Atlanta: What TV Can Be

The finale of FX's Atlanta: Robbin’ Season blew us away. In this video we unpack both seasons of Donald Glover’s show and how they’ve raised the bar for what television can do. Support ScreenPrism on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=7792695
Sign up for exclusive updates: bit.ly/2oVVB1Q
If you like this video, subscribe to our KZbin channel for more.
Like ScreenPrism on Facebook: / screenprism
Follow ScreenPrism on Twitter: / screenprism
Visit ScreenPrism.com: screenprism.com/

[@thetake]

Support ScreenPrism on Patreon: www.patreon.com/user?u=7792695 Subscribe to keep up with our latest videos, and let us know what you want to see next!

[@jorgeveras00]

Now I'm starting to think that ScreenPrism is the Watchmojo of video essays....

[@mariamysoul]

amazing job! loved your take on this great layered series!

[@dd.4910]

Great analysis and highly accurate. Thank you!

[@icosahedron3408]

Atlanta, to me, is one of the most realistic portrayals of poverty I’ve seen. Media always uses poverty as a short part of their run, as a “humble beginning,” or as a “sad part,” or a flashback or something. Atlanta, on the other hand, really explores the experience of being broke as fuck. Doing anything you can, just to stay alive and safe. Feeling like you’re letting down everyone in your life. And even when you get an opportunity and things start to look up, there’s this constant brutal terror that it’ll be taken away from you and you’ll be left in the dust. It’s nice to see, refreshing.

[@skullsaintdead]

And its this insidious silence about it too, you see homeless people out sleeping rough, but that's only the tip of the iceberg, far more people: couch surf, sleep in their cars, in their motor homes, in shipping or storage containers, at family/friends places. Poverty destroys you. Some people just never get given the opportunities and connections others do, worst part is when the privileged don't even accept they are privileged.

[@carloscordova7873]

The saddest part about this comment is how frighteningly accurate it is to how my life has pretty much been going. Way too many ups and downs to the point where when things are going too good, I get paranoid and self sabotage without fail.

[@o-wolf]

@@carloscordova7873 that part. the desperation that comes with the feat of losing is all consuming &affects every decision u make.. sometimes it helps get u in the pocket.. other times it cripples u &kills your ability to pull the trigger when u really need to.

[@Skabanis]

@@skullsaintdead there are homeless and then there are homeless. No one in Atlanta is homeless. The homeless we see in California are lower than anyone in Atlanta could possibly be.

[@skullsaintdead]

@@Skabanis What a truly ridiculous thing to say.

[@5pctLowBattery]

“Poor people can’t afford to go to therapy” 👏

[@lukechase6346]

ethan klein can

[@user-br8jc8tf1p]

@@lukechase6346 he's not poor

[@mateo4731]

Fact :c

[@tinnitusthenight5545]

honestly medicaid pays for my therapy Edit: its state to state though

[@aroccoification]

Unless you're really poor in which case social security or welfare will pay for it

[@woody_you_want]

Darius is one of the best characters on TV. So original and hilarious, yet enlightening.

[@paperchasindude6578]

Ikr

[@heavaden]

I love him so much. I just want to see him in a million more things lol.

[@junkiejackflash]

I'd say it's nice to meet you, but I don't believe in time, so I'll just say, "We've always met"

[@bogmanhimself4656]

i would love to do a copius amount of psychedelic drugs with darius

[@AussieRoos]

100% 👌

[@ForeverGambino3]

i love atlanta because of how... regular (for lack of a better word) it is. i feel like a lot of the episodes don't follow typical tv structures. they're just a nice little insight into how each character responds to their world, with the bonus of great social commentary.

[@Studentofthegame3]

FG it’s so relatable because most of these episodes don’t have happy endings and that’s just how life is sometimes

[@shawn2004grad]

And we are able to interpret things how we want. Plus, I take this as coming from an parallel universe.

[@ty_teynium]

FG did you just call it a ‘regular show’?

[@ty_teynium]

rivera752 oooooooooooooooooooo

[@jamescrock2213]

Great start with Xavier Renegade Angel next

[@zayrouse6572]

Atlanta is basically a conscience hip hop album transitioned under the spectrum of a TV show about black politics in America. My favorite show of all time right now.

