from Ohio, I still found the show to be very enjoyable and with the way they did the first episode, it has a monumental chance to be successful. Darius cracks me up with how he thinks, he's exactly the type of quirky person you need in this type of show (assuming I know how it's going to continue), but he is basically the Daryl of Walking Dead. Everyone will love him and if he ever dies the show may go downhill without him.
Since I've been a fan of Donald since Community I may be a tiny bit biased, but he yet again seems to be a superb actor and I already felt connected to him and wanting him to 'win'.
It's no surprise Donald will turn this into an amazing series because he is a great actor and writer.
Just please don't kill Darius. How will we ever have rat phones if he dies?
As a pale white guy from Ohio, I still found the show to be very enjoyable and with the way they did the first episode, it has a monumental chance to be successful. Darius cracks me up with how he thinks, he's exactly the type of quirky person you need in this type of show (assuming I know how it's going to continue), but he is basically the Daryl of Walking Dead. Everyone will love him and if he ever dies the show may go downhill without him.
Since I've been a fan of Donald since Community I may be a tiny bit biased, but he yet again seems to be a superb actor and I already felt connected to him and wanting him to 'win'.
It's no surprise Donald will turn this into an amazing series because he is a great actor and writer.
Just please don't kill Darius. How will we ever have rat phones if he dies?
I hate this show
davidoeagen11 September 2016
I have seen the first two episodes, when are the next ones coming?
I watched each episode almost a week apart. Each time I hated it. Each time the show ended it was only like 5 minutes. They show one or two scenes and the show is over. They better have 50 episodes per season to make up for this feeling.
Each time I checked & the runtime was just over 21 minutes so my computer is in on it too. I don't know how the director and producers of this show got my computer in on it but I know their plot.
There is no way a show goes by this fast and is 21 minutes long!
Oh and the "main" character, Glover something, what is the deal with him? Is he a comedian or something. What is he trying to prove. I find myself laughing at the strangest and most uncomfortable situations while thinking of the scene and story at the same time. Why is he making me feel and think about the horrible situation while at the same time being entertaining and funny.
I watched each episode almost a week apart. Each time I hated it. Each time the show ended it was only like 5 minutes. They show one or two scenes and the show is over. They better have 50 episodes per season to make up for this feeling.
Each time I checked & the runtime was just over 21 minutes so my computer is in on it too. I don't know how the director and producers of this show got my computer in on it but I know their plot.
There is no way a show goes by this fast and is 21 minutes long!
Oh and the "main" character, Glover something, what is the deal with him? Is he a comedian or something. What is he trying to prove. I find myself laughing at the strangest and most uncomfortable situations while thinking of the scene and story at the same time. Why is he making me feel and think about the horrible situation while at the same time being entertaining and funny.
S3 is sooo skippable
fjolnir965 May 2022
Donald Glover has shown through the years that you can make relevant cultural commentary without forcing it down people's throat in S1 and S2. It is also very funny. In S3 the show becomes a satire of the show it us trying to make. It's forcing the commentary down people's throat and making one-sided characters. Additionally, the endings to most of the eps are bad. I guess Donald Glover is too old to be creative now.
Season 3 is not it
stevenlattimore10 August 2022
I liked the first two seasons...
skoolmoed-660-5979020 May 2022
Then it just imploded. But I just wanted to give a special thank you to Donald Glover for showing all of us stupid people how terrible the world is. Thank you for using your brilliant artistic talents as a way of pulling the curtains back of what we see every day. Without you, we would unknowingly continue day after day just living our sad lives. How would we know what to say or do? Thanks to you I know now. Sarcasm aside, I like you Donald. Believing in yourself has brought you far. But know when to say when.
Some guys don't get all the luck. Here it's funny and entertaining
ccorral41915 September 2016
Looks like FX has once again found another island in the rough with their new show "Atlanta". Creator, Writer and Actor Donald Glover (no relation to actor Danny Glover) is that guy who everything seems to happen to him and/or around him. Featuring a primarily cast of color, Brian Tyree Henry, Keith Stansfield and Zadie Beetz (each established actors) will surely become household names with this series. Like some of my other favorite FX shows (The Americans, AHS, FARGO, You're the Worst), "Atlanta" is gritty, in-your-face and realistically captures a slice of life rarely shown on TV. "Atlanta" is an adult show about climbing the ranks into the rap scene, and surviving the neighborhood, that shouldn't be missed.
