DAVE

Dave centers on a neurotic, late-20s suburban man who is absolutely sure he was born to be one of the greatest rappers alive. He spends his days writing awkward verses, hustling for studio time and validation, and trying to turn a bold personal conviction into actual success. The show follows his attempts to win over skeptical friends, bandmates and industry figures, while juggling relationships, ego and the practical headaches of breaking into a competitive scene. It mixes stand-up style humor with honest moments about ambition and insecurity, and it keeps the focus on character over plot twists.

Created by Jeff Schaffer and Lil Dicky, the series premiered in 2020 with Lil Dicky starring as the lead. The production blends scripted comedy with real-world music elements and a cast that includes Taylor Misiak, Andrew Santino, GaTa and Travis "Taco" Bennett.

The series attracted attention from critics and TV insiders, earning nomination buzz for performances and writing across awards cycles. It hasn’t dominated major prize lists, but it did secure notice for how it combined comedy with a music-focus and for some standout acting turns.

Dave pushed Lil Dicky and his collaborators into a bigger cultural conversation about how authenticity and persona function in modern hip-hop. Memes, interviews and social chatter followed many episodes, and GaTa in particular became a recognizable figure beyond the show. The series also sparked talk about mental health, fame and the line between satire and self-serious ambition.

Critics generally responded positively, reflected in an average user score around 7.3 out of 10 from audience voting. Viewers praise the humor, the awkward comic timing and the way the show portrays friendship under strain. Themes include ambition, insecurity, creativity, loyalty and how people change when attention arrives, all delivered with a mix of cringe comedy and surprising warmth.