[@MystikalScopeProductions]

ZAy Rouse basically it’s described as if Twin Peaks took place in the trap

[@palexstarks5553]

Wow that a great comment/analogy ...totally on point

[@kristineilochi4615]

It's a masterpiece and I can't wait for season three!

[@mrsoshadabaadman]

It really speaks to the experience of regular people who happen to be black. So its universal and can still speak to the black experience without the regular tropes.

[@Alex-wn8qh]

Your making it seem deeper than it is

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

Best show with social commentary and relevance. Glover is a Renaissance Man with his artistic expressions.

[@LameWorks]

absolutely.

[@petrinafilip96]

Glover is one of the rare modern celebrities that really deserve to be labeled as "artist" imho. He acts, he raps, he writes, and he adds such an unique vibe to everything he does, while still being relevant to the current events.

[@velvetmoth813]

He truly is. He GETS things on a level that's so perfect. Watching this show I just can't believe how ON his portrayal of the South is. I know it's Atlanta specific, but the South has this like, sometimes dreamlike, sometimes threatening vibe that I've never experienced anywhere else in the country, and I've NEVER seen it accurately portrayed anywhere on screen. Atlanta does it. Everything, down to someone having a gator in their house, to those bizarre barters that Darius makes, that all feels perfectly reasonable.

[@Chandasouk]

Alfred has been in some scary situations this season

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

Chandasouk the wood bum was just... wow.

[@Chandasouk]

Ruben Avalos I was really scared Al was gonna die. Robbin' Season so you never know.

[@blackflagsnroses6013]

Chandasouk he’s been getting in shitty situations since he got robbed by the drug dealer in the beginning. Really been struggling to adapt to what he wants with the whole rap game. Teddy Perkins was probably my favorite episode though, that was just an unexpected work of art.

[@davidearle7209]

Boyyyyy

[@ty_teynium]

Ruben Avalos that Teddy episode was beautiful and tragic because of what Darius said about Stevie Wonder. It did make me feel some empathy for him, and his son.

[@mynameisuju]

keep digging, we'll reach God soon. That hit me

[@fadethechannel]

Not Yours - yet u keep digging...

[@ultimateblong]

Amazing how that goes. They're digging, which is the opposite way of where God should be.

[@Bell_Matt]

Lol

[@Corneilus1]

That one stung a lil bit

[@lilicorrea8515]

Same. Especially because god is what they pushed on to us.

[@woody_you_want]

It's so strange that this and legion are some of the best shows on TV, yet they do poorly in ratings. Shoutout to fx for letting these groundbreaking shows continue.

[@shawn2004grad]

Eric Woodard HEY don’t forget about SNOWFALL.

[@woody_you_want]

M. Folkes I've never watched snowfall, but I've heard good things.

[@BobChillison]

Even American Crime Story Versace got low ratings but that was still amazing So credit to FX for keeping all these shows going

[@Skitz0frenix]

Legion is my favorite show right now with Mr. Robot. The cinematography in both shows are insane

[@nathanjohnson7419]

The second season of legion is trash

[@KimchiSocks]

"You both black. You both can't afford to fail." I love this show.

[@SpeedofDark97]

I think you misinterpreted Al's regret for changing barbers, When Al first sat down he asked for his usual and kept repeating this line when his barber asked what he wanted. But when he sat with the new barber that line wouldn't work. Al actually doesn't know what haircut he gets so when the barber asked him for the specifics he did not know. His old barber did and that's why he regretted the decision. Its something that happens a lot when people switch from their usual barber.

[@mrpicky1868]

and makes me think about Waiting for Godot )

[@williammccormick2802]

Also it demonstrates the level of bs he's willing to put up with out of loyalty. It's a GREAT way to foreshadow his conflict with replacing Earn later because he does replace his barber so we know that Al WILL drop Earn if it gets bad enough.

