Barber takes Paperboy on a wild journey when he just wants a haircut.
13 Reviews
Frustratingly Hilarious
Psanchezz1620 May 2018
The struggle of a customer of a barber in the black community
aelliott2027 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was hilarious mainly because I think every black man could relate because we've all had a barber who was just like bibby who literally did everything BUT cut your hair lmao. The ending was so symbolic to every person who's been in Alfred's position when switching to a new barber is know facing the facts that the new barber doesn't know how you like your hair cut. Brilliant
Hilarious
doctj225 August 2018
Best episode of the season so far, I can identify with the inconveniences you have to put up with for your barber who is the only one who knows the nuances of your head. If you know what a "swirl" is you can identify with me. Of course being Atlanta this is portrayed in outlandish proportions with tremendous results!
Paper Boi and The Fellowship of the Haircut
valleyofrivers4 March 2021
As far as epic journeys put to film go, Atlanta S02E05 - Barbershop, is undoubtedly one of the finest ever written, and possibly the best television episode about a haircut ever produced. Recurring characters can be difficult to flesh out, as they fade in and out of focus on a series. However, we are treated to a tour de force of a performance by a man simply known as Bibby.
Paper Boi's fatal mistake was getting out of the barber chair, but once he did, Bibby pounces on his prey. What ensues next is a one-man wrecking crew of misdirection and manipulation as Bibby strings Paper Boi along, as Paper Boi is desperate to get his drip sorted out before a big photoshoot. Leftover food, lumber, a truant kid and a few pissed off women are only a few of the dangers and surprises in store for The Fellowship of the Haircut.
Will Bibby keep his eye on the road? Will Paper Boi get his drip straightened out? One may never know unless they have the courage to join The Fellowship of the Haircut on their journey. Stay safe traveler.
Keep your eyes on the road, Bibby, c'mon now!
Paper Boi's fatal mistake was getting out of the barber chair, but once he did, Bibby pounces on his prey. What ensues next is a one-man wrecking crew of misdirection and manipulation as Bibby strings Paper Boi along, as Paper Boi is desperate to get his drip sorted out before a big photoshoot. Leftover food, lumber, a truant kid and a few pissed off women are only a few of the dangers and surprises in store for The Fellowship of the Haircut.
Will Bibby keep his eye on the road? Will Paper Boi get his drip straightened out? One may never know unless they have the courage to join The Fellowship of the Haircut on their journey. Stay safe traveler.
Keep your eyes on the road, Bibby, c'mon now!
Pee in your Pants Hilarious!
jennifer-walton14 June 2018
I really love this show but this episode is the funniest from Atlanta and possibly one of the funniest of FX and in the comedy-drama genre. I seriously almost peed in my pants on some parts. Donald and Stefani should get an award on the writing and directing of this one.
A Master Class in the Art of the Comic Reaction
DD-9313 October 2022
One can quibble about the possibly overdrawn nature of the character of Bibby (although not the performance by Robert S. Powell, which is as true to the character as an actor can be). But from the first time Brian Tyree Henry appears in this series as Paper Boi I could see there was a serious comic talent on the screen, particularly in one particular . And that talent is brought to the forefront with this episode. Henry gives us a master class in the brilliance of the deadpan comic reaction to surrounding madness, that at times reaches heights only rivaled by comic geniuses like Oliver Hardy and Alan Arkin. I won't spoil for the reader the nature of what the character of Paper Boi goes through in this episode, but I will say that it is an utter treat to see what Henry does with his role here. Just brilliant.
What would you do for the best barber?
lichtographen12 June 2021
Another Goated Episode
BWTRICKSTER27 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
In the ATL's gritty urban sprawl, Episode 5 unfurls, "Barbershop," where the plot takes center stage. Paper Boi, the lyrical force, finds himself in a web of predicaments as he ventures into the barbershop, a microcosm of the streets.
Bibby, the opportunistic barber, becomes the catalyst for Paper Boi's tangled narrative. He's not just a barber; he's a hustler, a man with a scheme, and his proposition to Paper Boi sets the wheels in motion.
As the episode unfolds, it becomes apparent that Bibby's scheme isn't as straightforward as it seems. Paper Boi's trust is tested, and he's forced to navigate a series of unexpected twists and turns.
The barbershop, a sanctuary for candid conversations and street wisdom, becomes the backdrop for this lyrical drama. The dialogue within those walls mirrors the complexity of the city's heartbeat, much like Doom's intricate verses.
Paper Boi's journey in "Barbershop" is a testament to the challenges he faces in the rap game and the decisions he must make to navigate this chaotic urban landscape.
The episode captures the essence of storytelling, where the characters' lives intersect, and the plot unfolds in a web of humor, tension, and unexpected outcomes. In the ATL's rhythm, "Barbershop" paints a narrative, where the streets' stories collide and Paper Boi's fate hangs in the balance.
