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Entertainment • Television

Barry (TV series)

Barry is an American tragicomedy crime television series created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader for HBO.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Barry is an American tragicomedy crime television series created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader for HBO. It stars Hader as Barry Berkman, a depressed hitman who moves to Los Angeles and joins an acting class while trying to leave crime behind. The series ran for four seasons from 2018 to 2023.

Premise

Barry Berkman travels to Los Angeles to carry out a hit, but becomes drawn to acting and considers changing his life. The series blends crime drama, dark comedy, and character study.

Production and broadcast

Barry was created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader and aired on HBO. It was primarily set and filmed in Los Angeles and completed its run in 2023 after four seasons.

Themes and style

The series explores psychological trauma, guilt, honesty, forgiveness, and the effects of violent crime. It also satirizes parts of the American film and acting world.

Reception and awards

Barry received critical acclaim during its run and earned major award recognition, including Primetime Emmy wins for Bill Hader and Henry Winkler.

Key facts

  • The series follows Barry Berkman, a former Marine and hitman who becomes involved with an acting class in Los Angeles.
  • Barry was created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader for HBO.
  • It premiered on March 25, 2018, and ended on May 28, 2023.
  • The show ran for four seasons and 32 episodes.
  • The main cast includes Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan, and Henry Winkler.
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Canadian context

Barry aired on HBO Canada in Canada, and it was also available through Canadian streaming and broadcast arrangements tied to HBO distribution.

Frequently asked questions

What is Barry about?
It follows Barry Berkman, a hitman and former Marine who joins an acting class in Los Angeles and tries to leave his criminal life behind.
Who created Barry?
Barry was created by Alec Berg and Bill Hader.
When did Barry first air?
It premiered on HBO on March 25, 2018.
How many seasons and episodes does Barry have?
The series has 4 seasons and 32 episodes.
Who stars in Barry?
The main cast includes Bill Hader, Stephen Root, Sarah Goldberg, Anthony Carrigan, and Henry Winkler.
When did Barry end?
It concluded on May 28, 2023.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barry_(TV_series)
    Supports: Creator, premise, main cast, setting, premiere date, end date, seasons, episodes, themes
  2. HBO Max — https://www.hbomax.com/shows/barry/179bdb1c-83f8-4ab7-87ef-47ce3b566a13
    Supports: Series description, genre, release year, episode count, season count
  3. TV Guide — https://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/barry/1030624757/
    Supports: Run dates, season count, premise
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/tv/barry/s01
    Supports: Creator, network, genre, rating, premiere date, premise