[@aero2006]

The way I look at it is the potential duality of Al’s career path. He has constantly talked about “staying real”, whereas staying real has put him in a lot of dangerous and potentially fatal situations. This parallels with Bibby and all the bs he has to deal with to get the end product that he wants. The new barber could represent the “easy way” as in becoming fake and more detached from reality as celebrities so often are. It could be that Al realizes that the easy way isn’t going to get him the end product he thought he wanted, and that dealing with the hardships is worth it in the end. But idk just my thoughts

[@carlosduarte8429]

Well bro after your barber take you around the city wasting your time, I'm think everyone gonna go to the other barber

[@thabokgwele5268]

I still feel like it was kinda dumb because you can literally just ask them to show you a menu of haircut pictures to choose from. When you see your haircut, you simply ask the barber what it's called and then get your haircut.

[@RJ-Ramen]

Its hard to pinpoint exactly what genre this absurdly riveting series falls under and that's what makes it so damn good. It's undeniably poignant, honest, and refreshing. And its not bound by the arguably tired conventions of television nowadays. Teddy Perkins, Money Bag Shawty, The Jacket etc. So many episodes that are already classics. Atlanta breaks the mold.

[@agonleed3841]

Rob W the genre is drama. What makes it stand out is that it features a world where black is accepted an part of the norm...when it comes to those cool commercials. It's what he wishes for in THAT area. What we see is life...as could happen to anyone..however specific to black people, but more specifically to THIS black group. The message isn't that al black people are like this. It's not their choice to be where they are...they are trying to get out. But it's life. They just need to survive while there, thoughnworking to get out. But within the opportunities given or not given. It's black drama that doesn't forcefully point out the race problems as something to force you to talk about. It's to show you...the end. Like he s tsted, he wanted them to FEEL black. To experience it.

[@didsheaskaboutme]

Kinda reminds me of Italian neo realism

[@LeVidocq]

It's a surrealist dramedy. Or comedy in the traditional sense, which often involves tragic circumstance.

[@theheeze]

Can't wait for it to come back

[@sebastienwellings2784]

@@agonleed3841fr P I’ll l”6;76. I tmr. D D. Yeah

[@AhmadUsufzy]

You nailed it here. You legitimately feel the pain the characters go through in Atlanta. That's something many shows can't do well tbh.

[@ViiZiiOnZ915]

@@kp1x yeah breaking bad and better call Saul both have that in common. You follow Jimmy, Jesse or Kim through the worst fucking days of their lives and it's horrible. Even Walt you get to sympathize in some episodes on how alone he's made his life even though he does despicable things. Atlanta is like that too. It really pulls you into the psyche of the characters and makes you feel what they're feeling. You can relate to Earn, Zan, and Al in most of the episodes. I think Darius is a bit more of a wildcard but in the Teddy Perkins episode you get to be in his shoes a little more.

[@Half-Blood_Prince]

Yes! I'm glad you ladies chose Atlanta, it's the best show on television right now.

[@kingofwakanda6899]

By far my favorite show on tv. Every episode gives you something to digest. Whether it’s a commentary on spending money frivolously and the discrimination that comes with being black and trying to spend that money, a commentary on the rap industry or a look into the life of Michael Jackson, this show brings it every damn week. Fantastic characters who are funny yet flawed, gorgeous cinematography and amazing quotes. I can’t praise this show high enough. The wait for season 3 is already agonizing.

[@Chandasouk]

King of Wakanda Donald looked so scary under all that make up in the piano episode lol

[@kingofwakanda6899]

Chandasouk yeah man Teddy Perkins creeped me tf out haha

[@moviemastermarco7690]

I suddenly have a craving for Coconut Crunch-Os

[@eeep4968]

I've never loved a show so much as I love Atlanta!

[@adeolaadeniyi8656]

Em S me too Except for the wire

[@williamg4029]

+Adeola Adeniyi same i haven't been this interested in a show since the wire.

[@midnighteye2737]

New York Undercover and Hustle are my favorites

[@yamza8415]

breaking bad.

[@chasetv3346]

Any recommendations

[@im2groovy]

That line "evil, why have you destroyed so many minds" by stevie applies to Teddy because his musical talent was destroyed by his father's cruelty

[@MicJonez219]

Ladies keep up the EXCELLENT work!!! Watching Robbin Season was so interesting especially because I couldn't automatically guess where the narrative was going. The way you peeled back the layers of what we thought the show was going to be in contrast to what it actually is was so dope. Particularly at the 13min mark when the show could've just been a black version of Entourage but is so much more. Also, the way you broke down how ATLANTA is a reflection of real life was spot on. Understanding and insight don't give you deliverance from your problems. That line hits the nail on the head.