Bibby, the opportunistic barber, becomes the catalyst for Paper Boi's tangled narrative. He's not just a barber; he's a hustler, a man with a scheme, and his proposition to Paper Boi sets the wheels in motion.
As the episode unfolds, it becomes apparent that Bibby's scheme isn't as straightforward as it seems. Paper Boi's trust is tested, and he's forced to navigate a series of unexpected twists and turns.
The barbershop, a sanctuary for candid conversations and street wisdom, becomes the backdrop for this lyrical drama. The dialogue within those walls mirrors the complexity of the city's heartbeat, much like Doom's intricate verses.
Paper Boi's journey in "Barbershop" is a testament to the challenges he faces in the rap game and the decisions he must make to navigate this chaotic urban landscape.
The episode captures the essence of storytelling, where the characters' lives intersect, and the plot unfolds in a web of humor, tension, and unexpected outcomes. In the ATL's rhythm, "Barbershop" paints a narrative, where the streets' stories collide and Paper Boi's fate hangs in the balance.
I wasn't talking to you
dannylee-7808216 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
1. Al goes to get a haircut
2. Al gets in a car accident
3. Al pays no tip
What an episode. This signature Atlanta episode goes through an absurd journey Al and his barber Bibby go through. Full of hilarious moments, both of those actors performed out of their minds, with Bibby always getting distracted and Al getting frustrated. Even through that experience, Al hates the fact that Bibby knew how to cut his hair the best. Music was actually really good, too because you also notice the signature Thundercat and Flying Lotus sound. Fit the chaotic nature of this episode perfectly.
Some argue that this felt like a filler but I disagree because it still fit to the whole "Robbin' season" theme. Bibby always try to make money through various hustles, sometimes robbing people in the process. His shameless attempts to make ends meet is hilarious but pitiful at the same time.
Just an hilarious episode overall and probably the best episode so far.
What an episode. This signature Atlanta episode goes through an absurd journey Al and his barber Bibby go through. Full of hilarious moments, both of those actors performed out of their minds, with Bibby always getting distracted and Al getting frustrated. Even through that experience, Al hates the fact that Bibby knew how to cut his hair the best. Music was actually really good, too because you also notice the signature Thundercat and Flying Lotus sound. Fit the chaotic nature of this episode perfectly.
Some argue that this felt like a filler but I disagree because it still fit to the whole "Robbin' season" theme. Bibby always try to make money through various hustles, sometimes robbing people in the process. His shameless attempts to make ends meet is hilarious but pitiful at the same time.
Just an hilarious episode overall and probably the best episode so far.
Great Comedy
mark-lynch-986-87342928 November 2020
Too frustrating
oliverrayner2 July 2018
perfect 10 (but the hair's a 3 at best)
nerrdrage1 September 2023
Now this is why I watch Atlanta: first off, any episode focusing on Paper Boi is going to be a winner. I don't know what it's about the character but his long-suffering exasperation vs the insanity that he's faced with never fails to be humorous.
The plotline starts out deceptively simply, Paper Boi just wants a haircut, nothing fancy. The zany barber and his screwed up life drags him into an escalating series of misadventures, exacerbated by Paper Boi being on probation and the barber's unwillingness to interact with the criminal justice system for reasons.
The whole episode flows beautifully from one incident to the next with no let up.
The plotline starts out deceptively simply, Paper Boi just wants a haircut, nothing fancy. The zany barber and his screwed up life drags him into an escalating series of misadventures, exacerbated by Paper Boi being on probation and the barber's unwillingness to interact with the criminal justice system for reasons.
The whole episode flows beautifully from one incident to the next with no let up.
Barbershop
Prismark102 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Barbershop has an amazing performance from Robert Powell III as the motormouth barber from hell.
Paper Boi goes for his usual haircut from Bibby. He is in a rush as he has a photoshoot.
Bibby arrives to the barbershop talking to someone on the phone via Bluetooth. Then after more talking he trims a strip of Paper Boi's hair before he is called away, taking Paper Boi with him.
Bibby steals some wood, gets involved in a car accident and Paper Boi gets angrier and more frustrated. Bibby knows his head and his usual haircut.
The other regulars are missing in this episode but this is one strong episode and when Atlanta flies, it soars.
Paper Boi goes for his usual haircut from Bibby. He is in a rush as he has a photoshoot.
Bibby arrives to the barbershop talking to someone on the phone via Bluetooth. Then after more talking he trims a strip of Paper Boi's hair before he is called away, taking Paper Boi with him.
Bibby steals some wood, gets involved in a car accident and Paper Boi gets angrier and more frustrated. Bibby knows his head and his usual haircut.
The other regulars are missing in this episode but this is one strong episode and when Atlanta flies, it soars.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
