Hollywood frequently examines different aspects of life and the world in general. Occasionally, the industry gives viewers a look at its skeletal framework. Several television shows about stars and members of production teams have thus popped up in recent years. Some of them offer a comical view of the things that occur behind the scenes, while others dig into the dark side of the highly revered industry.
Among the dozens of shows about Hollywood, a few are more recommendable because they not only have more intriguing plots and characters, but also go to greater lengths to educate viewers about the industry’s little-known secrets. Such shows are thus ideal for both casual television lovers and people looking forward to becoming actors, screenwriters, directors, or producers. So, here are 10 captivating TV shows about Hollywood.
10The Arrangement (2017-2018)
Rumored to be inspired by Scientology and Tom Cruise’s relationship with Katie Holmes,The Arrangementrevolves around the Hollywood couple of Kyle West (Josh Henderson) and Megan Morrison (Christine Evangelista), and their association with a cult-like organization known as the Institute of the Higher Mind. The two find themselves having to deal with micromanagement from the institute’s leader, Terence Anderson (Michael Varna).
Why It’s Great
The Arrangementgets creative withage-old conspiracy theories, especially those suggesting that everything in Hollywood and the entertainment industry is controlled by dark forces behind the curtains. Many of the deals that Kyle and Megan make in Hollywood are a result of the organization’s influence. Most importantly, the show sheds light on the dark side of fame, arguing that it’s sometimes better to live an ordinary life than to sacrifice so much for superstardom.Rent on AppleTV
9Entourage (2004-2011)
Partially based on Mark Wahlberg’s early years,Entouragefollows the popular young movie star, Vincent Chase (Adrian Grenier), as he adjusts to his newfound fame while living with his friends in Los Angeles. Chase’s life is shown to be a roller coaster of hedonism and the challenges brought about by his hectic schedule.
Because it was created by Wahlberg himself, the show gives a more accurate picture of what Hollywood is like. The actor has been in the industry for a long time, and his understanding of the good and the ugly is reflected in the episodes. In addition to that, there are several funhigh-profile cameos inEntourage. Figures like Marton Scorsese, James Cameron, and Stan Lee all play fictionalized versions of themselves, and their presence makes the events seem more real.Stream on Max
8Barry (2018-2023)
A total joy to watch,Barryis one of the shows where the creator is alsopart of the main cast. After coming up with the idea, Bill Hader went on to play the lead role of a Cleveland assassin, who goes to Los Angeles to eliminate a target only to find himself getting sucked into the Hollywood lifestyle and considering a career change.
Viewers are guaranteed to appreciate the seamless manner in whichBarryblends aspects of the criminal underworld with the joys of cinema. One moment, Barry is having a Mexican standoff with a criminal; the next, he is auditioning for a role. Generally,Barryis a spotless show. During its four-season run, it received a total of 44 Emmy nominations, covering all production aspects from directing to writing.Stream on Max
Related:10 TV Shows That Were Surprise Hits
7BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
BoJack Horseman
Events inBoJack Horsemancenter around the anthropomorphic horse BoJack (Will Arnett), who was the star of a popular ‘90s sitcom, but is now struggling to get a job. His plan to make himself relevant again includes writing an autobiography and pestering his agent. The proceedings play out in an alternate world where humans co-exist with anthropomorphic animals.
BoJack Horsemanexcels by covering mature themes. Because of his rocky career trajectory, BoJack endures mental health issues, something many actors presumably suffer from in the real world. Thanks to well-written dialogue, characters also have informative opinions about societal issues like sexual assault, gun control, drug addiction, and racial discrimination.
The version of Hollywood portrayed here is quite chaotic, too, so much so that the industry is now called “Hollywoo” because someone stole the letter “D” from the iconic sign on Mount Lee, Los Angeles.Stream on Netflix
630 Rock (2006-2013)
30 Rockrevolves around the cast and production crew of a fictional NBC sketch comedy show known asTGS with Tracy Jordan. The numerous hilarious plots cover both professional and romantic lives. Crew members keep disagreeing on strategies, while others keep making efforts to transition from television to the more lucrative and less tedious movie arena.