[@nayla911]

This sorta works for Bojack Horseman as well, except they show more about Hollywood people than everyday people.

[@tetsuo3243]

its bojack reference in the sportin waves ep of atlanta

[@tetsuo3243]

Abu Dhabi it's crazy that on set donald was tryna find something random that they could just off the wall be talking about in that scene and he just said " fuck it .. bojack " and at the same time the shit that tracy said is an accurate description of the show atlanta itself and earn's character ( except for the daughter part , to an extent i think id have to ponder more on that ) .. that's wild like i just realized dis

[@tranhung5080]

tetsuo real recognizes real

[@Cdajoe]

This breakdown is great and all, but ‘Atlanta’ is literally a depiction of the everyday ongoings in the city. To me, that’s why it’s so brilliant

[@lathearchitect1636]

It's not just about Atlanta, its about Black America in its entirety. 'Atlanta' itself is used because I believe it's the centerfold of what being "black" is.

[@TheBreezus]

Ladies you were on point again. This is really becoming a premier channel for sure.

[@juanmascorro4097]

I feel like Atlanta is being shown through the minds of these 3 characters it can almost be 3 separate shows (bear with me) we see that each character is so different and they’re going through there own problems that they could very each have there “own show”, but Donald Glover does a great job molding all of them together. Having episodes where it’s only Al or Earn is a representation of each being able to have their own show from their perspective.

[@lord_roque]

Earn was a bout to take a HUGE L with that gun. Redeemed himself to Al.

[@11FBA11]

It was important because it was the first time Earn did something to look out for Al instead of the other way around.

[@andrewstephens5885]

that sequence was so tense and then ultimately became a moment of hope the show really needed at that point.

[@Deandrax]

I absolutely love Atlanta, it’s one of my favorite shows after boondocks because it’s so authentic, black, humorous and just regular… Not too much is happening and yet it’s still entertaining and realistic. I have yet to find a show like it and I was able to finish watching this show so easily, I still rewatch episodes because it’s just that good. They need more shows like Atlanta on TV for sure.

[@paperchasindude6578]

Fax

[@sabeloshikwambana6472]

Just wanna know how Al and Darius met

[@YoungBlaze]

He used to always know who had the best weed and showed Al.where to get it and they clicked

[@5pctLowBattery]

I’m still trying to wrap my head around the Teddy Perkins episode. 🤔 This is the only show I tune into live...commercials and all. Everything else I catch on Hulu or Netflix.

[@5pctLowBattery]

@Fatima Andrea Saenz Vasquez it’s on Hulu now. I haven’t seen it on Netflix

[@TheSineaterx]

Anytime someone recognises paper boi..''yo you that paperboi!'' I get anxiety

[@sebastian-sm7sc]

fucking same omg

[@jbasti227]

Thanks for the video! Atlanta is one of the best things on television right now

[@AST-erisked]

I swear that Atlanta, Awaken, My Love, and this is America fits in one piece of art, like pieces of donald's conscience.

[@binayasha]

Atlanta, Legion, Westworld, Brooklyn 99... All unique top tv shows, each in their own way

[@TheElectrizantee]

binayasha. The best shows in present day

[@justicetankson6699]

I also love bojack horseman and the magicians

[@TheBreezus]

I agree

[@shawn2004grad]

I believe Brooklyn 99 is cancelled.

[@Skitz0frenix]

Legion

[@christophermiller1621]

Y'all are slightly amazing. Good job

[@LumpyHippo]

I thought the end of barbershop was a humorous moment where Paper Boi had been going to his barber for so long and getting the "usual" he didn't even know what to ask for from the new barber.

[@shellyeditsalot]

you girls make me so proud to be a girl! well done on the phenomenal & tactful analysis of this series (nick, i see you too. dont worry. i appreciate your contribution) 😭

[@remonbasu7286]

I love how you were able to articulately potray what Atlanta's all about,I remember thinking some of those things while watching the show.

