Television series where the person who created them also stars aren't uncommon, but over the last ten years, there has been a handful of shows that both critics and viewers alike have held in high regard. To create a show and then go on to star in it is a tall task but when it's achieved, it typically resonates with viewers and shows off the versatility of the creator.
Many of these shows are at their best when the main characters share some similar characteristics with their creator, giving the show authenticity and viewers a chance to relate. These series have shown that they can transcend genres and coming from great minds like their creators, they make for great additions to the modern television landscape.
Atlanta (2016 - Present)
Viewers who are familiar with Donald Glover are aware that he's widely considered one of the most talented people working in entertainment today. From a Grammy award-winning musician to an accomplished actor, he's had his hand in multiple industries and been successful in all of them. So when it was announced that he'd developed an original series for FX starring himself, there was a lot of excitement and the series delivered.
Atlanta at its core follows Earnest Marks (Glover) as he manages his cousin Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles and his budding rap career. But the show has tackled many social issues, specifically in the Black community, mostly through a surrealist lens which the show has become known for. It's become one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its era and has a great cast that has gone on to excel in other ventures.
Barry (2018 - Present)
SNL alum Bill Hader has taken the success he initially gained with the late-night variety show and ran with it. While he's had notable film roles over the last decade, it's widely argued that Barry is his best project to date. Hader co-created the series alongside screenwriter Alec Berg and the show was quickly met with acclaim from both critics and viewers alike.
Hader truly shows off his acting ability as the show follows the titular Barry, a hitman who struggles with his desire to pursue acting but finds it difficult to balance with his dark past. As well as featuring a great cast, Barry does extremely well in balancing dark comedy and drama.
Chewing Gum (2015 - 2017)
Chewing Gum's conception comes from the stage play Chewing Gum Dreams, written by series creator and star Michaela Coel. Through the eyes of the main character Tracey Gordon, the series explores a handful of themes as she tries to navigate the world around her.
Though the show only lasted a short 12 episodes, it saw an increase in popularity with US audiences after its release on Netflix in 2016 and further release on HBO Max in 2021. Coel delivers a hilarious coming-of-age comedy that churns out many light-hearted and fun moments but is grounded in its stage play roots.
The Orville (2017 - present)
Seth MacFarlane is most known for his animated creations of Family Guy and American Dad but his sci-fi series The Orville became a sleeper hit after its 2017 premiere. Taking many elements of classic sci-fi series before it, The Orville still pays homage and separates itself as a comedy and sometimes a parody of the genre.
In the show's most recent season, it decided to take on a more serious tone which is typically the opposite of what MacFarlane goes for in his series. But the series' change in direction could provide for additional interesting plot points going forward and intriguing character arcs that bring more viewers in.
Ted Lasso (2020 - present)
Ted Lasso at its core is a classic fish-out-of-water story but comes with an interesting premise that both sports and non-sports fans can find enjoyment from. As Jason Sudeikis stars in the titular role, he also co-developed the series, helping provide one of Apple TV+'s best originals.
Going from coaching Division II college football to coaching an English Premier League team is not only a huge step but requires an entire change of sport. As Ted Lasso coaches the fictional AFC Richmond, the feel-good comedy places the game of association football in the forefront but showcases many themes from mental health to kindness.
The Mindy Project (2012 - 2017)
As Mindy Kaling's time as Kelly Kapoor on The Office was coming to an end, she developed her own series The Mindy Project, and showcased that she can carry a show of her own. Following Dr. Mindy Lahiri, The Mindy Project dives into Mindy's journey through life alongside her co-workers and friends.
With Kaling's character being inspired by her real-life mother, the show has a level of authenticity that most series strive for. The sitcom takes many romcom elements and incorporates them throughout the series run which is typically done in a film format but it works just as well on television.
Ramy (2019 - present)
The Hulu original Ramy from co-creator Ramy Youssef has given audiences a look into a man who struggles to find balance between his religion and lifestyle, all while living in a politically divided New Jersey neighborhood. Its unique experience is told through the eyes of an American Muslim immigrant that combines comedy with drama.
Ramy is comparable to other A24-produced series in tone and cinematography, as the technical aspects of the show stand out to viewers. The series also boasts a solid cast, featuring Mahershala Ali in a recurring role in season 2.
PEN15 (2019 - 2021)
While PEN15 had a short 2 season run, it was able to tell a lot of stories in a short amount of time. From the minds of Maya Erskine and Anna Konkle, the show stars the two playing fictionalized versions of themselves in middle school. Along with the show being set in the year 2000 and bringing elements of nostalgia, it makes viewers reflect on their younger selves and the cringe-inducing moments middle school typically brought.
The story is told over an entire school year and as the series moves along, Anna and Maya grow and adapt to the world as they experience new things for the first time. PEN15 has plenty of hilarious moments and cringe comedy scenes that almost make viewers want to look away, but it seamlessly includes serious topics as well such as Maya facing racial discrimination and Anna's separating parents.
Dave (2020 - Present)
Before Dave, Dave "Lil Dicky " Burd was a comedic rapper who had a couple of Billboard charting songs and a charting album. So when he made his transition into television, it was expected that his original series that he'd also star in would have a similar comedic tone to his music and for the most part, that remains true.
In his acting debut, Dave Burd portrays a fictionalized version of himself and his come-up as a rapper. The trials and tribulations that come with being an up-and-coming artist are highlighted, including balancing the personal relationships in life with newfound success. The series surprisingly had some pretty deep moments, with breakout star Davionte "GaTa" Ganter providing a handful of them.
Abbott Elementary (2021 - Present)
Abbott Elementary is on pace to become a future classic mockumentary sitcom, with many already calling it one of the best comedy series of the 2020s so far. Its first season was a hit, becoming ABC's highest-rated comedy since the finale of Modern Family. Series creator and star Quinta Brunson have brought something special to the table as the show brings a new perspective to the workplace comedy genre.
While the show welcomes The Office comparisons, it does more than enough to separate itself. Abbott Elementary follows the teachers and principal at the titular school in Brunson's home city of Philadelphia and showcases hysterical workplace antics. Among its hilarious nature, the show doesn't forget to tackle the issues that many modern teachers and their students face, including economic class differences.