How a comedy series about a struggling actor became a masterclass in cinematic homage.
In short: Master of None began as a charming, offbeat comedy about a single man in New York, but it evolved into a bold, genre-bending exploration of relationships. By weaving in deep-cut references to classic Italian cinema and the French New Wave, the series redefined the modern television rom-com.
Created by Aziz Ansari and Alan Yang, Master of None debuted on Netflix in 2015. While the first two seasons centered on Ansari’s character, Dev Shah, the show’s third installment, Moments in Love, shifted focus to Lena Waithe’s character, Denise. This transition reflected a broader ambition: the show consistently prioritized personal, character-driven storytelling over traditional sitcom tropes, earning critical acclaim and three Emmy Awards.
The series is famous for its visual language, which draws heavily from the history of film. In the second season, viewers can spot a stack of Criterion Collection DVDs on Dev’s bed, including works by Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, and Michelangelo Antonioni. These influences are not merely decorative; they inform the show’s directorial choices. For instance, the episode 'The Thief' mirrors the narrative structure of De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves, while other scenes replicate iconic moments from 8½ and L’Eclisse. Critics have also noted the show’s dialogue-heavy, urban romanticism, which frequently invites comparisons to the films of Woody Allen.
Beyond its cinematic roots, the show is noted for its authentic character development. Denise, for example, was not originally written as a gay African-American woman; the role was rewritten to reflect Lena Waithe’s own personality. This commitment to specificity helped the show secure universal acclaim, with the first two seasons maintaining a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Whether through its exploration of the dating scene or its nuanced portrayal of friendship, Master of None remains a confident, patient study of the human experience.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Master of None
- Also: Wikidata — Master of None · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — Jack of all trades, master of none · CC0
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