[@andrewzegura6502]

I just started watching this show a couple days ago, and this is one of my newest favorite shows because it keeps it shows reality in it's true form. Big fan.

[@nmarrs8539]

Atlanta is hands down my favorite show it is absolutely amazing.

[@PacKMAnpimp]

This was beautiful. Thank you

[@jeremygrillo7157]

Hhhhh. It is funny how each person's eyes and ears are tunned in different. I love this show Atlanta. But I watch it through the eyes of a 47 year old divorced Spanish guy, living in South of poor Spain. I feel identified with the show. I see what happens in this show is same down here. It is about race but also economic and social life style and what you see and hear in your day to day.

[@Arrin05]

Amazing work ladies and Screen Prism team! I appreciate the work you do. Your videos are always thought provoking and exceptionally analyzed. Thank you!

[@Mill-js8cg]

And this is why I LOVE your channel!! Thanks for covering Atlanta

[@Free_3.0]

Teddy Perkins is meant to be a black man with bleached skin. There is purpose behind it. It's not white face. Great analysis though! Very engaging.

[@Love1nOther]

This is a really good one! Your essays are top notch with flawless visuals. Thank you!

[@losin2win09]

This is beautiful and in depth. i enjoy how this season he showed Al's mindset through his struggle.

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

One of this guys looks like childish gambino. Interesting.

[@meaburridemicorreo]

🙄... 😑

[@broadwaybabywmh]

Vicente Ortega Rubilar Donald Glover, the creator of this show, is Childish Gambino

[@localvenus_chic]

It’s a joke

[@jansantel6829]

It's THESE NOT THIS

[@leaveme3559]

Nice many people fell for it

[@chocolat917]

Most insightful analysis I've seen so far. Bravo! Loved this

[@jcfilmz]

the story is overall amazing from the STORY itself, the world, the actors, the characters, the cinematography, locations, and directing, everything from pre-production to after the final product.

[@blazingjalapeno9096]

You know I mostly hate these types of videos because I think most of the time people read into much on something that suppose to be as it is and nothing else. I truly liked this videos because it isn't those videos

[@ItsPBUH]

This was phenomenal. I love your soothing voice and your wise words. Atlanta is gold!

[@SydneyD28-6]

Brilliant Brilliant Brilliant, oh my word... watched the entire video without a single blink...!

[@TKEGOODIES]

I think Al's hobo's mind manifestation of his father how he probably envisions him to look and act like. Remember earlier he dreamed about his Mother scolding him and then I think his minds idea of his father teaching him to do better.

[@11FBA11]

The more I think about that scene, I see that character as less of a hobo and more of Al's "come to Jesus" moment. He had to decide if he really wanted to live the "reality" he was speaking in his records.

[@anthonydelgado9993]

I binged watched all the season in a week, bummed out I gotta wait till 2021for the next season now. Best show I’ve seen in a while.

[@cenonya4967]

We definitely need it at this point

[@perusing350]

what an incredibly thorough & truthful analysis! loved it, thank you for being so meticulous in your treatment of the show!

[@lozio2352]

Great how you put your finger on so many big themes from the show. Benigni reading Dante was an unexpected treat too.

[@wasupitsme1]

Next time someone asks me why i like Donald Glover so much, imma point them to this video

[@spencerh.4513]

This was really excellently done. I'm not great at recognizing the higher meanings in art like this and it was awesome to have my eyes opened to some of the points i missed. Thank you!

[@sentionaut6270]

wow. this is a great video essay. i love atlanta. you’ve done an excellent compendium of the show, Atlanta. great work!!

[@kimathitalton8709]

I've watched so many youtube videos about this show and this is honestly my favorite

[@Lehmann108]

Some of the most amazing quality TV that's come along in decades. Glover is a genius.

[@TekWest999]

Fx in general creates beautiful unmatched content. Truly one of the greatest networks ever!

[@MarinaGalstyanCovers]

Thank you for this analysis! Great work as always.

[@renewasright]

Wow! I'm subscribing now. Great job.