Authenticity is a major part of the satirical sitcom’s awesomeness. The show is steered by Tina Fey, who was once theSNLhead writer, so she parodies many of the long-running comedy series’ elements. Besides that, there are severalfake movies and showsin30 Rock, all of which help fans understand how execs choose what to produce and what to keep on air. These fictional mini-projects serve as welcome breaks from the main storylines.Stream on Hulu
5Party Down (2009-2010, and 2023)
Party Down
Party Downis about a group of caterers who are all unhappy with their current jobs. Each of them dreams of being an actor, writer, or director, and as they interact with influential guests, they attempt to turn their dreams into a reality. The sitcom — which was once canceled before getting a revival — was created and written by Paul Rudd (better known for his role as Ant-Man in the MCU).
Hollywood is a very competitive industry, hence it’s always hard to get opportunities.Party Downdoesn’t sugarcoat this reality, emphasizing that the road to screen success is long and frustrating. In as much as the comedy paints a grim picture, it dilutes the melancholy by packing in endless jokes and slapstick moments. Most importantly, the show encourages viewers to never give up on their dreams. In the revival, many of the show’s characters are shown to have made great strides in Hollywood.Stream on Prime Video
4Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-Present)
Curb Your Enthusiasm
InCurb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David plays a fictionalized version of himself. He is now a semi-retired television writer hoping to live a peaceful life, but he struggles to stay away from mischief. The series was born from the HBO specialLarry David: Curb Your Enthusiasm, which was originally planned as a one-off project only for network executives to green-light a bigger show after noticing the high ratings.
The sitcom’s humor feels very natural, mostly because the cast and crew mostly rely on retro-scripting (improvisational acting and dialogue). This is never a problem because the cast is packed with natural-born comedians like J.B. Smoove and Wanda Sykes. In addition to that, the frequent celebrity cameos help give the show a natural Hollywood feel. From Lucy Lawless to Jimmy Kimmel, almost every big name has set foot on the show’s set. Currently,there are 11 seasonsavailable to watch, with a 12th (and final) in the works.Stream on Max
3Hollywood (2020)
Hollywoodtakes viewers back to theGolden Age of Hollywood, putting the spotlight on young actors, writers, and filmmakers, who are all hoping to make it big in cinema. The fate of each of the main characters plays out differently, with some making big breaks quickly, and others hitting endless obstacles, tempting them to throw in the towel.
Though the Netflix miniseries is set in an era where discrimination and conservative attitudes were rife, it infuses modern-day progressiveness into the proceedings. In the show’s fictional world, racism and homophobia quickly become a thing of the past, allowing actors from minority and other persecuted groups to shine and live freely.
Hollywoodalso has period-appropriate costumes and a general splash of colors, making it a feast for the eyes. Because of its awesomeness, it was stamped with a whopping 12 Emmy nominations, winning two for hairstyling and theme music.Stream on Netflix
2UnREAL (2015-2018)
UnREALrides on the rumor that there is nothing real about reality television. In it, producer Rachel Goldberg (Shirl Appleby) joins the production crew of the dating show,Everlasting(modeled afterThe Bachelor), and finds herself having to deal with micromanagement from executive producer Quinn King (Constance Zimmer), who would do anything to ensure the ratings are skyrocketing.
The drama’s strongest pillar is its villain, Quinn. From sweeping scandals under the carpet to engineering on-set drama, she keeps adding to her list of scenes to ensure the viewers keep tuning in. She doesn’t care about her employees’ mental health, which is something many powerful Hollywood figures have been accused of over the past few years. And as expected for a show of its kind, there are plenty of juicy romance plots.Rent on Prime Video
Related:31 Best TV Shows of All Time
1Real Husbands of Hollywood (2013-2016, and 2022)
Real Husbands of Hollywood
Created by Kevin Hart,Real Husbands of Hollywoodfollows fictionalized versions of several Black celebrities as they deal with issues stemming from their careers and personal lives. Many of the storylines dwell on Kevin’s attempts to turn himself into anA-list Hollywood star. His efforts keep backfiring in some of the most hilarious ways.
Real Husbands of Hollywoodoverflows with hilarious quotes. “My baby needs clothes, diapers, and studio time,” a woman once tells Kevin while trying to extort him with a pregnancy announcement. “Your 15 minutes of fame are up. Now return your style to back to Black people,” Kevin tells singer Robin Thicke in another scene.
Such golden quotes are scattered all over the six seasons, so there is no single dull moment. Besides that, the star-studded guest star list includes the likes of Johnny Depp, Chris Rock, and Snoop Dogg, their presence creating a never-fading, feel-good atmosphere.Stream on BET+
