After announcing premiere date earlier this week, FX has released the first teaser for the third season of their Emmy-wining comedy, Atlanta. The long-delayed series is returning after an almost four-year hiatus. Watch the video below.
The last time we saw the likes of Eran, Paper Boi, and Darius, the three friends were on their way to Amsterdam to share tour dates with a mischievous Chance The Rapper-esque artist with a mean streak. From the teaser, it seems the rapper, his manager, and hype man, joined by Earn’s girlfriend, Vanessa, are all enjoying the spoils of success. But nothing is ever all it’s cracked up to be in the Atlanta universe. The series has ventured into the pitfalls the illusion of fame can bring to one’s orbit, especially in the eat-dog culture of the music industry.
After taking a break due to Glover and the cast’s busy schedules, production of the third season was halted due to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020. Once filming began overseas, the cast and crew focused to record both seasons three and four consecutively.
The show stars Donald Glover (Community, Guava Island) as Earn, a struggling college dropout who sees his chance at success by becoming his rapper cousin’s manager. Brian Tyree Henry (Marvel’s Eternals, If Beale Street Could Talk) is Alfred aka Paper Boi, Earn’s cousin, client, and buzzing artist who hopes to be the next big thing out of ATL. Lakeith Stanfield (Judas and the Black Messiah, The Harder They Fall) plays Darius, Paper Boi’s wayward friend who just happens to be around to clown. And Zazie Beetz (The Harder They Fall, Joker) is Vanessa, Earn’s girlfriend and mother to his child. While she and Earn break-up-to-make-up, they strive to do what is best for their son.
Created by Glover the comedy-drama found critical acclaim in its debut season, winning two Golden Globes and Emmy awards. Its second season, subtitled “Robbin’ Season,” explored much darker themes in standout episodes such as “Alligator Man” with a guest star turn from Katt Williams (Next Friday, First Sunday); a solo episode highlighting Henry titled “Woods;” and, the brilliant Black pop star tragedy titled “Teddy Perkins.” The second season warranted 13 Emmy nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series, Lead Actor for Glover, Supporting Actor and Actress for Henry and Beetz, respectively, and a win for Williams for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy.
Atlanta’s third season is set for a two-episode premiere on Thursday, March 24 with episodes available the next day on Hulu. The first two seasons are available to stream now on Hulu.