[@charlesdrake3125]

Nice analysis! I've recently been turned on to this show and have to say it's become a bit of an obsession. I have binge watched both seasons twice. Easily the best thing I've seen on tv since the Boondocks.

[@KerraBolton]

Such a smart analysis. Thank you. This video is one of the reasons I have become a huge fan of this channel.

[@bobbypendragon7375]

This show is a masterpiece. Great analysis too, this channel has some good content

[@Louis-hx8nk]

(warning rant incoming) okay so B.A.N. is definitely my favorite episode simply because the fact that they mad le it look like a episode of on of those morning news/talk shows complete with their own commercials. When it changed into that first commercial I didn't realize for a second that it was still the show and it blew my fucking mind. Also I liked how when Al and the other lady( you don't remember her name either) agreed the host was trying to make them fight each other because that makes for better t.v. I think that's clever.

[@fakename9965]

This is a very well done analysis, good job!

[@jacoblarson3299]

Such a good video, thank you so much. I've been looking for something like this

[@elbiolao9843]

This is the best analysis ive ever seen of atlanta. And ive seen alot

[@GarrettAbbey]

Amazing breakdown. Thank you for this

[@folarinpearse]

I love you guys - girls!! This was the best analysis of one of my favourite shows!!!💙💚💛💜💙❤

[@LifetimeTravelmates]

watching this video convinced me to finally watch this series. now it's March 2020.

[@paulworley2983]

Excellent review ladies!!

[@moshyura]

As always, impeccable writing and deconstruction.

[@capoeiristachik1]

Great analysis. I am obsessed with this show.

[@LazedMusic]

Fantastic analysis, loved it!

[@picvegita]

Well done (as usual for ScreenPrism), ya'll are quickly becoming one of my favorite theorist channels.

[@poorfrisco3857]

Great analysis. This show is far and away the most creative sitcom on television. Well done, once again, ScreenPrism

[@kevincarter2020]

I love you guys. just watched a bunch of your vids on The Wire

[@mrpicky1868]

Atlanta was amazing! maybe in 10 years we will get some more)

[@brettevans2962]

This was such a beautifully poignant video essay. Amazing job breaking down the subtle nuances of this great show. take my sub

[@ryanliang57]

amazing analysis as usual for this fantastic show !

[@mikeisverytight]

Nice commentary! This show is so dense, I would love it if ya'll did more analysis videos

[@hannahwillow109]

Thank you for covering this amazing show...it’s so full of subtle, poignant details that really make you think. I’m glad more people are openly appreciating it. 👍🏻💕 your channel is wonderful. Thank you for all your hard work every week.

[@benzo546]

it's rare that a video essay nails everything i've thought and more. brilliant stuff

[@TheCleanRapper93]

Probably my favorite show right now. I take something different from every episode. Awesome analysis

[@ronjohnson3621]

This was really well done. Thank you!

[@PaperMario64]

I didn’t think I could love your channel more.

[@fletchdavidson6079]

To me, this show takes the realism of the first Friday movie, makes it its own and runs with it.

[@kurtbertrand1333]

Another great video guys!

[@rafaelreynoso3998]

wow! Amazing breakdown on the show!

[@VernardNuncioFields]

Great analysis!

[@southafricangeek]

this video actually made me love the series even more...which amazing

[@marciocouto3543]

fantastic analysis. congratulations, girls!

[@SimoneUmba]

I love this show. This makes me want to write my own TV show.

[@MinkytheMinkY]

nice analysis esp of tropes awareness, playing into them and then disengaging from them. all that is isn't and what seems not to be is, like Earn being homeless-ish. I relate both to Earn and Van, now if only I'd let go of that chip on my shoulder...My friends are like Van's , 'in it' and I in a different world trying to get it together. Yep, PTSD, so true. for me, not from being black but indigenous Mexican. thanks for closing the gaps in my understanding of the show, I feel caught up.

[@JasonT404]

amazing analysis - amazing show

[@ssx47]

great analysis like always

[@ashleighhhpaige]

donald glover is such a brilliant artist with the most amazing mind. i feel so blessed to be living at the same time as him ❤️

[@fadethechannel]

This is good and makes me miss this show even more....