Different. Surreal. Funny. Silly. Original.
mr_sharma29 May 2023
Just to say, I don't think this show is for everyone. You have to want to watch this and to be forewarned is important. I wasn't and discovering it was a joy.
It's surreal. I mean some of the episodes are just crazy out there but at the heart of it it has humanity and empathy.
It is not high octane. There is rarely a sense of danger. Or angst or all the other stereotypes you see is some shows and films focusing on the black American experience. It has all that but generally turns your worldview to something that is human.
I love the characters that this show has created. I love the situations these characters find themselves in. I love the way it's filmed in places. Each episode has something to say. It may not be much but it all adds to the humanity of the Show.
It has so much and it's almost an education to watch.
Even the last ever episode, the point is that we don't know much about a specific character and what makes him tick. And through the surrealist storytelling one gets a hint as to what is missing in his life and why he is the way he is. That's the discovery in the last episode.
The show gives a complex look at being a Black American and their outlook on life.
So please don't watch it if you are expecting high octane, stereotypes that are never challenged etc etc.
It does do everything you've seen before, in terms of language, food, cultural norms etc but it builds on it. It dives more deeply into prejudice, where you come from, who you are, what you like....
Simply put, it takes your stereotype of black America and shows you that "black America" is a smorgasbord of people. People may share a skin shade but people are....after all....just people. All with their individuality.
I watched this show, one episode every so often. I don't think you can binge this. Each episode needs to sink in. Let it brew in your mind and then dip back in again.
If you don't mind slow but effective story telling and you like to see something completely different to what's out there, then this is for you. Take your time and enjoy.
Bravo to the director, writers and the actors. You really have created something special.
It's surreal. I mean some of the episodes are just crazy out there but at the heart of it it has humanity and empathy.
It is not high octane. There is rarely a sense of danger. Or angst or all the other stereotypes you see is some shows and films focusing on the black American experience. It has all that but generally turns your worldview to something that is human.
I love the characters that this show has created. I love the situations these characters find themselves in. I love the way it's filmed in places. Each episode has something to say. It may not be much but it all adds to the humanity of the Show.
It has so much and it's almost an education to watch.
Even the last ever episode, the point is that we don't know much about a specific character and what makes him tick. And through the surrealist storytelling one gets a hint as to what is missing in his life and why he is the way he is. That's the discovery in the last episode.
The show gives a complex look at being a Black American and their outlook on life.
So please don't watch it if you are expecting high octane, stereotypes that are never challenged etc etc.
It does do everything you've seen before, in terms of language, food, cultural norms etc but it builds on it. It dives more deeply into prejudice, where you come from, who you are, what you like....
Simply put, it takes your stereotype of black America and shows you that "black America" is a smorgasbord of people. People may share a skin shade but people are....after all....just people. All with their individuality.
I watched this show, one episode every so often. I don't think you can binge this. Each episode needs to sink in. Let it brew in your mind and then dip back in again.
If you don't mind slow but effective story telling and you like to see something completely different to what's out there, then this is for you. Take your time and enjoy.
Bravo to the director, writers and the actors. You really have created something special.
It's good. Watch it! You won't regret it.
finestdeity16 September 2016
It's been a long time since a show has been able to suck me in with the pilot. The last show that was able to do that was Monk. Usually when I see a pilot I'm thinking, "That was okay I guess. But I don't care what happens with them to keep watching." It was very different with Atlanta. I wanted to see what happened with Earn and Paperboy. I want to keep seeing every week what happens with them.
It also feels very real. Although there's a lot of humor involved and some things are exaggerated, I feel as if this material was created by someone who experienced these situations first hand. When it comes to showing the Black community on Television it usually feels fake and based on stereotypes. This doesn't feel like that at all. That's what I love the most.
If you're not watching this you should be. It's funny, the acting is realistic and believable, the writing is great. It's hands down one of the best shows on television.
It also feels very real. Although there's a lot of humor involved and some things are exaggerated, I feel as if this material was created by someone who experienced these situations first hand. When it comes to showing the Black community on Television it usually feels fake and based on stereotypes. This doesn't feel like that at all. That's what I love the most.
If you're not watching this you should be. It's funny, the acting is realistic and believable, the writing is great. It's hands down one of the best shows on television.
unique voice
SnoopyStyle18 November 2022
In Atlanta, Earnest 'Earn' Marks (Donald Glover) struggles to make money to pay the rent. Even his parents are tired of him looking to borrow. He's back with Van (Zazie Beetz) and their daughter Lottie. When his cousin Alfred Miles aka rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry) gets a small hit, he decides to work as his manager. Darius (Lakeith Stanfield) is Paper Boi's hanger-on.
