Per Variety Magazine FX has picked up the extremely well received Atlanta for a second season. The scripted comedy (which sometimes operates like a drama) created by and starring Donald Glover, had the best premiere numbers for any basic cable primetime scripted comedy in more than three years.
The series follows two cousins, “Earn” played by Glover and up and coming rapper “Paper Boi” played by Brian Tyree Henry. The two spend the episodes finding their way in the Atlanta rap scene in an attempt to make better lives for themselves and their families.
Kudos to Donald Glover (aka Childish Gambino) and the rest of the crew and actors on Atlanta. Coming off the #oscarssowhite season, it’s nice to see multiple television shows created, starring and directed by people of color. Atlanta is a very good show and is a breath of fresh air in the television landscape. The writing is excellent and the way in which the show approaches conventional matters is illuminating.
Shondaland proves we can have smart, powerful, successful people of color on primetime shows that everyone can enjoy. Here’s hoping that Glover proves men of color can play “stereotypical” roles in non-stereotypical ways. So far so good.