Speaking at the Television Critics Association right before the premiere of "Atlanta" on FX, Donald Glover said that he wanted his first attempt at helming a television show to be like "'Twin Peaks' with rappers."
And just like David Lynch's legendary crime drama, "Atlanta" is a surrealist beauty that is enriched by innovative direction and clever writing. The show is a hybrid comedy-drama and sometimes horror series that follows the life of Earnest Marks (Donald Glover), a college dropout who starts to manage his cousin Alfred's (Brian Tyree Henry) rap career, in which he is known as "Paper Boi." The duo attempt to navigate the pitfalls of the Atlanta rap scene with their eccentric friend Darius (Lakeith Stanfield).
"Atlanta" has received widespread critical acclaim, winning multiple Golden Globe and Emmys Awards; however, much of the show's narrative power lies within its refusal to explain its cultural references and hidden jokes, all of which unravel at an unforgiving pace.
"Atlanta" pulls inspiration from all sections of popular culture. Here are some of the hidden details and cultural references that you might have missed during the first two seasons.