This is a unique quirky take on the Black-American experience. It's surreal at times. It's never safe. It is ambitious. Sometimes, it goes down some fresh paths that have never been traveled. These are compelling characters. All four leads are amazing. I love Brian Tyree Henry. Donald Glover has such confidence in his ideas. It's great TV.
This is a unique quirky take on the Black-American experience. It's surreal at times. It's never safe. It is ambitious. Sometimes, it goes down some fresh paths that have never been traveled. These are compelling characters. All four leads are amazing. I love Brian Tyree Henry. Donald Glover has such confidence in his ideas. It's great TV.
The 3rd season is so WOKE....
kobiovadia1 June 2022
Season 3 is meh with a capital MEH
ozmartian7730 April 2022
Loved this show but Season 3 is a snorefest. The "message" is obvious and laid bare within 5 mins, its all about white vs black racial stereotypes etc. Yeh, we get it. Its been done.
Now, add to all that, side story episodes without any main characters. These would be fine if profound enough but they are not. They are boring duds, going for surreal art over what the heck is currently going on, which is often nothing. Or, spend 10 mins alone to push a simple point home re racial stuff.
I'm done.
Now, add to all that, side story episodes without any main characters. These would be fine if profound enough but they are not. They are boring duds, going for surreal art over what the heck is currently going on, which is often nothing. Or, spend 10 mins alone to push a simple point home re racial stuff.
I'm done.
Perfect
coles_notes7 June 2022
Finally finished up through season four and my review hasn't changed other than bumping the score, this show is perfect, I love it. Also further props to Hiro Murai's directing and Brian Tyree Henry, I hadn't appreciated his acting as Paper Boi enough. From the mind of Donald Glover and directed by Hiro Murai, Atlanta follows the early career of Earnest Marks as he tries to manage up and coming rapper, and his cousin, Paper Boi. I knew of Childish Gambino's Freaks and Geeks long before I knew of the show the song was named after or had ever seen Community, so this series has for a long time been high on my watchlist. And I have to say wow, this series is so well done, never really has a strong overarching plot other than the slow comeuppance of Paper Boi's career, each episode telling a new unique story about the wild and often unnerving world of Glover's Atlanta. Justin Bieber even shows up in this show too, wow he really is everywhere. I would highly recommend this show for anyone a fan of Glover, Zazie Beetz is a dream as always and I really liked LaKeith Stanfield's character Darius. If this seems like a show you'd like and haven't seen it please go watch it. It's incredible. I'm so excited to see what Glover comes up with next.
Too hip for the room.
wayknow30 May 2022
Season 3?? Way to hip for my taste. I prefer episodes a little more linear. Season 3 episodes that had no bering on the story line of the first two years were real head scratchers. Why were they even there? This is not saying those episodes were not quality t.v.,Only that they did not belong in this series.
Starts real strong, ends awfully. Or does it end, not sure there was one.
Sire_Chancelot22 May 2023
Wow, what to say about Atlanta. I remember being so excited when this show was announced. After loving Donald in Community, and his stand up and of course his music; I figured this would be his best work as he was getting to do just what he wanted to do. Like everyone else is saying, the first season was great but this review is of the show as a whole and not just the first season, hence the low rating. The second season started to fall off a bit but was still alright and had its moments. The 3rd season is where things started to take a turn, they stopped focusing on the current stories they were telling and started telling random one off stories that had nothing to do with the show. Even when they did come back to the characters we know, it was not great and forgettable. The 4th season continued the absolute randomness: one off stories and literally no direction for the main characters. I seriously struggled to force myself to finish the last season. It really feels like they had no idea what to do with the show or where to go and definitely didn't know how to end it. Mostly posting this to balance out the reviews on this show, they are seemingly all 9s and 10s but I think most of them are only rating the first two seasons. And then there is a part of me that thinks maybe I just didn't get it, maybe this show wasn't meant for me. But honestly feel like Donald was just trying to get way too deep and meaningful and just failed but most people don't want to admit that he failed in something.
AMAZING!
jaydenmccagh23 July 2020
Best ever TV show
raypang25 August 2022
Easily the best show around now, and it's one of the best TV show of all time! Darius character is so good that he should have his own show. Never thought Glover would come this far after Community. Even though that was a very good show too.
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