Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, this seven-episode miniseries imagines an alternate version of Los Angeles. Real locations are filled with versions of real-life film folk like Rock Hudson (Jake Picking) or Hattie McDaniel (Queen Latifah). But while things look familiar at first glance, they take a totally unexpected and completely welcome turn. Don't be fooled by the title or even the first episode: This is neither merely a romanticised portrayal of Hollywood's classical period nor a straightforward critique of the blatant racism that went on there. This Hollywood is a parallel universe in which actors, writers and directors dare to be bold. They understand their responsibility, and they use it in a way the real Hollywood was too scared to do. The message in Murphy's Hollywood is explicit: Film and TV are powerful educational tools that can and should challenge prejudice and broaden the concept of what's normal or acceptable. Darren Criss plays Raymond, an ambitious aspiring director. David Corenswet is a WWII veteran with a Clark Kent quality. He just moved to Los Angeles and dreams of becoming a movie star. Dylan McDermott is Ernie, someone who also dreamed big but ended up managing a gas station. Broadway legend LuPone, as a woman unaware of her power. And Jim Parsons, as a real-life Hollywood agent Henry Wilson. Hollywood is a show about Los Angeles filmed in Los Angeles. Many of the city's glamorous institutions, like The Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the Orpheum Theater, Paramount Studios and the Hollywood sign make cameos.